Chapter 9

"Diego," Sierra said, shaking her head and grinning. "I've never seen you like that before. You were actually…playing. In a friendly way. I'm impressed."

"What's wrong with that?" Diego responded defensively.

"Nothing!" Sierra said. "I think it's good."

"What? I didn't do anything. I don't like the way you're looking at me, with that knowing smile."

Sierra sighed and shook her head, but her expression remained the same. "I've gotta tell you, Diego, there is a reason that male tigers mate female tigers."

"Yeah," Diego said. "To make baby tigers."

"Well, yeah, but other than that."

"I told you, Sierra—"

"Cut it out, I'm not talking about us. Listen to me. The reason that male tigers mate female tigers is because we totally get you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Diego, you may find this hard to believe, but I can read you like a book. I can totally tell what you're thinking. I can learn so much about you by just…watching you. Watching how you interact with others. I can see, and I can understand. I totally get you, Diego. I get you."

Diego slowly tried to comprehend what she just said. "What, you…you think you can read my mind or something, and that makes you know and understand what I'm thinking?"

"No, not like that, Diego. It's not like I can tell the words that are going through your head or anything. But I can tell when something's bothering you, and I can usually tell what it is. You understand what I mean when I say that males, male tigers in particular, don't like to show feelings or emotions. Right?"

Diego shrugged. He was uncomfortable with this conversation, and afraid of where she could be leading.

"Well," she continued, "So female tigers can get a sense of male tigers' feelings without them having to tell them. I can tell, by the way you act and the way you talk to me, that you consider me a friend. You like me. As a friend. You have no intention of mating me, and that's fine, but you enjoy spending time with me and value my friendship. I can tell what you think of your other friends as well. You like them, care about them, feel protective of them, and are grateful to have them. But they don't always know that. Because you're so subtle about it. You know, I was talking to Sid yesterday. He said that sometimes he wished he knew what you were thinking. Sometimes it seems like you like him and sometimes it seems like you hate him. I know you like him, Diego, but he doesn't know that."

"I've told him he's my friend," Diego cut in. "That's enough."

"It's not enough for him. He gets really upset sometimes. He told me. I don't think you realize how seriously he takes you when you say something mean to him."

"He knows I'm kidding."

"That isn't the point. Diego, he's had a rough life. He's been kicked out of every herd he's ever been in. You have no idea how much it means to him to feel loved and accepted. He needs that. Why do you think he stayed with that other herd of sloths that took him?"

Diego was surprised. He never thought it that way. "I guess you're right."

Sierra smiled. "See, it's difficult for him. Diego, with the way you act around him, from my observations, I can tell what you really think of him. But he can't. And you're afraid to tell him. Frankly, it'd be a lot easier on both of you if he was a female tiger—"

"You're telling me," Diego muttered under his breath.

"—because that way you wouldn't have to tell him. He would just know."

"Listen," Diego said. "I'm not telling anyone anything. I never even told you anything. Just…cut it out. There's nothing for me to tell him anymore. If he can't get that I'm his friend, that's his own problem."

"Diego, you know there's more to it than that."

"There's nothing more to anything!" Diego snapped. "Quit acting like you know everything! You…you don't know anything about anything that I'm thinking! You…you can't just hang out with us for a few days and then start going around making assumptions and thinking you're helping! Because you're not!"

And Diego stormed off, leaving Sierra, deflated, by herself.

…pause for dramatic effect. Oh and I mean that literally. I think I'm gonna wait a day or two before updating. I know it'll drive you guys crazy, but hey, have fun guessing and anticipating what's gonna happen. ;)

G.S. II