The following chapter will contain some hurt and comfort during the flashback. Please review nicely and enjoy reading.


Animorphia

Chapter 38: The Truth

Meanwhile, back at the park in New Orleans Square where everyone is dining and shopping. But then, we cut to Blue Bayou restaurant where everyone is dining next to "Pirates of the Caribbean as the boat carrying passengers flows by.

Right now, Timon and Tatiana are having their first date after a quick tour just to get something to eat. He already gives permission to go on a huge break just to get know her. They were sitting at the table while having spaghetti. It was her first time dining here at the restaurant.

"Well, what do you think of this fancy restaurant?" Timon asked kindly.

"I gotta admit, it was very pretty." replied Tatiana.

"Yeah, having a tour with you was the best day of our life. Riding some attractions, showing you around gift shops, and best of all, our first date."

"Oh, Timmy. I just had a best tour ever. Maybe we can come back here while taking the kids."

"Oh, definitely! This could give Marcy and Eddie to spend more time together as family."

"(sigh) I wish we could be like this forever, after so many years for this moment."

"Hey, it's alright luv. We still have each other. No matter what."

She looked up at him softly with a smile. He smiles back at her too. Then he felt a vibrate on his pocket as he took out his phone to look at the text. He was reading while twirling his fork to pick up the pasta, but wasn't paying attention before he took a bite of her food.

She twirls her spaghetti before she took a bite too as she chews it until they move closer once the noodle reach to its and then their lips have met when touches. They looked at each other with their reaction, but went blush.

Suddenly, there was flash with camera sound while they moved their eyes at Pumbaa who was holding his phone, standing there this whole time. They quickly let go and looked at him surprisingly.

"Pumbaa! Do you mind?" said Timon when embarrassed.

"Gotta admit, it looks perfect." replied Pumbaa

"Don't you dare post this on social media!"

"But it's so cute!"

"Cute?! Please, you're embarrassing me!"

Tatiana giggles as they had their little debate.

"Sorry, Timon. You got at least get to know each other." said Pumbaa.

"Whatever." Timon rolled his eyes.

He looked at his text again just that he can see what's new. Tatiana tilted her head curious.

"Whatcha' reading?" Tatiana asked.

"I got a text from Marcy. She says that she just got home along with her brother." Timon answered while texting.

"Oh, that was fast."

"Uh huh. What do you say we head on out and checking on the kids? Just to be sure."

"As long as they are doing their homework before playtime." Pumbaa added.

"Oh, don't worry. They're both smart. Same as you."

Just then, the waiter has approach by handing the bill to him.

"Your bill, sir."

Timon give his credit card to him to pay their meal. The waiter nodded before he walks back to the register. Timon looked at her smiling.

"Wanna buy some souvenir on our way home?" Timon asked kindly.

"I would love it." replied Tatiana.

They both raise their glass for toast.

"Cheers." said Timon.

They clang their glass gently before they drink their orange juice. Pumbaa is smiling at them. He was waiting for them while going for shopping for the two of them and then checking up on them just in time to see how their date turned out just fine.


Meanwhile, back at home after Marcy and Eddie got home first. They've already finished up their homework before they played their favorite videogame with her game switch. Right now, they're in the middle of campaign where it shows two characters are fighting a dragon on TV.

They've just started the campaign to see how things goes. They work together to take out the corrupted characters and restore them as quickly as possible. They're really enjoying spending time together.

"Alright, this it. We're gonna take down that dragon and we'll beat him in no time!" said Marcy.

"Watch out for his claws! He's gonna land right in front of you!" Eddie exclaimed.

"Omigosh! You're right! Time for thunderbolt!"

Marcy's character use it thunderbolt to shock the dragon.

"HA! Take that dragon!"

"I got this! Time for some action!"

Eddie's characters jump before the blue hedgehog starts to spins fast to hit the dragon before the health bar lowers down to zero. Just then, the dragon has defeated. They have won the boss level.

"WHOO HOO!" Marcy cheers.

"ALRIGHT!" Eddie cheers.

They both give a high five as they cheered.

"That was so amazing!" Eddie smiles.

"I know! Right?! That's what teamwork is all about!" replied Marcy.

"Wow! I have never played this such game before, but this! This is amazing!"

"Why didn't you?" Marcy asked.

"I mean I have, but I stop playing for while just to get focus on my schoolwork." Eddie answered.

"You know, there's room for one more for the game expo that's been coming up this week."

"Thanks, but isn't this for father and daughter quality time?"

"Well, in case one of us have any blisters."

Just then, when Marcy heard a ding sound from her phone. She picks it up when looking at the text until she smiles. Eddie overlooked at her phone.

"Was that your dad?" Eddie asked.

"Yep. He says that they're on their way home in about an hour." Marcy answered.

"Alright. So, it alright that I can speak to him first or texting?"

"Sure! You're more welcome to add his phone number."

"Oh. Okay then. I was thinking if I could ask him about inviting Bailey and her parents to come over for dinner."

"Really?"

"Yeah, even though, you should be very thankful how I found you. After all that they've raised you before you were adopted."

Marcy smiles softly at her brother. She was very grateful to her former roommate and her caretaker that's been looking after until her adoption.

"Yeah, that would be nice."

Eddie nodded. He looked at Marcy's phone to add some contacts on his phone while Marcy waits patiently, moving her legs up and down while sitting on the couch. When he's done, he sat up and went to the kitchen.

Marcy was staring at him curiously. She set the game into rest mode after got off from the couch, then she went over to the kitchen to see Eddie taking out some pans and cooking supply by reading through some recipes.

"What are you doing?" Marcy asked.

"Making dinner." Eddie answered.

"Ooh. What's for dinner?"

"Taiwan traditions. My grandparents taught me how to cook."

"Really?"

"Mmm hmm."

"Can I help?"

He smiles warmly at his sister. No one has ever asked him before until now.

"That would be nice."

"Great! How can I help?"

This just in when Eddie starts cooking while Marcy helps out. She has no idea where to start, but he's gonna teach her how to cook. Marcy tries to chop off some celery carefully, but Eddie helps her out as they cut slow and steady until she gets it. She was smiling that she finally got this.

Eddie has already started to heat up from the oven. He add some ingredients like with some soup, salt, and any kind of meat and vegetable. He stirs it very carefully without making a spill. Marcy is pouring some oil into the pan while cooking beef, but then when flame burst into her face until her face is full of messed up like black.

Eddie was shocked that his sister's face was burn, but she laughs with embarrass. Eddie dropped his react and join the laugh with her. Later on, Marcy pours some noodles, stir it carefully, and add some coriander in it.

While they're waiting for cooking, they went to the backyard to set up the table for their guests right by the pool. Marcy has already set up the table cloth while Eddie comes back with some dishes as he set the whole plates down gently.

She adds some napkins under the forks while he set down some glass of cups. Once they are finish, they set some placemat and some chairs at the table. Marcy sweeps the patio to get this placed cleaned up while Eddie resumes cooking.

And finally, when their cooking's are finish right before Marcy making some dumplings and put it on the bowl. Both siblings have set the food on the table with some noodle soup, minced pork rice, hot pot, mango shaved ice, and dumpling.

They looked at each other smiling, feeling proud of themselves by working together as a team. Just then, the door open as the adults walks in while holding some souvenir bags from the park.

"Kids, we're home!" Timon hollers.

Marcy and Eddie walk back inside to see them.

"Hi, guys!" Marcy chimes.

"Hey, fellas. How is work?" said Eddie.

"It's going great!" Timon answered.

"It was amazing! Your father showed me all around the theme park! We first ride on the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and meeting some characters?! Wow! This is truly amazing!" said Tatiana smiling.

"That's so awesome!" said Eddie.

"Wow! I can't believe that you're enjoying it! How was it?!" Marcy asked kindfully.

"Pure awesome! They have everything!" Tatiana happily answered.

"And I took her out for lunch and then shopping our way back home." Timon added.

"Look! He even bought me a new phone and a purse."

She pulls holds out her new phone and a blue purse by showing to them.

"Cool! Now we can go shopping together!" said Marcy cheerfully.

"Say, what's that smell?" Timon curiously asked.

"Smells like something's good." Pumbaa guessed.

"Actually, see for yourself." said Eddie.

As he showed the adults outside, they look stunning when staring at the table with full of culinary Taiwan food. They took a glance at Eddie that's been smiling.

"Son, did you do this?" Timon asked softly.

"Yep. Me and my sister. Didn't I tell you that I'm professional of cooking? I took culinary arts back home." Eddie answered.

"It's true! He even taught me how to cook!" Marcy added.

"Wow! I'm impressed!" Pumbaa impressed.

"You've out done yourself!" said Tatiana.

"Yeah, thought I could share some meals with you for the best Taiwan traditions." replied Eddie.

"Kid, you just made me very, very happy. I'm so proud of you." said Timon.

"Thank you, sir."

"Please, call me pops."

"So, what's up with extra chairs?" Pumbaa asked.

"I was going to say the same thing." replied Eddie.

"What do you mean?"

"Sir- I mean, pops. Is it alright that I can invite a friend and her parents to come over for dinner?"

"You mean Anne?" Timon asked.

"No. It's for Bailey. We talk a lot about each other how Marcy used to be her roommate before you adopted her."

Timon start to remember when the day that he and his best friend has adopted her from the orphanage. Then they come back for visit by celebrating holidays. He knows what Eddie's talking about. How could he have not said no to that.

"Of course, you can. I mean, after all we've been friends for a long time."

"Yes!" Marcy whispers.

"Great! I'll go ahead and call her." said Eddie.

"Welp, better go change my outfit." said Timon.

"I'll keep the food warm." Pumbaa added.

"Then I'll put our homework away." Marcy added.

While everyone's been busy, all that's left was Eddie and Tatiana standing alone in the backyard. She sighed softly.

"I just love being part of the family." said Tatiana.

"Me too." replied Eddie.

"It is so nice to have a friend to come over for dinner."

"Yeah. It sure is."

Eddie was glad that he got everything ready with Marcy's help. He dialed his phone to call a friend. He was waiting for answer until he heard a voice.

"Hello?"

"Hi, this is Eddie. I asked his permission and he said yes."

"Sweet! I ask my mother's permission and she said yes."

"Great, I'll see you shortly."

"Thanks, see you in a bit."

They ended their call. It looks like everything is putting in motion.


Later on by the sunset, Timon has already switch his clothes, but wearing something nice like peach polo shirt and blue jeans. He combed his red hair to make it so smooth. Tatiana uses her makeup spray all over her face while looking at the mirror. Just then, when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" Timon hollers.

He walks downstairs to the door and when he answered the door, it shows Bailey with her little brother and her adoptive parents, Mrs. Padilla and her husband, who is wearing his white polo shirt, brown pants, long black socks, and brown shoes

"Hi, there!" Timon greeted kindly.

"Hi, Mr. Berkowitz." Bailey greeted.

"Hi! How have you been?" said Mrs. Padilla.

"I'm doing great. Come on in." replied Timon.

He allowed his guests to enter the house before closing the door.

"Thank you for stopping by."

"You're welcome. I'm so happy to see you." replied Mrs. Padilla.

"How's your day going?" asked Her husband.

"Splendid!"

As of que, Tatiana has approach after walking downstairs to meet them.

"Hello!" Tatiana greeted.

"Hi, how are you?" said Mrs. Padilla.

"I'm doing good."

"Where are my manners? This is my girlfriend, Tatiana. She moved here last night since we've been friends for really long time." said Timon as he introduces.

"Hello, Tatiana. I'm Julia Padilla, and this is my husband, Howard Miller."

"Hi." said Mr. Miller.

"And this is our son, Emanual, and our daughter, Bailey."

"Hi." said Emanual.

"Hello." said Bailey.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all." said Tatiana while shake her hand with Julia.

"The pleasures all mine." replied Mrs. Padilla.

"So, how long have you been known each other?" Mr. Miller asked.

"In about...1990's?" Tatiana guessed trying to keep her secret.

"Yeah, it's a really long story." Timon added.

Both Marcy and Eddie have approach just in time to see them as both kids are smiling.

"Bailey!" Marcy chimes.

"Marcy! Long time no see!" Bailey smiles.

She went straight to give her a quick hug to her former roommate. Eddie approach Bailey's little brother smiling.

"Hey, you're Bailey's sister?" Eddie asked.

"Yep. I'm Emanual, but my friends call me Eman." replied Emanual.

"I'm Eddie. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too."

Both boys are shaking hands at each other before Bailey speaks.

"I see you met my brother."

"Yep, thanks for stopping by."

"Of course."

"So, you must be Eddie? My wife told me that you came to visit." said Mr. Miller.

"Yes, sir. It was a pleasure to meet you." replied Eddie before shaking hands.

"You too."

"So, now that we're all here, let's eat!" said Timon.

"Already?"

"What's for dinner?" Mrs. Padilla.

"Right this way, folks and you'll about to see what the kids has cooking." replied Timon.

He escorts them to the backyard until the walk outside and went all surprise that culinary of Taiwan traditions is at the table. Pumbaa was standing there keeping them all warm before bowing to them.

"Wow!" Bailey smiles.

"This is our tradition from Taiwan. My grandparents taught me how to cook and then I took culinary arts." Eddie explained.

"You made all these?" Mr. Miller asked.

"Uh huh. Eddie and I cooked together. He teaches me how to cook." Marcy answered.

"We got some noodles, beef with rice, hot pot, and some dumplings." Timon added.

"Impressive." said Mr. Miller.

"Thank you."

They walked over at the table as they began to sit. Timon pulls a chair out for Tatiana before she take her seat, push her chair gently, and sat at the end of the table next to her. Emanual took his seat in between his mother and Tatiana. Three teens took their seat and sit next to each other while Bailey's dad sit in between his wife and his daughter.

Pumbaa approach as the human in disguise offers some glass of water when pouring down to the cup. He nodded before he took a seat next to his best friend and his niece. Marcy could never imagine how people do when having their meals together.

"Now, let's dig in." said Timon.

They started to gather their meal one at a time and passing around to another. Emanual gets to have his own noodle since he's too young, but at least Marcy made some for him without any sauce, but the boy notice this at first.

"Why are there some leaves on noodles?" Emanual asked.

"It's coriander. It's healthy to have some noodles." Marcy answered.

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

"Guess I'll try."

"That's my little man." said Mrs. Padilla.

"Can you please, pass the bread?" said Mr. Miller.

Bailey picked up the bread and pass it to her father. He thanked her before he set the bread on his plate. Everyone started to eat and their reactions like it taste good.

"Mmm! It's actually good!"

"Oh, it's nothing. It's just... cooking." replied Eddie.

"Are you kidding me? It's delicious!" Bailey smiles.

"Your cooking skills are good!" Mrs. Padilla added.

"Mmm mmm! Yum yum!" said Pumbaa before eating his noodles.

"Hmm. It tastes good." said Emanuel.

"Wow! It tastes like Thai Go! Eddie, you should get a job there!" Marcy chimes after swalling her noodles.

"Thanks, but uh... I like to keep it that way. At least for now." replied Eddie.

"What did I tell you? This kid is professional!" said Timon.

"He cooks better than me." Pumbaa added.

"It was a wonderful meal." said Tatiana kindly.

"Thanks, guys. It's the least I can do is to give you something special. I can't thank you enough for helping me finding my sister." said Eddie.

"I am so happy that you're back together again." said Mrs. Padilla before she drinks her water.

"Me too." Marcy added before she eats her dumpling.

"So, Eddie, what was it like from your home country?" Howard asked.

"Well, I've been captain of the debate team and write many tests or doing school work." Eddie answered.

"Really? Well, I work for doctors appointment. I graduated from PH. D when I help people to calm them down by ease off the anger and giving them a new chance."

"Nice."

"I used to be doctor once." said Timon.

"Really?" Mrs. Padilla.

"Well, for short instance since Pumbaa's not feeling too good, but I take care of it."

"That was like a long time ago." said Pumbaa.

"I know that."

"So, Tatiana, was it like to be living here?" Mrs. Padilla asked.

"Like it? I love it here! They took me to Disneyland where he works there." Tatiana answered happily.

"Did he?"

"Yeah, he gave me a tour around the park like riding, watching parade, dining, and I bought myself some souvenirs. It's my first time here."

"I'm glad that you enjoyed it. You know, my grandmother has funded the orphanage over the past years until when I'm eighteen, I step up, taking her place with my mother before she passed away."

"Oh, I am so sorry." Tatiana apologizes.

"It's alright, my grandmother passes down the key to my mom, and then pass it down to me before she retires. I took some children for their fieldtrip to Disneyland just make them happy. Everything turned great until when a woman arrives, with her baby came to my door."

Marcy stops eating. She looked up at her former caretaker who dropped her smile for short instance followed by everyone. Emanual doesn't know about it at first since he was younger.

"You mean my mother?" Marcy asked.

She looked at the girl's eye with her regret look. Her husband noticed that look before set his hand on her own hands. She took a glance at her husband who was concerned about this before she said anything. Eddie and Bailey notice that too. The orphanage caretaker sigh softly.

"Marcy, you've been a good girl for over 12 years. I think it's time that you should know the truth about your mother."

Then it hit them. Marcy raises her eyebrows looking desperate. Eddie realizes something that it's important. The one that gave it to him. Even Timon realize that something is about to reveal. For now, they allowed her to speak to Marcy.

"Long ago, when you are young..."


(Flashback starts)

It took twelve years in 2006 where the city of L.A. took places at nighttime. The whole town was busier a bit when it comes with nighttime, but when it's dark meaning it's very dangerous to go out. Then suddenly, a foot step is running throughout the street.

"It was that time when you and your family were planning to move here just to live a new life, but it didn't work out when moving day has gone terribly wrong. Your father took your brother with him after picking him up from daycare while our mother took you everywhere and I have no idea what just happened."

It turns out that it was a woman wearing her brown trench coat for her disguises, holding her baby in her arms, wrapping around with green blanket. She stops for a moment to take a breath and took a glance at her which turns out to be Marcy who was whimpering a bit.

She couldn't bear to see her daughter that involves when dangers are around. She quickly looks around to find somewhere to hide. She has no place to go. She uses her left arm to call her husband, but no answer came. They've been splitting up while doing something just to move here for her children, but when their moving plans didn't turn out so well.

"When your mother has no place to go, she tried to call the police, but no one answered. It feels like someone was hacking the phone service when she couldn't reach your father. She was desperately to keep you safe from any harm until then..."

As of que when her mother looked at the main gate with a sign says "Children Sanctuary" in front of the main building. She was hesitated at first, but took a glance from the back while hearing a police siren before she walks closer to the door and then she entered the building.

"She came to my sanctuary."

Her mother is looking around to find someone until she spots Mrs. Padilla with young age, wearing her blue dress and dark blue skirt that comes out from her office, but stop for a moment when she's staring at the mother carrying a baby.

The orphanage caretaker walks towards, doesn't know what she needs, but she took a glance at the baby that's keep whimpering a bit. She looked up at the woman's eye with her pleaded look. It doesn't take too long when they had a little talk.

"She told me everything why she came here. Your father just received a new job for interview, but it turns out that it was all trap after he told her everything before the phone connection was hacked. I tried to call the police, but it didn't work. We both knew that we don't have a choice."

She looked down at Marcy that's been babbling, curiously like what is going on. The baby doesn't know what's going on because she was way too young back then. While they took no noticed, a toddler which turns out to be Bailey, wearing her red pajamas whose eves dropping by the stairs.

A four your old was curious, but likes to see what's going on down there. Marcy's mother is holding her baby just to look her daughter's brown eyes. She knew that it is time to say goodbye to her daughter. For her daughter's safety.

"Marcy, I know you're too young to understand, but I need you to stay here where it's safe. She's going to look after you until I get back, but if I don't make it back in time, I just want to let you know that I loved you very much."

Her baby responds by cooing. Marcy's mother felt pain if anything happens to her precious daughter. Her small tears started to swelling up a bit.

"I don't want to give up on you, but I have no choice. Stay strong. Be brave. My little bundle of angel."

She let her tears flow softly. As the mother gives her baby a soft kiss on her forehead and hugged her gently while crying. Julia knew that a mother would never give up her baby, but it broke her heart that she has to keep her baby safe with her.

"(heavily crying) I am so sorry, my darling. I loved you. More than anything." She heavily cries when whispering.

She gave her a final soft kiss on her daughter's head, she gently passing her baby to Julia as the caretaker is carrying her gently before she started to cry. Her daughter tried to reach her arms to her mother, but she couldn't reach her.

She nodded at the caretaker before she started to walk backward just to see her daughter one last time. Bailey sadly comes out slowly, knowing what's happening. As the mother reach the door, she took a glance with one last look while her baby cries louder. She knew a baby needs a mother, but if she's staying with her, no one would dare to harm her baby or worse.

"Goodbye, Marcy." She cried whispering.

She opens the doors a bit and close it behind her. Julia felt terrible at the mother. She looked down at Marcy that's been crying. She tries to calm the baby down, but no luck. Bailey clutches her stuffed caterpillar in her arms, sitting across her knee. This is a sad day for the Wu's family.

(Flashback ends)


We cut back to the present when Julia looked down in shame. Marcy felt pain in her chest, but looked a bit of shocked as she was about to shed a small tear. Timon held his hand at his daughter while Tatiana reaches her hand at her chest with her sad look. Pumbaa knew that a mother would never give up a child if anything has happened between her and her family.

Eddie knew that this would have happen. He felt like that it wasn't a good idea to bring them over, but he wants know why his parents have to separate them. Bailey remembers the day when that happen. Her little brother felt sad for this. Her adopted father is comforting her adoptive mother, tried her best not to broke into tears when she continues.

"It broke my heart that she lends you to me. To protect you."

Marcy gasp softly, couldn't broke into tears before she heavily breathe. Eddie reach his hand to hold his sisters hand to comfort her as she still listening to her.

"Your mother loved you more than anything. I didn't know what is going to happen, but until now."

Marcy gives up as her tears started to flow softly. She use her arms to wipe her tears before she speaks.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Marcy asked softly

"You were too young to understand. You were so desperate to be adopted. I was going to adopt you in case no one will ever come to adopt, but until these men steps in." Mrs. Padilla answered.

"You... you were going to adopt me? But why?"

"Please, try to understand this. I was trying to protect you."

"From what? From all those burglars? Or some bullies that they picked on me?! Is this why I'm being clumsy? Or just an outcast?!" Marcy raised her voice a bit.

"Marcy?" Timon tries to calm her down, but he was cut off.

"You said that she loved me! If she love me so much, why did she leave?! Doesn't she loved me anymore?!"

"Marcy, please-" Mrs. Padilla tries to calm her down, but her words cut off.

"You lied to me! I trusted you, but you didn't even tell me why I'm being separated after eight years!" Marcy snaps.

"Marcy, you have to understand." Mr. Miller added.

"NO! YOU GUYS ARE RUINING MY LIFE!"

Marcy sped off from the table as she ran off back inside.

"Marcy! Wait!" Eddie calls out her name.

She ignores her brothers plead as she ran upstairs to her room and slam the door. They couldn't believe what they have seen. Marcy would never raises her voice in front of them, but until now.

Pumbaa shake his head gently. Timon softly facepalm when disappointed. Tatiana felt bad about her poor girl. Emanual was scared a bit, thinking that her friend is yelling at his parents. Bailey felt her heart broke a bit, but Eddie set his hand on her shoulder. Mrs. Padilla knew that this day would have come sooner or later.

"(sigh) What have I done?" said Mrs. Padilla softly.

"It wasn't your fault, sweetie. She didn't know." said Mr. Miller.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea." Eddie muttered.

"Eddie, you came all the way here to see Marcy. Is this what you really wanted?" Bailey asked softly.

He looked at her pleaded look. He knew he couldn't say no to her and then he sighed sadly.

"Maybe you're right. I better go talk to her."

Eddie got up from the table wand walk inside to check on his sister. Pumbaa sighed sadly too. They all knew that Marcy was still too young to understand, but the girl deserves the truth about her mother. Timon wanted to tell his daughter something important, but he couldn't take the risk if he's upsetting her even more. Tonight's dinner with their guests didn't turned out so well.

"Poor kid." muttered Timon sadly.


Poor Marcy. She was so upset that she couldn't understand why her caretaker hides the truth from her. Our next chapter will continue as we speak. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Amphibia and The Lion King (c) Disney