Chapter 8: Gizzie

Derek was at work as Meredith played with Snickers in the hallway. Growing bunnies needed exercise, needing much more space than the tiny living room. He was growing, adventurous, and full of energy. His speed was twice as fast since yesterday, cracking from his shy shell and feeling comfortable in his new home. Snickers, the tiny bundle of fluff was helping keep Meredith's mind off tomorrow.

Tomorrow. At Joe's. Drinks.

She couldn't say no, fake an illness, or mope around in her bedroom hiding under her rainbow-colored sheets. She couldn't. She had to be a big girl, face her fears and go. She didn't have to speak to him if she didn't feel like it. All that Derek wanted was her to be there, maybe muster a hello and hang out with Aaron for the rest of the night.

Sliding down onto the dark carpeted hallway she kept a good eye on Snickers who was a few feet away, munching on the carrot she placed there. His little snack for her ever-growing baby. Her head leaned against the wall; the fire extinguisher situated over her head. It was times like these where she wished just a simple spray would burn the deep fire she was caught in.

She wasn't a flame, and it couldn't be fixed with buckets of water. Snapping her head, she heard a door click open down the hallway.

Gizzie. Her very blonde, creepy neighbour stepped out in his neon green shirt and beige khaki pants, smiling brightly as he spotted her. Waving at him she stood up and walked up to him. Never did they have a decent conversation before, maybe a few hellos here and there when they met up in the elevator but that was it.

"Hey Gizzie." she smiled, placing her hands in the back pockets of her boy shorts, distracting him for a moment. He covered up his evident wandering eyes with a clearing cough.

"Hi Meredith." he said, before looking down, noticing the little bunny. "This thing yours?" he asked.

"Yeah, Snickers. My boyfriend got him for me yesterday." she replied, noticing him frown on his once cheerful face.

"Oh, well that was nice of him." he mumbled.

"He's really good to me." she giggled, picking up the hopping little pet in her arms, stroking the fur on his back.

"I have a pet to. Just got her a month ago." he stated. "I could bring her out if you want to see her." he insisted, walking over to his apartment before she could even answer. In a matter of moment he walked out, both his hand covered in baking mitts and a creature at his palms.

Meredith gasped before taking a few steps back, feeling the spasming foot of Snickers signal it's fear.

"This is Princess." he introduced with an unsteady voice.

"Wow...ummm, what a nice...pet." she exclaimed, not sure what the thing was. It was hairless, big scary green eyes and a slender figure. A collar on its ever thin neck. It certainly couldn't be natural. "What is it?" she asked, flushing at her question, hoping it wouldn't offend him.

"I'm not sure. I think it's a rat or some ferret. I really have no clue." he replied, looking down at his pet in his arms, hissing a terrifying sound.

"Oh. You know what? I really should be heading back inside." she stuttered trying to move away from the fierce freak of nature.

"Okay, nice talking to you Meredith." he called out, almost unheard as she rushed into her apartment suite, shutting the door.

Now, not only would she not be able to sleep with the thought of tomorrow night in her mind, but also the damn images of the hissing creature she had just witnessed.

I'm back! I was struggling from a really strong bout of depression and anxiety. I needed to put myself first and get my mental health under control. I am doing fine now! I am glad to be back!