The Tiger and the Goat Part III
At this point, Bill is far too familiar with this hospital. He knows where to find the snack machines that have the best chips and where the quietest spot is to take a nap. After getting said chips, Bill is making his daily walk around the hospital to get some air. A few of the nurses take a minute to ask him how his throat is doing and he can only gesture with thumbs up. He is being very careful with his voice. He gives them a smile and bows a little to let them know that they are taking good care of him, and more importantly taking good care of Els. They have noticed that he is constantly with the little goat girl. From the time that he came in with this wound to the current situation of pneumonia with Els, the two are inseparable.
It is the day that Els is going to be released from the hospital and Sheri, a gazelle nurse pulls Bill aside to have a talk with him. "Look, I don't know what is going on with you two, but you need to take something to heart. Teenage love burns bright and strong, but it also falls apart easily. This relationship you have, could really hurt one of you. I'm not talking about the obvious." She gestures towards Bill's throat. "I'm talking about the real pain." She points towards Bills heart.
"She is a herbivore and you are a carnivore. Just be careful, for both of your sakes." The gazelle just smiles up to the face of the large tiger and gives him a hug. Bill is a little taken back but realizes that she is just trying to help.
Bill quickly makes his way back to Els' hospital room. The door is open and there are a few family members and a canine doctor and a feline nurse by the bed. He comes in mid conversation and just leans against the wall by the door so he doesn't interrupt. The doctor is telling Els mother about the situation. "She is recovering nicely and I have no problem sending her home today so I will set up the paper work. You will be out by noon." He gives a smile to the small goat girl. Els is sitting up in bed in a good mood and seems like nothing bad has happened to her. Els mother chimes in. "Where there any signs of anything else doctor?" The doctor replies, "Such as?" "She has been messing around with a carnivore. Does she have any other marks or scars?" Els mom seems to be overly protective of the situation. "MOTHER!" Els cries out. "Don't you insinuate anything about Bill. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him." "Yes, I know." Els mother retorts in an almost aggressive manner. "That's not what I meant. He saved me from being devoured. You are more worried about me dating a carnivore than me being killed." Bill is silent. He knows that her mother is just looking out for her, but it really isn't fair. This is the world that he must live in.
"She is fine and will be back to normal quickly. I hear she has a dance performance at the end of the month. If you want to participate, I believe you will be able to do so." The doctor changes the subject so skillfully that you would think that he has done this before. This puts a large smile on the face of the goat. She has been really working hard on that routine and is excited that it won't go to waste. "Well I'll leave you to it." The doctor turns to leave and bumps into Bill at the door. "Be careful, her fangs are way worse than yours." He snickers as he leaves the room.
Bill enters the room proper and gives a little bow to the family. Els mom just rolls her eyes. She reaches down and grabs the hand of Els younger brother and leads him towards the door. "I need some fresh air. Let's go." She pulls the young goat with her out the door and down the hall. "I am sorry about that." Els knows that the situation is very uncomfortable. "She means well, she is just old school on such things." Els feels the need to explain, but the tiger just nods his head. Bill reaches in his back pocket and pulls out a note pad. The tiger has learned that this is his communication method for a little while.
He writes a little note and holds it up for the goat. "Anything I can do for you?" Bill scribbles. "No I'm feeling pretty good today. I get to go home." Els is smiling and noticeably chipper. "I am so happy for you." Bill writes quickly and holds up to Els. She responds with a simple smile. "Bill, I know emotions have been high over the last few weeks, well months between us. I am feeling better about us and myself and I would like to think about things for a little bit. I know we want to start over together. Can you give me a few days alone to really process everything?" Els makes sure that she has complete eye contact with Bill as she expresses her thoughts. "Of course. Take all the time you need." Bill scribbles on his pad and tears it out. He hands her the piece of paper for her to keep. She gives back a genuine smile and gestures for a hug. The large carnivore obliges and is very careful not to hurt her in her weakened state. "I'll talk to you soon." The goat gives a parting wave as Bill departs for somewhere other than the hospital.
It is now the last week of school. Many of the students have already left since they are allowed to leave when their final exams have been taken. Everyone wants to get them out of the way as quickly as possible, so it doesn't cut into their summer plans. But Bill is in no hurry. His exams have been waived due to his medical leave, so he is just trying to catch up to lesson plans. He will have to take summer school to get back to where he needs to be for the next school year. He has a week off and then summer classes start right up again.
None of this catches his mind. He is only thinking about Els. All the things that he wants to say to her and all the things she might say to him. His throat is feeling a little better and he is hopeful that he will be able to actually talk to her soon. He just lounges around in his dorm room like all felines are skilled at doing. He watches as each of his roommates leave one by one for their summer adventures. The animosity is still strong, but they are carnivores, they get over violence quickly. The last to leave is Jackson the cheetah. He doesn't say much, just a "See ya later Bill." As he walks out. Bill gives him the peace symbol with his left hand by accident. The cheetah just laughs and walks out. That relationship might be repaired with time.
Bill has a few days to himself. He enjoys the silence and the laziness of it all. He plays a few video games and walks to the cafeteria to get food every now and then but that is it. (the cafeteria stays open during breaks to serve the staff and student stragglers.) His mind is filled daily with the thoughts of Els and their relationship. "I need to make a grand gesture when we start over." He thinks to himself and partially says out loud. "I need to show her that I am expressing myself and how I feel for her." "I need to find out what she likes maybe some kind of present?" Bill runs these thoughts through his head for hours but to no conclusion. "I need help. Maybe her friends in the dance team? They would know something." It is a good direction for him to start in. Bill makes the trek over to the #3 building that houses a few of the clubs like Drama and Dance Team. The building is very silent. Many of the lights are out and the space is very unsettling. It is obvious that there has not been someone here for days.
"Might as well plunder around." Bill thinks to himself. He doesn't know why, but he feels the need to just inspect things while no one is looking. He picks up a candle that he finds in one of the festival decorations boxes near the door of the building and lights it to guide his way. The light dances around the stored dinosaur statues in the warehouse space and gives a very ominous feel to the task. His curiosity leads him to Sanu's office.
Sanu is the president of the Drama club. He keeps all the notes on performances and actors. "Maybe his notes will give me a clue as to what to get Els." A logical thought from the inquisitive tiger. All of the doors are unlocked and inviting. Bill finds Sanu's office and starts to thumb through folders. Nothing is really interesting for the most part. Stage notes, lighting, possible parts, dialog, etc. All are normal items. Bill moves to the main drawer on his desk. The one that is directly in the middle of the table. It is locked. "No problem." Bill says out loud for no reason. He jams his claw into the lock and it pops open immediately. Inside the drawer is a folder labeled "Backgrounds". That doesn't sound worthy of a lock. We use backgrounds on all sets, Bill thinks to himself. He opens the folder and it has pictures of everyone that is in the drama club. Little headshots and descriptions on each page. He flips through them just skimming. "Oooh, what does mine say?" Again talking out loud for some reason. He thumbs through the pages and finds the tab labeled "Bill the Bengal Tiger." There is a nice photo of himself from his first year at the school. "Traits: Aggressive, outgoing, charismatic, bold. Good candidate for leads. Stature: Large carnivore. Skills: good with lines, driven, arrogant. Detriments: ARROGANT, aggressive, needs the spotlight." Well I can't really argue with any of this so far." Bill thinks to himself this time. There is a little flap that covers the next topic. Bill lifts the little yellow paper and reads. "Background: Abusive family, it seems that the student has suffered trauma in the form of herbiphobia. Very apprehensive around herbivores. Should probably keep him from cross species parts. No romantic interests, too dangerous." All of these lines are typed into the form. There is one more line that is written in by hand, "Bill is making progress on his weaknesses but I fear his ego is too great." Ouch. Bill thinks to himself that it is a fair assessment of himself, but it still hurts to read.
Kai the mongoose told Bill that everyone in the Drama club had a weird past, but he didn't know that it followed everyone around. How did Sanu know about all of this stuff? Bill now felt the fear rising up in his throat. "What past is following Els around?" The now timid tiger feels regret about reading the folder. "Do I read it?" He questions himself a little more. "It might give me some insight to her character so I can be a better person for her." He spins it to fit his curiosity. He thumbs through and comes to Els the Angora Goat. A very nice image of Els from a few years ago at the top. He skims some of the parts of her being kind, timid, but graceful. A natural dancer. Very intelligent. He knows all of this. Her page too has a little yellow cover. Bill pulls it back and reads.
"Background: Father: victim of Predation when she was only 10. Carnivore was a large feline. Severe trauma for family structure. She could be a good actress in lead roles, but the large carnivores would be too much for her to handle. I fear her past limits her to backup roles or smaller situations. Another hand written note at the end. "Els is progressing nicely in her stage development but she is afraid to get too close to carnivores due to her past."
Her father was killed by a feline. Bill just sits down and drops the folder next to him. "No wonder I never saw her father at the hospital." His mind begins to race now. Her mother is an only parent of two kids. No father to help. "No wonder they hate me." Bill thinks to himself, "Why didn't she tell me? The tiger feels sick to his stomach. "Els is kind. Els is kind to everyone. She is better than her past." The thought in his head reassures him a bit. But what a heavy burden to carry. "Should I talk to her about it?" Bill begins to remind himself that they are starting over and he will need to be a good example of a possible boyfriend for Els. Bill puts the folder away just the way he found it and relocks the drawer. He picks up the candle and walks towards the sunlight that is just now growing longer on the floor peeking through the seams in the building. It is getting late and he has put too much into his brain. He now feels like he needs something in his stomach. The slumping tiger walks off to the cafeteria.
Els has recovered nicely at home. It is a loving environment and her little brother Tobi has fun pampering her and playing games. She is sitting on the floor with him playing a herbivore game called "Lion's Den". It is a board game where small herbivores move around a path trying to avoid a lion. "If you roll doubles, you get put in the Lion's Den sis." Els chuckles a little bit and throws the dice. "Ouch, double 3s. In you go." The little goat boy puts Els game piece in the Lion's Den. "ROOAAARR!" He jumps up and scares Els a little bit. "Don't do that." Els mother walks in the room and chastises the boy. "You know I hate that game. Put it away now!" "But mom, its fun." "I SAID NOW!" The little boy is very disappointed. Els tries to defend her brother. "Its not a big deal, we were just playing around." Els says in a timid voice. "Tobi, go play in the back yard." "FINE!" Tobi huffs. Els mother calms a little and ushers the boy out of the room. "I want to talk to you about your situation." Els mother sits down on her bed and leans over Els in sort of a dictating way.
"My situation?" Els asks. "With that boy." Her mother responds. "What are you intentions with him? "What do you mean my intentions? I like Bill and we care for each other." Els demeanor is quite serious at this point. "You know what he is." Els mother sounds sickened at even having to say it. "Yes mother, I know what he is, I also know who he is and that is more important." Els words sound wise but not what her mother wants to hear. "I don't care what you think he is and isn't capable of, he is a tiger. He is capable of killing you in a moment's notice. He is what he is no matter how charming." Els mom starts to tear up at this point. "I refuse to lose anyone else in this family, to a carnivore's appetite or to a broken heart from a carnivore. You almost died Els, you know that." "I almost died a few times mom, but I didn't. The reason that I didn't was because of Bill. Can't you see that?" Els is tearing up to match her mom. "I see that he broke your heart and you gave up on yourself to die." There is a long pause in the speaking and a moment of whimpering takes over. Els just looks down to the floor. "Look, I know that teenage romance is one of the most powerful feelings that you will ever have. It locks onto you and burns strong, but it always leaves scars. I can't tell you what to do Els, you are seventeen and will be leaving me soon, but I will try to impart some knowledge into you before you go. Remember who he is and remember who you are. If there is any doubt, run." Els mother has seen enough heartache to know exactly what she is talking about. Els looks up to her mother and launches into her arms for a hug. The two women are stronger from being together.
A few more days pass. They pass quicker than normal to all of those involved. Bill's voice is recovering well, and he can say a few words again. It is still rough for his throat, but basic communication is possible now. Els on the other hand is quite spry. The goat is getting back into form quickly and is allowed to resume dance practice. She is very excited to perform on the Dance Team for the annual Rejuvenation Festival. It is a local event that draws in many animals celebrating the rebirth of life in its many forms. Animals go to the hot springs and bathe, songs are written and played for courtship, flowers are planted all around the city, and fertility symbols and signs are hung all around the buildings. For the teenagers at the academy, it is a time of romantic entanglements. The festival falls a few weeks after the end of school and at during the summer semesters. The most important thing for Bill is that Els is coming to campus today to begin her practices. He is overjoyed to see her since they haven't spoken since the hospital. Plus he has been bored out of his mind alone in the dorms. A few of the other students trickle back on campus getting ready for some club events or just live there due to circumstances. It is a boarding school after all.
Els is dropped off by her mother late in the morning. They share a long embrace and some parting words that are whispered in each other's ears. It is obvious that it is difficult for Els mother to leave her at school. Els picks up her bags and makes her way into her summer dorm. Since some of the campus is closed during the summer, only a few of the dorms are open to students. Els was lucky and got her same room. She even got a few good friends to stay close. Ellen the zebra and Sheila the Leopard are rooming with her. Mina the giraffe is just down the hall. All of the females are in one dorm and all of the males are in another. The carnivores are on the top floors and the herbivores are on the bottom floors. It is an efficient method for the school. It also gives the ladies of the dance team more time together to get things right before the performance.
Els is met with a strong embrace from the girls. They are so excited to see that she is not only feeling better but ready to pick things up as if nothing had ever happened. "We are so glad to have you back." Ellen is the first to hug the goat. "So very much." Sheila is right behind. "Thanks guys. I'm glad to be back." Els gives them a smile as she sets down her luggage. The scene for the rest of the day is all of the ladies of the dance team welcoming Els back and chatting about the possibilities of the festival. Everyone is feeling a renewed sense of excitement.
Bill's dorm on the other hand is a strong contrast. Bill had to move all of his stuff up to a room on the fourth floor of the herbivore dorm. It was a room that housed a few gorillas. The smell is strong to the sensitive nose of the feline. Bill spends most of his day just cleaning and spraying air fresheners into every corner of the room. When he gets done, he remembers that there is a roommate checklist at the end of the hall. He can see who his roommate is. Bill roams down to the board and slides down to find his room. "Fuck." Bill exclaims out loud as he reads the name Yuto. Yuto the Siamese cat that Bill almost strangled a while back. "He must be here for soccer." Yuto is quite the athlete on the soccer team. It makes sense that he is here over the summer for school tournaments. "Well maybe I can bury the hatchet." Bill is thinking optimistically to himself. "I need to be a better person for her." Luckily for Bill, Yuto isn't due in the dorm for a week so he will have time to prepare his welcome.
Meanwhile Bill has settled into his new space well. He will have to start summer classes on Monday, but the weekend is free. He tries to think of a gesture for Els that shows that he is thinking about her but at the same times gives her the space that she requested. He knows that their schedules will be difficult since they are both diving head first into things but he can go into town to get a present this weekend if he can think of something. "What does she like to eat?" A carnivore's first instinct is food but he has no idea what Els likes. "Maybe some jewelry? No that is too much. I need something that is light and simple." Bill ponders this for hours in his room to no avail. "Well, like usual, I will need help."
He remembers that he has the phone number of Ellen the zebra from when she texted him. "Hey Ellen, this is Bill. Can I ask you a favor?" The large tiger is a little bit embarrassed that he has to rely on another girl to find out what Els likes. "Yeah, what's up Bill?" "I want to do something nice for Els but she can't know about it. Can you tell me some things that she likes?" Ellen looks at the message and realizes just how naive this carnivore is. He has slept with countless girls but never took the time to actually learn how to play the romance game. Ellen just shakes her head and snickers a bit. "I'll help you Bill, but you have to do something for me." Ellen is a smart negotiator. "Ok." Bill isn't a smart negotiator. "I need the phone number of Jack the Labrador." Bill is familiar with Jack from some of his friends in the Drama club. "Deal. Is he in summer school?" Bill starts the terms. "He takes honors courses." Bill has no idea where those are. "Ok, I'm on it." Bill is ready to rise to the challenge for Els.
Ellen kicks into action as well. They have practice today, Saturday and Monday before classes start and things go into all out mode. She begins to snoop around the unsuspecting goat for clues. During stretches she starts a conversation with the other girls. "Hey anyone going out for some food this weekend?" Ellen asks in a playful mood. "Nah, I have to save some money. I'll just hit the cafeteria." Mina responds first. "Same here. I am saving all of my money for the festival. I need some new clothes and it is the best time to get them. All of the beautiful new colors." Sheila is out too. Els chimes in, "I want to try that new ice cream place on the river. Want to go?" Perfect Ellen thinks to herself. "Sweets are a go." "Sure, let's go tomorrow." Ellen sets the date and plans on pulling more information out of her friend. Ellen gets a little rush out of setting the trap.
Bill has decided that the fastest route to find someone in the honors classes is to go to a professor. He doesn't have great accord with many of them but the teacher in economics has always been kind to large felines, at least that is what his friends have said. Mrs. Yamamoto the spotted deer doesn't have any classes this summer but she is here for teachers planning period. Bill finds her office hours on the economics bulletin board. BrapBrapBrap. The large tiger knocks on her office door. The door slowly opens to reveal a tall and slender deer lady wearing a very thin dress. She is quite attractive for a deer and is taking a long drag on a cigarette. The smoke in her room is over powering to Bill. He bows a little and looks down to the young Mrs. Yamamoto. "Maam I am Bill the Bengal Tiger." The deer quickly cuts him off, "I know who you are. What can I do for you Bill." He is taken back at this since he has only had one class with Ms. Yamamoto. Cough cough, "Sorry, the smoke is a little tough for me and my throat." Bill has to be careful with his situation. "Sorry Bill, I wasn't expecting company." The teacher now steps outside of her office and closes her door just behind her. She does not however put out her cigarette. "Go on." She makes a little hand gesture with her cigarette hand. "Oh, sorry, Ms. Yamamoto I am looking for information on another student. He is in the honors classes but I don't know where to go for that." "No you wouldn't." Ms. Yamamoto gives the snarky remark and sizes up Bill from head to toe. Bill can only stand there. "Tell me Bill, does it hurt? She makes a gesture towards his neck. He is quite large to the spotted deer but she is not at all uncomfortable being close to him. "It is getting better." He responds as he swallows deeply. She of course notices. "Bill, are you afraid of me?" The deer gets closer to the large carnivore. Bill looks down slowly past her face to see the slim deer almost pressing against him. He can't help but notice some of her lighter spots through her dress. It is very light and thin. "Am I afraid of you? I don't understand. You are a teacher." His heart starts to race. "Yes I am a teacher Bill, and you are a student. I am a deer, and you are a tiger. I am a woman, and you are a man." With each word the deer leans in closer to the carnivore. When she gets to the man and woman statement she is pressing against his waist. She reaches down and grabs his manhood through his clothes. Bill is noticeably taken back and uncomfortable. He swallows deeply again. She squeezes quite hard. "I am terrified of you." Bill squeaks out the words much to the delight of the small deer. "Good." She retracts her hand and body and leans back towards her door. "Building 8 room 101." The deer opens her door and takes a big drag on her cigarette. "Bill?" The deer whispers. "Yes Ms. Yamamoto?" Bill cowers. "You are welcome to come back and visit." She retreats into her room and slams the door in Bill's face. The tiger is destroyed. He just stands there for a minute before his mind even starts again. He visibly shakes and turns to run out of the building.
Bill composes himself and makes his way over to Building #8. It is a very clean building that he doesn't remember ever going into. There are many awards on the wall and trophies in a display case in the main lobby. This must also be one of the administration buildings. Bill follows the numbers on the door that leads him to 101. Class is still in session. "That's brutal, it is almost summer and they are in class late. They must be dedicated." Bill thinks to himself as he peeks in the class. Bill only sees maybe 4 or 5 students. They are all canines. "The yellow one must be Jack. I'll wait for him." The class continues for another 15 minutes or so before the door opens. All of the students that emerge are noticeably tired and drained.
Bill stands up and approaches the group. "Pardon me. I am Bill the Bengal Tiger, may I speak with you Jack?" The tiger is very proper and gives a little bow for the intrusion. Jack turns to is classmates and gives them a goodbye wave and bow. "Hello Bill the Bengal Tiger, I am Jack the Labrador retriever. How can I help you?" Jack is very proper. "I am in a situation and I need your help." "I see, what can I do for you?" Jack keeps a very straight face for this conversation. "There is someone that I am interested in, a girl." Bill feels the need to specify that it is a girl. "I am trying to learn more about her and I am talking to her friends to get some advice. They won't tell me more unless I give them your phone number." Bill is very matter of a fact about it but this mortifies the pup. He tries to hide his embarrassment in front of the large carnivore. "Well Bill, this is very unorthodox." Jack smiles to the large tiger. Bill drops to his knees and grabs Jack's hand. "Please Jack. I really like this girl and I need to find out more about her." Jack can see the anguish in his face but he is thoroughly embarrassed by the groveling. "Easy Bill, I will tell you what you need. You just have to answer one question for me." Jack figures he needs to get something in exchange for this scenario. "No problem." Bill understands he must atone for this intrusion of privacy. Jack points to Bills neck and asks, "Tell me about the person that gave you that." Bill runs his hands over the scar and submits. He thinks for a second and comes to the conclusion that he needs to choose his words wisely. "They were powerful. There was nothing that I could do. I was at a disadvantage because I underestimated their strength. They did this out of fear. I forgave them." Jack made note of each of the pronouns and words that the tiger chose. "Thank you Bill. That took great strength." The canine smiles at the feline. Jack takes out a piece of paper and writes his cell number on it. Bill takes the piece of paper and bows to Jack. "Thank you." Bill turns to walk away as Jack beckons back to Bill for one more piece of advice. "Hey Bill." "Yes, Jack?" "Take good care of that goat." Jack smiles and walks away. Bill stands there for a moment trying to figure out what just happened.
With Bill's tasks completed he is excited to return the information to Ellen. He sends her a text to meet him by the front of the dorm after her practice. The zebra agrees and they meet up in the early evening. "You don't know what I had to go through to get this." Bill is exasperated but triumphant in his remark. "I think you are being overly boisterous, but thank you none the less." Bill hands over the piece of paper with the number scribbled on it. She notices that it is written in Jack's handwriting. "I take it back. You did have to do something big to get this." The tiger just smiles at the zebra. "I will fulfill my end of the bargain tomorrow. We are going out to eat together and I will relay information back to you. I will get something for you." The zebra is confident in her abilities. "Thank you." Bill is grateful and hopeful. "No Bill, thank you." She looks down at the paper and takes a deep breath. The two go separate ways and off into the night.
The next day, practice for the ladies goes well. The routine is coming together nicely and everyone is excited at the practice. "Great work everyone." Sheila who writes the choreography is pleased with the movements of all of the ladies. "Els, you haven't missed a beat." The goat just smiles and seems genuinely happy to be recognized for her hard work. "That's it for today ladies. Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you on Monday after classes." The ladies are a little sore after the long session of acrobatic dancing. Everyone starts to disperse into their separate paths. "Ready for a little excursion Els?" Ellen checks in on her partner for the day. "Looking forward to it." Els replies in kind. "Let's hit the showers and we can be on the train in an hour." The two girls head back to the dorms to get cleaned up. All of the girls in the Dance Club take turns in the dorm hall showers. Els and Ellen are the last two to arrive. Ellen believes this is a great time for some intel. Els and Ellen are in stalls close to each other and Ellen starts the conversation. "Hey Els, can I ask you something?" "Sure." Els speaks while cleaning her horns. "What do you see in Bill?" Ellen asks in a straight forward tone. "Well he is a strong guy, but deep down he has a caring heart." Els answer is exactly what Ellen expected. "Yeah that's nice, but come on. I need something better than that." Ellen digs a little bit more. Els just chuckles. "Well it is only fair that you go first. What is it about Jack that interests you?" "Straight forward aren't you?" Ellen begins cleaning her mane and gives her response. "He is sensitive, smart, and caring but I bet he would ravage me in the sack." Ellen's response instantly embarrasses the goat. "Oh my. I think you should turn the shower a bit colder Ellen." "I think it is always the quiet ones that really get the juices flowing if you know what I mean." Ellen feels herself getting a bit embarrassed. "Well I shared. Your turn Els." The goat feels obligated to take her reasoning in the same direction as her friend's. "Well, I picture myself in his big strong arms. He could wrap all around me. In my dreams I picture him lifting me up to his face to kiss him. I have never told anyone this, but when he saved me, he picked me up by my throat in his mouth. I was completely helpless. I think about that constantly." Els lets her voice just trail off. The sound of just the showers continues for just a minute. "Wow Els. That made my heart race. I may need to take another shower." "Stop it. Don't make fun." Els snaps back at the zebra's comment. "Oh no, Els. I am not making fun. I am jealous." Els hurries up and finishes her shower and dries off. "I'm getting dressed. I'll meet you out front." Els is totally embarrassed. "Hey Els?" The zebra calls out. "Yeah?" "Give me an extra few minutes ok?" "Yeah." Els heads out to get dressed.
After about half an hour, the two ladies meet up outside and hop on a short train to head down to the river. There is a new trendy ice cream shop that Els wants to try. It has a large mascot on the side of the building and there is a long line. The sun is shining and it is warming up nicely outside so many people want to try out the new treats. Els and Ellen get a table near the front and sit with their wonderful sweets. "I'm glad you asked me out Ellen. This is great. I needed something like this." Els is grateful for the trip. "I am happy to be here too Els." The zebra is a good friend to Els and she could use a break as well. The two ladies have a nice quiet conversation about the festival, their dance steps, and several other light topics while sampling each others' very expensive but very good confections.
The conversations are nice, but Ellen is now on a mission. She needs to find out some useful information for Bill. After all, he came through for her. The cunning zebra starts to direct the conversation. "Tell me about yourself Els. We spend this time together in Dance Club and in a class or two, but I don't really know a lot about you." The zebra is stalking the prey. "Well, I have one brother, who is younger than me, and my mom. They mean the world to me." She told a few stories of her family and how they grew up. Ellen made some mental notes. "We live on the west side of town by the temple. I have always loved that temple. I would walk down there when I was younger and just sit and listen to the sounds. They have beautiful Cherry Blossom trees and wooden benches to relax on. It was my refuge when the world was terrible." Els begins to stare off into space for a moment. "Hey I know the feeling. The world likes to kick you around sometimes. You just have to get back up and keep on." Ellen's tone is uplifting and positive. It brings Els back to the present. "Sorry, I don't mean to be a downer, I have just had a lot on my mind lately." "No big deal. We all get down from time to time. What can I do to cheer you up? What makes Els happy? Want to go with me to the dress shop? I need some new clothes for the festival." Ellen skillfully drives Els towards the possibility. "Sure, but can we be back by 4 or 5? I want to talk to Bill tonight. I want him to know that I am thinking about us." Els voice is soothing to Ellen and very sweet. "Whatever you need." Ellen has set the trap.
The two girls at the dress shop try on several options for Ellen. The lean and beautiful zebra makes just about anything look good, but she avoids stripes. It is a faux pas for zebras. Ellen settles on a very young looking bright green dress. It is trendy and modern and will definitely turn heads. Then the emphasis shifts to Els. "What can we get for a beautiful goat?" Ellen insists. "No I'm good. I don't really do the trendy clothing thing." Els tries to get out of it. "No, no, no, this isn't just about you. This is about you and Bill. If you are serious about going for that boy then you need to wow him. It is your job as the confident and strong female to make him melt into a puddle of stupid so you can lead him around!" Ellen is very good at these pep talks. Els just blushes. "You know what, fine. For Bill." Els gives in to her instincts. The zebra leads the goat on a parade of things that Els would never try on herself. Clothes, jewelry, purses, all sorts of shiny things to take a person's mind off of the world. The zebra pumps up her ego and gets her to really enjoy the process. Els is enjoying herself for the most part, but a little moment of doubt creeps up in her mind as she sees a small purse with a rose on it. She instantly is reminded of how someone she trusted led her down a dark path under the guise of friendship. "I've had lots of fun Ellen, but I think I am almost ready for home." Els seems to fall under her breath. "Ok Els, no problem. Was there anything that really caught your eye?" "Not today, but I had so much fun with you. Thank you for bringing me out." Els smiles and begins to reserve herself again. "No problem. We will do it again. Let's head for the train. You will get back in plenty of time to talk to Bill." Hearing this makes Els smile and they begin the walk back to the station.
The two friends get back to the school and Ellen wants to go back to the dorm to show the other girls her dress. Els tells her to go ahead, she will catch up later. Els walks over to a nearby bench to have a break and text Bill. ZZZT. ZZZT. Bill who was almost asleep in his bunk suddenly bolts up and almost hits his head on the bunk above him. He scrambles to find his phone that was wedged between his mattress and the wall. The picture on the screen is of Els. He quickly opens the text. This is the first time that they have communicated since the Hospital. "How is your voice Bill?" Els begins the conversation. "Getting better. Almost back to my sexy voice. Smiley emoji." This makes Els smile. "What about you? Feeling better?" The tiger is a little timid but genuinely curious about her condition. "I am good. I got some exercise today and went shopping with a friend. It was nice to have fun for a while." "That is great. I am glad you are feeling better." The tiger doesn't want to push things too much. She still needs time and he wants to take things slowly even though he feels like he is holding back.
ZZZT. ZZZT. Another person sends Bill a message. It's Ellen. "I have some info for you. Meet me outside your dorm in 20 minutes." Bill responds with "OK." He quickly gets back to Els. Hey Els, I don't want to rush anything, but do you want to meet up and talk tomorrow in person?" The tiger really does miss seeing Els. "Can we meet up a little later in the week? I have a lot to get done tomorrow." Els gives an excuse to put things off. She isn't ready to face him just yet. After the thoughts of betrayal today maybe its better to let those feelings settle down again. Bill is a little confused, but mostly let down. He has been building his hopes up to see her as soon as she got back to school, but she is already busy with her normal life. "Sounds good. Looking forward to it." Bill texts back trying to stay positive. "Thank you Bill. Good night." Els writes. "Good night." The tiger responds. He slumps over in his bed for a minute defeated. Then he remembers he has to meet Ellen. Maybe she can give him some good information.
Ellen sneaks out of the side door of the dorm so Els won't see her leaving. She makes a bee line straight to the boys' dorm. There are some benches outside where she sits and waits for the feline. Bill shows up just a few minutes later. "Thank you for doing this for me." Bill smiles and hopes for something he can latch on to. Ellen sits with the tiger and explains the whole day. Well the parts after the shower at least. She talks about the temple and the cherry blossom trees. She talks about the ice cream shop and what she ordered. Ellen is very meticulous in her details in the hopes that the hopeless boy might catch something useful. She talks about the dress shop and all of the dresses that she tried on. She talks about earrings, and purses, and all of the shiny things that might have caught her eye. Bill listens attentively but nothing pops at first. "Does anything stand out to you?" Bill asks of the zebra. "You know, I don't think she is into that stuff. You know, stuff, possessions or shiny things. She enjoyed the food, but it wasn't an experience for her. It was just food. The one thing that stood out to me was her emotion when she talked about her past. I don't know how to describe it. I'm sorry Bill. I tried really hard to get her to swoon for something, but I don't think she is like that." Ellen feels like she let him down a bit. "No it is ok. I know exactly what you mean. Thank you for being such a friend to her. She needs that right now." The large tiger stands up and bows lightly to the lady zebra. Ellen gets up and meets his gaze. "You know I had you pegged for just another stupid alpha carnivore." She stares at his eyes for a second as if she is going to respond. "Huh." She just gives a huff and turns to walk away. Bill thinks to himself, "What does that mean?" "Good night Bill." The zebra calls out without turning around. Bill responds with a simple, "Good night."
The next week really flies by. Sunday is lost getting ready for classes on Monday. The days of the week are lost with Dance practice, classes, studying, tests, and chores for the dorms. School moves as fast as school normally moves just with the air of regret that you aren't really outside enjoying the world. Bill checks his phone constantly for the hopes that he just missed some communication with Els but none comes. He runs the descriptions of Ellen's day with Els through his mind sifting for gold but none is ever found. He feels opportunity fading for a nice gesture for his lady goat. Late in the week Bill decides that he should go down to the special bench to think. Maybe something will spark there. He finds his way to the spot later in the evening almost at night fall. He sits on the familiar bench to release his mind from its constraints. His entire body relaxes and he almost gets lost in his lack of thought. Time on the other hand always knows that it's path is forward and doesn't stray. Bill sits on the bench for almost hours and the light fades away. His body starting to relax too much jolts him out of his state. It scares him a little that is almost doesn't know where he is momentarily. The method has worked. He knows his simple gesture now. He knows what he needs to do. He quickly makes a plan because it will take some time to make it happen. He is quickly filled with hope and excitement. He takes the time to say one thing out loud to the world. "Perfect."