Chapter 3: Arrival [I thought It would never come!] We reached the small town of New Bern North Carolina. It was about 7pm when we reached my aunt and uncle's little ranch house which was supposedly built only 3 years ago. There to greet us at the door was my welcoming Uncle Fox (or uncle foxy) and my aunt Mary Anne. Also between the was my cousin Ash. Uncle Foxy was a tall, very thin, lanky red fox who looked nearly identical to my dad; and they weren't even twins! My aunt Mary Anne was shorter [but taller than me!] She was a very pretty red fox, and her age clearly casted her wisdom. My cousin Ash just turned 13. He was a short little dude. He was too a little red fox with a rambunctious attitude. Oddly enough he seemed deeply shy. But he was polite and the outmost friendly.

"Welcome, y'all!" exclaimed uncle foxy.

"As we exchanged our hellos, I scurried to the bathroom, knowing that at any second my bladder would surely explode. After I relieved myself, I headed wearily over to the sink. As I washed my hands, I peered into the empty faced teen staring blankly back. I was in shock. There was more than 'exhausted' written all over my face. I looked horrid. My hair was greasy and tangled, eyes bloodshot, and-IS THAT DRIED DROOL ON MY SLEEVE? GROSS. Yep, I'm sure anybody [at a first impression] would think I was a hobo or hippie.

As I emerged from the bathroom I sauntered on over to the island in the kitchen. I engaged myself in a conversation with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. It was fun catching up with them. Even though we were in North Carolina, they had the southern hospitality of a texan. I was also surprised they didn't question my appearance. My mother's side of the family is the upmost judgmental, and whenever we see them I'm constantly ridiculed about my hair and/or piercings.

Later on that evening we drove off to dinner at a nearby Outback Steakhouse. I never felt so hungry. I scarfed down those fucking amazing cheesy fries and the ever so popular bloomin' onion. And finally after scarfing down a salad, more fries and a big ass burger I was able to converse with my 13 year old cousin. He told me how he loved music. Not really any of the stuff I was into, however he enjoyed that Indie stuff like City and Colour and Ratatat. I thought that was pretty cool. He also told me how he wanted to show me and Amy his guitar and even wanted me to givew him so pointers and teach him so new stuff. Once you got to know Ash, he really wouldn't shut up. I really wish I spent more time in the past growing up with him. He's a real good kid; and I knew this week was gonna be good.

We got back to the house at around 11pm and played some texas hold 'em, and then crashed at around 12:30am. We all knew Fox would be home at some point tonight, so my Aunt Mary left the door unlocked and left a text on his cell letting him know to just come in whenever. Me and Amy shared an air mattress in the living room. As the time moseyed on to about 1am, we exchanged our wandering thoughts.

"What do you think he's gonna be like?" asked Amy.

"I have no clue...I hope he's nice. If he's a total dick mom will never get off his case about ditching us for the military..." I replied.

"Well, I'm sure he'll be cool, and I don't know about you Matt, but I'm so excited, I just might cry like a baby when I see him!

"Oh Amy, you're such a loser...nah, who am I kidding? I'm sure I'll cry too...he'll be home safe and sound, the one thing I've been waiting for for so long now.

"yeah..." we both said in unison. then chuckled.

"Well, night dude. Tomorrow is a new day! Amy excitedly said.

"Night, Sis. I'm super excited! I yawned.

After 15 minutes passed I was out.