Happy Birthday to me...

That's right! It's my birthday! So I'm adding the second chapter of WCHB:Wave to celebrate.

xXx

Aradia Megido had loved animals all her life. Not the normal, domesticated kind that people keep as pets, no. She loved the wild, exotic types. She understood them far better than she did her fellow humans. These beautiful creatures were loving, expressive, empathetic, and fascinating to the last.

In Uni, she kept to the side lines, brushing off everyone who tried to socialise. Except for one girl. Jade was her best friend, even after all these years. She understood and shared Aradia's love of the natural world far better than others. So, when Aradia got publicity for that bit with the panda, and found veterinary clinics land reporters at her doorstep, Jade was there for her.

Now, sitting at her desk, finishing up paperwork from her last patient, she sighed. When she was done, she leaned back in her chair and stared up at the ceiling. Business had been slow lately, not that she minded. The animals she worked with were just fine, but their owners/handlers were awful. No matter how much they fretted over the beasts, it was obvious they cared more about the attention and money that the animals got them than the animals themselves. It made her sick.

A few minutes before closing, there was a knock at the door.

"That's odd..." She thought, "No one ever comes around this late."

She opened the door to reveal a bright eyed ginger woman in sopping wet clothes. She called her inside and started tea.

xXx

"So...What brings you here so late, Miss, er..." She trailed off as she handed the woman the warm mug.

"Feferi." she replied, taking the tea gratefully. Her long red hair, now almost dry, curled around her face and shoulders in an unruly manner. "Feferi Peixes. And I came asking about a whale. A young orca that my research group rescued not too long ago. She hasn't been behaving normally, but no one seems to beleive me. I'm getting very worried about her..."

There ws genuine concern in her voice, Aradia could parse that much.

"What are the symptoms?"

Feferi looked up at the woman, aparently startled the she had so readily believed her.

"...Oh! Er, she hasn't really been eating enough, and she never socialises with any of the other orcas at the aquarium. I fear that this behaviour could lead to serious health problems if left untreated. My superiors refused to pay for any additional medical fees, and I'm afraid that what I've managed to scrounge up isn't nearly enough..."

Aradia nearly spilt her tea.

"You're really, going to pay out of pocket?!"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I? I'm worried about the poor girl, so whatever it takes, however much it costs, I'll find a way to pay you."

Aradia couldn't believe her ears. Finally, here was someone who actually cared for these creatures as much as she did. She hadn't been this interested in a human since...

"Don't worry about the cost, I'll take what you've got so far. I just have one question... How did you hear about me?"

"That's rather a funny story actually. Though I'm quite familiar with your work, and admire what you do, that had nothing to do with my requesting your employment. It seems we have a mutual friend, a miss..."

"Jade Harley." Aradia finished for her. "I'll take your case. When can I see the patient?"

"Ah! I can pick you up tommorow morning. The aquarium is closed, so it's the perfect time for you to examine her."

"Sounds perfect!"

"Great! I'll pick you up at, say, Eight o'clock?"

Aradia nodded. Feferi smiled in return, gathered up her things, and headed towards the door. Aradia followed after, and opened the door to the dark, rainy street outside. They mumbled a formal goodbye, and Feferi extended a hand. Aradia shook it, smiling softly. Feferi beamed and headed out, still waving until neither one could see the other.

Aradia closed the door, resting her forehead against the doorjamb. Her heart was pounding beneath her hand, and a faint flush spread across her cheeks, ending at her dark red curls.

'That smile will be the death of me.' She thought, before turning and readying herself for bed.

xXx

How'd I do? Romantic motorbike rides shall ensue next chapter.