Chapter 2: A New Friend and Partners

Judy sat and ate with her friends, but just as she was taking a bite of her carrot, she noticed Nick sitting by himself. Judy felt sorry that the fox was sitting with no friends, so Judy politely excused herself, and went over to sit with Nick.

"Hello," Judy said kindly, sitting next to Nick.

"Hi. What was your name? Hopps?" Nick replied back.

"Yes. Judy Hopps. And you're Nick Wilde. We sat next to each other in English class," Judy answered.

"Right. So, how are you Judy?" Nick asked politely.

"I'm doing good. How are you, Nick?" Judy responded.

I'm okay. I don't exactly have any friends since this is my first day at school. And I'm just nervous," Nick said nervously. Judy tilted her head.

"'Nervous'? Why are you nervous?" Judy asked curiously.

"I had a bad experience before with prey. I don't want to talk about it. But, the thing is, I know a lot of animals see us foxes as someone you can't trust. I'm nervous because I don't know who will trust me or not. I don't want to be pushed away just because someone doesn't trust me enough to be friends with me," Nick explained.

"I-I'm sorry," Judy said softly. Judy felt bad for Nick. Nobody wanted to be his friend just because he was a fox? They wouldn't even give him a chance? She couldn't imagine how Nick must have felt.

"Nick... It's not your fault. Those other animals shouldn't treat you like that. They never even took a chance to get to know you..." Judy said kindly. Judy sighed.

"Nick,

I know to you must not be the happiest fox knowing you got me as your partner in the play, and I didn't expect this either. But since we don't have a choice, can we please just try to get to know each other? I think it will help us both. Besides, it might help you with making friends," Judy suggested. Nick smiled.

"You're right. Let's give it a try. See you later?" Nick replied.

"Yes. Maybe even tomorrow," Judy said until they both ate their lunch, and then went to their classes after recess. School was good for the rest of the day, and then all the students went on the bus to go home. Nick was one of the first students to get dropped off, and then Judy was one of the last ones.

"Hi Judy, how was school?" Bonnie asked kindly.

"It was good mom," Judy replied before going up to her bedroom to do her homework. Hours passed by as Judy tried her best to do her work. Eventually, it was dinner time.

"So Judy, what happened at school today?" Stu asked as the family sat down to eat.

"I went to my class, I like my teachers, and got to hang out with my friends," Judy answered.

"Oh, did you meet any new friends?" Bonnie asked enthusiastically. Judy's ears dropped knowing what was next.

"Yes. We got assigned as partners in English class for the Romeo and Juliet play. But..." Judy said until she stopped.

"But what, Judy? What's wrong?" Stu encouraged. This was it. Judy gulped, and then nervously said "Okay. The thing is... He... He... My partner... is a fox..." Judy answered. Judy was shaking, and looked down, feeling nervous. She was afraid about what would happen next.

*Meanwhile, at Nick's home...*

"Hi Nick, how was school?" Nick's mom asked.

"It was good," Nick replied back. His mom then let Nick go to his bedroom where he looked over his homework, and put the books on his bed. He decided however to just relax and play catch with a soft ball. Hours passed by until it was time for dinner.

"So Nick. You said school was good, but what happened?" Nick's mom asked.

"I went to my classes, we talked about what we would do, and then I got homework," Nick replied.

"Did you meet anyone new. A friend perhaps?" Nick's dad asked.

"Well, I'm doing this play in English class. It's Romeo and Juliet, and I got a partner. My partner even introduced herself to me at lunch. However..." Nick said. Suddenly he stopped talking.

"What? What is it? Who is your partner?" Nick's mom asked with excitement. Nick sighed.

"Mom, my partner ... She... She... She's a bunny..." Nick said before staring apprehensively at his parents. Silence followed.