Dawn was busy studying for her finals in the library but she wanted to ask her mom about the application to the independent study program so she gathered her books and went to her mother's office. But before she went in she heard her mother talking and when she opened the door a crack she saw she was on the phone.
"Yes, I do believe she's the best student to attend the program that's why I'm hoping she'll be willing to apply come next semester. Uh-ah, she shows real promise in the academic world and I hope she'll put that to good use once she leaves school. I will admit, I am going to miss her, I've only had her for about a year and a half but she's become my top student and if she skips next year then I'll only have her for a semester that is if she gets in the program…
Judy Hopps may be the first rabbit to get into All-Girls but she has proven herself to be a valuable student. We lucky to have her and you'll be lucky to have her in the program." there was a pause, "Yes, I know it's unusual for a school official to send in a recommendation before the student has even applied but I have faith that Judy will apply and I figured it was wise to send in the recommendation ahead of time." another pause, "You're quite welcome, we'll send it in as soon as possible. Goodbye."
Once she hung up, Dawn could only stay still. She was shocked by what she heard. Turned out the brochure her mother had was for Judy. Dawn knew important Judy was to her mother when she came to the school but she never thought she would favor her over her own daughter! Why didn't she give her these kind of opportunities or give out recommendations about to her to promising schools with excellent programs? It just wasn't fair.
It was bad enough that Judy was the top student and that all their teachers adored her. Sure they gave her praise in class but that was because she was the headmistress's daughter! Judy earned the teachers' favor because she was a hardworking student and didn't have any relations tied to the school.
Judy was also a superstar when it came to sports while she didn't participate in any athletics. So it's no wonder she was loved by her mother so much. Judy gave so much to the school that it made Dawn jealous. She sighed heavily and headed back to the library.
Judy had been so busy studying she hardly had time to figure out what was wrong with Dawn as for the past few days Dawn had completely ignored her. At first she thought she was too busy studying but when she tried to wave at her or talk to her in their dorm, Dawn would just turn the other way and not look at her! Judy wanted to know what went wrong between them and she wanted to tell Nick about this development but he had his own finals to worry about.
Fru and Giselle were noticing the problem too but their studies kept them from speaking. Finals were much too important at the moment so friendship had to wait.
When finals were finally done, Judy confronted Dawn in their dorm.
"You have been completely ignoring me all week! What gives?!"
"You're smart, you figure it out." the sheep said bitterly.
"What have I done? I don't remember doing anything to you!"
"Oh, really…? How about you suddenly waltzing into this school and getting all the credit?!"
"What…?"
"You're the top student of this school and a champion at sports. You brought so much to the academy that my mother wants to send you to an independent study program!"
Judy's eyes widen, "You… you found out about that?"
"I thought I could get application from her when I learned the truth… She prefers you over me…"
"No! Dawn, that's not true!"
"Isn't it? She praises you all the time, Judy, and hardly does any favors for me and I'm her daughter! When winter break is over, I'm going to request moving into a new dorm… I can't stay here and look at the daughter my mother would rather have…" and with that she left the room.
Judy stood motionless before rushing to her bed and reaching for her phone and dialing a fox's number.
"That's it, get it all out…" he patted her back as she was crying into his chest while they sat beneath the tree on the All-Boys' side of the wall. He tried to lighten the mood, "I knew bunnies were emotional but I never thought they can be this emotional…"
"I am a horrible friend…" she mumbled.
"You are nothing of the sort, Bellwether is just going through some mommy issues right now, give her time and she'll come to her senses…" but remembering the dream involving Dawn and the Night Howlers he wasn't sure about that.
"I guess…" she lifted her head up feeling a bit calmer, "do you think that'll work?"
"I can't promise you one-hundred percent but there's a ninety-percent chance she'll move past it."
She sighed before asking, "So… any plans for winter break?"
"I spend it every year with my mom and sometimes Fin tags along because he can't stand seeing his relatives."
"That's too bad. I love spending Clawsmas with my family, come tomorrow I'll be on the next train to Bunnyburrow."
"You call me every chance you'll get?"
"As long as you do the same."
Judy was all packed up and dialed the number for her parents and they came up on video cam.
"Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!"
"Hi, sweetheart!" Bonnie called out.
"Hey, Jude the Dude!"
"Well, I'm done with my finals and I'm heading home tomorrow for break."
"Oh, dear…" Bonnie uttered.
Judy's ears drooped, "What? What is it?"
"Gosh, Jude, we thought you caught the weather report for the tri-burrows. We're snowed in!"
"No!" Judy gasped.
Bonnie nodded sadly, "I'm afraid so, sweetie, we had a blizzard two days ago and it's still snowing."
Stu said, "All the roads are closed and the train can't get through, so I'm afraid you're stuck in Zootopia." he muttered, "Not that's a good thing…"
"This is going to be a problem… Every student has to leave the school tomorrow, it's the rule."
Bonnie asked, "Do you have enough money for a hotel?"
"Cripes, Bon, how is she going to pay for a hotel for two weeks?!"
"I'm sure I'll think of something, Dad, don't worry about me."
"I've been worrying since you went away to that school! But if anyone can get through a dilemma, it's you Jude."
"Thanks, I love you guys, I'll call as soon as I found a place to stay."
"We love you sweetie." and they hung up.
Fru had been packing nearby when she heard the whole conversation and asked, "Are you going to stay in a hotel, Judy?"
"What choice do I have, Fru? I can't go home and the school will be closed so… I'll have to be careful with my budget for the next two weeks."
"Judy Hopps, you're barely making ends meet while you're in school! Your tuition relies on a scholarship! You only have enough to buy supplies and bathroom products, there's no way you can cover for a hotel! No, you are coming home with me for the holidays and I won't take no for an answer!"
She gapped, "Will you, Fru?"
"Of course! Besides, Daddy loves having company over and since you're my best friend, roommate, and classmate all together, he won't object."
Judy put her paws around the shrew like it was a hug.
"Gosh, Carrots, had I known you couldn't get home I would have offered you to stay over at my place first." Nick said into his phone.
Judy responded through the screen, "Which is why I'm glad Fru did offered first. Because how would it look if I told my parents I was staying over at my boyfriend's for two weeks?"
He cringed, "Probably not very good."
"Especially since they took the news about us rather shockingly when I called them right away after the Ball."
"Figures, since I'm your first and hopefully last fox beau."
"But they trust my judgment even though I never told them about Roland cheating on me."
"Why didn't you?"
"Remember how I told you that rabbits are clans and we don't get into fights with other clans since we live in a community that needs to depend on each other? Well, my dad would have freak out so bad and lash out on Roland that a big fight between our families would have occurred."
"Like the Harefields and the McCougars?"
"Exactly. Bunnyburrow is just so populated with rabbits that having a feud is dangerous."
He let out a low whistle.
"You know, it just occurred to me… since I'll be staying with Fru and she lives in Tundra Town… I bet I can visit that repair shop and talk to Lydia's girlfriend!"
"Not without me you aren't."
"But aren't you going to be busy with your mom?"
"Not that busy, look Carrots we started this thing together and we're going to finish it together."
"Well if you're sure, then give me a call of when you're free and we'll go there together."
"It's a deal."
She let out a yawn, "It's getting late."
"Agreed, I need my beauty sleep."
She giggled, "Good night, Nick."
"Good night, Judy."
When she hung up he gave a sigh, thinking, Its better she didn't come home with you… If she was there, chances are we would have lost control and did something we might regret later, she would resent me and that's something I really don't want. Fin had the right idea about those condoms. Mating is a natural part of our lives but it's just too soon. Thus, I will keep my distance until the proper time. The question is though, can I even wait that long?
He had reasoned that he had better or he would risk losing the girl he loved forever.
AN: I can't thank you enough for your support, dear readers, as of now this story has the most reviewers then any of my other stories! But it might be awhile before I can update the next chapter, things are getting busy at school so I have to focus on that. Until next time!