Part 29

Porsha was getting ready for school while Suki was tapping on her laptop, subtly looking over her shoulder. "Still trying to convince the New Moon Troupe to come back. There was an emergency that has delayed the conversation." She silently read the email.

"Aunt Suki, what if I don't want to do the play again?" Porsha asked. "Since I own the company, if I ask, would the board let them out of the contract?"

Suki tilted her head up. "They might, sweetheart. What's wrong?"

Porsha shook her head. "It's just… I'm afraid it'll dredge up those memories. That was the night Daddy…"

Suki nodded with understanding. "I know you miss him. I'm sorry I couldn't stop him. He just wouldn't listen to me."

The arctic wolf shook her head. "You tried, Aunt Suki. It's not your fault he didn't take your advice. It's my fault for getting him mad at Mr. Moon in the first place. I knew Daddy had a temper but still pushed his buttons. And I knew Mr. Moon wasn't firing me, I just overreacted."

Suki got up. "Honey, look, nothing about that night was your fault. But I'll talk to the board, I'll let them know how much it would affect you." She promised.

Porsha sighed. "I better get to school. I'll be late. Noosh, let's go! Bye Big Daddy!" The lynx came out of the bathroom and they ran for the bus stop. On the way, Porsha's phone rang. Marcus just heard Porsha's exuberant "hey Meena" as he came out of the bedroom.

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Ash was trying to decide what to do for their next show. With Eddie's hospitalization, they were going to be doing variety shows for a while longer. She was also writing a new song about second love. While typing lyrics into her computer, her phone rang again. "Hey Lance, what's up?"

"Ash, I need help! I promised to play my kids' class today but my D string broke and I'm out of spares. The music store doesn't open in time. Do you have an extra one I can borrow?" He asked desperately.

She checked her supplies. "Sure. I can bring it to you or you can pick it up."

"Actually, can you bring it to the school? We're running late," he pleaded. "Please?"

She sighed and chuckled. "No problem." She grabbed the extra pack of strings.

She met her boyfriend and his kids in front of the school. The porcupettes each hugged her. "Hey kiddos. Here you go, Lance." She offered him her extra pack of strings. "Keep the pack, I have plenty of D strings."

He smiled. "Thanks, you saved my butt. It's my turn to help in the classroom today so I said I would play for them. Would you like to join us?"

She was hesitant but Raquelle and Little Lance both have her huge, puppy dog eyes. "I guess I could stay for a little while. I didn't bring my instrument though."

"The music section will have an extra. Admittedly, it's about this big," he held his hands to indicate a child's sized guitar. "We can share mine. Or I can play and you can sing. You have the better voice."

The entrance way was circular with windows all around. Hanging on the walls were artwork the kids had done. She followed him through the cafeteria and another long hallway until they reached a large, open hall with a set of stairs going up on one side, a large wall and a couple of doorways marked "Library" and a hallway to the right. Finally, they reached a classroom filled with littles between five and six years of age.

The teacher was a youngish female duck. "Good morning, Mr. Beaumont. Hey, Raquelle, Lance, we're just getting ready for circle time. Go join your friends on the magic carpet. And who is this?" She asked, gesturing to Ash.

"This is my girlfriend, Ash. She wants to help out. My kids love her," he explained. "Ash, this is Ms. Dubois. Sorry we're a bit late, my d string broke and Ash was nice enough to bring me one."

"Well, that was very kind of you. Please, come in, the more the merrier as they say," she laughed as they joined the kids on the round rug with ABCs and 123s embroidered in concentric circles. "Kids, we have two volunteers today. You know Mr. Beaumont and this is his friend…"

Ash realized she was waiting for a last name. "Oh, um, Cohen. Ash Cohen. But please, just Ash will suffice."

"Well, Ms. Ash, every morning, start with a welcome song," the teacher explained while Lance put the new string onto his guitar. He spent a few minutes tuning it. He came over and began strumming the simple tune of "The Farmer in the Dell." "Just join in when you feel comfortable. Raquelle is here today, Raquelle is here today…"

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Tyler couldn't help giving a loud whoop of excitement. "How quick was that, you stud?" He smiled while he stirred some cereal with marshmallows and melted butter. "That is awesome!"

Alphonso piped the choux pastry onto the baking tray into five-and-a-half inch logs. "I know. I can barely believe it. I can only pray that I'm ready for this. I'm going to be a daddy. There's going to be a little baby elephant who is going to depend on me, look up to me. It's a lot of pressure."

"So is running a food truck. So is being married. So is planning a wedding in a month. So is packing up and moving 570 miles," Tyler listed off a few things. "You've done so much already, Alphie. And you have at least 20 months to prepare. You got this."

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"Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…" Ash sat with the children, singing along as Lance played the tune of "Oh my darling Clementine."

Playing with the kids was a different experience from playing in the clubs or even the theater. They didn't care when Lance occasionally hit a bad note or if Ash accidentally went flat or if she missed a word. They loved it. She found the twin green eyes of the twins. They just smiled with glee and adoration. All they cared about was that she was there and they were having fun. The songs were simple, familiar and comfortable.

"I've been working on the railroad, all the livelong day…." Circle time melded into music time.

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At Calatonia PS118 High School, an iguana wearing a lab coat and goggles stood over a lab table with several shallow, silver cups filled with different substances. "Now when we pour a little alcohol over the salts and then…" he used a long-nose lighter to light each cup of salt. "Each salt causes the alcohol to burn a different color…"

Nooshy watched with fascination. "Whoa! That is sick!" She said, making everyone laugh at her. "Sorry…"

The teacher just smiled. "Hey, it is sick. I agree. Science is fun! Science is exciting. Science explains our world and how it works. There's nothing more sick than science."

Nooshy smiled at the praise until she heard the words, "teacher's pet alert" come from behind her. She shook her head. They didn't understand. She couldn't help getting excited at the opportunity to go to school.

"Hey, ignore them," a voice said beside and she looked at her desk partner, a filly with big, thick coke-bottle glasses and a shoulder-length mane. "I'm Anna. And ignore those idiots. They just can't stand it when someone likes learning. It makes them feel bad about themselves." She laughed.

"Thanks, I'm Nooshy," the lynx said. "I ain't never been to school before this year."

Anna nodded. "Ahh, that makes sense then. Don't worry, I can help you fit in. You should consider joining our academic decathlon team if you like science."

Nooshy shook her head. "I'm more interested in the dance team. I'm an expert street dancer. Used to dance in Redshore City."

Anna looked her over. "You'll want to talk to Mrs. Fernandez. She's the dance team instructor and head of the fine arts department. She also teaches literature." She opened her textbook as the teacher assigned the day's coursework.

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At 1:50, Eddie and Rosita walked into the office of Dr. Rosenthal, Grief Counselor. He looked at her. "Do I really need a shrink? I mean, I'm okay now…"

Rosita nodded. "Eddie, there's no shame in seeing a therapist. It can be helpful to talk to someone who isn't so close to the issue. Honestly, I think we might all benefit from seeing Dr. Rosenthal." She reassured him.

"Mr. Moon-Suarez," a middle-aged brown-fleece female llama called from the opened door.

Eddie looked at Rosita. "Okay… here I go…" He went into the office.

"Good afternoon, please come in," she led the sheep inside. "Do you mind if I call you Eddie?"

"No, go right ahead…" he sat down quietly, unsure what to do.

The llama went to her single-cup brewer and popped a portion cup into the compartment and a drinking cup in the cup holder. "Can I get you anything to drink?" Eddie shook his nervously. "Are you sure? I have coffee, tea, soda, juice and water?"

He shrugged. "Okay, orange soda, please?" He asked. She reached into her mini-fridge and grabbed him a can before sitting down with her notepad.

"So tell me a little bit about yourself," she asked him gently.

"Well, I'm 41 years old, still single. I still live with my parents, Rosita and Norman because of… things… that happened…" he stammered.

"Things? What things?" She asked, inviting him to tell her.

He looked down. "Well, um, my best friend… he died back in May… and… he was my best friend. No one knew or understood me like he did."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds like you were very close," the doctor said.

Eddie nodded. "I… I loved him…" He waited a moment, waiting to see if the doctor understood without him having to explain.

"I see… losing someone like that… it can be devastating, do you want to tell me about it?" She offered.

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For kindergarten, the school day ended at noon and Ash joined Lance and the kids for lunch. "That was a lot of fun." She admitted.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Raquelle and Lancey were just having a ball," he said as they watched them play on Croc's jungle gym. "They really love you, you know."

She shook her head. "I don't know why. I'm still not sure how good a mother figure I am."

He chuckled. "Well, I think you're doing great at just being their friend." He didn't want her to feel any pressure.

She smiled. "Thanks, Lance. Hey, I got a call from Meena today and you won't believe it. She's pregnant!"

"What! Wow! That was fast!" Lance marveled. "Tell her I say congratulations. And I have my interview with Alphonso tomorrow."

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Suki sat in front of her laptop, reading the email from the other board members. Porsha's request had not been well-received. "It's sad what happened to her father but there's a bottomline at stake. We need to make our money back that we spent on that show. It was too expensive. If Porsha doesn't feel comfortable being in the show, she doesn't have to be. She is replaceable." She growled. Corporate stooges, the lot of them.

Marcus' shadow appeared behind her. "They're not going to let it go, are they?"

She shook her head. "No and if I can't convince them to do the show, they'll have to pay the penalty fee. The cost of production. It's a hefty bill too. I just don't feel right about either option." She leaned back in the dining room chair. "I don't know what to do… Crystal wanted Porsha to take over one day. I understand she's not ready but the board is not listening to me. At least he took me seriously when it came to professional matters."

He leaned the chair forward again and put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing gently but firmly. "You're working too hard. You'll find a solution, you just need to relax." He whispered, blowing into her ear. He was rewarded with a shiver.

"You are so adorable…" she teased. "That's not the answer to everything though. I got to get at least some work done." She turned around to peck his cheek. "The girls'll be home soon anyway."

He smiled and grabbed a beer from the fridge. Suki was special. 13 years prior, he thought his life was over. His world was falling apart and he had no idea how he was going to make it through. Only his son kept him from doing anything too foolish but he went far enough, committing robberies for a living. He even forced him to quit school at 16. They needed a lookout. He still felt terrible for that. Suki and the girls represented a second chance. She helped him legally adopt both girls even though Porsha was more of a formality as she would be 18 in March.

"You're worrying way too much, is my point. They can handle themselves. Tell them what the board says, give them the options and go from there," he said.

She nodded. "I'll ask Mrs. Suarez if we can all meet. It really can't wait." She pulled out her phone. "Hey, Mrs. Suarez? Oh, I'm sorry I forgot Eddie had his first appointment today. Hey, can we meet later? The entire troupe. Yes, the board isn't backing down so we need to discuss the situation. I know, I'm sorry. I'm trying my best. Thank you. 5pm? At the theater? Great. I'll even buy dinner for everyone. I insist. Give Eddie my best. Bye." She hung up and pulled up the app to order several pizzas for 4:30.

"Well at least you have an excuse to stay awhile," Marcus pointed out the plus of the situation. "I miss you when you're gone."

Suki blushed. "You always know what to say? How?" She asked.

He shrugged. "I just like seeing you smile is all. And I'd hate it if you worked yourself sick." He touched her reddening cheeks. "I love you…" Blue eyes locked with brown eyes. They hadn't used that word yet.

"I… I…" she jumped as the front door opened.

"Big Daddy, we're home!" Porsha called, breaking the mood. "And I got a text from Rosita asking us to meet at the theater at 5?"

Suki nodded. "Yeah, the board is not respecting your wishes. They say you're not in charge yet and are not willing to waive the penalty. Although they'll "graciously" allow you to not reprise your role if it bothers you so." She rolled her eyes.

Porsha thought about it. "What if I offered to pay the penalty myself? Out of my personal account, not the company's. No money is lost."

"It would leave you nearly drained, since your inheritance is in a trust until your 21st birthday," Suki warned her. "Are you sure?"

Porsha nodded. "Yes! Look, I know what everyone says but I am at least partially responsible for what happened. I ruined the show. Let me try to make it right."

Marcus shook his head. "Porsha, this is not your fault. You can't keep thinking this way." Maybe they needed to get her into grief counseling too.

Suki rubbed his shoulder. "Let's talk to the troupe and see what they want to do."

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In the waiting room, Rosita looked at the floor. Crystal Entertainment's board of directors were being unreasonable. She didn't know what to do other than discuss it with the troupe and Nana too. The old ewe would know how to handle these corporate monkeys. She had really inserted herself into their lives since Buster's passing. She supposed it was out of respect for Buster. If Rosita was the troupe mama then Nana was the unofficial troupe granny.

Then she was reminded of her dreams. Every night was becoming the same. She would have to try and fail to save him every night only for him to lament that he didn't get to hear her and Gunter's song. What if he was telling them to do the show? Just one more time.

"Buster, I can't… I can't make the jump! I can't do it," she said, not realizing she was talking out loud.

"Mama Rosita?" Eddie's voice cut into her thoughts. "Are you alright?"

Rosita nodded, wiping her eyes. "Yeah, sweetheart, I was just…" She looked up. "That was a quick hour."

"Excuse me," Dr. Rosenthal got her attention. "May I speak with you?"

Rosita stood up. "Of course. Wait here sweetie." She told Eddie before going into the doctor's office. "Is everything alright?"

"That's what I was going to ask you," the llama replied. When the sow looked at her confused, she continued. "I can see you're grieving someone too."

She nodded. "I'm going to assume he told you about Buster. He was our boss but… we were closer than that. He was our best friend. He was family. We all loved him so much…"

The doctor nodded. "It's rare to find an employer you can call family." She brewed a cup of tea with a lemon wedge and gave it to her. "Drink, and if you want to confide in me, you can."

Rosita froze for only a moment. "Um, Eddie is the patient."

The llama smiled. "Yes, but I overheard you tell him that you could both benefit from an appointment. If you want him to take therapy seriously, put your dinero where you put your dinner." She chuckled.

Rosita sighed. "I guess you're right… I'm okay most of the time. But… others. I was the one in the position to save him and I couldn't." She said. "And everyone says it's not my fault but we only went to Redshore City because I talked everyone into Buster's plan. Then I became afraid of heights all of a sudden so Crystal gave my part to his kid. But she was such a bad actress, it's not her fault, she's only 17. But Buster had no choice but to give me back the part and…." She began spilling the story to the therapist.

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At 4:30, Johnny and Ryan led Darius across the street to the theater. The yak had asked to see it before the meeting. He had wanted to see it before but it was never a good moment.

The first thing Darius noticed was the statue in the lobby. "Wow! Not that's what I call a memorial!" He admired the craftsmanship. "It sucks, ya know. Why do the great ones never stick around like they should?" He asked lamentingly. "He was a good person. I liked working under him."

Johnny nodded. "Nana commissioned it. This theater was where Mr. Moon felt most at home. So, we felt this was the best resting place."

Darius nodded. "I wish I could have been at the service. Hey, Mr. Moon, thanks for the job." He touched the statue briefly. "There will never be a director like you again."

AN: Ending here. Next part will be the meeting. Question: Should they do the show? Why or why not? Please comment and review.