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Record 9 - The story of a fateful Christmas

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Recording - Hopps 1-I

Christmas is my favorite time of the year! Lights everywhere, decorating the pine tree, cookies, carols...

In the Hopp family we always took Christmas very seriously. After the big, delicious dinner, which we all prepared together, we would get together in litters and put on a show... not to brag, but my Christmas play from '95, "the theft of the Christmas carrot", has never been topped.

This year for the first time I won't be home...my parents are a little...dramatic about it, but they're coping. Not having completed my first year on the force, I still can't ask for vacation... and when I tried to ask for a day off, Chief Bogo kindly reminded me that I took three months off in the spring... so it was out of the question.

The good news is that he will let me go with him to visit the Academy! It will be a nice surprise for Nick, he doesn't suspect a thing.

Stop Recording- Hopps 1-I

…

- So the little toot toot will go to the Academy... excellent and useful! - The fennec fox carefully closed the door connecting the two departments. He sat on the couch with his brandy in hand, waiting for the call that promptly came at 8 pm.

- three, two... - And promptly his phone rang. - Finnick.

- Hey Finn buddy! How's it going over there?

- If by "everything" you mean your "cottontail"...

- You know I didn't just call about her.

- So "she" is the reason? - The fennec smiled mischievously, hearing the nervousness in his friend's voice.

- You know what I mean... Things in general! How's it going over there?

- All ok, your "big grumpy buffalo" boss, has been making her work late, but all good.

- I see... What about her roomie?

- Pretty quiet and unnoticed. You can tell she's another country girl.

- Well, since everything seems fine… Oh Nick, not everything is fine...

- What is it now?

- Your old friend needs some money...

- Finnick, I already sent you my contribution for this month, you know that the nine months at the academy are not paid!

- Ok, ok, As you want... And I thought you'd be in a better mood since "Purple eyes" is... oops...

- What's up with her?

- Oh no, nothing, I'd better let you rest.

- Take 200 you know where! Now tell me.

- Make it 250!

- Finn!

- Well, if you want to make it 300...

- Ok, you win, 250, now what were you going to say? Don't tell me she's on a dangerous mission!

- Oh no, you take it easy Nicky, nothing like that. Just a silly thing really, only she's going to see you for Christmas, your bitter bull boss will take her.

- Really? - A slight change in the red fox's tone was noticeable. - Great! It was starting to get boring here! Funny she didn't say anything to me.

- Oh, you know how females are, I'm sure it was a surprise or something.

- Well now that I know...maybe I should counter surprise her. - A sly smile came across the cadet's face.- Thanks Finn, see ya!

- How cute Carrots! Trying to surprise me... let's let her think she's making it…

Back to the unofficially named pentwin- Hopps, Judy happily finished her video and got her things ready to leave for the night shift.

- Hey Jude! I didn't realize you had arrived.

- Yeah, about two hours ago, it's just that when you start sketching, you get lost from the outside. - She smiled at the sheep.

- Actually I do. - She said a little embarrassed. - Judy, have you ever thought about getting married?

- Sorry Lana, you're not my type. - The doe scoffed.

- Funny! The thing is, I'm designing a wedding dress and I'm...

- You want to use me as a mannequin, huh?

- Oh, come on!

- Okay, I'll do it! But... you'll take care of the dishes for next month.

- It's a deal! Thank you, Thank you! I know you've been very busy lately.

- Yes, I'm preparing to visit Nick the day after tomorrow.

- Ah, so that's why you've been working out so much extra?

- No! Well part of it is, it's just that I was asked to do a demonstration on the big test track and...

- Officer Hopps had to prove that she's still the best... Oh Judes, you never change!

- Heh, I guess not...

- Hey... but don't forget that tomorrow you have to talk to my mother...

- Yeah, I don't know how she found you, but don't worry, I'll convince her that Zootopia is a safe city and besides, I'm looking out for you!

- Thank you Judy! I will keep working on my design!

- Go ahead, I'll go to work, see you tomorrow!

Judy walked, through the door, putting the lock on and jumped out of fright, when she noticed her future partner's little friend.

- Hey Finnick, you almost gave me a heart attack!

- Sorry Whoopsie Hoppsie, I didn't mean to. Are you going out, so late?

- You still haven't passed your daily report to Nick, huh? - She smiled slyly at him, started walking towards the elevator while buttoning her jacket.

- Oh, no, he's just about to call, do you want me to tell him you'll see him, today or tomorrow morning?

- But how did you find out! - Judy stood stunned and frozen in front of the open elevator. - I hadn't told anyone!

- I have my ways...

- What do you want?

- Two hundred bucks.

- That's blackmailing an officer!

- I call it a convenient transaction. My bills.

- Agh! Aren't you supposed to have an honest job now? - She reached into her purse for her wallet.

- Oh, because you think I need the money.

- Let that be the last time... Oh no! Nick's calling me! I'll see you later!

The bunny entered the elevator, leaving the fennec behind and very surprised.

- You forgot the money! - He sighed in annoyance. - She's not as naive as I thought.

Once inside the elevator, the doe responded as casually as she could.

- What's up Nick! Shouldn't you be asleep by now?

- I was just about to say the same thing. What are you doin at...

- It's the elevator, in fact, there's almost no signal and...

- Don't you dare hang up on me Hopps! Especially not with that cheap trick.

- Well, what do you want? - She said surrendered.

- Nothing, I just want to say hello.

- He told you, didn't he?

- Told me what? I don't understand. - The fox exaggerated his voice.

- Sweet cheese and crackers! Couldn't you just pretend, right?...

- Oh no, of course not... Gotcha!

- Well, well... The idea is to arrive in two days, Mr. Ruin Christmas Surprises. Remind me to move later!

- Calm down Carrots, you're surrounded by professionals, nothing gets past a wise fox! And less to two foxes!

- Yeah whatever, forget your present, I gotta go.

Without giving her friend time to bask in his triumph, she hung up and put the cell phone away, ready to start her shift. As promised, Wolfard and Fangmeyer were waiting for her in the patrol car.

- Hey Tim, back again, eh! - Judy smiled at him as he climbed into his seat.

- That's right Hopps! Ready to break a leg?

- Shut up Wolfard! Don't give the girl any ideas!

- Shh Fangmeyer, I'm just kidding, everything will be fine!

- You've been warned! - The tigress looked at him with annoyance.

- Seriously Thai, get married already, it's the only way to improve your character!

- Why don't you help her then Wolfard? - Judy annoyed them, stifling a laugh, the two officers in front got completely upset and the wolf almost collided with the car in front.

- Hopps, shut your little mouth. - said Thai.

…

Recording - Hopps 2-I

My mother used to say, if the depredator is already angry, it's better to hurry! And who am I to disobey my wise mother?

I am so happy! In a few hours I'll be able to go to the academy, just this one shift and everything will be great! Nick will die with his christmas gift.

Stop Recording- Hopps 2-I

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Recording - Wilde 1-I

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised, I never imagined that Carrots would come to visit me, that's nice of her. I haven't really celebrated Christmas since I was 12, but I can't break her little bunny heart, and besides... she'd start asking questions that I shouldn't answer...

Stop Recording- Wilde 1-I

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Recording - Hopps 3-I

And guys... Mom was right! Never stay out of bed after midnight... Bad things tend to happen.

Judy turned the camera around, showing her bruised face and her arm held in a sling.

What bothers me most is that it was so... agh! Now I won't be able to go to the academy! Bogo gave me two weeks off work... The only good thing is that he sent me to Bunnyburrows with the threat that he doesn't want any other officer from my team in the hospital!

Taking advantage of the situation, I removed my parents as my emergency contact and added Lana... it will be less drastic for them to see me like this... What's also true is that Nick can't find out about this or he'll get more paranoid and make Finnick watch me worse!

What a disaster!

Stop Recording- Hopps 3-I

…

The sun was about to appear in the sky, when the sheep felt that again, she had fallen asleep at her desk on her drawing pencils.

- I'll never finish on time like this! - She bellowed in annoyance and got up to pour herself a cup of tea. She barely enjoyed the aroma when she heard the door open. - Judy! How did you…- Looking at her friend, Lana screamed in terror.

- Quiet! Finnick will hear you.

- What the hell happened to you!

-It's... it's a long story. But I'm ok.

- Ok? With all those bumps and the broken arm?

- Actually, it's just a sprain.

- Oh holy goat cheese!

- Don't worry, I'll be fine... in two weeks of complete rest.

- If you wanted to visit your parents, there are less suicidal ways to do it.

- Believe me, I've learned it.

Suddenly Judy's cell phone started ringing, startling the two females.

- Why aren't you answering?

- Lana... It's your mother! She can't see me like this, she'd come for you in a heartbeat.

- Not if we tell her the other guy looks worse.

- Lana!

- Alright... let me think of something, ok? Fortunately for us, her eyesight isn't what it used to be and... wait... I think I know how to solve this!

- What will you do? - Judy watched the sheep type some things quickly and handed her the cell phone. - A filter? Really?

- Do you have a better idea? Just don't move too much!

- But... Hello Mrs. Sheepling! How are you? - The bunny's voice betrayed her nervousness.

- Oh Judith! It's a pleasure to see you again! You look lovely!

- Thank you... you have no idea... I just wanted to put her mind at ease about Lana...

- Oh! That stray! A huge apology, I didn't mean to put you in so much trouble, going to take away your apartment, interrupting your important work!

- Don't worry, the truth is that I felt lonely so far away... It's great to have company at last! And about her safety, don't worry, being an officer, I'll always look after her! Hopps' word!

- I know, I know I can trust you, thank you.

- You're welcome! See you soon.

Judy hung up the call and they both sighed with relief.

- I can't believe your silly plan actually worked.

- We're in luck, Judy! Problem solved.

- Speak for yourself...I can't use a filter to go to the academy.

- What are you so worried about? He didn't know and...

- The neighbor told him... Now he expects me to see him tomorrow. I don't want to disappoint him or worry him... I broke a promise I made to him when he left.

- And that was?

- That I would never set a paw in the hospital again, unless I was going to meet a nephew.

- Oh well, you really failed him!

- You're not helping...

- Look, the only thing I can think of is to use the filter again, or even more, by voice call and tell him that your boss canceled your trip because of an important case and apologize, but promise to send him his gift.

- I hate having to lie to him, especially since we recently had an argument... but I guess I won't have a choice.

- Are you sure he's not your boyfriend?

- Get out!

- Okay, okay, I'll give the couple some space. - The sheep ran off before a cushion hit it.

- Well... let's get this over with.

- You're in a great mood today, Wilde! - His friend sat next to him in the dining room. They were both hungry after a hard morning's training.

- Oh it's just because I beat my record in shooting, I beat somebody's record. - He chuckled to himself.

- And is anyone coming to see you these days?

- My future bosses are coming. - He smiled a little.

- What luck! My parents didn't want to come to see me, they told me it was time for me to be out of the house.

- Bad luck Spongy! Not everyone is as dear as I am... - Suddenly the ringing of his cell phone interrupted the conversation. - Oh wait, future boss speaking. - He picked up the phone and answered - Future Officer Wilde's office, how may I help you?

- Jar jar. Very funny... Are you having lunch?

-Yes, why? -Don't tell me you missed me so much that you're already out, eh!

- Is that how you talk to Chief Bogo?

- Quiet Spongy!

- Oh your partner, right?

- Yeah, he likes to joke around, but hey, you were saying.

- Yeah the thing is... I was just calling to let you know that I won't be able to visit you tomorrow. I'm sorry about that.

- What are you talking about? - Nick's voice betrayed his disappointment.

- I'm sorry, it's just that I've been assigned to a case in... Bunnyburrow.

- Precinct 1 has no jurisdiction there.

- Oh, uh, I know, it's kind of a loaner, I'll help them out because I know my way around. Sorry to disappoint you .

- Are you sure everything's okay?

- Sure! I gotta go, I'll talk to you tonight, bye!

The doe hung up so fast Nick couldn't say anything.

- Something stinks in here!

- I think it's the coleslaw- Said the buffalo, looking at the plates.

- This rabbit is hiding things... I'd better take care of this.

Far away, a little fennec fox sat in Savannah Central's most famous new ice cream parlor, watching contentedly as the cash register filled with money.

- Oh no, Wilde again! - He picked up the phone and answered it. - What?

- I will get to the point. What's wrong with Judy?

- Hopps? I have no idea. I'm at my official, legal job you gave me.

-I need you to go see her and make sure everything's okay... She's hiding something and I'm afraid it's bad.

- Because I have nothing better to do!

- Remember my future access to police records.

- Good, good! Damn, your rabbit is a real troublemaker!

- Bye! - Nick sighed in annoyance. - No one tries to fool Nick Wilde.

…

Recording - Wilde 3-I

That rabbit is a liar! And one of the worst, because she's a terrible liar! If she didn't want to come, all she had to do was say so!

Stop Recording- Wilde 3-I

…

- Nick, do you have the manual for...

- I don't know Edd, I'll check it later.

- Wow, wow, what a change of mood! What's the matter?

- Nothing I... I'm sorry, my friend is just... nothing.

- She's not coming and you're disappointed, huh?

- Am I? Of course I'm not! - He laughed loudly trying to emphasize the point. - I don't care what she has to do, I don't even celebrate Christmas.

- But this year looked interesting until you got stood up.

- She didn't stand me up, she just... got busy on a mission, you know, boss stuff.

- I understand you, my dad and his job are one, you have no idea how much he missed out on fulfilling everyone... except me. I know how you feel, it took me a long time to understand that it wasn't personal, with his job he was just trying to protect me, he was doing it for me.

- Spongy, you're too wise to be so young, too bad I'm not as pious as you.

- What do you mean by that?

- Are you all packed Jude? - The sheep approached her hurried friend.

- Yes, all packed.

- You look pretty hurt... Don't you think it would be better to wait a couple of days for the trip?

- No, it's dangerous here.

- Well, it is dangerous for whoever did this to you.

- Not for that, for Finnick!

- The little fox next door?

- Yes! He's spying on me! I mustn't let him see me like this or the whole city will know what happened! You have to cover me with him.

- And what happens when Nick wants to video call you?

- Bunnyburrow doesn't have enough signal for video these days.

- Something believable... although if you're still as bad a liar as I remember...

- Don't help me anymore, just take my suitcase and help me...

But suddenly the small sound of the door got on the bunny's nerves.

- It's him, he knows everything!

- Calm down female! Hell, even Stu didn't make you that nervous. I'll get it, go to your room.

- Yeah, that's a good idea.

Judy moved as soon as her aching legs would let her, the pounding on the door began to intensify, starting to annoy the sheep.

- What's the matter! - She opened angrily.

- Oh, yes, it's Coal Chuckles! How nice to see you! - Said the fennec sarcastically, trying to push her in, to no avail.

- Yes, it's the great next door neighbor! What do you need? Help getting something out of the cupboard?

- I look for the rabbit.

- Judy is in the shower, getting ready for a trip, but I can give her your message.

- How cute, but it's super personal.

- I don't think it's so important as to make you go into the shower.

The fennec tried to slip away, only to be quickly stopped by the girl.

- You might be surprised. - He stared at her.

- Look, Judes has to go on a work trip, it's an urgent mission given to her by her boss and she has very, very little time. Tell your stalker friend that everything is fine and that she will call him later, ok?

- Whatever you say girl, and just so you know, I don't work for anyone.

- Yeah, whatever you say!

Without letting the fox say anything else, she slammed the door shut.

- Ha! silly. - She smiled triumphantly to herself.

- Naive! - Laughed the fennec from outside, typing something into the doe's cell phone and slipping it under the door of the girls' apartment, to slip back into his own.

- Is he gone now? - Judy peeked out slowly.

- Yes, and how insistent for someone so short! And how annoying! Anyway, have you got everything?

- Yes, everything... Will you walk me to the station?

- Sure Judes! But please... don't let mom see you.

- Don't worry, I'll just be on my farm. I won't be there to walk around. - Judy came over and gave her friend a hug. - See you in a couple of weeks!

- Take care of yourself...really...please.

- Yeah, yeah. I'll be gone before I...

The doe's phone started ringing, making both of them completely nervous.

- Who is it? Don't tell me it's your cadet friend!

- No, it's just Ben from the ZPD. - She sighed in relief and took the call. - Hello Ben! What's up?

- Oh my goodness Judy! I still can't get used to seeing you like this! So the rumor about when you were on patrol and then...

- Let's not talk about it Ben, tell me what do you need?

- Oh yeah, I just wanted to corroborate your friend Nick's address for the records, is it his, or his mother's?

- His mother's? Does he have one?

- Well the system links him to Lilian Wilde, I just wanted to know if he lived with her, there are two different addresses, one appears in his records and the other in his ID.

- Don't worry, I'll corroborate the information and get back to you.

- Great! See you, cutie!

- Judy... No.

- No? Not what?

- You have that expression!

- What expression?

- The one where "I'm going to find my friend's mom for an emotional mother-son reunion".

- She deserves to know that her son is doing something great.

- You don't know that, you don't know how things are between them, I don't think it's for the best.

- Well, I'll just do a little research before I do anything. I had a big fight with him, the last thing I want to do is ruin it again.

- So, don't fix what you don't even know is broken, eh! Not all of us have an amazing relationship with our parents.

Later that day, as soon as it was their time to call, Nick waited for her to dial, and as punctual as she always was, she called him, only without video for the first time in months.

- Hey Nick! How about another day of training!

- All cool, Carrots, I'm still getting ready, just like I promised - The last sentence was said with a certain accusation that she tried to ignore.

- Excellent... I just arrived home, I will stay with my parents while I work here.

- So you will be spending the holidays there after all, you lucky rabbit! But I have to ask... why no video this time?

- Oh yes, we are having some problems with the internet, nothing serious, I hope it will be restored soon.

- I see... I hope so, someone who is going to serve others, who always helps and is honest, deserves at least a good network.

- Yes... look, it's too late, better rest and let's see how the network is! See you later!

Without letting him say goodbye, the doe quickly cut the call.

- Honest bunny, my tail! Let's see why you don't want to talk to me! - He started to dial a number as soon as he could, but stopped suddenly. -Maybe she thought about it and she doesn't want a fox as a partner... oh she is getting along with the current ones... or maybe another cadet will be the one chosen for precinct 1 or...- Without realizing it, he pressed the video call button and the doe responded instantly.

- Oh Lana I told you everything is... Oh! - The doe screamed in terror as she saw the surprised fox on her cell phone screen.

- What the hell happened to you! - Nick shouted in horror.

- Wrong number. - Judy hung up as she felt her heart beating terribly fast. - But the screen said Lana... What the hell has happened!

Miles away, a fennec was happily counting his day's earnings.

- That's what the bunny gets for not paying me what she agreed to.

Now that would be a holiday to remember!

The end

Christmas in March? Well yes because, it's always Christmas in our hearts? Nah we are approximating to the end of Nick at Academy… and it's coming too many things to them…