Warning: Brief Gun Violence

Part 69

The next morning, Eddie woke up wrapped in Gunter's arms as usual. They were quickly becoming inseparable. Eddie still didn't know if it was love but if it wasn't, it sure was close. He gently kissed the hog and pulled away to get ready for the day.

He ran a nylon bristle brush over and through his fleece. It was almost time for a sheering. His wool was becoming thicker. Maybe while they were out, he could fit that in. Of course, the priority was getting Sara some more clothes and other essential supplies.

The new addition proved a challenge. Miss Crawly was a sweet old woman but neither she nor Sara should have to share a room together. Sara was 8. Only a few years stood between them and the teen years. She needed her own room. As much as he loved living in this apartment, maybe it really wasn't practical for all of them.

A knock came at the bathroom and he stepped out to let Gunter have his turn, exchanging a quick kiss as they passed each other.

Down in the office, Sara was eating a bowl of cereal and watching cartoons. "Guten Morgen, Onkel Eddie. Hast du gut geschlafen?"

Eddie held up his finger and pulled out his phone. He found the app he installed the night before. "I'm sorry?"

She asked again, "Hast Du gut geschlafen?"

The sheep smiled as he read the translation. "Oh, yeah. I slept very well. How about you? I know it must be scary being in a new place especially in these circumstances."

She nodded. "I miss my mother and father but I'm okay. Thank you for letting me live here."

Eddie smiled. "Well, it's my pleasure. You are more than welcome here."

She ate her cereal. "Uncle Gunter really likes you. He told me so. Is he your boyfriend?"

The sheep chuckled. "That's a big question for someone your age. I don't know what we are. I really like him too but… it's complicated…"

She tilted her head. "Why?" She asked straight. She knew how to say a few words.

He sighed while he got his own breakfast. "Well… because… I just lost my first love. My best friend, Buster, died some time ago. I was in love with him and…"

The little girl cooed. "Oh, that's so sad. I'm sorry. And it still hurts?"

"Yeah. Not as much and it hurts less everyday but… see, Uncle Gunter also loved him. So we're both still grieving. Grief is what you feel when someone you love dies."

She nodded, listening. She didn't really understand as well as she wanted to but she understood enough. "I'm sorry… but the hurt gets better? It won't always feel like this?"

Eddie shook his head. "No, it won't. It'll hurt like the dickens for a while but slowly, with time and support from the other people you love and who love you, it does get better. Eventually, it won't hurt so much." He hugged her tenderly. He looked up, realizing they weren't alone. He opened his arm to let Gunter join the hug.

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In a small apartment, Adelaide sat across from a dark individual. "So that's the deal. You take care of my little problem… and I will reward you handsomely."

"Not to worry… I can take care of this…" the figure promised.

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In the mall parking lot, Alphonso helped Tyler open the truck that morning. He was surprised to see Ash there too. "Hey, Ash. How're you doing?" He asked.

She nodded. "I'm…. Okay…. I just… need to keep busy and Tyler offered to let me work on the truck a bit."

The elephant nodded and hugged her gently. "You're welcome on the truck anytime," he promised.

Tyler came over. "How are you doing?" He whispered. "I had no idea that that asshole was in this city."

Alphonso tied his apron. "I'm fine. Just fine. I don't have to have anything to do with him." He stepped to the window. "Good morning, welcome to Big A's, what can get you?"

The orangutan respected Alphonso's silence. He was such a private person. He would talk when he was ready and not a moment before.

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At 9 o'clock, Gunter and Eddie met up with Rosita at the local kid's clothing store. She was happy to help them pick out clothes for Sara and since she had experience, they were happy to have her there.

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Alphonso really thought he'd be able to just put Eric and the rest of his past behind him. Until quarter till noon, when he saw the hyena standing on the outskirts, sneering at the elephant.

He sighed. "Tyler, I'll be right back," he promised before hurrying over to his former friend. He pulled him behind a stand. "What do you want?"

"Oh just to see how my old friend became such a NARC," he replied. "You seem to be doing very well for yourself. A successful business, a beautiful wife…"

Alphonso wondered where he was going with this train of thought. "And a baby on the way."

He chuckled. "Yes, it seems you have gotten everything you ever wanted. It would sure be a shame if that beautiful wife found out about what you did."

"I have no secrets from my wife. If you think you can scare me, you're wrong. Now get out of here!" He demanded. "I reserve the right to refuse service."

Eric was undeterred. "Really? You told her everything? Including you-know-what?" The elephant visibly trembled. "That's what I thought. You asked what I wanted. It's easy. I want 10,000 to keep my mouth shut."

"I'm not giving you any money. Get out of here before I call the police!" He threatened.

"If I leave, the first I'm going is to find your wife and I'll tell her what you left out," he vowed. "And now my price is 20,000. Keep going, I can raise it higher if you like."

Alphonso just wanted it to be over. He just wanted Eric to leave him alone and let him go back to pretending that it never happened. "I don't have that kind of money on me right now. Besides, what makes you think I haven't already told her?"

"The fact that your face is whiter than your whipped cream," Eric pointed out. "I wonder if she would be just as forgiving of everything. Should we find out?"

"No!" Alphonso growled, unsure what to do. "Meet me tonight at midnight. Right here." If he paid him off, he could go and Alphonso could have his peace back. "I have to get back to work."

"Midnight, not a minute later," the hyena confirmed the deal.

The bull elephant had to go to the public bathrooms. He gripped the porcelain sink and looked in the mirror. "God, forgive me. I can't let Meena find out. I can't let anyone find out. Please, just let me forget it," he begged, his body trembling and tears falling.

"Alphie, you in here?" Tyler called into the bathroom as he came in. "Are you alright? I saw Eric."

He shook his head. "I'm fine, Tyler, I can handle it. I don't need your help." He splashed water in his face and led the way back to the truck.

Tyler frowned. Eric was a point of contention throughout their teens. He'd taken advantage of Alphie's grief and manipulated him. He would be damned if he let it happen again.

When they got back to the truck, Ash was serving Rosita. Gunter and Eddie were also in line with Sara.

Alphonso smiled. "Hey guys! How's it going?" He asked.

Eddie smiled back. "Doing great. We found a bunch of cool clothes to get Sara started." He put a trotter on the little piglet's head. "We were close so we thought this would be a good place for lunch."

After they got their food, Tyler handed Alphonso a crepe. "Go eat with them. Take a break."

Alphonso knew Tyler wouldn't take no for an answer. Unsurprisingly, he sent Ash to join them too.

"So, Sara, how do you like it here so far?" Ash asked the little girl.

"I like being with my Onkel Gunter," she admitted.

"I don't blame you. Your Uncle Gunter is fun to hang out with," Ash replied, earning a smile from the hog.

Eddie got up to throw his trash away. They all heard the squeal of tires but assumed it was just some jerk going way too fast. Until a black van came careening around the corner. It all happened so fast. The van passed and the sound of rapid gun fire prompted Gunter and Rosita to push Sara under the picnic table, with Ash. Tyler took refuge behind the food truck. It took only a few seconds but felt like forever before the van vanished around the next corner.

With thick skin for armor, Alphonso was the first to come out from under the table. "What was that? Is everyone alright? Tyler?"

"I'm fine, Alphie!" Tyler came out from behind the truck.

Rosita came out from under the table. "Eddie, are you alright?" She expected him to respond but there came nothing.

Gunter crawled out and looked towards the last place he saw the sheep. "Eddie!" He screamed in horror. The sheep lay against the trash can bleeding from multiple wounds.

AN: Cliffhanger! You'll have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Please review.