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"This is beyond awesome, Cindy!" said Tammy, "I can't believe you actually got a pool in your backyard now!"

"Believe you me;" said Cindy, "It took a LOT of convincing to get Mom and Dad to go for it." The Dalmatian girl dove under the water of her in-ground pool. Samantha was not so far away from her, practicing her ballet moves. Tammy on the other hand, was sunning herself on a lawn chair.

"Ah..." Tammy sighed, "It's a gorgeous day, we're hanging out at the pool, I can't think of anything to make this day better."

"What about me?" a voice asked. Tammy lifted her sunglasses to see her boyfriend, Stoker, standing not too far in front of her.

"Oh wow!" she said, "Cindy, Samantha, I want you to meet my..." But she was cut off as she realized that Cindy and Samantha had simply disappeared.

"Oh..." said Stoker, "I'm sorry; am I disturbing you?"

"Not at all!" said Tammy, "I'm just confused; my friends were here a minute ago."

"I don't see anyone." Stoker replied, "But look at it this way... now it's just the two of us."

"Oh right!" said Tammy. Stoker walked up to her and said,

"Gosh... You are so beautiful in that swimsuit."

"Why thank you..." Tammy giggled, "But... the breeze is kinda chilly; why don't you keep me warm?" Stoker understood and lay down on top of Tammy. The fox girl could feel her whole body tingling with joy.

"I'd be happy to keep you warm, Tammy;" said Stoker, "Though, with a heart as warm as yours, I won't have to overdo it."

"Oh Stoker..." said Tammy, "You always know the right thing to say to me. But why don't you... kiss me?"

"I'd be glad to..." said Stoker. He moved in close to Tammy and planted his lips right onto her own. Tammy's whole body tingled with sheer joy as she shut her eyes to enjoy the sensation; this was the moment she had been waiting for. Suddenly, Stoker's lips became coarse and dry. Tammy's eyes flew open, and it was only then that she realized she was in her bedroom and (much to her embarrassment,) she had been kissing her pillow.

"Aw jeez..." Tammy moaned, "It always has to end at the good part." Feeling disappointed, Tammy got up, yawned and stretched, and began heading downstairs. She hadn't even got down the stairs before running into her father. "Morning, Daddy." she said.

"Morning, Tams;" said Zero, "Ugh... They had me working all night at the plant because two guys didn't show up at all."

"Sorry to hear that;" said Tammy, "I hope you sleep well."

"Eh... I could sleep for a week after the night I've just had." Zero moaned before stumbling off towards his bedroom. Tammy headed into the living room to find her mother laying out the yoga mat.

"Good morning, Sweetie;" Wendy said with a smile, "Have a good night's sleep?"

"I sure did, Mom;" said Tammy, "And I had the coolest dream."

"Well, I can't wait to hear about it;" said Wendy, "And chance you'd like to do some yoga with me?"

"I'd love to." said Tammy. So she took a place beside her mother and got ready to start. Wendy switched on the CD player, which played some soothing seaside sounds. Then the two vixens began to work out. Tammy and Wendy stretched out in several different poses; pushing the limits of their endurance and flexibility. After a good twenty minutes of yoga, the CD ended and the mother and daughter sat down on the couch.

"So, Tammy;" said Wendy, "What exactly was your dream about?"

"I dreamed that Stoker was about to kiss me;" said Tammy, "But then I woke up kissing my pillow." Wendy couldn't help chuckling.

"I guess you really have your heart set on him, don't you?" she said.

"I do;" said Tammy, "Mom... I'm worried that if he doesn't see the way I feel soon, he may just see me as a really good friend and that might lead to break-up."

"Well, I think that's going slightly overboard;" said Wendy, "But I understand why you feel that way. If you're really worried about him not understanding that you love him, it may be best for you to just come clean and say that you love him."

"But how do I do that?" asked Tammy.

"It's the easiest thing in the world;" said Wendy, "Just four little words... Stoker, I love you."

"Stoker... I love you." Tammy repeated, "Is it really that simple?"

"It is once you get past all the butterflies in your stomach." Wendy admitted, "Say... Aren't you and Stoker going into town today?"

"Oh that's right!" said Tammy as she jumped off the couch, "We're going to the movies today at noon, which means I have... only four and a half hours to get ready! I better go; thanks, Mom!" As Tammy headed for the shower, Wendy just lay back on the couch and said,

"That's my girl!"

*****

Tammy walked through the shower and chose a nice outfit to wear on her 'date'. She took a bit longer than necessary to make absolute certain that she looked perfect. Once she was ready, she walked across the street and knocked on Stoker's door; he was quick to answer.

"Hi there, Tammy;" the wolf boy said, "Are you ready to go to the movies?"

"I sure am!" said Tammy, "I've been looking forward to this all week." Once Stoker had informed his parents of where he was going, he and Tammy headed to the end of the street and caught the bus into the city. Once there, it was only a short walk to the cinema theater.

"So," said Stoker, "What movie did you want to see?"

"I was thinking we could see that new one, Pilot." said Tammy, "It's based on a true story about a racing pilot in the nineteen-forties."

"Sounds interesting." said Stoker. So the two of them went up to the ticket booth to purchase their tickets. "Two for Pilot, please." Stoker told the clerk.

"Are you sure?" the pig clerk asked, "That movie's rated PG-13. Might I suggest Lilly Pad Lake? There's something for everyone in that one."

"No thanks;" said Tammy, "We're seventh-graders next September; I think we can handle a movie like Pilot."

"If you say so!" said the clerk, "That will be fifteen dollars and... thirty-two cents." Stoker paid with a twenty bill and the clerk gave them their tickets. "Hope you enjoy the movie!" he said, "But don't come crying to me if you get nightmares."

"I think we'll be fine." said Tammy, and she and Stoker headed inside. As they were buying a tub of popcorn, Stoker said,

"I saw the trailer for this movie back in December of last year. It's got everything; International rivalries, antique racing planes, and a whirlwind romance."

"Sounds like a good time;" said Tammy, "Of course, I bet we'll be able to handle it just fine, even if it is PG-13."

*****

As it turned out, the movie was not at all what Tammy had expected. Yes, there was plenty of action, but it was far more intense than she had anticipated. All throughout the movie, Tammy kept a firm grip on Stoker's hand, and had little appetite for her popcorn. As the credits finally began to roll, Stoker said,

"I'm sorry, Tammy; that was dreadful, wasn't it."

"Yeah..." said Tammy, "If I had known it was gonna be that scary, I would have gone with Lilly Pad Lake."

"Well I think you were very brave to sit through the whole movie." said Stoker. Tammy looked over at him; he was smiling with sincerity.

"Thanks;" she said, "Boy, that's the last time I watch a PG-13 movie until I'm actually thirteen."

"Well its only three years away;" said Stoker, "And who knows? You might actually come back and see this one again." Once they were back on the street, Stoker looked left and right, then back at Tammy. "Well..." he said, "Shall we hit the soda shoppe next?"

"I think that's a great idea." said Tammy; so they began the next leg of their journey. The soda shoppe was five blocks away, so it gave them a good chance to stretch their legs out. All the same, their spirits lifted when they saw the shoppe. As they pushed open the door and walked in,

"Ah..." said the clerk, "Tammy Reynolds!"

"Hi, Jasper!" said Tammy. Yes indeed, it was Samantha's older brother, Jasper. Tammy recognized him from the cookout that she and her friends had gone to on Sherry's farm.

"So nice to see you out and about today;" said Jasper, "That's what kids should be doing."

"Tammy..." said Stoker, "You know him?"

"Sure;" said Tammy as she sat down at the bar, "He's my friend, Samantha's older brother. Usually he works down at the armory because he's training for when he enlists in the army.

"That's right;" said Jasper, "I'm looking to become a green beret; one of the army's elite. Anyway... what can I get you today?"

"I'll have my usual;" said Tammy, "A grape shockwave."

"One grape shockwave..." said Jasper, "And how about you...?" he asked Stoker.

"Uh..." said Stoker, "What are my choices?"

"Well first you pick a flavor;" said Jasper, "Our flavors are cherry, orange, lemon, lime, grape, and raspberry. Then you choose a base; Delights are whipped cream on top of your soda with the fruit of choice on top of that; Shockwaves are poppin' rocks poured into the soda to create extra spice; and if you want, you can just have it plain. Of course, we also offer a fine selection of juice; or you can just have water." Stoker thought about his choices for a moment, then said,

"I think I'll have an orange delight, please."

"One orange delight and one grape shockwave!" said Jasper, "Coming right up!" Stoker joined Tammy at the bar and watched as Jasper skillfully made their drinks. In a matter of seconds, he set them down on the counter and said, "Here you are; your grand total will be four dollars and seventy-five cents." Stoker reached into his pocket, but Tammy stopped him.

"Leave it to me;" she said, "You paid for the movie, so I owe you." She paid Jasper with five dollars and told him to keep the quarter. Then she took a sip of her grape shockwave. "Oh!" she said, "Spicy! Just the way I like it."

"I sure hope this orange delight is as good as it looks." said Stoker. He took a sip from his straw and smiled. "Oh that is good;" he said, "You were right, Tammy; this is a great place to grab drinks."

"It really is;" said Tammy, "They also sell some novelty candy, but that stuff's kinda expensive."

"Well in that case," said Stoker, "I better start saving." In a few minutes, they finished their drinks.

"Just leave the glasses;" said Jasper, "I'll get them cleaned up."

"Thanks again, Jasper;" said Tammy, "It's always a pleasure to stop in."

"Nashville really is a great place to live;" said Stoker, "I can't believe I was so nervous about moving here."

"I know;" said Tammy, "I've lived here all my life and I can safely say there's nowhere else I'd rather be."

"If everyone here is as friendly as you are, Tammy;" said Stoker, "It's sure to be a wonderful place. Talking of which... I'd be interested in meeting your friends, the Pool Pals."

"I've been thinking about that too;" said Tammy, "I'll try to arrange a time when we can all meet by the pool or something."

"Sounds good to me!" said Stoker.

*****

Tammy and Stoker chatted all the way home. Once they reached their street, they parted ways for their respective houses. Tammy walked in through the door, and was greeted by the sound of her mother; who for some reason sounded very angry.

"Yes! I understand this is important!" she said, "But you must understand that I have something to worry about too. My daughter; that's what!" Tammy followed the voice into the kitchen, and found Wendy talking with someone on the phone. "I'll never be able to find a babysitter on such short notice;" she said, "And I would need to... what? SERIOUSLY!?! Okay... I'll be there tonight and we can start the project in the morning. Okay... goodbye..." Wendy hung up the phone, paused a moment, then slammed her fist down on the counter. "Grrr...!" she growled, "Good enough he says! It's your job he says! That no good son of a jackal and a dingo; I know it's my job but does he really expect me to put some last minute arrangement above my own DAUGHTER!" Tammy was a little intimidated; even when she had gone into her mother's room without permission she had never seen her like this.

"Mom..." she asked.

"TAMMY!" Wendy barked as she turned around, "Oh! Tammy! Oh my goodness I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you."

"Thanks;" said Tammy, "Uh... What was all that about?"

"One of my clients;" said Wendy, "I had originally made arrangements to leave tomorrow for his place and start work the next day, but now he's expecting me tonight so I can start work tomorrow."

"Oh;" said Tammy, "How far away is he?"

"It's a six hour drive;" said Wendy, "Which means if I leave in an hour I can still be there at eleven. But where oh where am I going to find someone to look after you in that time?" Tammy thought about it; there was the possibility she could stay with Samantha, Cindy, or Sherry, but she wondered if their parents would be okay with it on such short notice. On the other hand, Stoker lived right across the street so his family would probably be able to arrange things faster due to knowing sooner. So she said,

"Maybe I could ask Stoker's family if I could stay over with them tonight. Then I can come home in the morning when Dad's home."

"That sounds like a good idea, Sweetie..." said Wendy, "We better check with Stoker's parents to make sure it's okay." In just a few minutes, the vixens made their way across the street and knocked on the door of the Snow's residence. A female gray wolf opened the door and said,

"Hello there, Wendy; and Tammy too. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Hi, Winnie;" said Wendy, "And actually, yes there is. I got called last minute by a client who wants me to start tomorrow, and I need someplace that Tammy can spend the night. Would it be alright if you could look after her?" The gray she-wolf thought for a moment, then said,

"Well Carter's actually running a night train to Miami tonight, but I think I can look after her for you."

"Oh..." said Wendy, "Thank you so much; this really means a lot to me." Then she looked at Tammy and said, "Well, we better get your sleeping bag and stuff."

"Yeah;" said Tammy, "I'm sure you must have to leave soon if you're going to be there in time to get some decent sleep." So Tammy and Wendy headed back to their house to prepare for the night.

*****

A little while later, Tammy was dropped off with her things at Stoker's house and Wendy was on her way to her decorating job.

"I have to admit, I'm a little nervous;" said Stoker, "After all, I've seen your room, but you haven't seen mine."

"I'm sure it looks great, Stoker." said Tammy, "After all, it isn't really nice to criticize someone based on what they keep in their room." The fox and the wolf climbed the stairs to the upper level and entered the last room on the right. It was a small room with a TV, a VCR, a bed hugging the wall, A GameCube console, and shelves loaded with train and railroad memorabilia.

"This is it." said Stoker, "What do you think?"

"It looks pretty cool;" said Tammy, "I had no idea there were so many different types of trains." With that, she dropped her sleeping bag next to Stoker's bed and unrolled it.

"Trains have been around for over two hundred years;" said Stoker, "So it's only fitting that there are many different types." Once Tammy had stashed her backpack at the foot of Stoker's bed, he looked at her and said, "So... what do you want to do now?"

"I'm not sure;" said Tammy, "I guess we could..." Suddenly there was a honking noise from the street. Stoker and Tammy looked out the window to see a midnight blue Cadillac Sedan Deville parked outside. From the driver's seat stepped what looked like an elderly gray wolf.

"Omigosh!" Stoker said, "It's Pops! My grandfather! How did I forget he was coming today?"

"Let's go meet him then!" said Tammy. Both of them raced downstairs and headed outside.

"Hi, Pops!" said Stoker as he gave the old wolf a gentle hug.

"Stoker, my boy!" the old wolf said, "Oh my how you've grown." He then turned his attention to Tammy, "And who is this nice young lady?"

"This is Tammy, Pops;" said Stoker, "She'll be staying over tonight."

"How wonderful!" said the old wolf, and he stepped over to Tammy and extended his hand.

"How do you do?" Tammy asked as she accepted his hand and shook it, "Mr.... um..."

"Aw coal dust!" said the old wolf, "No need for formalities, Missy. I'm simply Donald."

"Okay;" said Tammy, "Did you have a pleasant trip?"

"Oh yes..." said Donald, "These roads today are much smoother than they were in my time. Still... nothing beats good old train travel; that's what I say!"

"If you say so." said Tammy, "Can we help you with your bags?"

"If you would be so kind," said Donald, "That would be a big help." So Tammy and Stoker helped to unload Donald's bags from the trunk and carry them inside.

"Hello, Donald;" said Winnie, "I hope everything went okay on the way here."

"Oh quite;" said Donald as he entered the guest room, "Still... it's good to finally be here." Tammy and Stoker helped to get Donald unpacked, and Winnie left to start working on dinner.

"If you don't mind me asking, Donald;" said Tammy, "Were you a train engineer at one point?"

"I certainly was;" said Donald, "Worked on the Northern Pacific Railroad from nineteen-sixty-five to nineteen-ninety-seven."

"Pops is practically an American legend!" said Stoker.

"Well..." said Donald, "I wouldn't exactly go that far, but a lot of the things I've done were no piece of cake."

"I can't wait to hear all about them;" said Tammy.

"Maybe tomorrow;" said Donald, "For now, why don't we go and play with the trains until supper's ready?"

"Sounds like a plan." said Stoker, "C'mon, Tammy! You're gonna love Dad's train set."

*****

Tammy followed Stoker and Donald down into the cellar of the house. When Donald flipped on the lights, she was met with the sight of a VERY elaborate train set. It covered at least five large tables; stretching almost from wall to wall. It was also equipped with tunnels, bridges, buildings, streets, and even a roundhouse with a turntable!

"Way cool!" said Tammy, "I've never actually seen a train set like this before."

"Yes indeed;" said Donald, "I bought Carter his first set when he was twelve, and he only expanded from there."

"Dad really loves these trains;" said Stoker, "He says it takes some of the stress away from running the real trains." Tammy looked over the different types of locomotives in the roundhouse before her eyes fell on one in particular.

"Hey..." she said, "This one looks kinda familiar." It was a gold steam engine with eight drive wheels and green lines. It was encased in a shell to make it streamlined, and it's number plate bore a bold 4103. "Of course!" she said, "The mighty Corsair! The fastest steam locomotive in history!"

"Indeed she is!" said Donald, "That one's a special model; cost about three hundred dollars she did."

"I remember watching a video on it when I was five." said Tammy, "I learned all about her record-breaking speed run and her famous Christmas run over Jagged-Tooth Pass in the winter of nineteen-seventy-eight."

"Very good!" said Stoker, "You sure know a famous engine when you see it, Tammy."

"Thanks;" said Tammy. She then turned to Donald and said, "Do you know a lot about the Corsair?"

"Well I should;" said Donald, "After all... I was her master engineer." Tammy's pupils constricted when Donald spoke those words.

"OH MY GOSH!" she squealed, "I can't believe I'm finally meeting the engineer of my favorite locomotive!"

"See, Tammy?" asked Stoker, "I told you trains ran through this family."

"You weren't kidding!" said Tammy, "Wait until my friends hear about this."

"I'm sure they'll be mighty impressed;" said Donald, "But for now, why don't we run the express?" He took the model controls and drove the Corsair out of the roundhouse to pick up the coaches. Once the coaches were hooked up, he started driving the train around the layout. He even allowed Tammy and Stoker turns at the controls.

"This is amazing!" said Tammy, "I'm driving the fastest steam engine in the world."

"Ever thought of becoming a train engineer yourself?" asked Donald.

"Actually, I'm leaning towards being a marine biologist;" said Tammy, "Someone's got to look after our oceans, don't they?"

"They certainly do;" said Stoker, "Someone needs to care." After playing for twenty minutes, they heard Winnie call,

"Dinner's ready!"

"We'll be right up, Mom!" Stoker called. Donald parked the coaches and took the Corsair back to the roundhouse before shutting the track down. "So, Tammy;" asked Stoker, "Did you have fun?"

"Loads of fun!" said Tammy, "More kids should try to get into model trains; they could create their own worlds in time."

"Well, with a little imagination;" said Donald, "There is no end of the line! Now, c'mon, Kids; Supper's a' waitin'!"

After a hearty meal of vegetable soup and French bread, Tammy and Stoker went up to Stoker's room to entertain themselves by playing some of Stoker's video games. After playing Super Smash Brothers Melee for a half-hour, they took turns changing into their sleepwear and brushing their teeth. Tammy also unrolled her sleeping bag next to Stoker's bed. Once she had finished, Stoker came in after saying goodnight to Winnie and Donald.

"Do you want the curtains open or closed, Tammy?" Stoker asked.

"Open if that's alright with you;" said Tammy, "It's nice to look out at the streetlights and the light of the moon." Stoker turned off the light, and both kids climbed into their beds. "You know what, Stoker?" asked Tammy, "I think you have a wonderful family."

"Thanks, Tammy;" said Stoker, "I love them a lot, and it's nice to know. I feel the same way about your family."

"Thanks!" Tammy chuckled. She then lay down, but couldn't seem to find the exhaustion to doze off. On top of that, she couldn't help thinking back to her dream the night before. After a full minute of silence, she said, "Stoker... have you ever thought about... the future?"

"Not really;" said Stoker, "I don't really want to start worrying about those things until I really have to. Do you think about the future much?"

"Well..." said Tammy, "I've always thought of it at one point or another, but since I met you, it's been crossing my mind more frequently."

"Really?" asked Stoker.

"Yep;" said Tammy, "But even if you try to plan your future, a lot of things can happen that you never see coming."

"That is true." said Stoker.

"But..." said Tammy, "It certainly helps if you have someone you know you can trust to help you through things, doesn't it?" At that moment, Stoker leaned over from his bed and looked down at her.

"Tammy..." he said, "I don't mean to be rude, but you're just scraping the rails. I think there's something you want to tell me; why don't you just say it?" Tammy's stomach suddenly went all squirmy and a lump appeared in her throat. But she remembered her mother's words, and decided it was time to come clean.

"Okay..." she said, "Stoker... I... I have a mad crush on you." As predicted, Stoker's eyes went wide.

"No joke...?" he asked, "You're talking a crush, crush; the real thing?"

"Yes;" said Tammy, "I think that you are a wonderful boy, Stoker; you're considerate, chivalrous, and very brave." She paused before saying, "And it doesn't hurt that you're very handsome."

"You think I'm handsome?" asked Stoker, "I mean... not that I have no confidence, but I was always a bit of an outcast due to my albino fur."

"I think it suits you well;" said Tammy, "And I don't just say things like that."

"Well..." said Stoker, "I might as well confess too; Tammy Reynolds, I have a crush on you too." Tammy's heart gave a leap and she had to stifle the urge to squeal.

"That's wonderful!" she said, "When did you start feeling it?"

"When you first welcomed me to the neighborhood;" said Stoker, "I fell in love because you were so welcoming and accepting."

"I try my best to be!" said Tammy; then she sighed and said, "I wish we were a bit older, then we wouldn't have to wait so long before we could get married."

"I know." said Stoker, "But at least it'll only be a few more years before we can at least kiss, right?" Tammy suddenly got a thought. She exited her sleeping bag and joined Stoker on his bed.

"Well it's still a while to wait;" she said, "Maybe we could practice now..."

"You mean...?" asked Stoker.

"Yes..." said Tammy. Without another word, she leaned in and gave Stoker the kiss she had been longing to give him. It was wonderful; actually pressing her lips to her albino wolf and not a pillow. When the kiss broke off, Stoker gazed up at Tammy with wide eyes.

"Wow..." he said, "That was... amazing..."

"Yeah..." said Tammy, "It's like our souls were connecting, right?"

"Sure was..." said Stoker, "Say... do you think we could do it one last time?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" said Tammy. She let Stoker put his arms around her and pull her close; then their lips met again in a most meaningful act of love. Tammy wished this moment would never end; if there was such a thing as Cloud 9, this had to be it. They finally broke off for air, and found they couldn't do anything but smile at each other.

"I love you, Tammy Reynolds." said Stoker.

"I love you too, Stoker Snow." Tammy replied, "Well... I better get off you; don't want your mom getting the wrong idea, right?"

"Indeed not!" Stoker chuckled. So Tammy got off of Stoker's bed and scurried back into her sleeping bag.

"G'night, Stoker!" she said.

"G'night, Tammy!" said Stoker, "Sweet dreams."

"I'll have nothing but sweet dreams now that you're here with me..." Tammy whispered. And in a matter of minutes, they were both asleep.

To Be Continued...