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III

Dinner of Welcoming

About 30 minutes after he left to take Mrs. Khomyak home, Dr. Leo returned and he, Dr. Tigresa and Michael went clothes shopping. Michael had never been much of a clothes horse so he wasn't too terribly interested in shopping. However, like Dr. Tigresa said, he didn't have any clothes to wear and needed some so, like most human males, Michael accepted the necessity of the shopping trip but was only interested in taking just enough time to get it done and over with.

As they shopped, Michael noticed that either the humanimals hadn't discovered jeans or Drs. Leo and Tigresa didn't care for the material. Whatever the reason, they bought Michael eight pairs of pants, eight shirts, eight sets of underwear, socks, and two pairs of shoes, one dress pair and one casual pair. Michael was embarrassed in the extreme to know that they spent that much money on him but, he also understood that he needed the clothing.

Michael promised to repay them but, Dr. Leo said, "Michael, would you ask your child to repay you for purchasing them something they needed?"

"No, sir. But, I'm not your child."

"In a manner of speaking, Michael, you are. You see, as your caretakers, we are as legally responsible for you as we are for our birthed cubs. Besides, on Monday morning, Tigresa and I are going to the courthouse and start the adoption proceedings. Since there's no reason to deny us, in a few weeks, you'll be our newest son. While it might be nice if you decided to accept Panthera as your new family name, we wouldn't be upset in the least if you decided to keep your current family name."

"Well, thank you, Dr. Leo. That should ease the pain of knowing that my family has been dead for over 20,000 years. I think that I'll keep my current family name just so I don't forget to introduce myself correctly, though."

**********

After they finished shopping, they returned home and Dr. Leo told everybody to get ready because they were going to go out to dinner to celebrate the new addition to their family. "Where would everyone like to eat?"

Richard said, "Dad, we haven't been to The Blue Deer since Victoria was accepted at college. Why don't we go there?"

Everyone, especially Victoria, was in agreement with the choice. The family got cleaned up and dressed. Michael wore his new clothes which caused Victoria to, once again, come on to him. However, this time, Michael took it in stride and just laughed as she made her attempts at seduction which caused Victoria to be embarrassed.

**********

The Fuchs family arrived at The Blue Deer and were met at the door by Buck Barker (1) the owner of the restaurant. "Jacob!" Buck said, happily in a mild Cockney accent, as he approached the fox with wide open arms. He wrapped his arms around Jacob as he said, "How are you and your family doing?"

Accepting the friendly hug from the bulldog, Jacob replied, "We're doing fine, Buck. We're here to celebrate Amanda getting a job."

"Really!? Is she really old enough to work? It's hard to believe she's all grown up now." Turning to Amanda and extending his hand to her, he said, "Congratulations, Amanda. Where are you working? What are you doing?"

Amanda replied, "I'll working at SoGa Industries as the personal secretary of Mr. Blaidd, the president of the company."

"Really? Good for you, Amanda. I always thought you were bound for success. Congratulations again."

"Thank you, Mr. Barker."

Turning back to Jacob, Buck said, "Your usual table, Jacob?"

"Yes, if it's available."

"Let me go check." Buck walked away and, after several seconds, he returned and said, "It's available, Jacob."

"Thanks, Buck."

Turning to the hostess, Buck said, "Angela, please escort Jacob and his family to his favorite table."

Angela Laats (2) picked up enough menus for everyone and said, "Yes, sir. Please follow me."

**********

The Panthera family left the house and walked toward the two vehicles that the family owned. Anne started bouncing in her mother's arms and, pointed at the car that Leo was getting into, said, "Mommy! Mah'l wide? Mah'l wide?"

Tigresa said, "Anne, sweetie, Michael is going to ride with Richard and Victoria."

Anne's little orange lion cub face screwed up into a perfect little frown and tears formed in the corners of her little eyes. With a waver in her voice, she said, "Mamma, wide wif Mah'l. Beez!"

Michael walked over to Tigresa, took Anne from her and whispered into Anne's cute little black tiger's ear, "Sweetie Anne, we're all going to the same place. You'll see me again in a few minutes."

She sniffled and said, in a small voice, "Pwomise?"

"I promise. I don't want to see my little sweetie cry." He took a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed her eyes. "Now, no more crying. Okay?"

Anne sniffed again, smiled and said, "Oh-kay, Mah'l." She turned back to Tigresa and reaching her little arms toward Tigresa, said, "Mommy, beez?"

As he handed Anne back to Tigresa, Michael heard Mary say, "Mommy, he didn't hurt Anne."

"No dear, Michael is a nice boy. I don't believe that he would ever intentionally hurt anyone, especially someone he likes."

As Tigresa was answering Mary, a thought crossed Michael's mind. He looked at Edward and said, "Edward, why don't you ride with Richard, Victoria and me?"

"Why?"

"Well, if I'm going to live with you and your family, I should learn all about everyone. I want to start with you."

Looking a little curious and doubtful at the same time, Edward said, "Okay."

**********

Angela led the Fuchs family to their table and handed each a menu. She told them about the daily specials and made her recommendations. After Angela left, a waitress arrived. The name on her name tag was Penny (3).

When Amanda saw the waitress, she smiled and said, "Hello Penny. How are you doing tonight?"

Penny looked at Amanda and smiled broadly, "Amanda! What are you doing here?"

"We're here celebrating my getting a job." When Ophelia saw Penny, she humphed and turned to look in another direction.

Having experienced Ophelia's reaction many times before, Penny just ignored her. "Really!? Where? What are you doing?" She said, excitedly.

"I'll be the personal secretary of the president of SoGa Industries." Amanda said with a hint of pride in her voice.

"Amanda, that's fantastic! That has to be a great paying position."

"It is. They're paying me 18.75 Yenars an hour."

Penny whistled softly before continuing, "Yes, that's more than great; I believe that qualifies as ridiculously good."

As Penny talked to Amanda, Ophelia muttered under her breath, "I don't know why Amanda has to be so close to that half-otter."

Jacob, who understood what Ophelia had said, said, "I'm sorry, Ophelia. I couldn't hear what you said."

Embarrassed, Ophelia said, "Nothing, Jacob. I was just reading the menu."

Jacob smiled because Penny hadn't distributed the menus yet.

**********

Richard backed his car out of the driveway and, following about ¼ mile behind his father, drove down the road. As they drove along, Michael said, "Richard, what kind of food does The Blue Deer Restaurant serve?"

"Oh, they've got an eclectic selection. They serve beef, venison, pork, fowl, seafood, etc. I mean, if it's meat, they serve it. And, Michael, don't be surprised at some of the diners and what they eat."

"What do you mean?"

"Just don't be surprised." Conspiratorially, he whispered, "If I know my parents, they're going to order oysters along with the rest of their meal."

"What do you mean?"

"Haven't you noticed how they can't keep their hands off of each other? Boy! Those two never seem to get enough of each . . ."

Suddenly, he stopped and looked toward his sister and brother as they were looking at him, Edward in curiosity and Victoria in shock. She said, "Richard, I can't believe you'd talk about our parents like that."

"I'm sorry, Victoria, but don't tell me YOU haven't heard what goes on in their room almost every night. Besides, how do you think they wound up with six cubs? Parthenogenesis?"

Victoria looked nervously at Edward and then out of the window of the automobile and said, "Well, yes, but, that's between them. Besides, they are married to each other and it's their right, if they feel the desire." Michael smiled as he saw Victoria embarrassed after the way she had embarrassed him earlier.

Edward looked from Victoria to Richard and back again. "Are you guys talking about sex?" Michael just smiled as Victoria and Richard looked their shock.

Victoria said, "Edward, you're ten years old. How do you know about sex?"

"Victoria, I'm in school. Biology is one of the classes I'm taking in school."

Michael smiled at Victoria's further discomfiture and they rode in silence for several seconds.

Shortly after this conversation, Edward said, "What do you want to talk to me about, Michael?"

Michael paused for a few seconds deciding the best way to tell Edward about what was on his mind. Finally, he said, "Edward, do you like girls?"

"Yes, sir. I guess, when they aren't being a pain like when some of the girls at school try to kiss me."

Michael smiled as he recalled feeling that way about girls himself when he was Edward's age. "Yeah. I guess at your age, getting kissed by girls isn't your favorite thing.

"How about your sisters, especially Mary and Anne? Do you like them?"

"Yeah. I guess. They're my sisters."

"But, Mary's a pain sometimes. Isn't she?"

He frowned and said, "Yeah. She's always crying to mom when I joke around with her."

"Joke around?"

"Sometimes, I pull her hair or bump her and she falls down. Then, she runs to mom crying saying I picked on her and hurt her."

"Would you miss her and Anne if they weren't here any longer?"

He thought for a moment and said, with a shrug in his voice, "Yeah. Why?"

"Edward, let me tell you a little bit about me. How old do you think I am?"

"I dunno, maybe as old as Richard."

"Would you believe me if I told you that I was older than your parents, your grandparents, even your great-grandparents?"

Edward looked at Michael in shock. "I can't believe that. You're not that old."

"Edward, I'm the oldest living thing on Earth. I'm over 20,000 years old, according to your parents." Edward's eyes grew large enough to see the whites.

"I used to have a younger brother and two younger sisters 20,000 years ago."

"You did?"

Sadly, Michael answered saying, "Yes. But, they're dead; I'll never see them again." Sadness started to cloud Edward's face. Michael continued, "I had been diagnosed with a deadly virus and my parents were going to take me to a doctor at the college I had recently been graduated from. I had worked with him on a project of his while I was in college. We were hoping this project would allow me to live while a cure for my condition was being developed.

"I remember the last time I saw any of my family. My sisters were crying and each one hugged me like they weren't going to let me go. Each one whispered in my ear, 'I love you, Michael. I'm so happy you're my big brother. I'm going to miss you while you're gone.' Even my little brother hugged me and said, 'Hurry up and get well. I'm going to miss having you here to protect me from the girls.' I laughed when he said that. Then, my parents and I got into our car and that was the last time I saw my siblings and I'll never see them again because they died 20,000 years ago." Now, tears were forming in Edward's eyes. "Edward, you don't want your sisters to die not knowing how much you love them. Do you?" Michael said, as he looked at Edward.

With a small waver in his voice, Edward answered, "No."

"You don't want them to hate you if you had to leave for a long time. Do you?"

The waver was bigger as Edward said, "No."

"Then, you should show your sisters this."

"Yes, sir."

**********

Penny took the orders of the Fuchs family and left but returned shortly with a glass of water for each of the family members old enough to drink from a glass. The family engaged in conversation revolving around Amanda and her new job. Jacob and Marshall were the proudest of her, although the younger siblings were halfheartedly showing her a wee bit of respect.

After about 20 minutes, their food arrived and was distributed. Penny handing each one his meal from memory. She showed the youngest, little Amber, 3, a lot of attention much to her happiness. Amber seemed to be fascinated by the raccoon mask on Penny's face even though she had an otter's head, ears and muzzle.

After a couple of minutes, Penny left the Fuchs alone to enjoy their meal. As she walked away, Amber followed her with her head as she smiled and said, "Bye, bye!"

**********

About five minutes after Michael's conversation with Edward, the four of them arrived at The Blue Deer restaurant. It was a rustic looking building that reminded Michael of an old clapboard house his parents had shown him during one of their numerous trips to one of the few remaining areas of southeast Georgia that hadn't been urbanized by the middle of the 21st Century.

When they got out of their respective cars, Edward ran up to Mary causing her to cringe and hide behind Tigresa's skirt. "Mom! He's going to do it again!" She cried out.

Tigresa turned just in time to see Edward grab Mary in a bear hug. "Mary, I don't want you to die hating me."

Tigresa looked at Edward and then back at Richard, Victoria and Michael. "What is he talking about, Richard?"

Richard and Victoria, who were surprised in to speechlessness, could only stare. Finally, after several seconds, Michael said, "Dr. Tigresa, I'm afraid that's my fault."

Dubiously, Tigresa said, "Oh?"

"I told Edward about the fact that I used to have a brother and two sisters and how they've been dead for over 20,000 years. I also told him how I was glad that we parted on good terms."

"I see." Tigresa turned to see Edward still hugging Mary and Mary fighting valiantly to get away from him. "Mary, I think Edward's sorry for picking on you. He's apologizing. Don't fight with him, please."

Still squirming in Edward's embrace, Mary said, "Mother! He's hugging me. Tell him to stah-ahp."

Tigresa squatted down and said, "Edward, if you're really sorry for hurting her all these years, let her go and just be nice to her from now on."

Edward loosened his hug, turned to his mother and said, "Yes, ma'am." Then, he let Mary go as they walked toward the restaurant.

Tigresa walked up to Michael and said, "While I'm glad you got him to be nicer to Mary, I think you overdid it a bit. Talking about her dying wasn't necessarily the best thing you could have done, Michael."

"I understand, Dr. Tigresa but, it was the only thing I could think of that might register with him that he hasn't been a very good big brother. You see, I used to treat my younger sisters and brother the same way that Edward has been treating Mary. I finally learned that I should be nicer to them when my mother's older brother died of cancer and my mother cried because they never made up for the fights they'd had as kids. When I heard my mother talking like that, I decided that I didn't want that to happen to me and my siblings. I used the fact that my siblings had died so long ago as a way to show Edward that I didn't want him, or Mary, to have those regrets."

Tigresa looked back at Edward and saw that he was holding Mary's hand much to Mary's chagrin, although she was accepting it. Tigresa smiled and said, "Well, you did in 10 minutes what I couldn't do in 6 years. So, what does it matter how you managed to accomplish it?"

**********

As they approached the restaurant, over the door, Michael saw a cartoony 8 point blue deer making an okay sign and winking at the patrons entering. Michael smiled and said, "That looks like a cartoon character I saw on television back when I was growing up, except he's blue rather than brown."

When they entered the restaurant, they were met by Buck Barker. "Leo!" He said, in his deep gruff voice that had a mild English cockney accent. "I'm so glad to see you and your wonderful family again." Suddenly, he noticed Michael. "I see you've got a human with you. Is he Victoria's boyfriend?"

Victoria replied under her breath, "I wish."

Leo said, "Victoria! Don't talk like that." Turning back to Buck, he said, "No, Buck. He's our new house-guest. His name is Michael Thomson."

"Like the gazelle?"

Michael smiled and said, "I never thought of it that way but, yes, like the gazelle."

Buck turned to Tigresa and said, "Ah, Tigresa, my love!" He gave Tigresa a big hug and, in an exaggerated stage whisper, continued, "Tigresa, when are you going to leave this loser and run away with me?"

Tigresa smiled warmly and said, "Buck, I'd consider it but, Leo's like one of my kidneys, I could live without him but, I'd miss him so much that I'd rather not. Besides, I don't think Linda would appreciate it."

After a short pause, Buck said, "She's standing right behind me, isn't she?"

Standing right behind Buck was Buck's wife, Linda. She was dressed in a flower print tan dress that reached to her knees. Looking at her, Tigresa said, "Yes."

With a laugh, Buck said, "Ah, the story of my life." Buck turned, took Linda in his arms and said, "Hello, sweetheart."

"Don't you, 'Hello, sweetheart' me, you big flirt. Get back to the kitchen and make sure that everything is being cooked properly." Linda said with a Gargia accent.

"Yes, dear." Buck walked through the double doors into the kitchen after giving Linda a small kiss on her cheek.

Linda watched Buck leave as she slowly shook her head. "Leo, I'm so glad that you're so understanding about Buck's flirting."

"That's quite all right, Linda. He's harmless. Besides, if I really thought he was serious, I'd remind him of my ancestry." He exposed his quite formidable looking canines. Linda, Leo and Tigresa laughed loudly.

Suddenly, Victoria gasped and said, "Mom, Dad, I'll be right back. I see a friend of mine."

Victoria walked briskly away and up to a waitress. "Hello Penny."

Penny turned, saw Victoria and grabbed her in a big hug. "Victoria, what you are doing here? Are you on a date?"

"No. I'm with my parents and a new member of our family."

"What!? Your mother had another cub? I didn't know she was pregnant."

Victoria laughed and said, "No. Do you remember that human in stasis that mom and dad were tending for the last 20 years?"

"Yes. You mean they managed to awaken him?"

"Yes. He's with us. When he arrived, mom and dad took him clothes shopping because the clothes he had when he was put into stasis kind of disappeared."

"Disappeared? You mean like rotted away?"

"That's what we suspect." Victoria laughed again. "Anyway, we decided to come here as a sort of welcome to your new home party."

"Oh! Guess who else is here."

Curiosity on her face, Victoria asked, "Who?"

"Amanda."

"Really!? Is she finally on a date?"

Penny laughed lightly and said, "You ought to know better than that; she's too insecure. She's with her family. I believe they're celebrating, too."

"What are they celebrating? Do you know?"

"Well, her mother doesn't really like us mixed race humanimals so she isn't talking and she's interfering with Amanda talking with me. But Amanda did say that she's got a job."

Victoria practically squealed, "Really!? I'm so happy for her. Maybe now she can take control of her life."

Penny whispered, "Well, Mrs. Fuchs isn't. You can tell from the look on her face."

"In that case, I guess I'd best get back to mom and dad. It was good seeing you again, Penny."

**********

After Victoria left her, Penny went to the kitchen to pick up the food that the Fuchs family ordered. She brought it out and distributed it, ensuring that Amanda was the last one she gave food to. Once again, Ophelia refused to even look at her, although Ophelia did thank her for bringing their food.

When Penny brought Amanda her dinner, she whispered, "Guess who's here?"

"Who?"

"Victoria and her family."

"Really? I should go tell her hello. I haven't seen her since she started college last fall."

"Her family has a human guy with them."

"Really? What does he look like?"

Ophelia, who had been ignoring Penny, heard that. "No, Amanda. You are not going to talk to those people and their pet human."

Amanda rolled her eyes and asked, "Why mother?"

"You know why, Amanda. Humans only have one thing on their minds where humanimals are concerned."

"Yes, mother, I know. They only want to make fur coats out of us. You've been telling us that ever since I was a kit. I just want to visit my friend, Victoria."

"Amanda, you know how I feel about mixed race people."

It didn't bother Ophelia one whit that Penny was standing there listening. Penny, for her part, barely even looked at Ophelia; she'd been hearing this ever since she and Amanda had become friends in elementary school. Penny loved her parents and it didn't bother her a bit that her father was an otter and her mother was a raccoon. Her parents loved each other and taught her to have that kind of love for someone special.

"I need to get back to work, Amanda. Congratulations again on obtaining your job."

"Thank you again, Penny."

As Penny walked away, Ophelia looked at Amanda and said, "I don't know why you insist on associating with her. You know how mixed race people are, Amanda."

"How is that, mother?" Amanda asked, although she already knew what her mother would say.

"Amanda, they're sexually promiscuous. They'll sleep with just about anybody since they can't find a mate from either species of their parents. You know about that white skunk with the tiger stripes. You know what she does for a living."

Penny had returned in time to hear to this exchange. As she stood there next to Amanda, she bent down and whispered, "Amanda, when you're finished with your meal, why don't I tell Victoria to meet you in the restroom before you leave?"

Amanda whispered back, "Please. I really need someone to talk to who doesn't find fault with me."

"All right. I'll go tell her right away."

Penny made her way to the table where the Panthera family was sitting. She walked up to Victoria and whispered to her, "Victoria, when Amanda's family is about to leave, I'll let you know. She said she'd like to meet you in the restroom. She's very upset and needs someone to talk to."

"Thanks, Penny. Tell her I'll be there."

"Okay. I'll let her know when I take their check to them."

After Penny left, Victoria said, "Mom, I need to go to the restroom. I'll be back shortly."

Tigresa said, "All right, Victoria. Tell Amanda we said, 'Hello'."

Victoria looked at her mother and then everyone else around the table in shock. When she saw the smiles, she shook her head and said, "Yes, ma'am."

Shortly after she entered the restroom, Victoria heard the door open, turned and saw Amanda standing there. She walked over to Amanda and gave her a hug. "God Amanda, I've missed seeing you at school. I heard you got a job."

Smiling proudly, Amanda said, "Yes, I did. I'm the personal secretary to the president of SoGa Industries."

"SoGa Industries? Amanda, are you sure your father . . ."?

"Yes, Victoria. I'm certain. I took their tests for the position of secretary and passed all of them with flying colors."

"Well, good for you, Amanda. Does that mean you'll be moving out of your parents' home soon?"

Before Amanda could respond, the door to the restroom opened. Ophelia Fuchs entered and looked at Victoria with a poorly disguised look of disgust on her face. "Amanda, I thought you had to wash your hands before we went home."

Amanda cowed slightly and said, "I do, Mother. I just happened to see Victoria here."

"You mean, Penny Wydra told you that Victoria would meet you here. Amanda, are you lesbian?"

"No, mother. I'm not lesbian. Victoria was one of my best friends in school and I wanted to talk with her, if you don't mind."

Affecting an air of superiority, Ophelia said, "Well, I do mind. Amanda, you know how I feel mixed race humanimals. Do you want to be like them?"

Becoming slightly angry, Amanda said, "I thought that's what you expected me to be like, Mother. Besides, Victoria doesn't date nor sleep with just any person. She's picky about her dates."

Victoria said, "Amanda, don't worry about it. I'm used to people thinking things like that about me, especially the guys. That's why I've dated so many guys, I can't find one that doesn't look at me and see my lion/tiger ancestry and think I'm easy. But, I need to get back to my family. I'll see you later, Amanda. Bye, Mrs. Fuchs."

Ophelia humphed and ignored what Victoria said. Amanda said, "I'll see you later, Victoria."

**********

Victoria walked back to the table where her parents were and sat in her seat, rather heavily. Tigresa cut her eyes toward her daughter and said, "Did Ophelia insult you again, sweetheart?"

In a disgusted voice, Victoria answered, "Yes. GOD! Where does that woman come off saying such things about someone she barely knows and rarely talks to?"

"Just ignore her, baby." Leo said. "She's one of the few remaining true speciesists. She's afraid that, if Amanda associates with someone of mixed race, she'll somehow become a sex crazed woman who'll sleep with anyone who desires her. I hate to tell Ophelia this but, if Amanda becomes that type of girl, it won't be because of you; it'll be because of Ophelia's attitude toward her."

"Thank you, Daddy."

Victoria looked around the table and noticed that Michael wasn't there. "Daddy, where's Michael?" She asked.

Oh, he had to go to the restroom. He'll be back in a moment.

**********

Michael walked out of the restroom and bumped into Ophelia. "Oh, excuse me, ma'am. I wasn't expecting anybody to be standing outside of the men's room."

Ophelia glared at Michael and said, "You should apologize, human. You should pay attention to what you're doing and stop running into innocent humanimals." As she walked away, Michael could hear her muttering, "If it was up to me, every human on Earth would either be in prison, a zoo or euthanized."

Needless to say, Michael was shocked at such a reaction for an accident. He slowly shook his head as he returned to his dinner.

Leo said, "Michael, did something happen?"

"Yes, sir. I ran into this red fox vixen and she went ballistic on me, saying, 'If it was up to her, every human on Earth would be in prison, a zoo or euthanized.' Man, Dr. Leo, some humanimals remind me quite a bit of humans from my era."

Leo and Tigresa smiled. Leo said, "Well, don't worry about her, Michael. You'll probably never meet her again."

**********

(1)-Buck Barker is a blue merle English bulldog man. He stands about 5'8" (175 cm) tall and weighed about 165 lbs. (75 kg) but was almost completely fat-free. He has brownish black hair that's just short of his shirt's collar and brown eyes. He always dresses casually usually in a light blue dress shirt, no tie, black slacks and black wingtip shoes.

(2)-Angela Laats is a Fossa. She is 27 years old, about 5'8" (175 cm) and weighs about 120 lbs. (54 kg). She has a rather small but muscular build. Her measurements are 32A-20-33 (81A-51-84). She has dark brown hair that reaches the middle of her back and dark brown, almost black, eyes. She is the hostess at The Blue Deer Restaurant. Even though, as a feral species, the fossa is very solitary and unfriendly, the humanimal fossa is the diametrical opposite. Angela is very open and friendly toward anybody and everybody she meets. She's always smiling which causes everybody around her to smile as well.

(3)-Linda Barker is a white English bulldog woman, about 5'6" (168 cm) tall and weighs about 150 lbs. (68 kg). Her measurements are about 38D-28-38 (97D-71-97). Like Buck, she's muscular and almost fat-free. She has chocolate brown shoulder length hair and medium brown eyes.