Chpater 1
Chapter 1
Journal Entry Log: September 8, 2007
Another summer gone and it's back to college. I can't wait to see everyone again. I wonder how much they changed. I'm glad I have this picture of us or I probably won't recognize them when I see them.
The bat on the left with his skateboard under his arm. Wearing a black hooded tight-fitting jacket with many zippers pockets, black jeans torn at the knees,, and dark blue Sketchers: that's Victor Cachu. He's kind of sacry looking with short wavy dark brown hair, black eyes that seem to stab at your soul, and he's six feet tall with an average build. Victor is twenty-three and is now a junior at the university. He is already an Art Major and has a job as a cartoonist but he's stil taking art classes. He's one of those people who gets annoyed with what I do and say and yet he puts up with me. Sometimes he'll kick or punch as an indication of when I'm being overly annoying.
The panther on the right with his arms crossed and his ponytail flowing in the wind, wearing a light green t-shirt, blue denim jeans, and white DC's is my oldest friend Daniel Killam. He's an interesting site. Although he's a panther, he's pretty skinny although he's five-foot-ten, has strawberry blonde hair, and ocean green eyes. Daniel is also twenty-three and a junior. He's working hard to become a graphic designer so he can, quote-unquote, "Create some of the best games ever played." He's always reading manga's and fantasy nocels. He also owns a lot of swords, daggers, and other combat weapons and he knows how to use them.
The glasses wearing leopard between them, wearing a red longsleeve shirt, faded cream colored jeans held in place by a worn out brown belt, and blue Addidas. He's five-foot-six and skinny as a rail. as short golden blonde hair and grayish blue eyes that just scream party. Joey's twenty-two and he's a sophmore. He's taking Physical Helath so he can become a fitness trainer. He is currently a teacher's aid at the college. Sometimes he's hyper ands says wierd things, but he is somewhat popular among our peirs. His life outside of class is a mystery to us though.
I'm so lucky to have such cool friends who care about me...in their own ways.
Guess who's the black lab on the bottom (kneeling in front of Joey and in the center of Daniel and Victor) wearing a button flame shirt with goggles around his neck (under the shirt's collar), navy jeans with a chered-studded belt resting through the loops, white K-Swiss shoes. Yep that's me, Andrew Allison. Like Daniel, I to have odd features for my species, what with the dirty blonde hair and light blue eyes, and like Joey, I to wear glasses and is a sophmore at Berwick University. I'm twenty-one and pretty tall at the height of five-foot-eleven and somwewhere between slim and an average build I'm taking English classes to become an author and I'm also in the school's band. I'm a drummer (snare or bass) who also plays fluglehorn, xlyophone, and marimba. I'm the member of our little group who gets pushed around and comes up with random ideas and comments. That's what happens when my A.D.D. kicks in.
Everyone always thought we were an odd looking group.
That's it for tonight. I need to get to bed. We made a promise that we would all take afternoon classes. That way we could hang out more.
As Andrew turned off his laptop and climbed into bed, he wondered what was in store for him this year.
After what seemed like a few minutes, he woke up at 5:30 a.m., before his alarm went off at it's usual time (6:20).
He yawned and ruffled his hair. The lab climbed out of bed, walked down the hall in his hoxer briefs into the bathroom and turned on the shower. While he waited for the water to warm up, he went back to his room and rummaged through his closet to try and figure out what he was going to wear for the day ahead. He selected a black t-shirt with 'Born to be Bad' labeled across the front, some faded blue jeans with a small hole in the back left pocket; and of course his favorite accessory: his goggles.
He grabbed a towel designed with flames of black and blue and started walking back to the bathroom when his cell phone started ringing.
"Who would be calling me this early?" he wondered walking over a table to answer it.
The caller I.D. read Joey so he decided to answer it. "Hey Joey. You do know what time it is don't you?"
A deep toned laughter erupted from the other end. Once the noise subsided, Joey began to speak. "Good morning Andrew," said an overly energetic leopard. "Yeah, I know what time it is. In fact, that's why I'm calling now. Victor and Daniel are meeting me at Denny's for breakfast and we were wondering if you wanted to join us?"
Andrew didn't need to think about it. He was hungry and anxious to see everyone again. "Definitely. Can you pick me up though? My car is in an auto body shop getting repaired. Don't ask!"
Joey let out what sounded like a little chuckle. "Sure, I'll pick you up around 6:15."
"Okay, see you then," said Andrew, then hung up. "Okay so that leaves me about half an hour to be done with my shower, brush my teeth, and get dressed...Great!"
Andrew looked over his shoulder at his alarm clock on top of the dresser. It flashed 5:45 in bright red lights. He yawned again as he walked back to the shower with his clothes in his arms and his towel wrapped around his waist. Just low enough to where his tail was able to hang out in the open.
He re-entered the bathroom and placed his clothes on the counter next to the sink, and hung his towel over the shower rod. When he stepped inside, he was immediately struck by a warm rain. As the water soaked his dark fur, he began to sing "Simple and Clean." Turning off the water, he shook himself for a quick dry, then grabbed the towel to dry himself further and noticed a large hole in one of its corners.
He brought the hole closer to examine it better, "Damn it! This was my favorite towel." He let the towel drop from his paw and fall to the floor. He then resumed getting ready for Joey's arrival, putting on his red boxer briefs, followed by his pants, then his shirt with his goggles around his neck, brushed his teeth, and fixed his glasses. He started to comb his hair into his usual push forward style when he heard the door bell.
Andrew looked at his cell phone and saw that it was 6:17. *Crap! That's Joey." He pulled on his pants and ran back to his room and quickly put on a pair of Hanes socks and his shoes. His ears perked when the door bell rung again. He grabbed his book filled backpack and wallet, even though it didn't have any cash in it, and ran to the front door doing a quick to make sure he had everything. When he decided everything was good, he opened the door and saw Joey stand with his index finger still on the door bell, wearing a vertically striped blue and black t-shirt and cut-off jean shorts.
Joey smiled at him and said, "Good morning Andrew," while at the same time, raised his arms to shake the labs paw.
Andrew rooled his eyes and smiled back. "What's good about waking uo this early in the morning?" and shook Joey's paw and pulled him into a hug.
When Joey was released from the dog's embrace, he asked, "So are you ready to go and meet the others?" Andrew nodded and they headed for the silver KIA parked in front of the apartment complex. Joey unlocked the car and opened the passenger door for Andrew. They both buckled in and drove off.
When they came to a red light, Joey asked, "So are you going to move back into the dorms?"
Andrew didn't answer. His mind became occupied with thoughts about events that occured last year at Berwick University...
...After graduation, Andrew had recieved a music scholarship that got him into Berwick and was also sponsored by Hegan's Plumbing Service (the company his dad worked for). Originally he was able to move into one of the dorms and since everything was being paid for, he was able to get a job and save up some money for himself. He got a job on campus in the cafeteria helping prepare the food and cleaning up afterwards. This included clearing the tables, sweeping and mopping the floor, washing the dishes, and taking the trash out back. He did this every Monday and Wednesday from 12:30-2:00 p.m. He also went to a gym called 'Burn Out!'
to workout and occasionally offered to help out whenever they needed it. Jason Hernandez, the manager, offered the lab a job to work in their gear shop/juice bar and a free membership. He took the offer, and now works there Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from noon to one in the morning.
But during the last half of the year, the dorm building caught on fire. No one was hurt but the building had to be completely rebuilt and wouldn't be finished until next year. Andrew lost most of his possesions in the fire and used up nearly all of his savings on a one room apartment, a new phone, new clothes, new school supplies, and many other things. Not to mention the payments for the bills made major dents in his paychecks. Some of his friends get involved with his problems...
...Joey's voice snapped the dog out of his trance. "Helo? Earth to Andrew."
Andrew turned his head so his eyes were lined up with the leopard's. He saw the concern shining in his eyes. "Sorry. I was just thinking about stuff. What'd you say?"
"I asked if you were going to move back into the dorms."
The light turned green and the drive continued.
"I got a letter two weeks ago saying the dorm was ready for it's residents to move in again, so yeah. I'm going to move back in."
"Do you have any money left after your apartment life?"
"I have $200 left in the bank. No big deal"
"The HELL it is!," shouted Joey, "The University should've helped the students who lived there pay for some of the shit you and others had payed for. Not all from your own pockets!"
Andrew let out a sigh but still smiled. "I don't mind. In a way, I'm kind of happy. Sure I was upset about the dorm catching fire but because it did happen, I was able to learn how to take care of myself." Joey opened his muzzle to say something but Andrew cut him off. "Whenever I got into trouble, I always went to you or the others for help. I got tired of being so dependant on others and I believe that the dormburning down was a sign for me to start changing." Andrew smiled at Joey and he smiled back.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the Denn'ys parking lot. Andrew opened the entrance door for Joey and they immediately spotted Daniel and Victor at a table in the back.
Daniel looked up from his conversation with Victor and called the two to come sit down. "It's about time you two showed up." Daniel sat down next to Victor. Joey sat across from them and scooted over so Andrew could sit. Once they were seated, Daniel continued talking. "We had to send the waitress away quite a few times while wait for you."
Victor nodded his head, agreeing with him. "Now we can finally order."
Soon after, a young zebra waitress with beautiful golden brown eyes came up to the group to take their order. "Good morning," she said in a soft voice. "What would you gentlemen like to drink?"
Daniel asked for Coke, Joey and Victor wanted Pepsi, and Andrew told her we would like some Dr. Pepper.
The waitress nodded and said, "Okay, I'll be back with your drinks and to take your orders in a little bit." With that, she walked to the kitchen to retrieve their drinks. She returned a few minutes later carrying the four drinks on a silver tray. "Here are your drinks gentlemen," she placed the desired beverages on the table. She placed the tray under her arm and pulled out a small notebook and pencil from the pockets of her apron. "Now, what would you like to order?" Everyone ordered pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast. She scribbled the orders down and headed back to the kitchen.
The group was silent for a while, everyone waiting for one of the others to say something.
Finally, Joey broke the silence. "So Victor, Daniel, what have you guys been up to?"
Victor stopped drinking his Pepsi and let out a loud burp. "There's nothing new really. Still a cartoonist working for Looney Cartoons Incorporated." He took another sip of his drink before he continued. "Oh. I guess there is one thing new."
Joey's eyes lit up, "Really? What is it?"
"To make a long story short, I'm in charge of a new cartoon. My cartoon that is."
Andrew's and Joey's jaws drooped simultaneously. They bloth looked over at Daniel and saw that this news didn't seem to surprise him like it did them.
Andrew took a quick sip of his drink and asked, "Did you know this already Daniel?"
The panther turned his head away from the window, fixing his pontytail as he did so often, and looked over at them. He looked over at Andrew and nodded. "Of course I know. I'm helping create it."
Neither Joey not Andrew could take anymore surprises. At least not this early in the morning.
Joey anxiously asked Andrew to move so he could go to the bathroom. Andrew did as he was asked and was soon left alone with Daniel and Victor. Andrew returned his attention to Daniel, "So how long have you been working at Looney Cartoon?"
Daniel let out a sigh, "About two months now, but it is just until the project is over. Victor called me and told me about the cartoon he was creating and wanted my help with graphics, coloring, background, and sounds," he smiled and pointed his thumb over at Victor, "This bat couldn't install an emulator without my help."
Andrew let out a short chuckle and took a sip from his drink. Neither could I, he thought to himself.
While Victor was yelling at Daniel for the comment he made, the waitress returned carrying a tray with plates on top of plates of food. "Hope it didn't take too long," she said as she place the food in front of each of the customers, except for one. "Wasn't their a leopard with you?"
"He went to the restroom," answered Andrew.
Joey than returned as she headed to another table to attend to more customers."Sorry I took so long."
Andrew got up so Joey could sit back in his previous spot. "What did you do? Fall in?" smirked Andrew.
They laughed and Joey playfully shoved the lab's shoulder as he sat down.
Andrew was about to sit back down when he saw a familiar looking character enter the restraunt. The fur looked to be about five-foot-seven, average looking lionwearing an ensamble of nothing but black. His shirt, shoes, a spike collar around his neck, a wristband on each arm, even his mane and the fur at the tip of his tail: all were black. Black as the darkest moonless night. The lion looked around with uncertainty. He noticed Andrew staring at him and started walking toward him.
Joey and the others looked at Andrew than looked in the directin the lab was staring and saw the lion approaching.
The lion stopped two feet from Andrew. All eyes were now on them, waiting for something to happen.
The lion covered his muzzle and yawned. "I didn't think I'd see you guys again."
Joey looked over at Daniel and Victor but they just shrugged their shoulders.
"Sorry I was staring but you look so familiar." Andrew looked the lion over. Their was something familiar about him but he couldn't figure it out. "I can't quite place you or even come up with a name."
"Well I remember you Andrew Allison..." He looker over at the group, "and Joey Householder and Daniel Killam."
Joey and Andrew wore a surprised expression on their faces due to the fact that the feline just walked up to them knowing their names but not knowing who he was. Realization dawned slowly on Daniel's face as he sat back and watched the scene.
Andrew placed a paw behind his head. *Sorry, but I'm still drawing a blank."
The lion sighed and shook his mane out of his eye. "I went to Frisbie Middle School. I was in your's and Daniel's P.E. class and then the three of us ate lunch together."
Andrew brought his paw back down and thought about it. Then it struck him. "Ned? Ned Rodriguez?"
The lion gave a little smile. "See? You remember me after all."
Andrew hugged his old friend. The others got up and surrounded the two. When Ned was released, Joey shook his right paw and Daniel shook the left. Daniel went and got a chair for Ned so he could sit with them as the others sat back down and began eating.
Andrew took a few bites of his pancakes then asked ned, "So what happened to you? During the summer after graduation middle school you didn't call me and I didn't see you at Rialto High."
"Me either," interrupted Joey with half a sausage sticking out of his muzzle, "You didn't go to Eisenhower High with me and Daniel or appeared when Andrew transferred there."
"Did you go to Carter High or did you move away?" asked Daniel, covering his muzzle as he sneezed. "And it's 'Daniel and me' Joey."
Ned looked at ech of them in turn. After a couple of seconds he said, "I jsut enrolled at Berwick University. My first classes are today. Do any of you go there?"
"We all go there," said Andrew, wondering why he avoided the question but let it slip by. "Tell us, what classes are you taking? Where are you living? Are you working?"
"Um...I was just about to get an application for this place. The sign outside says, 'Now accpeting Applications.," he said as he got up and went to the front counter and asked for an application.
The group watched him get his papers and fill it out. For some reason, they couldn't remove their eyes from him. After a few minutes, he returned to the table.
"So ready for class?"