The World We Never Knew

- Title Page

- Chapter one

- Chapter two

- Chapter Three

- Chapter Four

- Chapter Five

This book is about anthropomorphic animals. This humorous story will take the reader to another world wear animals act like humans but still have some animal like qualities. If you like laughing, or reading anything that has to do with worlds where animals are the dominate species please find a place to sit and make yourself comfortable.

Chapter one

The Relationship

Walking into his room Dotson saw a fox sitting on his bed. “Hi baby where have you been I haven’t heard from you in two weeks?” The fox said.

It was his girlfriend Crista. “Hey Crista how did you get into my house I don’t remember you knocking on the door?”

“I didn’t know you were home, so I jumped in the window to your room.”

He was used to her climbing in through his window when he wasn’t home, but he was still trying to get used to her climbing in when he was asleep. He was a wolf after all, and climbing into a wolf’s room was just not a great idea. Crista knows this and still does what she wants.

“What are you doing here Crista?” I thought you went snowboarding with your brother and sister in for a month.”

“Well. We were but after two weeks, there was giant snowstorm that came and took all of our supplies, so after the snowstorm passed we had to come back to Arizona.”

“Oh that’s terrible!”

“No it’s great, now I can see you whenever I want to. Speaking of which what are you doing Saturday?”

“Well I’m going to publish two of my books that I have been working on, but I should be back around noon.”

“Great would you like to come over for dinner at my parent’s place?” Crista said

“I don’t know. Your dad doesn’t exactly like me.”

“For being a writer?”

“No for being a wolf.”

“Ooh baby!”

Standing up she walked over to him, putting her arms around his waist she kissed him. She liked that fact that he was always warmer then she was, he was like her own personal heater. “Baby he likes you he just doesn’t like to show his feelings around others, and their serving steak.”

“Steak?”

“Yep it was moms idea she knows how much you like meat so she wanted to cook something special for you”.

“I’ll go, but on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll go but only if your dad is out of the house.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Dotson was glad that Crista’s mother liked him but didn’t like how her dad thought he was just a wolf waiting for the right moment to devour his daughter. He came from a family of eight, five brothers and three sisters; he was the youngest which meant he was the butt of their jokes. He was always being pranked and teased, until he grew. The jokes of him came to a startling halt when he towered over all his siblings. Once moved out of his parents’ house he bought a place of his own, it was a small apartment that had room for one and only one. He began to write books, draw, and sell art and at the age of twenty five he bout his own place.

“Dotson, do you think I could come with you to your editor?”

“Of course you can come with me. But why do you want to it’s not very exciting?”

“I just want to come for the ride I love your motorcycle and I haven’t gotten a chance to ride on it.”

“Ok.”

“Thank you baby, I better get going it’s getting late.”

“I’ll walk you home.”

The moon was full shining bright giving the night sky a white glow. The streets were quiet. Reaching the apartment building of where Crista lived he walked her to her place. Kissing Dotson on his forehead she closed door behind her. The apartment was cozy, but she was missing Links, her friend and roommate. Crista did not especially like being alone. She liked to be hanging out with a friend or a group of friends. She missed Links and hoped she would return soon, Crista sighed, snuggled down into the big couch and decided she was just going to have to watch TV by herself until Links returns.

Walking back he thought about how beautiful the night was. The stars were twinkling bright making the ground seem to come alive. The tall buildings surrounding him also seemed to sparkle. He was amazed he had always wondered how the world could make such beauty. From the distance he heard footsteps, they wear approaching fast. Turning, he saw an orange cat running towards him. As the cat got closer he grabbed Dotson pushing him into a wall. Reaching out he grabbed the cat with one arm. Jumping on top of him, he kneed the cat in the chest.

The cat tried biting him, and then reached for a knife hidden on his thigh. It was a futile effort under the weight of Dotson “I just wanted some money!” The cat yelled struggling to breath.

Dotson, Still on top of him took the weapon, and shoved it in his pocket. The feline didn’t have the energy to stand.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” Dotson finally asked.

“I thought that I could get away with a few dollars, but you looked smaller from far away.”

Knowing he wasn’t in danger Dotson reached for his wallet giving him a five dollar bill.

“Thanks?”

“Don’t look so shocked, I gave you the five because you look like you could use it.”

“Thanks.” The cat said again slinking off into the night.

Dotson waited until he was out of site then ran home into the blackness of the night. Turning out the lights to his room he thought about dinner with Crista’s family. Her family liked him except her Dad. He could tell when he was hated. It would be hard to like her father but he could never admit that to her. She loved her father. He saw the adoration she had in her eyes for him. Her Father never liked the fact that a wolf and a fox could get along or even love each other, he was always saying. “Just you wait and see Crista one of these days Dotson going to sneak into your house and devourer you.” She never believed him. He sighed out loud. Convincing her Father that he could be trusted was not going to be easy.

Chapter two

The Surprise

Awaking from her deep slumber, Crista was overcome with happiness. She was about to have a day with Dotson and then dinner with her family. She was ready early and spent her time watching until he drove up. Running to meet him she nearly tripped over her own two paws down the stairs. Once she saw him turning the corner she jumped right on him nearly knocking him over.

“What’s the rush?”

“I’m just really happy to see you!”

“Well I’m glad you’re glad.”

“I don’t plan on ever leaving your arms.”

“How do you expect me to drive like this?” She didn’t move, continuing to twitch her tail back and forth.

“Crista are you listening to me!”

It was six miles to his editors but he came prepared. There were some sandwiches tucked away in the leather black pouch on the side of his bike. After three hours of the nonstop cold air blowing through their clothes, she began to feel hungry. She wanted to eat but didn’t want to be a burden. He read her mind, a few minutes of rest and the tasty sandwiches he was eager to get back onto the road.

After the long road and the hour long Editor visit, Crista was glad when Dotson dropped her off back home. Getting ready she felt a little nervous. She hadn’t seen her parents all day and had not had time to prepare her Dad for Dotson to eat dinner with them. She was not sure how he was going to react. She never understood why her Father hated wolves, she had always thought of them as kind and sometimes cute animals. She felt certain after he got to know him he would learn to trust Dotson. She showered and dressed quickly, then headed over to her parents. Just in time, because she was barely in the door and she heard Dotson driving up.

She threw open the door to see him there smiling at her.

“You look great Crista.”

“You don’t look too bad yourself sailor.” Kissing lightly she moved to let him in.

He felt nervous and a little skeptical on how the night was going to go. I’m doing this for Crista he thought I can’t ruin this for her, no matter how much her dad bugs me. “Are you ready?” She whispered in his ear.

“Yep.”

Taking his hand they walked towards the dining room, he received a warm welcome from Mrs. Robinson. “How are you? I haven’t seen you in so long? How’s the writing coming along?”

“It’s going great Mrs. Robison, how have you been?”

“Good, good. Sit down dinner is almost ready.” The house had a wonderful aroma of food. “Your dad is in the living room watching TV if you want to go say hi to him.”

Taking him to the living room she embraced her Father with a hug.

“Crista how have you been I haven’t seen you all day.”

“Good, dad you remember Dotson.”

Robinsons smile change, he knew he wasn’t welcomed but he tried not to let that bother him.

“What’s he doing here!?” Mr. Robinson said in a whisper.

“Dad he is my boyfriend I wanted him to come.”

Dotson, putting his hand down said nothing.

“Just make sure he doesn’t touch anything.”

“Dad he’s my boyfriend not my dog!”

“Sweet heart his kind are dogs!”

“Can’t we just have an enjoyable time without you criticizing him?”

“Whatever you wish sweetheart.”

Grabbing Dotson hand she brought him back into the dining room. “Don’t pay attention to him, he’s old fashioned.”

“Your dad still doesn’t like me; I don’t think it was a good idea for me to come.”

“No my dear, I wanted you to come and if my dad doesn’t see what I see in you then screw him.” She said heatedly.

“I love you too.”

Around the table he could feel Mr. Robinson anger. He felt as though he was going to attack him at any moment. Dotson was much bigger than him but he would never want it to come to that. Crista would never forgive him if he hurt her Father. He would lose her. Her Father would win. He knew Crista had a younger sister who had died a couple of years ago. She had told him that losing her had almost killed her father. Maybe it was that loss that made her father so angry. Maybe he was scared of losing her. She didn’t like to talk about it. Even thinking of the loss made her cry. It had been a dark time for all of them is really all she had told him. He knew nothing of what had happened, so he could only guess at her Fathers hatred of him.

Mrs. Robison kept polite conversation going about his books and what he did with his days under the glowering look of her husband.

“So Dotson what’s it like being a writer telling people about how you killed your last victim.” Mr. Robinson blurted out.

“Dad!”

“No its ok if the man wants to know what I write about I’ll tell him, I write fiction.”

“Oh so you write about fairy tale worlds about characters that eat each other?”

“No, I write about an animal that judges other animals before he gets to know them first.”

Mrs. Robinson jumped up from the table. “Chocolate cake anyone?”

Once dessert was finished Crista headed outside.

“I’m sorry I don’t understand baby why doesn’t my father like you. I mean I love you how come he can’t be happy for me?”

“I couldn’t tell you because I don’t know him that well, but I don’t care if he hates me all I care about is that you love me and your love is all I’ll ever need.”

Wrapping him in a hug a tear rolled down her cheek. “I’m sorry I put you threw this, but I know he will come around.”

“Don’t be, I had a great time even if your dad looked like he wanted kill me.”

“Really?”

“Yes I mean I think one day me and your dad will finely be able to get along, I hope that your Dad and I will one day put aside our differences and finely see that we aren’t that different.”

Wiping her cheeks she looked into his eyes and smiled. She could see that he was hurt by the comments that her father made, but she could tell that he didn’t want her to know.

“I guess we can go back inside.” Dotson said.

Kissing his lips his legs went limp and his eyes closed, there was just something about the way that she kissed him it made him feel like the king of the world.

“I guess we should my love.”

He was happy that things went more smoothly once they went back in the house. Mrs. Robinson must have spoken to her husband. Crista joined him when he left, telling her parents she would be back later.

Once home she ran up the stairs to his bedroom yelling for him to stay down until he was needed, he waited a few minutes before hearing her call him up. Crista clothes were leading to his room; she was naked sitting on top of his bed with her legs crossed. “What’s the matter never seen me like this?”

“No I just never did anything like this.”

“Baby you don’t have to worry about anything just let me do all the work.”

Pulling him into the room she pushed him onto the bed. “Let’s take off these clothes they just get in the way.”

Getting on top of him he was feeling nervous about what she had planned. “You’re all mine.” She said.

Her tongue in his mouth she was enjoying the taste of his lips.

Putting his hands on her hips he was overcome with a feeling of love. Finished they lied on the bed panting. “What did you think for your first time?”

“That was incredible! Was that my surprise?”

“Yep I thought because we’ve been dating for a while now that I would be your first girl to take your virginity.”

I’m glad you were my first.”

“And last.” She whispered.

Chapter Three

New Friends

Cuddling on the bed they talked in tell they fell asleep. Dotson woke early the next morning but let Crista sleep. Headed down stairs, he heard a loud knock at his door.

It was a Gage, a brown Australian kangaroo. “Gage! Sorry I’m not dressed but I wasn’t expecting you, how was the trip?”

“Great! “Japan is a very nice country.”

“How did the boxing tournament go did you win?”

Gage took a couple of fake swings. “Yes, as expected.”

“That’s awesome.”

“So how have you been Dotson? I haven’t heard from you in two months.” He looked around him as he saw Crista walking down the stairs. “Never mind, I can see you are doing fine.”

“Good morning my love, how did you sleep?” Dotson said.

“I slept great; I didn’t know you had company.”

“Gage, Crista, Crista, Gage.”

“Hi Gage it’s nice to meet you.”

“Hello, I just came by to see if Dotson wanted to go to a party tonight, the invite is certainly extended to you as well.”

“Thank you, but I can’t tonight. I have a few things I need to do. Thanks for the offer though.”

“I’m not busy Gage, You know I will be there.” Dotson said.

“Alright the party is at my house at six, I better get going if I’m going to get anything ready.

“It was nice to meet you Crista.”

“You to Gage” Watching him walk away she asked. “Who is he?”

“One of my best friends. He’s a professional boxer. I haven’t seen him in two months, he’s been in Japan participating in a boxing tournament.”

“Oh, but why did he come here so early in the morning?”

“Because before he left he would go on his routine jog and since he passes my house he would sometimes stop by to see how I’m doing even if it was seven in the morning.”

“Oh, what is the party for?”

“I’m not certain what the occasion is but knowing Gage it’s probably some holiday I never heard of, why do you ask?”

Just curious is all.”

“But how come you declined Gages invite?”

“Because my dad wants to take me shopping with him.”

“Oh, ok.”

“Would you mind dropping me off at home so I could get ready baby?” Crista said

“Of course I wouldn’t mind let me just put on some clothes on we’ll be off.”

Driving away from the apartment he was feeling pretty satisfied. He liked that he and Crista had been the first for each other. His cellphone rang. It was Katie, and she needed a ride. She was like a sister to him, always there when he needed a shoulder or friend. He knew she liked him and thought she might have wanted it to go further, but he never had those kinds of feelings for her. He agreed to pick her up for the party.

The day slowly turned to night. He was looking forward to the night out and called Katie to tell her he was on his way.

Knocking on the door he heard a distant voice saying to come in.

Her door swung open and Katie was front of him. “Hi Dotson, Come in and make yourself at home I’ll be ready in a minute.”

“Take your time.”

When she was ready they walked outside together. He could feel Katie glancing at him.

“So how are you and Crista doing?”

“We are doing good.”

“Is she going to meet us at the party?”

“No she wasn’t able to come.”

“Aw that’s too bad I guess that means you’re stuck with me?”

“I don’t mind it’s always good to have company.”

At the house Gage came out.

“Dotson, Krista glad you could make it!”

The house was crowded with animals talking and laughing “Gage, what the occasion?” Dotson asked.

“It’s yapping season in me country, it’s the season were you show how much you care for your friends by throwing a giant party for them.”

The party went on until midnight. Dotson noticed that most of the guests were becoming drunk and disoriented.

“Have a drink Dotson and loosen up!” a guest shouted staggering away.

I think it’s time I get home he thought. He went to look for Katie and found her laying on a couch face first into the pillows. “Katy, Katy it’s time to go home.”

“I love you Dotson.”

She’s drunk he thought. “Come on Katie time to take you home.”

Picking her up he headed towards the door, but before he could head out Gage appeared in front of him. “Are you heading home?”

“Yeah I have to take her home, she drank so much she can’t even stand.”

Looking down Gage saw that her eyes wear closed but her fur was pale.

“She looks terrible I hope her hangover isn’t too bad.”

“Well thanks for inviting me I had a great time, and I hope we can do this again. “Maybe the next time I won’t have to carry anyone home.” They both laughed.

“Thanks for coming mate; I’ll get the door for you.”

“Thank, good night.”

Leaving the house Katie opened her blood shot eyes “Oh Dotson take me home and do me.”

“Maybe next time.”

“Oh come on Crista would never have to know.”

“I’d know, so let me just get you home and tuck you in bed.”

“I’m not that drunk and what does Crista have, that I don’t?”

“She’s love of my life.”

“That’s so boring.” Katie yawned and the scent of whiskey wafted up to his nose” I bet she could never love you like I could.”

He set her down to get them both situated on his bike. She fell on her knees. He reached to steady her and she grabbed his shirt to pull him down to her. She kissed him.

“What the hell Katy.” He pulled away.

“You know you liked that, now let’s finish our kiss.”

She struggled to her feet with her lips puckered.

“No Katie.” He gently kept her at bay. “I’m not kissing you again, just get on the bike so I can take you home!”

“Fine we can finish our kiss at my house, and if you’re good to me maybe a little more than just a kiss.”

Rolling his eyes he mounted on pulling Katie behind him. Katie grabbed his chest and scooted closer into him. “Is that close enough for you baby?”

“Dame it Katie stop it, and move back I can hardly move!” She grabbed him tighter. He sighed. At this point he just wanted to get her home. They drove with Katie pressed into his back. She did not move much and he figured she had fallen back asleep. He got her home and tried to get her off of the bike. She fell to the ground. He carried her to her front door and finally got her into the house. He laid her on her bed and she grabbed his crotch.

“Katie.” He jumped away.

“Kiss me.” She murmured to him.

“Katie I gotta go, you sleep it off.”

“First cover me.”

He leaned over the bed and pulled the covers over her, she grabbed his crotch again. He tore away her hand. “What the fuck Katie, what’s wrong with you!”

“I thought you liked that?”

“No that was painful!”

“I’m sorry do you want a hug?”

No! I don’t want a hug. I’m going to leave now. Don’t try and get up, just sleep. I don’t want you to follow me, ok can you do that for me?”

“Ok Dotson I promise.”

“Great goodnight Katie.”

“Goodnight, I love you!” She yelled out to him. He let the door close quietly behind him.

He got home around 1am and to his surprise when he walked upstairs he saw Crista standing in his bedroom.

“So how was the party, Baby what’s wrong why are you walking like that?”

“We need to talk.” He told her what had happened with Katie. When finished she stared at him.

“Baby I’m sorry she did that to you. She’s a bitch for doing that, are you ok?”

“I’m fine but let’s not to try for cubs for a few months I would really appreciate it.”

“I also have something that I need to tell you.”

“Oh, and what would that be?”

“It’s about my father, about ten minutes after you dropped me off at my house he showed up to take me to town. We were having a wonderful time together until...”

“Until?”

“Until we drove back home, he asked how things were going with you and I, I said great but he didn’t seem to like my answer. He began to say that he doesn’t like me dating you, and that he would rather have me date one of my brothers. I told him that I was old enough to make my own decisions and that I can date who ever. That he had no control over me, but for the rest of the care ride home we sat in silence.”

Tears ran down her cheeks. She reached out to him “I don’t want to lose you.”

“Baby its ok, your dad was probably just mad because he knows that he doesn’t have any control over you now.”

“Do you think that’s the reason why he’s doesn’t like you, because he can’t tell me not to see you again.”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter why he doesn’t like me or why he is mad at you for an argument that you didn’t start. What matters is that you’re with me tonight and that your dad or anybody for that matter will never be able to separate us, our love has to great of a grip on us to let the world split us apart.”

Chapter Four

Gage and Love

Morning came too soon. The party had been great, but lasted all night. He needed to get his head clear. Gulping down a cup of coffee Gage went out for his usual jog. The sounds of cars and the business of the town filled his ears. He loved the sound of the city. The day could not have started out more perfect. All that changed though when he saw a female kangaroo, her head fur was stunning in the morning sun her body was lean and flawless. He would have run straight into a pole if she hadn’t turned a corner out of his view, she’s beautiful he thought. I have to know who she is I can’t believe I never saw here before I mean how did I miss a girl like that. He couldn’t get her out of his mind, the very thought of her seemed to replay in his mind like a broken record player. He had never seen anyone so beautiful he just wanted to see her one more time. She was gone, he looked around for a few more minutes as he jogged, but nothing. He jogged until he saw a coffee shop. It did not take him long to convince himself he needed more coffee. As he was sitting in at a window she walked in. She glanced over at him. He wanted to introduce himself sipping his coffee he waited for the right moment. The minutes ticked by as she sat at a table across from him. He kept looking at her then down at his coffee. As he glanced up he saw she was staring at him.

”Why do you keep staring at me? Do we know each other?”

“Um sorry, I –I, I noticed you outside when I was jogging and thought I might know you.” He lied.

“Right.” She smiled. “Well I’m here alone and wouldn’t mind some company.” She sat herself at his table. “I’m Brianna.”

They talked for hours, he was intrigued by her voice it was soft and soothing. When they finally said their goodbyes he hummed to himself all the way home. It was a melody that he had long forgotten, but his heart remembered. He sang down the streets and back alleys, he sang till we was home and then he sang some more. As the weeks went on he continued to see Brianna. They would go everywhere together. Three months into their relationship he took to the local fair. While riding the fairies wheel Brianna had a feeling that something was wrong.

“I can’t put my finger on it.” She told him. “I just can’t shake this feeling I have, let’s get off the Ferris wheel and go to your place.”

“Sure, how about a movie tonight?” Gage helped her off. He saw the tall animal rush her, before he could respond Brianna was on the ground.

“Hey.” Gage grabbed the creature before it could make another move. Boxing made him quick.

The creature had enormous strength and wrenched its arm free. “You dear speak out against me you pathetic creature!?”

Brianna looked up at Gage and shook her head. She wanted to tell him not to get involved. She knew the damage this creature could do. Gage moved in towards the creature shielding Brianna.

Gage stood an inch from the creature’s face which he could now see was the sorriest looking thing he had ever seen. “I don’t know who you are but that’s the last time you will ever touch her. I’d appreciate it if you say sorry and make yourself scarce.”

The lion roared out his anger. The scars on his face were as black and dark as the Lion himself. Giving Gage an evil grin he said. “You’re brave but stupid, I could just kill you with one claw!” With one quick movement the lion raked his claws across Gage’s face. The damage would have been bad if Gage had not seen it coming and moved to the left.

Gage tackled the lion and they both tumbled across the ground hitting others and building. They both ended up in a food court. The lion grabbed a steal rod from one of the buildings and almost split Gage’s head open with it. The lion was all over him, punches flew from left to right. Gage had been in this situation more than once. He waited for the right moment to attack. He found his opening and sent upper cut to the lions head that sent him dazed and flying across the ground. Gage grabbed Brianna by the hand and ran like hell to his car. They peeled out of the lot. “Are you ok?”

“I’m okay.” Brianna looked shaken.

“Who was that, how did he know you?” Gage pulled to the side of the road after checking his mirror to be sure the lion was not behind him.

“Why are we stopping?”

“Because I need to know who that was.”

“It was just some drunken animal, can we please go home now?”

“I know for a fact that was not just some random animal Brianna. You need to tell me who that was and why he wanted to hurt you.”

“He’s my ex-boyfriend, Lou; I met him at a local bar.” She stopped for a minute and stared hard at her hands. “I lived in an old rundown apartment building in California. He did nice things for me at first and I fell hard for him. He was everything I was looking for in a guy. We would never argue, but once I moved in with him we began to argue a lot. They were stupid arguments about childish things, every day we would argue. Then one day after we got home from my mother’s he took out a beer from the fridge, sat down and said I don’t like your mother. Or your friends so you stop hanging out with them. I told him he could not control my life, he beat me that night and almost every night after for three years. I left him, and came to Arizona to be safe from him, but somehow he found me.”

“I’m sorry’” He held her hands. “I won’t let him hurt you again”

“Y-You would stay with me? After all that?”

“Well of course, why wouldn’t I?” He held her to him and let her cry a few minutes.

“It’s just that when I tell that story most people would just say I’m sorry I hope it gets better. I never expected you would want to stay with me. He could be back, he’s mean Gage, and dangerous.”

“Well I’m not most people, and I never back down. I will protect you.”

Her heart filled with happiness she had never met anybody that would risk so much for her, it was like a dream come true. She didn’t want to head home and risk her ex-boyfriend waiting for her.

“Gage?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you mind if I stayed at your place tonight?”

“Um- Ok but my house is a little messy.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I have a guest bedroom if would you liked to sleep in there.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

As the days went on Brianna clung to Gage for protection. She liked being near him and they were rarely not with each other. She was fearful that one day here ex-boyfriend would show up at her door step. That day might come, but she knew with Gage at her side she was going to be okay. She was falling in love. She thought about him every day he was her escape from the world, she wanted to have him but didn’t want to admit to herself. She knew that she had been down this road before and didn’t want to be wrong a second time.

Chapter Five

The Great Escape

Dotson was alone when he heard the knock at his door; the house was silent with only the sounds of typing from his computer. Opening it he saw Crista holding flowers. “Do you like them? I got them just for you.”

“I love them, come in and I’ll put them in some water.”

“I came by to tell you that I’m taking you on vacation with me.”

“What, were?”

“Alaska!”

“Didn’t you go to Alaska just a few months ago? Why are you going again?”

“Well I did but I didn’t have a chance to enjoy myself. This time is for fun.” She winked at him. “And I have the best fun with you. So do you want to come with me?”

He had never been to Alaska. He could see how much she wanted him to go. He was not hating the idea. “Well, ok I’ll go but do I have to wear layers of clothes.”

“Don’t worry baby I’ll take care of you.”

“Is it just going to be me and you?”

“Well, my parents are coming to but their staying in the city of Fairbanks far away from we’ll be.” She saw his face fall a little. “I’m sorry baby but it would have been rude of me not to ask them.”

“I understand don’t worry about it.”

Kissing him she said. “I knew you would.”

On the night of their departure Dotson caught Mr. Robinson staring at him from the far corner of the plane. He sat next to Crista and tried not to be bothered by it.

“I’m so happy that you’re coming with me, I can’t wait tell we get there.” Crista hugged him

Once the plane was in the air he noticed Mr. Robinson looking out the window and relaxed a little bit. Crista on the other hand was not relaxing. She never liked flying, she was afraid of heights. After hours of sitting, the plane finally landed. The window was dark with only a few lights showing the runway. Getting off Crista held on to his arm, Dotson was anxious to get off too. And was hoping to avoid direct conversation with Mr. Robinson.

“Baby I’m so excited to be here, tomorrow I’m going to show you around town!” Crista said.

“I can’t wait.”

The roads were covered with snow and ice causing cars to slip and slide, Crista did most of the driving since Dotson had never driven in snow before. “So I booked us a cabin in the woods for just the two of us. My parents are in a hotel several miles away. Dad wanted to take care of some other things while he was here.

“That’s perfect I could always use a vacation away from civilization.”

“I knew you would like it.”

The cabin was large and warm. Dotson was tired after the long flight. He headed to the bed. Crista lay next to him and held his hand, they did not sleep right away.

When morning came she awoke with the aroma of bacon and eggs floating in the air, looking over at the doorway she saw Dotson with a tray of food. “Good morning I cooked you some breakfast, I hope you like it.”

“Aw you didn’t have to do that.”

“Well I wanted to say thanks for taking me on vacation with you.”

He set the breakfast of the table for her. He stopped from joining her in bed when he saw a figure in the window. It was Mr. Robinson with skies. He was smiling and heading to their door. Dotson was immediately on edge. He opened the door to a smiling Mr. Robinson. Maybe he just needed a vacation, Dotson thought.

“Hello Dotson is Crista her?”

“Yes, she’s inside. Want me to get her?"

Nah its ok I’m in no hurry I just came here to invite you guys to some skiing up in the mountains.”

“Oh well thank you, what time.”

“Whenever you guys are ready. I’ll wait out here for you.”

“Ok let me just ask Crista, you can come in and get yourself warm if you’d like.”

“No, I am fine, take your time,” Again he smiled at Dotson. Dotson felt the hair on the back of his neck rise, but quickly shook it off. He went to tell Crista.

“Hey my love your- “

“Baby I’m getting dressed!”

“Oh sorry! Wait I’ve seen you naked.”

“Sorry force of habit.”

“Anyway your dad is here and wants to know if you would like to go skiing.”

“I would love to, I’ll be ready in a jiff. Breakfast was great but I will turn into one fat fox if you keep feeding me like that.”

When Dotson came back he was startled to see that Mr. Robinson had let himself in after all and was reading one of the manuscripts Dotson had brought with him. That’s odd he never looked at anything of mine before wonder what changed.

“Dotson! I never realized how good of a writer you are; please forgive me if I said anything to make you think that you aren’t.”

“Thank you Mr. Robinson it’s nice to hear that from someone like yourself.”

As a smile crept onto Mr. Robinson’s face as he looked past Dotson and say Crista. “Good morning young lady.”

“Good morning Daddy.” She kissed him lightly.

“Alright then let’s get going before the mountains become packed with other skier’s.” He grabbed his daughters hand and headed out the door with Dotson behind them.

The snowy mountains were quiet with nothing around for miles, it made Crista feel like she was the only one in the world. Dotson however was still thinking about Mr. Robinson’s new behavior towards him. It was great if he was finally accepting him, but a little strange. He could not lose the feeling that something was wrong. After hours out on the slopes the winds began to pick up snow was blowing in every direction. Dotson was about to head back up the mountain and then he noticed he could not see Crista or her Father any longer. Maybe they headed back to the cabin without me seeing as the sun is going down, he thought. He began to head back, looking in all directions. There were figures in the distance. As the figure got closer he saw that there were three of them wearing masks. “There he is!” one of them said.

He had no time to get away they were upon him in seconds holding knifes and blunt instruments One of them moved in, grabbing the knife he hit the masked bandit in the throat. As the other two moved he tackled them and they all rolled a ways down the mountain. Dotson was trying to hold the weapons away from him, he staggered to his fee. The three animals moved in a second time. They were all over him now. Dotson exploding with rage. He heard the leg break as he kicked one of them. Looking up he saw figures coming towards him. He knew he couldn’t fight them all, sprinting down the mountain he felt them on his heels. He knew he couldn’t out run them but he didn’t have to, Crista had once talked about caves that were deep in the mountain if he could just reach one of the caves he would be home free. He never made it to the caves. He felt himself falling and the fists and kicks of the others raining on him. A rock smashed against the back of his head. He knew he couldn’t win. His eyes closed as the blood seeped into the white snow.

Lying on the ground he thought about what he was about to leave behind, then like a bullet it hit him these animals were paid by someone to get rid of him. Someone who wanted him dead. Crista’s father had paid them. He couldn’t help but smile for the mind of Mr. Robinson. The animal hated to see me with his daughter so much he paid thugs to get rid of me. The world was slipping away from him. He felt himself being dragged away, he was helpless. He felt snow on top of him and then it was warm. He heard voices and his body being walked on. Then he heard the music. The beautiful melody. He felt light as his soul slipped away from his battered body. He was being carried away from his body by some mystical force. He saw the world below him the snow, people and his own body felt like a distant memory. It’s beautiful up here, he thought. The view of the world dispersed and another one formed, but it was different it was peaceful and his heart felt it belonged. He felt no pain, and when he touched his head there was no blood. “Dotson.” A voice came from the music. His eyes blinked towards the shimmering light moving towards him.

“C-Crista?”

The shimmering light was a pure white robe with the most beautiful creature in it. The beautiful being glided towards him “Crista.” He whispered again.

The figure moved closer. It was not Crista. He knew in an instant who it was. “Adrianna?”

“Hi Dotson.” The smile was pure and wonderful. She reached to him and he felt the warmth of her hands.

“What are you doing here?” He looked around. “Where am I?”

“I have to tell you that you can’t live here, at least not yet.”

“But why can’t I be here?” Although he was not quite sure what “here” was he knew he wanted to stay.

“Because it’s not your time yet, you still have a long way to go before you can live here. Have you forgotten all about my sister and her love for you? Right now she is sobbing over you, praying you will open your eyes. Don’t you want to see the love of your life again?”

Tears fell down from his cheeks. That was all he wanted, Crista. There was nothing without her.

Looking up at her he felt hopeful, “Crista would be amazed that I saw you.”

“Dotson please do me a favor when you see her again, give her this.”

Taking off a gold ring she took his paw and placed it in the center then closed his fingers. She stepped away from him and she was gone. He felt himself leaving the world that he will one day return to again. He felt someone holding his hand. He fought to open his eyes. He heard the machines beeping. He could feel the pain of the wounds on him. Most importantly he could feel the warmth of the bed and the hand that was lovingly holding his. Crista was with him, and she was his world.

Her teary eyes were watching him. “Thank God you are awake. I’m sorry, I’m sorry I didn’t know, I’m so sorry.”

He pulled her tight to him. He felt lucky for everything in his life he loved. The fact that he met Crista the way that he did, he thought about all the people that made him feel special. He thought about Mr. Robinson, he couldn’t believe that he was so unwilling to overcome the differences between them. One day he would tell Crista about Adrianna, right now he just wanted to close his eyes and feel the warmth of her love. They would be alright. Mr. Robinson would be lucky if Crista could ever forgive him.