My Fanfic "A Tear in the Sweater" [WIP]

[eclipse]

I thought I'd share the story I'm working on right now. Sorry amidst the fanfics of Kit's past, I'm adding another one to it. The approach I did with this was inspired by all my literature classes.

It's a WIP and when it's finished I plane to upload it on TaleSpinSource and maybe fanfic.net if ever. In fact I posted this in the forums of Steet but I thought I might get a little more reviews and comments if I'd post it here, since traffic is a bit slow on the TaleSpin part of that forum.

In a nutshell this is a story about Kit Cloudkicker's past (or a fragment) and meant to be a short story. Hence why there are no chapters (which is why I'm not uploading it yet to FF.net) I hope you guys enjoy and any feedback is welcome, preferably something constructive if there are any so that I can improve the story and/or my writing skills.

"A Tear in the Sweater"

A faint echo from the propeller of an aircraft rumbles high up in the night sky. The stars shed their weak light down into the alleyways and streets of the city. Distant thunder bellowed and the raindrops pelted the concrete. Water flooded the streets and alleys, lapping at the base of the street lamps along the sidewalk, the rubbish bins that lined the alleyway, and even a small figure that sat huddled among shiny plastic trash bags.

The small figure was drenched in rainwater which made his dirty matted white shirt clung to his body. It was a dark brown bear cub. He held his knees close to his chest, embracing them with all his might trying to curl himself up tighter. His forehead rested atop his knees as the rain poured cats and dogs. No shelter protected the child from the cold wind that blew against and enveloped his body. Shivers rippled through his body while his stomach complained with hunger. He kept his eyes shut from the wind and rain blowing against his small body. Thankfully sleep pulled away his weary consciousness from his fatigued body


“Tally ho we’ve got company!” a pilot called out through the radio. He swung his TP-17 fighter plane to face the opposition. His wingman followed suit. Behind them was a transport aircraft delivering special supplies and items for Khan Industries. The bulking cargo plane [replace] tried to race away across the vast ocean. The remaining two planes flew alongside the cargo plane to protect it. One flew along its right and the other climbed high up to cover it from above.

To the south, four CT-37s flew into the scene making their way to intercept the cargo plane. The lead plane of the formation was a sleek black triplane with red highlights. It’s pilot leading on his comrades to the target. The pilots from escorting the Kahn cargo ship heard a call over the radio which most probably came from the lead plane demanding for “unconditioning surrender” as the pilot said.

The lead Khan Pilot grits his teeth and openly challenged the hostile, “Try again next time, air pirates! Today you go home with lead in your wings.” The black eyes of the pilot focus on the formation approaching him and his wingman rapidly. After a frustrated call the enemy pilot issued an order to his wingmen and they dispersed. The two TP-17s flew straight and true straight to the leading hostile. Guns blazed and ripped through the air missing both pilots and planes by mere inches.

The lead pilot expertly tilted the flight stick to the right and pulled back, sending the fast TP-17 into a bank and a hard turn, his eyes never leaving those pirates of the skies. He didn’t pay attention to his wingmen guarding the cargo plane. He had complete trust in them and so he could focus on his adversary ahead of him. He approached the tri-wing CT-37 variant and lined him up in his sights. Before he could release a round, a burst of bullets crackled past his plane to his left. He quickly looked up and saw that a pirate was coming down from above. His wingman, not in a good position to counter decided to push on attacking the lead plane while he tried to get away from the pirate hounding him from behind.

He pulled up the nose of his craft to point to the sky. The pirate behind him overshot. The pilot took the opportunity to flip his own plane upside down to point the nose quickly to the ground. This made it pick up speed much faster with the help of gravity. The pirate jinked left and right but the pilot chased him down neatly and fired a burst from his guns. The pirate’s left wing ripped apart and it sent it spiralling down to its doom. The pirate however was able to leap out and safely release his parachute.

“Splash one!” The pilot smiled to himself as he turned the plane around to point in the direction of the cargo plane and the remaining pirates. In his own mind he smirked as he made his plane touch the clouds at the apex of his turn neatly slicing through them as if he were surfing on water. He was closer to the cargo plane than he estimated because he was now chasing down the tail of the other pirates that went after the cargo. This pirate however had another style altogether. It jinked left and right, but slowing with every turn, making it hard for the pilot to stay behind him. The pilot made a mistake however and pulled back the throttle too much killing the engine because of the lack of fuel injected to the engine.

His plane lost speed dramatically and he did what he could to jumpstart the engine again. He angled the plane’s nose down and tried attempt after attempt to restart the engine. He was fast approaching a cloud when his engine sputtered to life and he pulled up. His TP-17 angled upwards still moving downwards somehow giving the effect of drifting through the air. By the time his propellers caught the air and speed the airplane upwards, the plane looked like it kicked the clouds as it raced upwards.

However in front of him coming straight down was the lead pirate. He was directly in the hostile line of fire. His eye’s widened as the guns blazed ripping through the TP-17.


Eyelids shot open revealing black eyes that stared out in shock. Cold sweat beaded down the child’s face, clearly felt despite rain had fallen on his face the night before, his breath coming in gasps as he tried to calm down. Eventually, he stood up stretching his aching back. His shirt was still damp and it clung uncomfortably to his skin. Despite whatever may happen in them, he enjoys his dreams, wishing he could stay in it forever. But alas his hunger yanked him out of it.

He turned his attention to the rubbish bin behind him. His small body clumsily clambered over the edge and he tried to see if there were any left over scraps. Beside the alley was a restaurant that normally threw out leftovers into the rubbish bin here. But today the boy was unlucky. He couldn’t find a morsel in it.

He gently lowered himself down to the ground, deciding that he was better off looking elsewhere. The child walked along the sidewalks which were by now starting to bustle with activity. He continued to search for any place he could pick up some scraps. At a point he tried begging for food, money or anything. He didn’t care what he was given for as long as he’d feel that someone actually cared about him even for just a brief moment.

The adults just passed by, indifferent to the ten year old kid clad in his filthy white shirt that had his small palm outstretched. His black eyes looking up watching helplessly as the faces ignored the child. As he watched with growing dismay the people passing him, he started to think that adults were not to be trusted.

A cat mother and son passed by. The son was definitely cleaner in appearance and had a huge grinning smile on his face compared to the orphan. When he saw the orphan however, he stopped and let go of his mother’s hand. For a brief moment they just exchanged glances. The kitten then put a hand into his pocket and pulled out a few coins.

The orphan watched in awe when he realized that the money was being given to him. Before he could get it however the mother came back for her son and grabbed him by the arm. The son struggled in his mother’s arms, saying that he wanted to help the orphan but his cries fell on deaf ears.

The young bear watched as the son was dragged away. Quickly the son turned around, still being pulled away, and with his free hand threw the coins to the orphan. The young bear cub leapt into the air and caught the coins. He shouted his gratitude and went off to buy breakfast. A smile was beaming from his face.

Considering it was only spare change from another child, the money was just enough to buy a small sandwich. He brought the sandwich away from the stall and sat down on the curb of the road. Delicately unwrapping the paper wrapping, the aroma hit his nose and the appetising scent of wheat filled his mind. He licked his lips in anticipation but before he could bit he noticed that there was a form lying on the sidewalk across the street from where he sat.

It was another street child, a dog, lying on his side with his hands clutching his stomach, and the face grimaced with pain. That pup seemed to be around three years younger than the bear cub.
The bear cub looked at the scrumptious sandwich in his hands. Hunger gripped his stomach but a sharper pang pierced his heart. Saliva threatened to drip out of his mouth but the tears but them and raced down his cheeks.

His free hand covered the sandwich in its wrapping and he crossed the street to the other child. Slowly and hesitantly he tapped the shoulder of the form lying on the ground. The pup looked up and was thrilled to find that someone was offering him food. The young child squealed with delight and thanks. The older boy could only smile, masking the sorrow and regret that coursed through his chest. He sat down next to the younger boy and watched him wolf down the sandwich.

The young bear hugged his legs as his stomach roared with complaint. He shut his eyes wishing that the hunger would leave. It didn’t help ease the pain and in fact it felt stronger than ever. He soon realized that someone was tapping his shoulder. When he opened his eyes it was the puppy, who had torn off half of the precious food and was giving it to him. For a while the bear cub only looked at the sandwich with surprise and disbelief but he eventually took the food and had a bite. The wonderful taste of food spread through his mouth as he cherished the flavour.

Then the young boy to his right said, “Mark.” The older bear cub looked at the puppy beside him and noticed that the puppy was pointing to himself, as if saying that he was Mark. The bear cub smiled before replying himself.

“Kit.”

Without warning, Mark suddenly held out his hands and hugged Kit. He was whispering ‘thank you’ over and over again. Kit guessed that it was probably because for the sandwich, but he also guessed that it was because the child also had the same need as him. Some degree of feeling someone was caring for him. ‘Poor child’ Kit told himself. ‘But he’s going to need to learn how to fend for himself.’ His face hardened somewhat, continuing his silent lecture. ‘It’s every man for himself out here. You must have keen senses and should not trust-’

Footsteps were approaching. Kit guessed that whoever the steps belonged to was going towards them. When he looked around he spotted a canine, clad in a business coat and neck tie. The adult had stopped a few feet away from them. Kit’s mind whirled into gear ready to flee. He leapt to the balls of his feet ready for a course of action. Mark’s trembling hand on his arm reminded Kit that there was another child that needed his help. He stood in front of Mark providing himself as a shield.

The adult had a solid wooden bat in his hand which casually fell to his side. Upon closer inspection Kit realized that the coat had been unbuttoned and the neck tie hung loose around his neck. He assessed the quickest way out of there but his options were limited considering Mark was still with him. Before anything could happen the adult raised the bat and his other hand. Kit told himself probably he could distract or take the beating while Mark could run off to safety. Nothing happened. Kit noticed that the gesture of the adult that said he was not going to do anything to them. Both his hands were raised. Kit was surprised with the change but Kit kept his guard up, a frown forming on his face and his eyebrows bunched up.

The dog looked at the Kit’s eyes and traced to where they were looking and the target was the bat. The dog slowly bent down and put the bat on the sidewalk. “It’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you.” Kit however didn’t drop his defenses just yet. This was the kind of people that had given him the hardest times, those that pretended to be nice but then stabbed you in the back later on.

“I have the bat because I’m off to the field to play with my colleagues at work, we were given the day off today.”

Kit didn’t buy his story.

“Honest. I’m not going to harm you.”

Same response. The dog sighed and stepped back a few steps.

“I saw you give your food to the young pup.” The adult continued. “I admire your selflessness in caring for another…” Kit narrowed his eyes. He reasoned to himself that it was spur of the moment but the adult continued, “I’m John. I just wanted to treat you to breakfast.”

Kit felt himself relax and loosen his tightening muscles but he mentally scolded himself for letting his guard down too easily. However his body won this round because it was so hungry. Mark looked out from behind and Kit saw that his face was lit up at the mention of a meal. Kit looked back at the Canine and replied, “Fine.” He wouldn’t let his guard down he promised himself.

“Great! Come on you two, let’s get you guys a decent meal.” He smiled, relieved and picked up his baseball bat and led them to a restaurant. Mark ran on ahead following right behind the adult while Kit just followed, lagging behind intentionally. Walking across the street they entered a restaurant. They made their way in and were lead to a table by the waiter. The canine ordered on behalf of the two street children who were looking around from their seats at the place. Kit himself couldn’t help but look around in awe. He never ate in a restaurant before. He also noticed that there was already a half eaten plate that was in front of the adult that offered them breakfast. Apparently he had been in the middle of eating when he went to Kit and Mark. Kit rethought his trust on this man. Perhaps he really was a nice guy. He pondered until later on.

“Mind if I ask for your names?” John inquired. Kit hesitated but Mark just went ahead and told him. Kit followed.

“Mark and Kit. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” John smiled. Although the two children didn’t really understood what acquarium or whatever it was meant the tone told them that he was glad to have met them.

Fifteen minutes later their food arrived. It was a whole continental breakfast. They both had eggs sunny side up, sausages, a side of carrots, corns and peas while on a separate plate were pieces of toast. The two kids just stared at all the food they had right I front of their faces. The adult noticed the pause of the children and told them, “Go on! Bon Appetite!” He beamed a smile at them and watched them dig into the food.

Kit savored the tasty eggs, the juicy sausages, the slices of toast, even the vegetables he wolfed down. A dreamy smile was etched on his face as he kept on eating. After half an hour both Kit and Mark were leaning against the backrest of their chair with the hands on their stomachs, unaccustomed to being full. Mark looked at the other canine and gave his thanks. Kit also expressed his gratitude to the adult, all doubts and fears gone.

“Thank you, sir!”
“You’re welcome. I can’t stand to watch kids like you starve. And please call me John.” The dog replied returning a smile. “Why don’t you guys stay with me for a while? I don’t want you guys getting sick now. There’s a storm coming in and it will rain even harder than last night.”

Kit’s eyes were wide in surprise; this was too good to be true. At that moment his shield went up again. He had to force it away with a great amount of willpower. He didn’t want to spend another night on the streets. He’ll take his chances. Both children nodded their heads eagerly accepting John’s offer.

“But wait,” Kit interrupted to flow, “aren’t you going to a baseball game?”

“Oh right!” John smacked his forehead. “I forgot! I enjoyed your company too much.” He gave a hearty laugh. “Would you mind to come with me to the game or are you guys tired?” Kit and Mark nodded saying that they wanted to watch the game. John paid the bill and led the kids to his car. He motioned for them to sit in the back while he hopped into the driver’s seat, having set the baseball bat in the trunk, and started the engine.


“Pirates inbound!” came a call over the radio. “Bearings 3-2-0.”

“What?! Man, those pirates are attacking everyone!” The pilot of the transport shouted. The escorts in their trademark TP-17s that was used in this particular squadron digressed from their flight path and left the bomber to intercept the pirates. However the flight lead had a new aircraft, a powerful single propeller aircraft that really pulled the aircraft through the sky. It was dubbed the KF4F Bear-Cat. The plane thundered through the air hovering around the MDC-5 that was lumbering through the skies that was desperately outrunning the air pirates.

“Don’t worry cargo plane!” The flight lead reassured the tense pilot. “My squadron will wipe them out this time.” Chaos erupted on the radio frequency the moment he finished saying this sentence. The voices of his wingmen filled his earpiece.

“I’ve got one on my tail! I need some backup!”

“Don’t worry, I’m on him. Lining up for a good shot.”

“Woah! Woah! Those bullets whizzed past my canopy.”

The flight lead wanted to help out his wingmen but he couldn’t leave behind the cargo plane. It was defenseless. As if he had eagle eyes he could imagine clearly the dogfight happening on the other side of the cloud cover where his wingmen were intercepting the air pirates. His number 2 was being chased down by a CT-37. Suddenly slipping in was number 3 who started to release bursts of fire from his machine guns to try and scare the pirate off the tail of number 2. Then number 4 suddenly blew up in a fireball. The lead enemy plane flew through the explosion of the TP-17 and moved on to take down number 3 as well. His wingmen were going down one by one. Then suddenly bullets crackled past his canopy. The flight lead turned to look back and saw an air pirate right behind him. He shouted for the cargo plane pilot to break right while he broke left. The pilot flew on trying to lead the air pirate away from the cargo plane. Bullets ripped through his wings and he turned another way to try and shake him off. But the tri-wing CT-37 remained glued to his tail. More bullets ripped through the fuselage and smoke started to pour out from the engine compartment of the plane. “This is not going well!!!”

A new voice filled the radio.

“We have contacts! Squadron and Cargo plane, you seem to be in a bit of trouble there. I’ve got your backs.”

A new plane joined in the fray. It was an AP-38 Light that zoomed into the airspace. It thundered past the cargo plane and towards the unsuspecting CT-37. The tri-wing received a hard hit along one of its wings which sent it ‘limping’ through the sky, the pilot struggling to keep it level. The AP-38 flew around and lined up another shot. The Air Pirate bugged out.

“Thanks a bunch!” The flight lead brought his plane to a steady flight alongside the cargo plane. Number 2 was the only wingman that remained from the squadron dispatched for this mission. The plane was missing half a wing and the rudder was pivoting uselessly on the tail. It was wonder number 2 was able to get out alive and manage to stay afloat.

“Yeah! Maybe now we can finally deliver this package to Cape Suzette.” The cargo plane muttered in response. The AP-38 fell in formation alongside the three other aircraft as they flew off into the sunset.


John’s car stopped along the sidewalk in front of an apartment building. The afternoon sunlight flooded the street, splashed the walls orange, and reflected of the window panes. He looked into the rear seat and the two street kids were leaning on each others shoulders sleeping soundly. Mark held in his hand a baseball glove from the game and Kit was holding a baseball bat in his. John’s co-workers were delighted to play a game with the two street children. The wife’s of the officemates who also attended the game really liked the two children and made sure that they were always safe. In fact Mark had fallen and wounded himself sometime in the 4th inning and he was immediately cleaned up and bandaged by the ladies as if they were his mother.

Kit awoke noting that they had come to a stop. He saw that John was preparing to get out of the car. “Glad you’re awake. We’re home.” John announced. Kit shook Mark awake and they both got down from the car. They followed John up the steps, through the main door, up the stairs to the third floor and unlocked his own door to the apartment. When they set foot into the apartment John put down his things, seemingly from routine, Kit noticed, and told them to have a seat on the sofa. He’d prepare the room and beds they’d sleep in for the duration of their stay.

Mark and Kit sat on the sofa bouncing on it feeling how soft and comfortable it was. It almost felt as if they were in a family home. It was relatively cosy for an apartment rented out by just one person. A few minutes have passed before John returned with towels for the two of them. He told them to take a shower and that their room was ready for them. Mark eagerly ran into the bathroom and took a shower. Kit only laughed as he was left on the sofa. John led Kit to the only bedroom in the apartment. Kit tried to glue the pieces together. If this is an apartment for a single person, and Mark and I will sleep here…

“Where will you sleep?” He asked John, concern prying into his voice.

“I’ll sleep on the sofa.”

“I can sleep on the sofa.”Kit interrupted, “I mean this is your house and all, and I don’t-“

“You’re too kind, Kit.” John smiled, “Don’t worry about me. You two probably have had a harsher time on the streets. You deserve a nice, soft, and warm bed to sleep on. I can do with a few nights on the floor even.” John grinned and patted Kit on the head. He turned around and left the room to prepare dinner. Happiness filled Kit’s heart. Someone actually liked him and was caring for him. The affection, maybe not familial but at least friendly, that he desperately wanted now filled his heart. He sat on the bed looking around the room. When Mark finished, a good hour later, Kit took his shower and then they had dinner. Amazingly John was a good cook as well. Mark exclaimed, “Is this guy perfect?!”

Kit recalled the comments of John’s officemates earlier in the day. “John really does have a heart of gold doesn’t he? Yeah he takes the shift of someone who has gone on sick leave or delivers lunch to everyone during a hectic day at work. Now he’s willing to watch over two orphans! Man, I wish I had his compassion towards others.” And many other things they commented. Kit noticed that when they told John, the reply that came out was humble and that he really just wanted them to have a better life at least for the mean time. He never really bragged about being friendly.

“Oh yeah.” John suddenly stood up and left his food and went to his room. Kit wondered if leaving midway through a meal was a perk of his. When John returned he had clothes in his hands. “These were from my nephew. Actually, they belonged to me when I was a kid. Long story short, I grew out of them, gave them to my nephew, he grew out of it, and now I have it back.” He laughed at the absurdity of it all. “I hope they fit you, cause they’re not going on anyone else.” He handed Mark a red jacket and Kit an olive green sweater. “This will keep you guys warm whenever you need to go out on an adventure.” Mark exclaimed his thanks and tried it on. Kit also gave his thanks and looked at the sweater in his hands. He liked the feel of the sweater in his hands and the way the light fell on its clean and it also seemed like it was in perfect condition. Amazingly despite it being second hand, or third hand, it had no signs of damage, wear or tear, any stains on it. There weren’t even patches on it to cover up any large tears. It was green all throughout with the exception of the neck, waist and hand cuffs being a darker shade. He tried it on for size and was a little large, but it wasn’t a problem since he was still a growing bear cub.

After dinner, the two boys bid their host good evening before heading to the room leaving John to clean up the dinner table. The two kids fell on the bed, exhausted and revelling at the soft cushion that soothed their aching backs. Kit lay in bed thinking about everything that has happened today. It seemed to be the best in his life so far. He drew the woollen blanket over him. When he glanced at Mark, Mark had already fallen asleep, his calm steady breathing escaping his lips. Kit couldn’t help but smile. ‘Mark will be safe here. This would be a good place for him to stay. Should I also consider?’ It was an option but he still wondered if he really did trust John.

He shifted to lie on his side facing his back to Mark and look towards the wall. By the wall he was staring at was the chair he had put the green sweater John gave him. After seeing it he felt his mind relax and he felt more at ease.

Perhaps he did.


The pilot leaned against his plane’s tail watching the morning sun peek over the horizon, sending splashes of blue, orange and pink into the night sky. Something was troubling him, he wasn’t sure what it was but it was something he knew he’d have to face and understand.
“What are you doing up this early captain?”
The pilot turned to look to the speaker and found that it was his wingman who survived the previous encounter. He shook his head and looked over the horizon.
“I just thought it would be good to have a short walk and breathe in the morning air.”
“Yeah and the smell of grease as well.” The wingman laughed pointing at something behind the pilot. The pilot turned and saw that the grease from the hinge of the tail had put a stain on the back of his flight suit. He turned to look at the wingman with a fake frown. “Very funny, Second Lieutenant.”
“Seriously sir,” The wingman asked with concern, “We only just arrived a few hours ago with the cargo plane intact. Your expression seems too troubled to be one of just finishing a sortie.” The flight lead didn’t respond. “Sir, with all due respect, I’m concerned about your welfare.” The pilot looked at his wingman who continued, “If you are not in the proper mindset that could jeopardize not just the mission but your life, mine, and any other wingmen we may have as replacement. With us gone who would protect the cargos then?”
The pilot sighed and looked across the field to where the AP-38 Light was sitting on the tarmac, struggling to find the words to voice out his frustrations. “Is it your wife, sir?” Now that was not something he expected his wingman to guess.
“No it’s not.” He smiled at his wingman matching his casual tone, “It feels… different. Like I’m…” He trailed off, shaking his head with frustration trying to organize his thoughts. “Like there is something I’m missing that I just recently found.” He held out a hand in front of him to the sky. “Before, I think it was living with every wit and cunning I have, everyday, every sortie, a struggle for survival.” He set his eyes down to the tarmac. “There’s a hole that seems to be engraved deep in my heart…” He turned to look to his wingman, “You have a child right?”
“A daughter.”
“Imagine that child taken away from you, to disappear from your life forever.”
“Your son disappeared?”
The pilot looked at his wingman with joking annoyance. “Stop it with your bad guessing skills. What I mean is that,” his eyes rested on the new model AP-38, “Now I feel that the gaping hole in my heart is filled and my mind more at ease now that we finished the mission.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I have a feeling I’m going to be betrayed…” He eyed the pilot of the AP-38 who was approaching his aircraft. Then suddenly a green gloved hand waved itself in front of his face
“Sir… you’re over thinking it.”

to be continued.

[Kit_Lee]

Hey! Eclipse,

Nice little idea for a fan fiction story here I like it.

Deffently Cool seeing fellow writers peacing together parts of Kits past like you doing thats really a awesome Idea

Thanks for sharing and cant wait to read more. ;D

Oh BTW really liking the new avatar you have as well. Sack boy Kit thats awesome:D I'm a fellow PS3 fan mys self don't have little big planet yet but I'd probly do the same the.

Keep up the nice job on the story It's very nicely executed and nicely written.

Sincerely.

Your friend

Kit Lee
Christopher.

:0)

[eclipse]

Morning sunlight filtered into the room. The swishing of the wind rustled leaves as the bear cub’s consciousness wake slowly from its slumber. He stretched his small young body and he noted the discomfort, or lack of rather, that usually accompanied waking up in the morning. He shot up to a sitting position in surprise, before he remembered the events of the previous day. He uncovered himself from the blanket and sat on the edge of the soft bed that slowly cushioned his weight. He stood up slowly and reached for the sweater that was given to him. He eyed its perfect condition for a moment before putting it on. Feeling the warmth of the ambient lighting reflected off the walls of the room, Kit made his way to the door and opened it. The apartment looked even more homey and cosy in the morning light than it did in the evening. It was a warm fuzzy look that seemed to even penetrate Kit’s sturdy emotions. Glancing around while standing in the doorway, he found John standing next to the table with a telephone in hand. Since the phone wasn’t really next to the table it was natural sight to see the cord of the phone taut from stretching. Kit stood on tiptoes using the door post to balance to see what John had in his hands and on the table. There were several pieces of paper piled on the table and in his other free hand. Kit slowly shut the door to the bedroom were Mark was still snoozing and crept closer, hiding behind a plant. He was curious and at the same time doubtful as to what John was up to. When he settled down to kneel on the floor while keeping himself hidden he heard John’s voice a lot more clearly.

“…Sir, I promise I’ll be back on duty and I will work overtime to make up for my absence. What why is that? It’s because of the two children I found the other day. Oh they told you about them. Yes they are. Well, I was planning to adopt them myself. What do you mean, ‘Can I manage?’ Yes, yes, I have plans when I work.” John laughed probably at a remark made by the person on the other end, “I think this is no longer a formal call, sir. Are you serious? ‘Take all the time I need?’ But—Yes sir.” Kit could see through the leaves that John was smiling. “Thank you so kindly sir. I promise I’ll work double time when I get back to work.” With out another moment John went back to small table which contained the phone and set the receiver down. The canine glanced at several papers and then pulled out a pen. Kit thought that maybe now would be a good time to announce his presence.

Kit stood up and walked casually to the table, greeting his host “Good morning!” before stopping a few paces away. John looked at him in surprise and smiled returning the hearty greeting. He motioned for Kit to sit down while he prepared breakfast. Kit did as he was told and sat down. The sunlight spilled onto the documents and papers that were on the table. Most of them were adoption forms. In the mix were other papers containing formal documents; most probably from his work.

Being… adopted? Kit asked himself as he looked around. His eyes rested on the kitchen where the man was busy frying some eggs and pulling out some toasts. He glanced down at the green sweater he was given. The fine intricate woven pattern that held the whole sweater intact seemed to glow in the sunlight. When Kit looked up again he finally could smile and receive the breakfast handed to him by the canine without any doubts.

“Is it mor’in’alrea’y?”

Kit and John looked at the door to the bedroom where Mark was standing rubbing his eyes and for some unknown reason dragged a pillow in his other hand. They both laughed and watched to sleepy pup make his way to the table and John was back to the kitchen once more. When he arrived he had two plates in his hands and set one for himself and the other for Mark. John started to organize the papers and set them to the side so that he had space to eat.

“So, what do you want to do today?” John asked as their food had nearly disappeared from their plates. Kit finished and was drinking a glass of water when the question came. He looked at John and decided to go ask something else instead of answering.

“Don’t you have work to day, sir? It is a weekday.”

“Please, just call me John.”

“John.” Kit smiled in response to which John did the same.

“My boss gave me the next two weeks off. So I have time to spend with you two. I can’t just leave you alone again. Who knows you might run off and wind up on the streets once more.” He smiled at the two of them. Suddenly knocks on wood reached their ears. “Whoops. Hold on a moment.” He stood up to answer the door. Kit looked at Mark to see the young pup holding a piece of toast in his teeth. Between clenched teeth Mark asked: “Do you think he’ll adopt us? I’d want to be adopted by him.”

“Yeah, I hope so too—” John came back to the table and pulled an empty chair across Mark to allow someone to sit in it and someone did sit down in that chair. It was another canine, a Labrador maybe, and her ears drooped down the sides of her head hiding among the rest of her hair.

“This is, Melissa, my fiancé.” John introduced the new face to the two children, “She was on a visit to her relatives abroad and just arrived today.” He sat down in his seat next to Melissa and introduced the children to her. “Liz, these are the two orphans I told you about yesterday on the phone.” Kit noticed that Melissa glanced first over Kit then Mark. “Kit and Mark.”

“How adorable.” She muttered in a sweet voice. Kit couldn’t think of a response to her statement and Mark just went ahead and hid under the table in surprise and embarrassment. “How old are you?” She asked. For a while Kit thought that she was talking to Mark who had dared peek his head over the tabletop. However Mark quickly slipped his head under the table once more and the woman laid her eyes on him.

“T-ten, mam. Mark is seven, I think. It’s a ple-plezue- It’s nice meeting you, miz Melissa.” He stuttered in response. For another moment silence reigned but then as if the woman snapped out of something, she nodded to kit suddenly and said, “Nice to meet you Kit. Your friend Mark seems very shy. Perhaps he’s not comfortable meeting new people.”

Gee, he’s not the only one. Kit thought to himself as he finished the remaining water in his glass. He realized that Mark still hasn’t returned to his seat yet. He held the seat with his hands and hopped using his body weight and momentum to move the seat back since his short feet couldn’t reach the floor. Once he had enough space, he slid off the seat and to look under the table and saw Mark cowering behind his own chair.

“Mark, what’s the matter?” He whispered.

“I’m scared…” Mark replied in a tiny voice.

“What of her? She’s a friend of John. If you can John trusts her then you can trust her.” Kit explained. He thinks that if he had what it takes to trust John then maybe Melissa would also be someone whom he can put his trust into, although he needs more convincing on his own part.

After a few more moments of hesitation Mark answered, “Alright,” and clambered back up his seat. Kit followed suit and whispered into Mark’s floppy ear to greet her. Mark opened his mouth but the moment he saw her he closed it and pulled up the tablecloth in front of him to cover his own face.

“How cute.” Melissa commented before standing up and making her way around the table to kneel beside the chair of Mark. “It’s alright. I won’t hurt you Mark.” She explained. “My name’s Melissa, or you may call me Liz.” Her voice was as gentle as a trickling stream. “And you are?”

Mark hesitated for a few moments more before putting down the tablecloth, his eyes looking at his feet. “Mark.”

“Nice to meet you, Adorable Mark,” She smiled which finally opened up to Mark who smiled back. Kit grinned behind Mark, glad that he was able to at least get comfortable around her.

“So as I was saying…” Kit turned his head to Mark who was holding his coffee mug in his hands a mischievous glint in his eye, “…before I was rudely interrupted.”

“Heeeey!!” Melissa groaned. Smiling, she stalked off to John’s seat and hugged him around the neck. “Your jokes always catch me off guard.” John replied with a laugh before continuing.

“Where do we go today and what do we do?” The two boys only looked at each other and shrugged. They didn’t know much in terms of games.

“I know!” Melissa shouted, “What we go to the park and play catch or baseball.” She smiled, “The sun is still up and weather forecasts say that this morning will still be bright and sunny.”

John turned to the two boys, “Is that fine with you two?” Before the kids could respond he continued, “If you want to do something else though that’s fine as well.”

“We’re fine with that,” Kit answered and turned to look at his friend, “right Mark?” who nodded an affirmative and answered cheerfully, “Yep!”

“Alright then!” John stood up and with an emphasis on the last three words shouted, “Let’s go to the park!” which drew out giggles from the two children.

to be continued

[Kit_Lee]

Hello! Eclipse.

Another nice Job My friend. thanks for sharing.

Keep up the good Imgnation. ;D

Sincerely.

Your friend

Kit Lee
Christopher.

:0)