A/N This chapter is late because life got the better of me. My apologies! I have to rescind my former goal of 'every Friday' posts...clearly.

Thank you for continuing to read my incoherent rambling! I appreciate the kind words of encouragement from those who have left reviews. Feel free to continue doing so.

Posted 9/12/16

CHAPTER 6

Sweet cheese and crackers, indeed.

Judy's eyes wide with a mixture of shock and embarrassment stared at the tall, dark fox smiling at her while Nick appeared to suddenly choke on nothing more than his saliva and air. Ted did not seem to notice or care about Nick's dramatic and very obnoxious choking as his eyes and attention were focused solely on Judy. She instantly felt herself blush as his insinuation of them vacationing together made her feel admittedly flattered yet offended, which of those feelings weighed heavier she was not sure. She tore her eyes away from his to look around the brightly lit station for Clawhauser, whom she hoped would return so they could board the train and be done with this awkward encounter. It was beyond awkward. Although the station appeared to be getting more crowded by the minute, she did spot Clawhauser but he was busy chatting away with the attendant and no amount of staring in his direction would mentally will him to return.

Nick's ruckus finally subsided and she didn't have to look at her partner's face to know that Nick was not happy. She had seen and heard enough of his disapprobation of the other fox since the night of the Gala to know that Nick clearly did not like Ted. She giddily allowed herself to believe that it was a dislike founded on pure jealousy. In the absence of any real proof she accepted it as simply his desire to protect her always, as a friend and as her partner. Was there even a reason for him to be jealous? Ted was very handsome, charming and charismatic, and obviously not afraid to show that he was interested in her, but could there be something there? Could she ever allow herself the possibility of opening herself up to, of all mammals, another fox?

In the seconds of silence that followed, her ears perked.

Judy unconsciously shuddered at the deep, creeping sensation which traveled up her spine, that same strange uneasy feeling that she had felt in Ted's presence on the night of the Gala. The difference this time was that instead of pushing away the sensation, she tried to focus on it to make sense of it. It wasn't so much as foreboding, but more of an intuition. Her intuition erred at times but for the most part she could depend on it. She considered Ted's posture, his manner of dress and speech, his smile -everything seemed all inviting, appealing, and alluring but his eyes at times gave away something darker and quite different from his warm appearance. It was precisely that 'different' that she could not pinpoint nor define.

Judy's present feelings ranged from embarrassment, to anxiety, to nervousness, to uneasiness, to confusion, to flattered, to charmed, and again to agitation and all the while trying to reason away the motive behind these contrasted feelings. A very plausible explanation struck her quite forcibly. She froze when she thought of it and almost hated herself for thinking it possible.

Could it be that this feeling of uneasiness is nothing more than my idiotic and unfounded former distrust of foxes? What if I am just doing the same horrible thing to Nick that I did to Nick when I first met him? She shivered again but this time due to her own unnerving thoughts. Nick has done more than prove that foxes deserve to be seen as more than their stereotype. How could I be making the same mistake with Ted? She was unwilling to accept that her prejudice against foxes still persisted even after Nick being such an important part of her life but could not doubt at the possibility of it. Why else would she be so hesitant with Ted? This new thought shamed her and in that moment, she decided to keep her mind open and to drown out any perceived intuitive sensations where it related to Ted. After all, Ted appeared to be a genuinely good sort of mammal and who was she to think that he wasn't? Her being an officer demanded her to give him the benefit of the doubt, innocent until proven guilty. She would abide by this. Besides, she had to admit that his boldness towards her, although unsolicited, was just a tad attractive.

The scattered rapidity of these thoughts all transpired in no more than six or seven seconds and in that time, she had given no hints to the others as what was going through her head. She remained calm. The dark fox continued smiling at her and although she could not immediately shake that nagging intuitive feeling, she would not give into its fears. She resolved on being amiable towards him and if that meant spending some time with him while on vacation, so be it.

Nick managed to collect himself with reasonable composure and he rigidly moved closer to Judy. So close in fact that she could feel the warmth of his arm on hers and could discern his smooth and soft fur on hers. He took an authoritative stance and stared venomously at Ted. If looks could kill, Ted would have been dead ten times over. Nick's fervent stares seemed in vain as Ted was none the wiser and his determined yet affable expression did not waiver for one single second.

Judy, having resolved against making herself appear uneasy or even cold to Ted, tried to regain some of her usual cheerfulness. She spoke with a little trepidation laced with a tinge of guilt, "It's a big island. I might bump into you once or twice but doubtful that we get stuck together for too much time. I'm sure you and your travel companion will have lots to explore once we get there!" Ted had momentarily drifted his eyes away from the gray bunny before him to mindlessly look around the station and out to the movement of busied mammals passing them by. He had even taken a bit more casual air, placing one paw in his pant pockets. Struck with Judy's words, he merely smirked and turned his attention back to her.

Nick seemed to relax momentarily recollecting that Ted must be traveling in the company of someone, and that someone would most likely be a very attractive female. He may have even let out a breath which he had not known that he was holding. The thought of cocky, rich, smug, fancy-pants Ted being by Judy's side during the whole of their vacation made more of a sour impression that Nick would have liked to admit to. Ted being with someone else and only being able to occasionally be near Judy made him less agitated.

Ted's next words put both Judy and Nick into a pitiful state, each for their own reasons. "Travel companion? I am traveling alone. I have found that there's so much more freedom in traveling alone…" he paused and chuckled a bit before continuing, "Besides, who would I have brought? I have many acquaintances, Ms. Hopps, but I can't say that I enjoy the company of many sincere friends."

Nick responded before she could stop him. "No good friends, huh? I wonder if your acquaintances know something that you don't." He paused and considered Ted for a moment and asked with a raised eyebrow, "Teddy, I can call you Teddy right?" he didn't bother waiting for a response before continuing, "What's a fancy schmancy rich dude like yourself doing on a free trip? Couldn't bare the thought of someone less financially blessed as you going on a free vacation?" Nick stood upright and brought his arms across his chest. Even completely upright he stood a good inch or possibly two shorter than his fox counterpart. Nick was more physically fit and his muscles more pronounced and toned, a bonus addition since his joining the force but Ted was by no means far behind. His athletic figure was by choice and dedication to the gym.

Ted didn't bat an eye. He considered the question and thoughtfully considered Nick as well. His carefree demeanor did not change but he shifted his weight a bit. He looked to Judy and shrugged his shoulders apologetically. "You do have a point there, Nicky. I can call you Nicky, right? I could pay for this trip on my own. In a way, I did I suppose. I don't know if you were aware of who donated the grand prizes but I will let you in on a little secret...it was Strong Luxury Vehicles. I am fortunate in my own situation and as long as I am able to, I want to give back to the community." Here he appeared a bit more solemn, as if the words held more meaning.

There it is. He is a good guy. There's no reason I should feel so anxious around him.

Nick did not see this generous act in quite so good a light as Judy apparently did. He looked incredulous and pointedly asked, "So, you bought a raffle ticket to your own charity donation?" Nick wanted and rather expected a visible reaction from Ted but was disappointed. There was no shame, no guilt, no odd look.

"Well, I guess the answer would be yes. See, I have only been involved with the charity organization for a few years but in all honesty, it's what I am most proud of. When they pulled my name as a winner, I initially passed up the trip. The Foundation called the next winner but that mammal could not go and instead opted for cash consideration. So, I was called once again and here I am. So, you see, I technically did pay for the trip….and Ms. Hopps'…." Here, he glimpsed at Judy knowingly.

Judy blushed again slightly. She realized at that moment that she had never told Nick that it was Ted who had paid for her raffle ticket. Why did she have to? Until the moment that she had won, the raffle ticket was far out of her mind. No occasion would have brought up the subject and even after she learned of her good fortune, why would it ever need to be known that Ted had forked up five whole dollars for her? It just wasn't necessary. Besides, he was not supposed to be here. He was not supposed to be going on vacation with her, Nick should have been.

Stupid five dollars.

Nick looked a bit puzzled but did not have enough time to question. Ted continued, "When I bought mine and Judy's raffle tickets, I had no idea that things would turn out so…perfectly."

To Nick's credit, he chose not to focus on Judy's slight omission of information but rather on the possible relief that Ted's own words had suggested.

"So, your runner-up chose cash instead of the trip? Can Judy take the cash option now? And not go?" Nick asked dryly, earning him a stern look from Judy.

Ted was on the point of responding but was cut short by the boisterous appeal of a rather large and appalled cheetah practically slamming into them. "Did Nick just say that we are not going on this trip? Judy, tell me it isn't true!" He began hyperventilating at the thought. He forcibly squeezed himself in between Nick and Judy facing the taller vulpine but in his agitated state, he did not notice him.

"Benjamin, well…no. I wasn't planning on it. I just didn't know that I had to option of not going...the money would be nice though..." Judy delicately tried to explain the situation to her sensitive friend, trying to choose her words carefully to avoid him getting even more agitated. Her success was questionable.

The cheetah gasped. "Judy! No! Please, please, please, you can't do this to me. I have to be there this weekend. I have to! I heard that Gizelle might be filming a music video on the island this weekend! I will die a slow, painful, sorrowful death if we don't go! If that's what you want, me dying of a broken heart, then by all means, let's just turn around and go home now. But if you are the friend that you say that you are..." He placed his paw over his heart as he pleaded to Judy.

She admitted to herself that the money did sound very appealing but upon seeing Clawhauser's reaction, she immediately decided against it. She could not face Clawhauser ever again if she cancelled the trip this late in the game. If there was any truth of dying of a broken heart, she truly believed that Clawhauser could and would do so if she turned back now. Judy sympathetically patted the big cheetah on his paw and assured him, "No, Benjamin. OK? I am not cancelling. We were just discussing the possibility of not going. But we are going. Don't worry, if Gazelle is there, we'll do whatever it takes to see her!" Her soothing voice finally calmed him and he believed her.

He very quickly recuperated from his near panic attack. It was after he calmed down and finally looked away from the grey bunny at his side that he registered his surroundings. He saw Nick's locked jaw. Benjamin grinned at Nick, "Don't worry, Nick. We won't get in too much trouble, I promise. Plus, even if we did your little bunny can take care of herself!" He giggled heartily and nudged his fellow officer in the shoulder. Nick only mumbled something under his breath and kept his stare locked in front of him.

Benjamin then followed Nick's eyes to the fox standing a few feet in ahead of him. Clawhauser was never one to measure his emotions or his words so it came as no surprise to either Nick or Judy the enthusiastic greetings that followed.

"Well, hello there, Mr. Cutie Pie! How rude of me, jabbering away and here you are, just waiting for me to stop. You must be one of Nick's friends! I am Officer Benjamin Clawhauser, nice to meet you!" He vigorously shook the fox's paw. When he finished, looking to Nick, "Nick! You never mentioned having a body double. You two could be handsome twinsies!"

Nick reacted angrily, "Nope, Benjie, he is not one of my friends and we look nothing alike…"

Nick's 'body double' was a bit more tactful in his response. "Officer Clawhauser, nice to meet you. I do recall having seen you a few times at the Gala recently. My name is Ted Strong and I am merely an acquaintance of Officers Hopps and Wilde. Any resemblance to Officer Wilde is pure coincidence, I assure you."

It hurt Judy to see how little effort Nick was putting forward. His lack of civility only showcased Teds that much more.

Clawhauser shrieked dramatically. "Strong? Your name is Mr. Strong? Ohhh, how interesting. I am standing next to Mr. Wilde and in front of Mr. Strong…." He jokingly looked around the train station, "You wouldn't happen to know Mr. Right, would you? " He playfully winked at Judy and giggled yet again. He did not see or notice Judy's embarrassed expression.

What he did see was Nick's hardened face. He clarified guiltily, "For me, of course. I don't think Judy has a problem in that department." He winked at Nick as if they were the only ones privy to some big secret. Nick shook his head slowly in response and impatiently rolled his eyes. Only Clawhauser could get away with half as much.

Ted merely laughed. "No one that has ever seen Ms. Hopps could suppose that she has a problem in that department."

In that moment, she had all eyes on her. Clawhauser raised his eyebrows suggestively at her, Nick looked a mix of anger and regret, and Ted looked confident. Judy felt the effect of such praise but still shrunk from it.

Judy needed to get a handle of this situation. Even though every single part of her loved seeing Nick squirm a little with Ted around, she could not help but feel silly. Again, it was her selfish vanity that rejoiced in the thought of Nick feeling jealous but she should know better than to get her hopes up.

Nick was not jealous. He was protective. He did not trust Ted and his behavior was only that of a concerned partner. They were going to be away from each other for the longest amount of time since becoming partners, so it was only natural for him to feel anxiety over her being so near a mammal that he did not like. It was not only natural but should be expected. She wondered though, at Nick's acting as if she were a damsel in distress and not able to take care of herself. Had she not proven to him time and time again that she was no mere bunny? How could he ever doubt that she couldn't handle any troubles by herself?

Her silent reverie was interrupted when the speakers of the station boomed to life as a voice announced that it was now time for boarding.

Zootopia's monorail system had no assigned seats because you simply paid for the pass to get on. This train was slightly different because they were traveling far outside of the city limits and required special boarding passes. There was first class and regular class, the difference of which could cost a few hundred dollars per ticket. Judy's and Benjamin's tickets were for regular class and they had to wait for first class to board before they did. This would take another 10 to 15 minutes.

Wow, this is it. Vacation, here I come. Too bad that Nick can't come with me. I would have such a better time with him.

She was more than glad when upon looking at her partner, she saw his slick and half grinned smile on her. Gone was tense and angry Nick. She instinctively felt playful.

She bumped him against the shoulder with hers. "You are going to miss me, Nicholas Wilde."

He rolled his eyes in feigned frustration. "Is it possible to miss a pain in your ass? I don't think so. Plus, from where I see things, it looks like I am the one with the better deal here. Sure, you have beaches and sunshine and free stuff...but I have no annoying bunny at work or at home."

Smack in the arm.

"I am kidding. But... Carrots, in order for me to feel happy about you leaving me all alone, I fully expect you to be sad the entire time without me. You have to promise me that you will not smile at anyone, you will pretend not to speak English to avoid having any sort of conversation, etc. Oh, and you have to promise to call or FurrTime at least once a day. You know that I get cranky when I don't get my daily dose of bunny time. That and I will need to gloat when I solve our case. Just know that Zootopia will be as safe as ever, even without its beloved Officer Bunny around." Here, he grinned. He was teasing her right back.

The partners for a brief moment had all but forgotten about the cheetah and fox standing close to them when Ted chimed in, "Oh, how exciting. You must work all sorts of interesting cases." He directed his comment to Judy but his attention was almost immediately lost. He looked down at his watch then began scanning the station, as if looking for someone in particular.

Now this was a topic that would supply a fine source of conversation because Judy loved talking about her pride and passion -her job. Had she noticed Ted's wondering eyes, she might have been a bit suspicious. But she did not. "Every day is something different. Some days you get interesting cases. Other days, not so much. Right now, we have one of those tricky ones..." Judy looked to Nick with a look of frustration and shrugged her shoulders.

He added, "Tricky ones, but not anything that we can't solve. No matter how much some criminals think that they are better than us, we always get them. Isn't that right, Fluff?" She nodded her head eagerly in acquiesce. "This guy won't be free for much longer. He was lucky for the last year that you and I weren't working the case. Now, he should start feeling the pressure. My plan is to have him locked up and in his cell before you get back. I will only prove that I am the smarter officer of this duo."

Judy rolled her eyes but this conversation had seemed to interest Ted and he seemed to be once again focused on them and not in the movement around the station. "What type of case is it?" he asked almost eagerly but then measuring his tone, "Of course, if I can ask and I am not overstepping any privacy issues."

Nick probably would have given most of the details, one or two details short of the whole case files, if it had been any other mammal. Ted was not 'any other mammal'. He was almost too happy to reply, "You are overstepping, Teddy."

Benjamin chimed in, "I don't get even get to know what happens in most cases. I don't mind though." He really didn't. He had worked on the force for almost 8 years and not once asked to be reassigned or given any cases. He was perfectly content greeting all of the faces go through the precinct doors.

Ted burrowed his brow. He did not seem to be satisfied with this answer but would not pry. "I understand. Having the weight of the city's safety on your shoulder must be a heavy one." His voice was sympathetic yet tinged with a bit of resentment. "I don't know anything about your case, but I can guarantee that whoever it is that you're looking for sleeps a little less knowing that you two are now working the case." Here, his attention once again drifted to his watch and to the surrounding movement of the station.

His eyes seemed to lock in on a mammal approaching them in a hurried manner. Judy once again did not notice and had only said, "I hope so, I hope he can't get not one second of rest. Nick and I will have him in no time at all." She energetically pumped her fist resolutely as if to solidify her resolve.

Benjamin enthusiastically nodded his head in agreement. "Depend on it. If these two miracle workers are on it, that poor fellow doesn't stand a chance. Is it bad of me to almost feel bad for the guy?" Judy put her hand to her hip and shook her head in disapproval. Benjamin quickly added, "I said almost. Almost feel bad for him."

They were interrupted by the appearance of a small, round and portly pig. The same mammal who seconds earlier had been approaching the small group with quickened steps. He nodded to everyone in general but extended his hoof to Ted and handed him an envelope before briskly walking away, with not so much as a word.

Everyone looked curiously after the portly animal as he hurried away then back to Ted who, satisfied, turned back to the group without acknowledging the brief interruption. He did not open the envelope, simply kept it in his paw knowingly.

Must be work related. He is an important mammal, owner of a big company, of course he has business to attend to right before he goes on vacation.

Clawhauser's thoughts were along the same lines and gave Judy a look which to her screamed "check this guy out, he must be loaded.'.

The speakers again boomed reminding the first class passengers to board. Ted looked around and smiled widely. He brought the envelope up in the air and firmly stated, "That's us. It's time to go ladies and gentleman." Everyone but he looked confused and this made Ted chuckle out loud. "You all should see your faces."

Judy spoke up first, "It's not second class yet, Ted. That was just a reminder for first class. We still have another 10 minutes...at least." Judy huffed impatiently although she was anything but. Ten more minutes was ten more minutes of Nick's company. Ten more minutes of mentally preparing herself for over a week of no work, no routine, etc.

Ted, who had not put the envelope down, did so now only to open it. He delicately pulled out three half page documents with a deep red stamp seal on each marked 'UPGRADED'.

Ted shrugged his shoulders apologetically. "Well, I figured if this is a much needed vacation for all of us, why not make it the complete package? I hope you don't mind but I upgraded our seats to First Class."

Reliable Clawhauser did not disappoint Ted's intended reaction. He all but snatched the passes out Ted's paw. He brought them close to his face and inhaled as deeply as he could. The large cheetah giggled with delight, his eyes bright with excitement.

Judy looked surprised and uneasy. Ted tried to assuage her by explaining, "Just so you know, The Foundation did not pay for this. They are not having to fork out one cent for this. Honestly, I hope you don't mind. The upgrades were nothing for me, really. Try not to think about it, Ms. Hopps. Just try to have a good time and sip on some wine to calm your nerves."

Hearing that the Foundation had not been burdened by any additional expense on her account, Judy warmed to the idea. Besides, how could she ever convince Clawhauser on passing on this? She couldn't and she was well aware of it. First class? Hmm...why not? She sheepishly smiled at him, looking over to her partner. Nick. That's why. Nick looks absolutely horrified.

In truth, Nick was horrified. The thought that this piece of...work could just wave his hand and get things done was a bit intimidating. They way Judy had so easily been swayed was unnerving. If this guy's charm and money could affect her this quickly, what would a whole vacation do? Nick's demeanor and countenance changed in that moment. His combative and sarcastic self felt defeated. Nick smiled affectionately at Judy because that's what she wanted to see from him. He knew better than to argue with Ted or her right now. She would leave with Ted, in first class no less, and she would leave him alone for over a week. He sighed and placed his paws in his pockets.

Perhaps Judy was too eager to take Nick at face value and perhaps she was too quick to suppose that he had smiled at her in approbation. She did not see the defeat and melancholy solitude in that smile.

Believing herself to have his consent, she abruptly turned to the cheetah. "Well, Benjamin, I think they're calling us." For one second, she felt as giddy as Clawhauser.

That second came and went. The thought of so many days without Nick around. So many days to enjoy the most wonderful vacation, but without Nick. She pulled him into a quick and tender hug and he even pulled his arms around her in return. If Judy didn't know any better, she could have sworn she heard him sigh. They awkwardly separated and he playfully pushed her toward the boarding area, "Hurry up, Carrots. The sooner you leave, the sooner my vacation from you starts." He flashed one of her side grins, his eyes half lidded.

That grin quickly faded the second that Ted stood before him. "Well, Nicky. The city rests in your very capable paws. Your partner rests in capable paws as well." He winked at Nick and walked past him and behind the bunny towards the boarding area.

Clawhauser stood seconds behind Ted, eyeing Nick and Ted curiously. An authentic look of concern slowly spread over his face, overtaking the childish silly look he wore only moments before. "Everything ok, Nick? If it's Judy you're worried about, she can take care of herself, you know that right?" He paused waiting for a response but only received a lazy nod of the head. "What other stuff that you might be worried about, don't be..." He was interrupted by the bunny shouting to him to hurry up. He patted Nick on the shoulder as he hurriedly walked to catch up.

July 23rd

Judy woke in a sea of pillows with the warm and glowing rays of sunshine kissing her face. It was a delicious sensation and she rolled on the bed, spreading her arms and bringing the light sheets tight against her body. She buried her face into the cool pillow. I could get used to this life.

Her eyes peered open and soaked in the bright light surrounding her sky blue room. She could hear the gentle crash of the waves against the beach just outside of her window which was half open. The window curtain lifted and fell with every breeze that drafted throughout the room. Her gaze drifted from the window back into her suite, from the comfy chairs at the foot of her bed to the door leading out into the living area and kitchen space. This was a far cry from the standard double bed that she had imagined that she would be staying in. In true Ted fashion, upon seeing their accommodations, he insisted on switching from the standard rooms to the luxury suites at the hotel. She was almost embarrassed to accept but once she saw the suite, there was no denying that this would be a hundred times better than the alternative. She gave in and at this moment was happy for it. The only downside was that her suite was right next door to Ted's. Of course, Benjamin was on her other side but knowing that Ted was so close to her sleeping quarters felt odd for some reason.

She looked at her clock and it read 9:15AM. She almost laughed out loud. This was the latest that she had woken up in years. Somehow, she felt not once ounce of guilt or regret. This was vacation after all, a time where she was supposed to let loose. If it had not been for the immediate need to use the restroom, she would have cuddled even more into the bedding and possibly laid soaking in the sounds for another half an hour. But nature called and she rushed to the restroom where she caught a glimpse of her reflection. Her white t-shirt hung loosely over her small frame and her disheveled fur combined to give her an appearance of a tired and worn bunny. She felt very different to what she appeared. She felt energized and anything but tired. She had been on the island for less than one day but the scenery could cure anyone of any sort of illness or mental state. The luscious greens of the trees, the sparkling blues of the water, everything was beautiful. She sighed in delight as she stepped back into her room but froze in near terror when she heard a light tapping on her room door.

It was either Clawhauser or Ted. She mentally prepared herself for either when she peaked through the keyhole. She sighed in relief and opened the door to allow room service to enter her room and set up breakfast but then recalled that she had not ordered any. "Oh! I think you might have the wrong room. I haven't ordered anything." She said shyly as the serious faced wolf stepped past her and into the dining area, slowly pushing the cart of delicious treats with him. He paused for a brief moment to pull out a small notebook from his blazer pocket. "This is room 3010. This is your breakfast. It was ordered and paid for by Room 3010. Enjoy." He bowed slightly and retreated from her suite without a further word.

Room 3010... Ted. This is very kind of him. Wait, what does this card say? Judy pulled a small handwritten note from the small arrangement of flowers at the center of her display. "Either you are dead or too hungry to get out of bed. I am hoping the latter. Eat up and I will see you later. Don't make plans for dinner. I want to show you something. -Ted S." Judy felt herself blush. The lavish spread of fruits and vegetables before her made her conscious of her scrubby appearance. Before she could sit down to eat, she changed into shorts and another t-shirt. Hey, at least I'm not in my PJ's anymore.

She had not put the first forkful into her mouth when there was another knock at her door, louder and more fervent that the earlier one. "It's me, Judy! Open up! You will never guess what I just got!" Benjamin's eyes grew wide with excitement as he saw her buffet styled breakfast setup. "You got breakfast, too! But I got the short straw though. Mine was nowhere near as good and fancy as yours." He plopped onto the chair in front of Judy's plate, not caring that the chair was not meant for his size and weight and almost buckled under him. He popped a grape into his mouth and moaned in delight. "This is the life, Judy. This is the life..."

Judy laughed at her friend and smiled in agreement. "So, what was it that you got this morning? Something that you are excited about, obviously." She placed a strawberry in her mouth as Benjamin remembered the reason for his visit.

"Oh yeah! I got a call from a certain fox friend of ours this morning. He told me that he's been trying to reach you but your phone's been off since yesterday. He sounded worried, Judy." He grabbed some more grapes and popped them in his mouth.

"My phone!" Judy practically yelled. "Oh my goodness, Benj. My phone! I completely forgot to charge my phone yesterday afternoon!" Judy jumped up from her seat and ran towards her bedroom. She came back to where Clawhauser was, phone and charger in hand. She tried to power it on but it refused to oblige, its screen remaining black in her paw. "I gave him my room number when I talked to him before dinner yesterday. He could have dialed my room." Judy said fumbling with the charger cable.

Benjamin stopped chewing and gave Judy a look of pained embarrassment. "Well, he says that he did dial your room last night when you weren't picking up your cell..." The cheetah paused and looked around the room for something to focus on, other than his friend's face.

Judy did not catch any of this. She was too frustrated with the tangled charger cable. "Ok, so? I must have been in the restroom. He should have tried again..."

Clawhauser looked up to meet his friend's eyes. "He said that he didn't want to disturb you..." Emphasis on disturb, she could almost visualize the quotation marks around the word.

"Disturb me? From what? Sleeping? Sure, I was tired but not too tired to talk to him."

Clawhauser stumbled for words and had the same pained embarrassed expression. "Well, so, see...he told me that he called you twice last night and again early this morning and that Ted answered each time so he assumed that you were, well...busy..."

"What?" Judy yelled even louder than before. "What?" She repeated as she received no response from her friend.

TBC