I was sitting in the backseat at the passenger side, one foot over the other, staring out the window and watching the rolling sandy landscape. My eyes then fixed at grandma again, driving us to our destination. I smiled a tiny bit, with the excitement that's still evident within my chest. I couldn't wait to be there already. Grandma has never taken me to where she works before. I know she's a scientist, and does a ton of work for the government, or something like that, and a kid like me probably has no place to be there. But I still couldn't wait to go there.

Not because I get to watch her work with vials and diagrams and such, although I wouldn't mind it unlike some other kids at school. I don't hate science. I do kinda inspire to be a scientist just like her one day when I grow up. But that wasn't really why I was going there. 

I was going there...So I can get to see EXOTIC ANIMALS.

I was very surprised grandma came up and spoke to me about it last night not too long after she had gotten home from work. I was thinking about going to bed for school today, but as it turned out I didn't have to. She had actually already called the school I go to to give me a three day weekend, since today was Friday, and was planning to take me to this animal testing facility that she works at herself. So I could see them and spend the night there, since the place she works at has bedrooms, for the weekend...And see them more. 

To say I wasn't ecstatic about it would be an understatement. I WAS. I LOVE animals. Exotic ones even, much more than ordinary ones people have seen time and time again. I liked a couple other significant things in particular, like science, and reading and watching subjects that contains fantasy, but my love for animals always topped them. I never went to a zoo before in my entire life, I never had a chance to see a few of them. There was hardly one around here, and the nearest one was a bit off from where we live.

But now...I get to. I am going to see some beautiful, majestic animals.

And grandma even promised that I might ba able to PET one!

I shifted around in my seat in excitement. Oh, the other kids at school will get so jealous when they hear that I've touched an exotic animal! I shot a glance at my bag beside me in the other seat. You can imagine after hearing the greatest news I've had in my life that I was tossing and turning a bit in bed. Earlier this morning, after eating breakfast, it didn't take me long to pack up a few things and then hurry on out to her car. I didn't waste a whole lot of time. I was given a three day weekend from school, and I do hate when school gets boring for some oddball reason, and I was going someplace exciting, with exotic animals. How could anyone pass this up?

I heard a impatient groan up at the front. I put my gaze on to the person at the front seat beside grandma. A boy about five years older than me. I frowned at him. He was staring down at his phone held within his hands, playing online video games again, and wearing headphones just to keep out the outside noise. I bet that groan was him getting beaten by somebody else in the world. 

Well...I can see HE wasn't me, not the exciting type. That was my big brother, Sylvester, or Sly as he likes other people to call him as. He doesn't really like being called Sylvester much, and likes to make sure people get his name right. There is a big reason why, which I think is hilarious, and sometimes I have made fun of him for it in the past. But I didn't mind calling him Sly. I think it was a cool nickname for short. Makes him sound 'edgy' as some older kids like to put it. He often gets annoyed whenever grandma Leslie would refer him by his real name, even AFTER he already corrects her, but hey, that was our grandma for ya.

Just being grandma.

Sly looked a bit like our dad, who we haven't seen for a while now, only shorter with light brown hair. I looked at the rearview mirror at myself for a short moment. And I looked a bit like our mom, and grandma too, with blonde hair that barely touches my shoulders. I paid attention to my brother again, showing an annoyed expression. We were kinda close siblings back then, that was before everything in our life had drastically changed.

But knowing him, these days, he was a bit of a grouch. Ok, maybe A BIT was putting it mildly. He's MORE than moody when he gets annoyed, and at times he can be annoyed very easily. He can be that way to me when I get on his nerves, and grandma as well obviously. But it really showed when he starts playing that game on his phone. Which makes me question why does he even bother playing that game when it makes him so mad?

Video games are stupid anyways.

Sly didn't appear excited as I was when grandma told us what we were doing this weekend. He wasn't exactly thrilled about going to a place that might seem...BORING. I don't think THAT was accurate. I think this was going to be a great place. At least it was better than school, and school gets boring! He tried to back out of going with us this morning and wants to go to school anyways, saying he wasn't interested, but grandma insisted that he'd go...Probably because of me. 

Right now he doesn't seem remotely interested nor happy that we're getting away from home a bit, besides going to school, and see some animals! I thought he wanted to go to a zoo back then, but now he seems like he doesn't.

Doesn't he know what he was missing?! It's like a chance of a lifetime you shouldn't pass up.

I wish he'd pass up playing his dumb game already.

I asked grandma out of curiosity, "Hey, grandma, how far are we?"

She replied with a happy look on her face, "Won't be long now, Tina."

The same excitement I have bubbled inside me still, and for good reason. Yay! We're about there! That's when I decided to end my brother's playtime. I called as my finger began tapping his shoulder relentlessly, "Hey! Sly! Sly!"

Sly let out a sharp groan and flipped the headphones off his head. He twisted around to stare at me with a stern look. He said, his voice disgruntled, "What?"

I grinned, pointing at the windshield. I reported, "Grandma says we're almost there."

"So?" Sly sat back in his seat, complained, "Do I look like I care?"

Grandma encouraged with a short giggle, "Aw, you should care. You'll like this place."

He whined, "I wanna stay home."

I stated factly, "I thought you wanted to go to school."

Sly replied back, already picking up his phone to play some more without his headphones on, "I was saying that so I wouldn't go on this retarded trip."

Grandma while still having her eyes on the road in front of us said, "Come on, Sylvester, don't start with that again. You oughta be looking forward to it. You're gonna meet one of my closest friends I ever have in my life."

Sly retorted, "Let me guess...A dumb animal, like our old cat Mr. Whiskers?"

I shot him an angry look and so did our grandma. She said sternly, "SYLVESTER! Shame on you! Mr. Whiskers was NEVER dumb, and so is my friend! You shouldn't say that about things that aren't human!"

He still had his eyes on the game when he replied to that, "Yeah well, if you call coughing up a hair ball on my bed not dumb, then you're not as smart as you claim to be."

I rolled my eyes. I spoke bitterly in a low voice, "Least someone deserves a gift."

Sly flashed anger at me, "What you say, you little slut?"

I know women would be offended by that word, but I wasn't. I just smirked back at him. Grandma however was and tried to de-escalate this by raising her tone, "Hey, hey! Knock it off! Sylvester, you know your sister is not...The S word."

My brother sat back down in his seat again and angrily corrected her, "It's SLY, Leslie. Get it right."

Grandma Leslie argued, "I don't care how I should call you, you're still my grandson, and you shouldn't call your sister that."

"Whatever." He motioned his hand at the windshield, "Seriously, why do I have to go with you guys to this freakin facility? I'm not interested in seeing dumb animals."

I rolled my eyes and commented, "Obviously."

Sly warned, "SOME that may leave me with much more than hairballs. Like a...Life threatening injury. I kinda heard on the internet one time that somebody lost their hand while trying to pet a vicious animal. How stupid is that?"

Grandma denied that, "You don't know what's going to happen. Try to relax." I was giggling. She's right. I ain't afraid.

But he ignored that and finished his protest, "So why can't I stay home alone and leave it at that?"

She stated, "I told you before, but you weren't listening well because your ear drums are probably far beyond repair now because of all the video game playing you've been keeping to yourself from everyone with your headphones." Despite what he did a second ago, she flashed him a grin, "Didn't I tell you a bunch of times they are not good for your ears?"

Sly slightly remarked with a small shrug, "Don't care."

Grandma's face went back to being serious after placing her eyes back on the road, "Well I'll say it again, in case you did not hear me. I'm not gonna be spending the night with you guys in the facility, I'm going straight home. And Tina would be alone without you. That's why you're going so that way you would keep her away from trouble and look after her."

Sly demanded, "Why can't you just let our babysitter you always hire spend a couple nights with her? I don't like to babysit. I'm not the babysitting type."

I kinda agreed with that, "Yeah, I think I like spending time with Lisa MUCH MORE than this jerk."

He muttered, "Shut up."

I fired off, "You shut up!"

Grandma let out a sigh and said with her view placed on the rearview mirror, "Tina, please stay out of this."

Sly then added, "Plus she's not a little kid anymore. I don't need to babysit her." 

Grandma focused back on my brother and said, "Well, you are. That's another reason why I'm taking BOTH of you there. You two hardly spent a lot of quality time together. All you do is just play video games every time you come home from school, and say a few words to your sister. You just like to ignore everybody. Can't you understand that you two live under the same roof?"

Sly factly stated, rolling his eyes to her, "I'm gonna be eighteen soon. I'm not going to be living at your house forever. Besides she's gotta learn to grow up." Hearing that kinda broke my heart. I didn't really want him to leave us. I dread that day.

I'd miss him so much.

Then grandma Leslie nodded a bit and said, "Yeah, well, until then, you're living under my rules, buster. And matter of fact." Unexpectedly, she snatched his phone out his hand. 

He cried out, trying to reach for it, "Hey, give that back!"

"Nope!" She put it deep inside her lab coat. She declared, "You are NOT getting this back until you come home." Sly let out a frustrated sigh, angrily looking out the window with his hand under his chin. I was smiling. Then grandma pushed a demanding finger into the side of his arm with a smile of her own on her lips, "You are in charge of your sister. There will be nothing bothering you while you're staying there. You need a break from it anyway. Your eyes can only endure so much. You be the best brother to her when I am not around. There is television if you want to watch something, just don't watch it too long, for your eyes sake. That's it. No video games."

When grandma had her hand back on the steering wheel, I taunted, "So there!" I stuck my tongue out. Grandma actually giggled at that, while Sly was just grumbling to himself. Not very long after this conversation, I can see the only place in my sights within the desert. There was a large, low building with a...Dome that seems to be connected to it. I can see green inside it in contrast to the brown sand outside. Seeing that reminded me of that snow globe I used to have before I accidentally broke it.

Only that thing was HUGE!

I squinted at the dome as the car brought us closer to this place. This must be it. Wonder if that's where all those animals are staying in? Very soon, we were in the parking lot in front of that low building. Real quickly, I pushed myself out of the side of the car with my bag in my hand. I looked towards the sign on the roof of the building that says: 

TEMRA RESEARCH FACILITY

I wrinkled my brow. Temra...That's a weird name for an animal testing place. It took Sly a few seconds to get his bag out of the trunk and slam it shut. When he stood beside me, grandma beckoned us to follow. All three of us went through the glass double doors shortly thereafter, strolling across the lobby. Grandma greeted and waved at a security guard behind the reception desk. He spotted us and waved back, only merely eyeing at me and my brother apparently as we went on by and headed into a long, white hallway. I held a look of apprehension. I don't like the way he was looking at us. What's his deal?

About a couple minutes later, when we came across a couple paths, we stopped short and grandma pointed down one path with a few doors down. She announced, "These doors down there are the bedrooms. One of them is yours."

Sly said sarcastically, "Fabulous."

"I think this is great." I looked around the area, pointing out, "But I never knew this place you're working at is...Is so white."

Sly complained beside me, squinting, "Yeah, almost hurts my friggin eyes."

Grandma let out a tiny laugh and assured, "You two will get used to it."

My brother gazed at her and warned, "I hope so. If staring at electronics doesn't make me blind, it's these walls and floors and ceilings." I snickered.

Grandma slapped him on his back, telling him in a playful way, "Stop complaining." He rolled his eyes in irritancy.

Then a voice bellowed from the different path, "Hey Les!" All three of us turned to see a kinda handsome young man strolling down to meet us with a huge smile.

Grandma smiled brightly and greeted him, "Ah, perfect timing, Jason!" When he stood in front of us, she went on, "We just arrived."

The guy named Jason responded happily, "I see that. Glad you finally made it."

Grandma Leslie chuckled deeply, "We were all trying to hurry. Did I miss much?"

"Not really, but everyone else already beat you here, and our friend is already waiting for you in the dome with Gilbert." He thumbed behind him, "And I guess breakfast is still going on, if you still wanna eat something. Probably about over though."

She replied, "Nah, I'm fine, and I'm sorry I've kept everybody waiting." She eyed toward me and my brother, "I was eating breakfast at home with these two."

I piped up on my end, "I was starving." Sly rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Jason turned to me and him now. He stated with a greeting smile and a short giggle, "Heh heh...Sounds like one of you reminds me of someone. So, you guys are the grandkids Leslie was talking about?"

"Why, they are." Grandma introduced me first with her hand, "This is Tina." Then she gestured to Sly next, "And that is her brother, Sylvester." I heard him mutter 'it's Sly' after she was finished.

Jason greeted us, staring mostly at Sly, "Hey."

Sly replied in a non-interested way, "Hey, man."

I said, waving a bit in a polite way, "Hi."

Then she introduced us to him, "And guys, this is Jason. He's one of the animal handlers in this facility. And also the son of one of my colleagues."

Sly muttered under his breath, like he was jealous a bit, "That's an easy way to get a job."

Jason shrugged in modest, "Been working here for several days now. Not too bad if you ask me."

"Tch." Sly then rolled up his eyes, "A newbie...I feel safe already."

Grandma scolded him with narrow eyes, "Hush!" Then she glanced towards Jason and apologized, "I'm sorry about him. I do try to teach him manners....But he always has his headphones glued to his ears." I snickered, while my brother just crossed his arms with annoyance. 

Jason waved her off, "It's fine." Then he assured the two of us, most directly at Sly, "And for the record, bud, I'm past the newbie stage. You can trust me with the animal. I'm as professional as anyone here now."

Our grandmother commented proudly, "Something I naturally agree with."

Shortly, I wrinkled my brow, "Animal..?" I turned to my grandmother, "As in...Only ONE?"

Sly looked at her with a quizzical frown as well, "Yeah...I thought there were more than one in this place. What kind of animal testing facility is this?"

Grandma responded quickly, "Oh let's just say a bunch of them have transferred to another facility, and we only have one right now. Sorry I wasn't specific about it earlier. But don't worry, like I said there is only one, and she is magnificent. She's a fully grown tiger."

Beside me, my brother's face was as white as our surroundings, "T-T-T...Tiger?"

I hopped a few times while my face lit up with excitement, "I don't really care how many there are here! One's better than nothing! This'll be great! Please, can we see it now?"

Grandma laughed a bit and then nodded, "Of course." Her hand shot down the path where one of our rooms is at, "Just put your bags in your room and we'll go see her. It's the last door at the end of the hall."

Jason added in a calming way, "Take your time, guys, our friend is not going anywhere."

I nodded and then started pulling Sly's wrist with a free hand down the corridor. I urged, "Come on, move it, slowpoke! We gotta see the tiger!"

Sly's only response behind me was a moan filled with nervousness, "Uhhhhhh..."

*****

Inside the habitat dome, below the sun shining through the glass ceiling, I waited around on my haunches with my tail tapping on the ground, alongside Gilbert beside me. I shot him a quick glare, who had his eyes focused straight ahead before I was putting mine back in the same direction. I wish I wasn't waiting here alone with this huge ass. Why couldn't he just have wandered off with Jason to make sure they were here? I don't need to be watched by the likes of him!

My muzzle formed a smile. But it's going to be worth it. I'm gonna be having some new company today!

I was still very excited upon what Jason told me yesterday, about Leslie's plan she had discussed with him. Apparently she was planning to bring her grandkids to Temra, so they could meet me, and also spend the night here for a couple days. I couldn't believe at all that the old female actually had family. Ever since I've known her, I never knew she had any sort of family at all. It was a shock, like the time when I found out Roy had a cub of his own the entire time. For all this time I thought she had just lived a lonely life, and I was the one to help fill her empty heart. 

But I was wrong. She was raising grandkids...MAN CUBS....TWO OF THEM.

And she was bringing them to meet me!

I was surprised about the news, the same reaction I had when I learned about Jason being Roy's son. But after four eyes's cub told me about it, I was hopping around with joy. I didn't care anymore that Leslie never told me about her own family, because I was getting to meet them anyway! Man cubs! That'd be the cutest thing I've encountered while living in this damn place. I pictured how cute those two were upon arrival more than once, wondering if they'd be as cute as any other type of little one. Of course Jason told me not to have too much expectations about one of them, cause he has mentioned that one of them wasn't so little anymore. But hey, I kinda didn't care. A man cub is a man cub. And sometimes I look at one. 

Oh, Jason, that cub.

And another thing he did warn me, not to get my hopes up too much, was that he had to talk to Earl with Leslie about those plans to see if he'll let them come here. I was feeling a little disappointed, thinking at first that everything was set and I'd get to meet them the first time, but I did throw in a bit of caution on to it. I was thinking Earl wouldn't be too keen on letting them stay here, considering that those man cubs were...Probably different than Jason and maybe weren't the types to keep secrets. And it wasn't like they were having jobs here either, like Jason does. Least I believe they weren't going to work here like their family. But Jason did promise me that he was going to try his best to help convince the master of this place to let them be here. I was holding caution, but I was holding out hope too.

True to his word, I found out they succeeded. Right after Jason and Leslie arrived here and told me the great news, I gave Leslie a deep nuzzle against her stomach and Jason a big hug in gratitude. I was glad their talks had come through. There was no way I could bear of losing the chance to meet Leslie's family. It would have bothered me so much not knowing what they looked like, especially when they're man cubs. I was so happy and excited. Even when I slept by Jason in his room again, I was happy and excited. It kinda drove the human a little crazy when I kept shifting around on his mattress so much. I couldn't help myself, but soon I did relax a ton and slept the night away.

I think what really made me most excited all that time was the fact that I didn't know the grandkids's names. I did ask Leslie what they were the other day, but she insisted on introducing them to me when they get here, like a little surprise. I thought that wasn't too fair. Roy didn't hold back when he told me his son's name before he came here. But...I didn't complain about it. Sure I did whine, but nevertheless I did not complain afterward. I was trying to be patient about it. I should be able to learn what their names are when the time comes.

And now today was the day. That time was coming. I know Leslie wasn't here earlier when I ate in the cafeteria and she was a bit late, but I knew that meant something. She was getting her man cubs ready for me. They weren't possibly here quite yet, but they were probably on their way now. They were probably getting close. I can feel it in my paws.

Jason and I had been waiting in the dome eagerly since we both got done eating earlier. And since everybody in this place heard about the newcomers that were coming, Gilbert himself was all over it. Acting like the totally responsible animal handler he was, which we all know he wasn't for the record, he was actually putting himself in the position of waiting in the dome along with me and Jason. I thought that was annoying, he never waited around in the dome before in all the times since he's known me. Especially when I've been having so much fun without him lately. But, from what he said, he said it was just to keep the newcomers assured that I wasn't gonna hurt them.

Spitting out crap as usual. I swore if he kept that up, and if he had spit out lies to the man cubs like he was doing with Jason in front of my face, I was gonna bite him.

But we shall see if he pulls anything like that again. I'm sure he has learned his lesson especially after Jason gave him a stern talking to that day.

Wouldn't really get my hopes up about that.

I lowered my gaze to the grass, taking a deep, relaxing breath, trying not to have my paws pace me around from this growing impatience. Jason did leave not too long ago to check and see if Leslie and the grandkids were finally here and that was why I was all alone with Gilbert. But a part of me still couldn't wait to see them, and my limbs were thinking about having me move around just to kill all this waiting time. But I knew that if I did move around, Gilbert would get irritated and tell me to sit down and shut up. If only I would tell him to shut up. My eyes trailed to that said human beside me again. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of berating me when my best friend wasn't around...Or he'd be in big trouble.

Jason has balls after all.

Then I had some past thoughts flowing inside my head, and they made me reinforce my prior committment. I know that when the newcomers are here, it would be the exact situation when Jason first arrived and began living here. Jason did make a sincere promise to Earl that I was NEVER going to SPEAK A WORD to Leslie's family. I made a promise to that human, and made a deep vow within myself that I wasn't going to. I remembered the last time I messed up, and I still thought that was a dumb way of somebody finding out the truth about me, and I was going to make sure I wouldn't do that again.

Then Gilbert's threatening face that night lingered in the back of my mind. I wasn't going to get in trouble again and have him whip me. He threatened to do that to me on the night Jason knew the truth about me cause he thought I was talking to him so I would get that bear of a bastard to lose his job and get him out of this place, which that was still freakin insane. But I wasn't taking any chances. No way in hell.

I will keep my trap shut. I won't mess up this time.

Not for him, but for me.

Gilbert's voice clawed through my thoughts, "Hey, Prem." I snapped my attention toward him. He ordered with a threatening face, the same one he always gives me, "Now you better listen and listen good...When they get here, you'd better keep quiet. You remember what I told you before about visitors. If you say ONE word to those two kids, I will whip you till you bleed."

I narrowed my eyes and responded, irritance laced in my words, "Trust me, your warning is already inscribed in my brain."

He pointed his threatening finger at me, "Watch your smart mouth...I ain't in the mood."

I was actually smiling at him in a devious way, "Oh...Threatening me with that, are you? Have you merely forgotten like a brainless monkey what Jason said before he left us? YOU'RE the one that should be behaving."

One side of Gilbert's lips smirked a little bit. He said, "Full of confidence and think you're untouchable, eh?"

I held up my head in smug, "Why shouldn't I be? I have someone that can protect me from the likes of you now. I shouldn't be afraid of you."

Gilbert retorted a bit with a serious face, "That means nothing...No one's invisible...And you're always afraid of me."

I ain't now. I confidently warned, "I can promise you, based off what happened with you both before...If you lay a hand on me...Fury will rain upon you. You watch, Jason will do something to protect me."

Gilbert spat at the ground, "I ain't scared of that kid. In fact, he's made a GRAVE mistake standing up to me. No one does that to me and walks away freely."

More like YOU walked away from him freely, dummy. I merely just smirked before I challenged him, "Well he did. So what're going to do? Kill him? Oh, wait...You CAN'T kill anybody, can you? That's against the rules of human nature, isn't it? I believe it is also against the rules that you cannot WHIP him either. You can't hurt him, like you did to me. You have no options. You might as well run away like a coward and not turn back. Besides...I've been having LOADS of fun without you around."

He was smiling down at me. He slowly started shaking his head while he spoke, "Boy, oh boy...Taunt me all you want, but you two have certainly made a turn to the point of no return. You don't want to see how things end...Believe me...I can see to that."

What's that supposed to mean? What's he going to do? I certainly didn't like the way he said those words. Prior to him saying them, part of me still felt worried from a couple days before that he was going to do something serious about me and Jason. Like totally ruin my friendship with the boy and take him away from me just out of pure spite. Or worse like hurt me...Or him...Or both of us. I somewhat regretted talking back to Gilbert like that, more I would have in the past, but I guess I was getting tired of him ordering me around and threatening me when I'm not behaving well in front of him when he didn't deserve a speck of my respect. Not the first nor last time I feel that way. And I wasn't going to let him see that his words were getting to me now. 

After a long pause, I shot back, "We'll see about that...Asshole." That made his eyes flash with anger, but he didn't do anything physically to me. I was internally proud of my accomplishment. Hah! Eat those words!

My ears flinched at a new sound in the area. Different voices coming from afar. I faced my attention to where they are. I recognized that they were Jason's...Leslie's...And two new ones I never heard of here before. I was putting on a full smile as excitement coursed through my veins, almost making me giddy in my feet. Eeeee...They must be here! And sure enough, a second later, I did see Jason and Leslie and two new humans I have never seen before coming out off a trail from the trees.

As they were far away and on their way to meet me upon first sight, Gilbert leaned down close to my head and had me looking back at him. He wagged a stern finger and commanded again in a harsh whisper, "You may have confidence, mangy bitch, but behave yourself. Be in big trouble if you do something stupid." I glared back into his eyes. Like I just said...We'll see about that.

We'll see who does something stupid first.

I stood on all my fours and had my full attention on the humans heading our way. Jason hollered at me halfway, "Hey, Prem! I'm back!" I wanted to smile at him, and the new humans that are strolling slowly with Leslie, but I kept that emotion to myself. I pretended to act like something that wasn't totally smart, like I did with Jason before. It was all natural again. My eyes solely focused on Leslie's grandchildren, my heart pounding with glee. Oh, but I want to run up and hug them both right now!

One of them I can see was a little female that appeared to look a bit like Leslie, lemon hair and stuff. I can definitely tell they were related, only she looked more cuter than her grandmother. Not that her grandmother wasn't beautiful to begin with, but still. And apparently Jason wasn't kidding around about the other one. The other one wasn't so small anymore. It was taller, about the same height as my favorite handler, and was obviously a male with short brown hair but had much thicker eyebrows than the other young male. He also looked a bit strong and handsome for his age. Not bad if you ask me. I can imagine he'd attract one female his age someday and bear some man cubs with her. 

Maybe...But I'm probably getting WAY ahead of myself.

The two young strangers and Leslie stopped where they are at the halfway mark, watching Jason stroll up to meet me and Gilbert. Jason stood directly in front of me and asked me in a whisper, "Any trouble with Gilbert?"

I shook my head softly, and whispered back as his frame hid me from everyone else's sights, "Not at all."

Gilbert snidely remarked, "She was on her best behavior."

Jason gave him a glare. He responded, "I'm certain she was." Then he beckoned us, "Come on...Let's go say hello to our visitors." Me and Gilbert followed along behind Jason as he led us to Leslie and the grandkids. As we got closer, the taller male man cub looked stiff as a dang tree while he laid eyes on my striped self. I think he started to shake a bit too. I internally giggled at his reaction of me. He's acting like Jason when he first met me. I can still remember that day. 

I then locked eyes with the little girl now. She was a different story. She was smiling, seemingly in awe of my appearence. She wasn't afraid of me at all. I'm glad me and her are starting to get along on the right paw. She uttered one word at me, "Wow..."

I heard her brother I believe muttering something too in fright, "Oh god...Look how big she is." I was so tempted to walk up and nuzzle him and his worries away. Oh, you poor human.

Jason reassured him, "It's ok. She won't hurt you."

Gilbert actually helped out on his end with a small grin despite what he felt about me at the moment, "She's been trained not to do anything stupid. She won't put a scratch on you..." Then he suddenly added, "Well, unless you throw a rock at her or something." My eyes rolled to him. I almost THREW an angry look at him, but my eyes were pretty blank. Damn you, Gilbert. I'm sure YOU want to throw a rock at me, right? I'll show you...

Leslie let out a small laugh, then she said, "But there aren't any rocks to throw, so we got nothing to worry about." I looked at her, my eyes blinking fondly. Got that right, you tell him!

The little female, who had her pretty eyes fixated upon me still, complimented, "She's beautiful." I took those words kindly on the inside. Why thank you, little one. 

"She is, isn't she?" Gilbert warned, "Just don't let the looks fool you. She can be a REAL animal at times." Again, I wanted to throw an angry expression at him, more like a paw, but I stopped myself. Your looks aren't that great, prick, better look at your own reflection next time. 

Jason interjected, "But she is mostly friendly. She just deserves a lot of care and respect. In return she repays us with kindness." I mentally agreed with my friend. That's right.

Leslie lowered herself a bit after she got behind the granddaughter and held her by the shoulders. She spoke close to the girl's ear and finally introduced me to them, "Her name is Prem. Our only female bengal tiger in this place...And our dear friend."

The older man cub gulped out a few words, "Uh...Prem, huh?" He weakly waved at me, "Hi...Prem." I wanted to give him a lot of reassurance with words, but knew I couldn't. Instead, I lay slowly on my stomach, with one forepaw over the other, showing a small sign of submission. It's alright...I'm not going to hurt you. I promise.

Jason merely smiled at my performance. Gilbert just stared blankly at me. Meanwhile Leslie giggled fondly and said to the frightened grandchild, "See? She's showing she won't do anything."

The male man cub said meekly, "...Yay."

"Well gee, where am my manners?" That's when Leslie promptly began to introduce each of the new humans, "Prem, this is my granddaughter, Tina. And this is her brother, Sylvester. Your visitors." I continued to eye at both of them without uttering a word. Tina and Sylvester...

Tina stepped forward and eagerly asked her grandmother, "Can I touch her?"

Leslie smiled and motioned her limb toward me, "Go right ahead, sweetheart...We said she's friendly...Just like Mr. Whiskers." I rose myself off the grass, my brain buzzing with confusion. Mr. Whiskers? Who's she talking about? I never heard of a Mr. Whiskers before. WHO ELSE has she not mentioned to me? 

But I didn't have to think about that for long. Tina advanced slowly to me, her mouth open agape as she stepped forth with her hand reached out. Her fingers finally touched the fur on top of my head. They ran down smoothly down along my face. Her other hand soon joined in. It trailed across the side of my neck down to my shoulder. I was purring in delight from her touch. Tina let out a small gasp of surprise. My heart leapt to my chest from her smiles and the petting. She was enjoying my company. One of my eyes trailed to find Leslie. She was standing around, looking thoroughly impressed at this display. She wanted her grandchildren to be happy because of me...And I think I was doing a good job so far.

Jason called out, "Oh, Prem." I eyed at my favorite human. He gestured to Sylvester still standing at the exact same spot, frightened still, smirking, "You're forgetting someone." I blinked at the other man cub in amusement. Oh yeah...I am.

Sylvester definitely did not want anything to do with me. He was backing away a few steps with his hands raised, "Whoa, wait...I don't want that thing near me."

Tina was giggling in a playful manner. She teased, "Come on, you chicken. Get over here! She's safe!" 

Her brother shook his head timidly in response. He didn't move a muscle. He was still frozen in fear. I almost laughed a little at that, but I held that down. Then a playful, but caring bone nudged me to move closer to him in slow movements. As I advanced, I didn't take my eyes off him, and he didn't his off me. Come now, Sylvester...You won't come to me...I'll come to you. The boy was stiff still when I reached where he was and began rubbing my face against his stomach. He let out a gasp when the side of my body next pressed against his. I twisted my neck to look back at him. Sylvester was breathing softly, seeming to relax a little bit. I was about to crack a smile but quickly let that subside. See? I'm not so bad.

Jason asked nearby, "You okay now, man?"

Sylvester suddenly had his hand making a long smooth stroke across my back. He reported in a soft, sorta calm tone, "...I think so." My chest brightened up at his statement. I'm glad to hear that...Sylvester.

Gilbert let out a sigh nearby, and began marching past all of us, "Well, it's been fun, but I think you can handle this on your own, Jason." He waved while he strode away from us, "Holler if you need help." Without Sylvester or Tina seeing my face, since we were all watching him go away, I narrowed up my face. Don't worry, you can just go away. We won't be needing you around anymore. My thoughts were interrupted when I felt arms wrap around my neck. I flinched in surprise and noticed it was Tina who had apparently ran up and hugged me. She was giggling at me, and in return, I was rubbing my face against hers, purring.

Well, this really is not a bad start. So far so good.

This certainly feels like the first time when I met Jason. 

And like with him...I'm going to enjoy this.

*****

Me and Jason headed down the corridor for the cage room side by side, after saying goodnight to Leslie after her grandchildren went to bed. The time for everyone's napping has finally arrived at this place again. I was smiling a little bit to myself as our feet carried down the path. Today was really a great day. I couldn't get enough of it. My time with Tina and Sylvester was fun and unique. And Jason and Leslie's presence was making the experience much more better. We had spent lots and lots of time together in the dome through most of the day. Course there were food breaks like always in this place and all the humans with me had to leave for them, but they did come back for some more. I was a bit surprised Leslie stuck around for that long. I thought she would've went to work with Roy and all that. But then again, her grandchildren were here, and I figured she wanted to stick around and see how I'd do with them. I'm sure she wouldn't get in trouble for not working for one day.

As for what we all did, it wasn't like I had let both Tina and her brother pet me the entire time we've been together while the other humans that were with us just stood around and watched us. Not at all. It wasn't at all less fun like around the time before Jason knew I can speak like a human. He did mention a few games that he always plays with me. Like one which we played most of the day.

He did leave once and came back with the frisbee. I was purely ready to show the new humans that a tiger can catch something in the air with their mouth! Jason started it off with that simple demonstration. I can see their faces now from earlier, astonished at my agility, watching me dash and spring upward and catch the circling object with my big mouth. And then everyone joined in, even Sylvester, although he didn't act so enthusiastic about all this activity. He acted like he didn't wanna do anything at first, but I guess he was getting over whatever he was feeling. It was also a little rough on Tina. She also acted like she didn't know how to throw a frisbee. She had a hard time. But thanks to Jason's encouragement, she got the hang of it and we were all just having fun. 

Heck, one time I nearly ran into Sylvester by accident thanks to Leslie throwing the frisbee in the wrong direction which was close to him. When I rushed after the flying object sailing past him, he screamed like a girl! I had already shown him that I wasn't going to hurt him, and then I basically made him piss himself. I kinda felt sorry for him, but it was also hysterical. That hadn't happened to anybody I know before. I was close to laughing my head off like his little sister nearby, but luckily, for my sake, I managed to hold down my laughter just by rolling around on the ground in snickers. But at least I didn't traumatize the poor boy. Least I personally think so. He kinda got back to normal and went back to playing our game.

Very soon all of us were kinda worn out and we would sit around together on the grass, staring around the makeshift jungle and the ceiling of the habitat dome. Tina especially was very close to me, other than Jason. She actually cuddled with me...Like she was a little cub snuggling against a mother. I haven't felt that feeling before here...It was almost foreign. 

And then while I was laying with her, several haunting images of my past swirled around in my head. 

They're still kinda lingering, in fact, I can kinda see them at this moment. But mainly I'm ignoring them now. It was no use dwelling in my past with company around. And it was time for bed anyways.

Anyway, the day has went along smoothly, until it was time for everybody to go to bed. And yes, no Gilbert bothered us after he left the dome earlier, and he didn't bother to show up to take me to the cage room again. That was good. I didn't want to listen to him trying to lie to Tina and Sylvester about me again. Then again, if he tried, I'm sure Jason would've called him out on it. While I was a bit happy that I didn't see him show up for me on another night, me and Jason and Leslie walked Tina and Sylvester down to the part of the hall where the bedrooms were located. I let the humans at different sides say goodnight to each other, especially Leslie since she was leaving her grandchildren here alone in this place while she goes off home. She promised them that they'd be safe here, and to actually talk to Jason if they needed anything.

I wish I could help them out if they wanted something...But sadly I can't. I had to act like a normal tiger. 

Which means I have to sleep in the cage....And Jason can't sleep by me...And I can't sleep in his room once again.

Pretty much back to the way things were.

Me and Jason entered the cage room shortly. I padded inside first with the handler behind. While I strode right for the cage without looking back, I was starting to feel this pit of sadness and loneliness form inside me, but I was shoving that away, even though it was kinda hard. I whirled around as soon as all my paws touched the mattress. I looked down at my sides as I stood on my bed. I hummed in thought, "Hmm."

Jason, who was getting the gate key off the wall hook, made his way back to stand in front of the gate. He pressed in concern, "You ok, girl?"

I answered him honestly, "Yeah, I'm fine...I just..." I continued after flopping down on my bed, "I realized I hadn't slept inside the cage for days. Feels all new to me again."

Jason smirked at the statement, "You haven't slept in my room all that much."

I was smiling a bit too when I responded, gazing down at my forepaws, "I know...I guess this is just bringing back some...Old, lonely memories too, you know."

Jason moved deeper in the cage and kneeled, putting the gate key on the floor beside him. He cupped my chin with his hands and lifted it up so my eyes would meet his. He said in all sincerity, "Hey...You know I would have let you sleep by me again in my room in a heartbeat. I would. But we can't act differently with Tina and Sylvester around. We have to act that things are...Well, frankly to any person, NORMAL."

I let out a saddened breath, "...I know. I can't help it. I just hate this secret rule right now...And I hate how dark and lonely this thing is."

Then Jason added, "Yeah, well, they might get a bit suspicious if they found us sleeping together."

Despite my sadness, I giggled in reply, "I don't know...Wouldn't be that bit of a stretch for them. I mean remember how Tina was so close to me in the dome?"

He nodded a bit. He stated, "I thought you two looked cute together."

I replied, "Then try picturing US together when they spot us. You seriously think they wouldn't care if they caught you sleeping by a tiger? Who really cares anyway?"

He shrugged and shot his head to his left, "Well, Earl, pretty much."

I shut my eyes and groaned, "Ugh...Screw Earl." I opened them up and they showed a lot of plea, "Can you at least sleep by me in here, Jason? I don't want to be alone now."

Jason shook his head and declined, "No, not this time." I whined. One of his hands rubbed my cheek in circles in a kind, fond way. He said with some pity in his voice, "Hey, don't worry, Prem. We both know this won't last forever. All we have to do is act normal throughout this weekend till the grandchildren are both gone. And besides...We'll be having more fun with them tomorrow."

I formed a new smile. I spoke, "I guess you're right. I did have fun with them today."

He picked up the key and concurred upon standing high up, "Me too. I liked being with them. Tina was pretty nice, and I think Sylvester was cool too. Kinda makes me think they should stay here forever and hang out with us more." He gestured his other hand at me, "I think you could use a couple more humans to talk to. Hey, I'll put it this way...Least neither are Chase."

"That would be nice, but..." I shook my head slowly, "Some things aren't supposed to happen."

But he countered, "You don't know that. Maybe someday, if Earl lets them visit Temra more than once, Tina and Sylvester will be let in on our little secret."

"...Maybe." I added, "But on one condition."

He inquired, "What?"

I plainly told him, "Just as long as I don't reveal myself to them in another odd situation, I think they'll be good."

Jason held out his hands and swung his gaze around the area, "What situation can be more weirder than how I caught you?"

"I don't know." Then I came up with an idea, "Getting my big head stuck between the bars."

He let out a laugh, "It's basically the same thing as before, Prem...But more desperate."

I playfully narrowed my face, "Oh shut up, least I came up with something. What did you come up with?"

He made a face like he was thinking. Then he said, "Nothing."

I gave a firm nod, "That's what I thought."

Jason shook his head playfully and spun to exit the cage. He shut the gate with a loud clang and locked me in. Before he would move away from the bars, he pressed, "You sure you're gonna be okay?"

I nodded a little bit, "I'll be fine...We both know this won't be the first time." Then I eyed at the food bowl near the bars, "Won't be the first I dealt with eating that crap either."

Jason added, "I just hope when you do decide to eat it while I'm gone, you don't choke on it. Otherwise everyone will be out of one friendly tiger."

I shut my eyes tightly and scrunched my face, "I'm not looking forward to it at all." Then I said with a relaxed face, "By the way, I'm sorry I kinda pressured you. You know me...I just like having a sleeping partner."

He shook his head and waved me off, "Don't be sorry. I understand. Just...Keep your chin up and all will be...I guess, back to OUR normal soon. Ok?"

I let out a chuckle and quickly nodded, "Ok."

He walked to the wall hooks and hanged the gate key. Then he turned to me and waved, "Night, Prem. See you in the morning."

I replied as soon as he got to the doorway for the hall, "Goodnight." He flipped the light in the room off, then softly shut the room door behind him, leaving me shuttered and alone once more for this lonely night.

I dipped my head and let out a soft sigh as I laid around in the dark. Well...Here we go with this...Again. I shook away this sadness with my head. Oh, don't be sad, Prem. This is only temporary. Then I rolled to my side and closed my eyes, waiting for the slumber to take me away from this loneliness.

But unfortunately, I was tumbling around in the blankets on the mattress for a long time. I couldn't get any sleep. I let out a huff as I was sprawled on my back, gazing at the ceiling. Dammit. I can't sleep. My striped form rolled to my stomach. I sighed in practical frustration, giving up my initial plan. Well...I guess I'll stay awake and wait for the tiredness to come. 

Then, just to kill time, I decided to put my thoughts in about Leslie's grandchildren, and Leslie herself. I smiled a bit to myself. Those two...I still can't believe I've seen two man cubs in this place. Especially that cute little one. A certain memory flashed inside my mind. I admittedly haven't encountered one since...That night in the jungle. Such a long time ago. I admit, every time I saw Mowgli in the story, I was kinda reminded of that time. I never thought I would see another one again, given I was stuck in Temra. 

Looks like I was proven wrong.  

I still can't believe Leslie never spoken a word about them to me before. I know I didn't care anymore, but what is her excuse for not telling me sooner? I'm willing to bet she was gonna give me the same lame one that Roy gave me when I first asked him why he never told me. 'Cause I didn't ask'. Give me a break with that. I let out tiny giggle. Then again...Maybe that is her actual excuse. Cause I didn't ask. Well...It was true. I didn't really ask. Heck, what am I saying, I didn't ask Roy if he ever had a son either! I just thought she was a lonely old lady looking for companionship.

Sounds like me every time I think about it.

I snickered in simple amusement, my tail whacking on the bed. Tina and Sylvester...So those were their names. Not what I expected out of the grandchildren of Leslie, but I guess they were better than nothing. What kind of man cub would live without a name? That would be like calling Mowgli 'Nothing'. That'd be pretty moronic. 

Names aside, Jason was right about them...They were nice people. I thought they were fun to be with. Probably going to be fun while it lasts. Frankly now that I think about it, between Tina, who was the most funnest, and Jason, I'm sorta trapped between choosing them as my new favorite human to be around with. This doesn't count with Roy, Leslie and Elsa, I'm talking more of newer humans. 

Gosh this is tough.

Well, maybe this shouldn't be. Who knows if I'll see her again after the weekend. Will Earl let her visit this place again? 

Sure he will! If I don't screw up and don't talk to either her or her brother, she can come here and see me whenever she wants!

I sucked in some hopeful air. I hope so. I like having her around...Other than her brother. Even though he isn't TOO exciting.

Oooooh...Choosing between Jason and Tina on who's the most funnest is still tough though. I don't like complicated choices!

I wrinkled my brow after that thought. Well...Something is bothering me about them. A couple things actually. Why did Sylvester act a bit...Different than his sister? He sorta gives off this...Gloomy feeling at times when I stare at him, while Tina acts very happy go lucky. Sure he was trying to have fun with all of us...But he acted like he didn't want to be here. What was his deal?

And another thing...How come Leslie is raising those two? Where are their mother...Or father? Where are their parents? What ever happened to them? Does Leslie know? She must...She is part of their family.

I wish I could speak to them...I have so many questions...

My ears erected at a foreign noise of out of nowhere. My eyes casted directly beyond the gate onto the door to this room. It sounded like the doorknob was moving. I frowned. Who's there?

The door slowly popped off its frame...And revealed a visitor that was acting a little sneaky.

My expression almost went wide at their presence. Tina? 

The little one quietly closed the door upon entering, and flipped the light to this room back on. My eyes blinked at the sudden brightness but they quickly adjusted. Then I tilted my head a bit in confusion. What is she doing here? I thought she was in bed. She get bored or something?

Wouldn't exactly blame her. I'm stuck in this cage and I get bored staying in here sometimes.

Tina slowly made her way across the room, her lips putting on a small, greeting smile as she came over to see me. She stopped at close to the bars, and spoke to me, "Hi, Prem. I...Um...I'm sorry I ruined your nap." I merely stared at her, without making any sort of expressions on my face. You kidding, I wasn't napping at all. Besides, I think you just did me a favor showing up here. 

Tina's eyes trailed around the cage. She stated bluntly, "Not exactly a nice place to nap." Then she placed them back on me, "I don't think I could sleep inside this thing night after night. I know Jason and grandma said you have to sleep in your cage at nights, but I don't get it...Why don't you sleep inside the dome? There is thick glass, I don't necessary believe your claws can break them apart. I think I'd much rather rest in there than be trapped behind bars. It's almost...Kind of cruel." 

I almost smiled at that. You and me both, little one. 

The little one kneeled down to my level. I watched her continue to speak through the bars, "You're probably wondering why I'm not in bed myself. Well...I can't sleep yet. I got out of my room and used the restroom. I didn't want to use the bathroom in my room, cause Sly is sleeping and can be a bit mad when someone wakes him up. I still didn't feel sleepy so I decided to come and see you. I guess...I guess I just want to talk to somebody." My brain clicked at what she said. Well that explains everything now. And Sly? Is that her brother's nickname? Heh...I think I like that more than his original name. Pretty decent one if he were a tiger. 

Sly...Yep...Like it a lot.

She went on, "Speaking of Sly, he doesn't like we have to share a bed. Our room only has one. Ever since he saw what we had, he's been grumbling and complaining that we have to share one. I'm not going to lie, he's pretty grumpy. He's been that way for a long time. To be honest with you...He never wanted to come here. I think he's still whining that he is stuck here with me just so he could look after me." I internally giggled. That's a first. Gosh no wonder her brother seems a bit uninterested about things. And I haven't seen him complain once. Where was that when he was around me? Oh, he probably didn't want me to slap him in case he got me annoyed. 

That'd be my guess.

Tine mentioned with a shrug and a giggle escaping her lips, "But I think I can take care of myself. I'm not very little anymore. But...That's just the way grandma wants things to be. She always wants someone to watch over me." I blinked a few times in response. That's because you are still little to her, little one. Her voice then began to sound a bit gloomy, "My brother and I used to be close...But we don't seem to be these days. He's kinda growing up way before me and always does his own thing without me or grandma around. He...He just doesn't seem to want to talk to us all that much. I personally feel kinda alone without him." That struck me. Oh...I'm sorry, Tina. Wonder why he's acting this way? Then she went on with her head down, "I haven't made a lot of friends outside here either. I'm...Just not very good at it. And with my grandma and...My daddy not around all that much, and my mom...It sorta makes it worse." 

Aw...I never knew that about you. I didn't think you were...Lonely. THAT lonely in fact.

I almost wanna hug you right now.

Tina chuckled, brushing back her strand of lemon hair. She said after raising her gaze to meet mine, "Well, I didn't feel alone all the time. I...Technically used to have a best friend. He was...Like you. Well, sorta. His name was Mr. Whiskers. He was my cat." My tail whacked on the mattress while my attention still didn't drift away. Her cat? One of those animals that humans keep as pets that Roy has told me about? Something that's like me, but much smaller than I? I guess that explains who Mr. Whiskers is. She let out a sad sigh, "But it's just one day grandma couldn't take having him live with us anymore, so she gave him away to a new family. I missed him since then, I didn't want him to go. I...I guess you have no idea how happy I am whenever I'm around you. I haven't thought about Mr. Whiskers for a while...Until I met you. You just...Remind me of him."

More questions now popped inside my head. Well...That stinks. I don't understand. Why would her grandmother get rid of something Tina liked dearly? That doesn't sound like Leslie at all. That's a little...RUDE, don't ya think? What else has she not told me?

"I wish I could keep you as my pet. Might drive my brother nuts, but...I wouldn't mind it." She got up off the floor, letting out a tiny yawn. She spoke afterward, "I think I'm getting tired now. I gotta get going before Sly wakes up and has a fit about me disappearing or something. I'll...I'll see you later. Goodnight." With those words, she spun around and began making slow strides to the door. I was getting up off my bed, pacing up to the edge of the cage, my muzzle barely between the bars as I watched her. 

Then, before she almost made it to the door, I suddenly did it, "You're not alone, Tina."

Tina froze in place, gasped. She spun around, a wide look upon her face. Her eyes swung around looking for the source of those words. Then she just laid them right on me.

I spoke again, "You shouldn't fret about things. I don't like a little one that's sad and deprived of a noble friend."

Tina's jaw dropped so low it almost made me laugh. She uttered, "Oh...My god." Then she began smiling wide at me in awe. I returned the gesture with my own. The little one waltzed back to the cage and demanded, "Did you...Did you really talk?"

I admitted with a nod, one of my ears flicked a bit, "Yes I did. Your ears are not deceiving you."

Tina held her hand to her chin, still apparently surprised about this revelation, "Wow...No way." I just continued to smile at her. Yes way, Tina. Then she brought her face up close to mine and asked in a excitable way, "Are you a human?"

I quickly frowned, "Excuse me?"

"Are you a human living inside a tiger's body? Or..." She gasped again, shoving a finger right toward my chest, "Or are YOU a fantastical creature from another world with the ability to talk?"

What is she going on about? I denied these claims, "Umm...No?"

"Oh..." Tina then looked disappointed, "Then...Are you...An animatronic?"

"No." I let out a tiny laugh with me shaking my head, "I don't even know what that is." Seriously, what the hell is an animatronic? That's the dumbest thing I ever heard of!

Tina asked confusingly, "Wait...Then, you're just a talking animal?"

Well, looks like she got it right now. I answered, "You can say that."

"I don't get it." She pressed, "How...How is all this happening? Am I actually sleeping and dreaming up all this?"

I denied that with a shake of my head, "No, Tina...You're not. I'm as real as the moments we shared today."

Tina continued to press me with the same question, "But...How? Why? How are you talking to me? This isn't scientifically possible. Animals can't talk."

Well this one can! I insisted with a grin, "Believe me...I'm capable of doing that." Then I shot my head to the right, "And as for HOW I CAN talk, well...It's kind of a long story. But I just wanted you to know...I understand how you feel, but you're not alone. If you ever need to talk to someone, come find me. I'll listen to every word you say. I promise. Ok?"

Tina finally smiled at me shortly. Then her arms went through the bars and wrapped themselves around my neck. I cried a bit in surprise, my eyes bugging out a bit, but I didn't pull away. I slowly smiled from this hug. Tina said in gratitude, "Thank you, Prem...Thank you."

I replied back in the fondness way, "You're welcome."

She finally released me from her grasp and then petted my cheek for a second. I returned the favor by nuzzling against her touch. She let out a cute giggle. She yanked her limb out of the cage. She started backing away, saying, "Well...I guess I'll go ahead and leave now. Are you going to be ok in there?"

I answered, "Of course. This is not my first night living in a cage." I raised a paw and added with a serious tone, "But listen to me...Don't tell anyone that I talked to you. Not even your grandmother. You never heard a word from me."

Tina, who has already made it to the door, promised, "I won't. I swear. And...Maybe tomorrow night you can tell me how you can talk to me?"

I nodded, reforming the smile on my lips, "Sure. But let's see how things go, okay?"

She responded, "Alright...I'll...I'll see you in the morning."

I said in a soft, kind voice, "I'm looking forward to it. Goodnight, little one." Tina gave me a short wave before turning off the light and exiting the room, shutting the door tight behind her. I looked down at the floor now, pondering what I've now done.

Prem, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!! You just broke your freakin vow! This is ten times worse than that slip you made with Jason back then! Now she DEFINITELY knows you can speak! This was NOT supposed to happen! Are you literally trying to get yourself in trouble and whipped?! Has being back inside the cage made you go insane?! 

Then another thought broke through another. But she was feeling lonely! She desperately needed someone that can actually TALK BACK to her! Besides...She won't tell anyone about me. I trust her. Nobody else will know. I think I'll be in the clear. Both of us have to keep our mouths shut.

I let out a huff as another thought came to mind. Well...I guess I can't keep THIS secret hidden from everybody. I'll try to tell Jason in private about this later. I know he'll keep this between us. He's good that way. And as for my other friends, like Leslie and Roy...Someday, I'll tell them, but not right away. 

I just REALLY hope I know what I'm doing.

I'm taking a big risk talking to her.

Hope things will not be so crazy like the last time. Or maybe worse than the last time. I don't wanna get whipped again.