Are You Real? (NITW Gregg X Angus)

Chapter 6: Bad News

After some awkward bickering of the friends for a few moments, all of a sudden, Bea's home phone rang.

"I bet it's the police calling for Angus to put him in jail for being too sexy for a fox." Mae accused jokingly, covering a giggle with her paw. Gregg rolled his eyes, as well as Angus.

"Ah, hush, Mae." Angus answered blankly, as Bea picked up the phone.

"Hello?" What? A death?" Bea asked fearfully, putting a spiky hand over her snout to cover a small gasp. Her hand dropped to her side suddenly, her eyes widening.

"What? What is it? I must knooooow!" Gregg announced, exaggerating. Bea shook her head.

"N-no, I'm so sorry!" Bea apologized sorrowfully, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Please, tell us what's wrong, Bea!" Angus badgered, putting his paws on his face. Bea hung up the phone, a long, cold sigh coming from her mouth.

"Angus," Bea began. "Your father has died of brain cancer." Bea breathed out sorrily, each word stinging Angus's mind oh, so harshly. Angus's eyes widened, as he slowly took off his glasses.

"Y-you must be kidding." He bet hopefully. Bea shook her head slowly. "A-a joke? April fools?" Angus bleated quietly. Gregg and Mae's eyed averted to Bea's shaking head. Angus wiped off his glasses, putting them back on as his wide, light amber eyes shined once more.

"No, Angus, I'm sorry. No jokes here." Bea blubbered out slowly. Mae's light brown, cat-like eyes wondered over to Gregg's. 'What're we gonna do?' She mouthed out. Gregg just shook his head, shrugging his shoulders. He put his paw kindly onto Angus's thigh, trying to comfort him.

"I-I'm sure it'll all be okay, Angus. B-besides, we all get over these thi-"

"No... No, you don't get it." Angus cut off Gregg, swiping his paw away from him. Gregg took his hand back quickly, his eyes getting all sparkly. "My father was the best. He took my everywhere, he taught me my manner, he took care of me when I was sick. This was why I never talked about him. Because I knew he had cancer. And, I thought that if I spoke anything of him, it'd give him a better chance to die. And, looky here, he's dead!" Angus blurted out angrily, shoving his hands in the air. Mae's ears flopped down, as her head tilted South, towards her lap.

"A-Angus-"

"He's dead!" Angus boomed out, tears streaming down his face. Mae struggled not to cry, her ears twitching. Bea wiped her nose, and sat down slowly. Gregg tried to lean in for a hug to Angus, but, that hopeful act faded quickly, thanks to Angus. "No, don't touch me, Gregg. Just... All of you leave me alone." Angus choked, a large 'sniff' coming from him. The rest of the friends stayed silent. 'Poor Angus.' Mae thought to herself.