The Hustle of Love

Chapter 10: The Parents

Judy awoke the next morning at 7:30 A.M. She was still getting used to not waking up at 5:30 A.M. to go to work. But soon she would return to her usual routine. After getting dressed and packing her overnight bag she left her apartment. Before leaving she checked her mailbox. In there were two letters, one was from the ZPD stating how they will cover her medical cost from being injured in the line of duty. The other was clearly not delivered by the mailman. It was just a blank envelope. She put it in her pocket till she was on the train for the burrows. The train station wasn't far from her apartment. The walk was nice, the sun was shining, It was peaceful. She boarded her train and took a seat. She watched out the windows at the passing districts of Zootopia. It wasn't so long ago that she first came to the city. She couldn't believe how much her life has changed since then. As the train officially left the city limits, she remembered the mysterious envelope she had gotten. She reached into her pocket and opened it. It was a letter from Nick.

Dear Carrots, I dropped this letter off on my way to work this morning. I had a amazing time last night and I can't wait to do it again soon. I could have texted you, but I thought a letter be more surprising. I wanted to let you know that no matter how today goes with your parents, I'm here for you and that I love you. Good luck Carrots. -sincerely, your sly Fox

"Who knew Nick could be so romantic."she thought.

She hugged the necklace that hung around her neck. The ride back to her hometown was uneventful but the whole time all she could think about is what to say to her parents. Before she knew it she had arrived home. She got off the train and was met by her sister Beth.

"Hey Judy!" Beth said with delight.

"Hey Beth, thank you so much for picking me up."

"No problem Sis, why didn't you want me telling mom and dad again?" Beth asked with curiosity.

"I'll explain in the truck." Said Judy

Judy didn't want to discuss the matter of her coming home in public. This was BunnyBurrow and bunnies tended to eavesdrop on each other. She wasn't ashamed of Nick, she just didn't want her personal business to be all over the burrows. They got in the truck and began the drive to their family farm. While on the way, Judy filled Beth in on what had happened between her and Nick.

"Wow Judy, so you and Nick are together. As in together, together?"

"Yeah we are. You don't have a problem with that, do you?"

"Not at all, I'm just worried about mom and dad." Beth said with concern for her little sister.

"Me to, but I'm 28 years old. I can see whoever I please."

Beth pulled the truck up to the family home. They exited the truck, Judy held her bag tight. Beth could see how nervous Judy was. This was more than just telling their parents she had a boyfriend. Beth didn't know how they would react to Judy being in an interspecies relationship. She placed a paw on Judy's shoulder.

"No matter what Judy, I'll be here for you." Beth gave Judy a reassuring smile.

"Thank you so much Beth." Judy replayed.

Judy hugged her sister tight and Beth returned her hug. Once they separated, Beth got back in the truck. She had to pick up supplies need for the farm. Judy walked to the front door. She reached for the handle, but then froze. She began rethinking coming home to tell her parents. She and Nick had just started dating, maybe she should wait. But that would involve lying to them more. She couldn't hide it anymore, she had to tell them. She grabbed the doorknob, this was it. Once she tells them, there's no going back. She turned the knob and opened the door.