Walt Disney College

Chapter 60

The animal center was almost as big as the college. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but that's what Lilo felt it was like! It was almost as if the animals were allowed to roam free, rather than just being stuck in a box.

"What other type of animals do you have here?" Lilo asked.

"Well, we do have a many species here. If you like—"

"Oh my gosh! It's a dog! I love dogs!" Lilo ran over to a furry blue 'dog' and picked it up.

Milo adjusted his glasses. "Lilo...I don't think that's a dog."

Lilo frowned. "Well, you work here. What is it?"

"Um, I didn't even know it was registered in this center. I have never seen an animal like it, ever."

It's eyes were big and black, like inky holes. There was blue fur all over it, it had long ears and quite sharp nails. Milo could see how it could almost pass for a dog.

Lilo's eyes lit up. "If it's not registered, can I keep him?"

Lilo squeezed the animal close, even though it looked as if it was trying to pry out of her arms. She would love to have a dog, or...whatever it was. Nani would sometimes stop paying attention to Lilo, and focus too much on her job. She was kind of neglecting David too, but Lilo didn't worry much about that. They'd gotten into arguments about it before, Nani saying she was only trying to pay for her tuition and Lilo trying to find alternative options.

Nani just didn't get it.

"Uhhhh. Maybe? I mean, the pound might—"

"No way. I love him already. I think I'll call you...Winchell."

The animal growled and protested the minute the words rolled of Lilo's tongue, and jumped out of her arms.

"Fine, fine! Uh...Stitch! That's a catchy name, right? Stitch?" Lilo looked at Milo.

He shrugged. If the animal was okay with it, why not? But he didn't want to give Lilo false hope of keeping this...thing.

"But Lilo, you might not be able to take him. He isn't yours after all."

Lilo rolled her eyes. "He's in an animal center, you said you haven't seen him before. That means he's not registered here, and he doesn't have a collar. I can tell the pound he's mine, trust me I'll find my way around it."

"Lilo, can you...?" Milo didn't want to sound offensive. "Look after this thing? You don't even have a collar to begin with, and how do you know if it's a he? What if it's a she and it gives birth, or what if in this species the male gives birth? What if it turns out to—"

"Milo. So many 'what ifs'. Yeah, I know I'm struggling with money, okay?" Milo winced. "But I can look after him. I know it's a him, trust me, it's like we have a secret bond."

Milo decided to drop the subject. "...okay, fine. Let's find a leash, then we can enjoy the rest of the center."

When Milo said the word 'leash' the creature's hairs stood on end and it dug its claws into the ground. Milo took one look at it and thought that Fawn might be the one to identify this animal.

◈▣◈

"So...Honey, anything you have to say to anyone?" Gogo nudged Honey not-so-discreetly in the ribs.

Honey bit her lip, wondering if this was a good idea. Andy was eating with them, and Gogo had already caught their attention. Wasabi had looked up from his meal, Fred had stopped talking, and Andy turned her way.

"Uh, yeah." Honey gave a small laugh and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Wait," Wasabi paused. "Is it good news?"

Honey faltered. "Um, it depends on—"

"Yes! It's great news, actually!" Gogo smiled and urged her to go on.

Honey took a deep breath. Andy wouldn't care. Andy was her friend. Andy would support Honey and her relationship, because he was her friend.

Right?

"I...have a...boyfriend."

She said the word very slowly, as if they were being forced to leave her mouth. A very timid smile appeared on her face.

Honey didn't get a good look at first, but I think the shock was all that registered, because nobody said a thing. After about three seconds, they all seemed to come back to life.

"Oh. That is good news, Honey," Wasabi said.

"Do we know him? What's his name?" Fred asked.

"No, I don't think you know him. His name is Mark. Mark Delrosa. He's my Mom's friend's son. It just...kinda happened."

"What do you mean by that?" Andy finally said, chewing his macaroni at an unusual speed.

"Well, we were hanging out...and he kinda just...kissed me!" Honey shrugged, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

Andy's expression seemed to soften, and his eyes almost held some sadness. Honey blinked and focused on Fred instead.

"That's nice. Look at us, all friends. Happy...smiling...moving on with our lives! Wow!"

Fred's glazed flickered to Andy as he said the words 'moving on', only for a second though. The rest of his attention was on Honey.

Andy coughed. "I'm just going to head to the washroom for a minute, okay guys? I'll be back."

He stood up and left. Honey couldn't tell if there was anger in his step, or tension in his eyes, or maybe even sadness. His face was either unreadable or a cluster of emotions these days.

Gogo looked at her and seemed to read her mind. "He just needs to go to the washroom. He's fine."

Honey nodded, and they continued lunch.

◈▣◈

Rapunzel was disappointed. Not much had changed in her relationship with Eugene. They were friends, just friends. It was Rapunzel's first year, and for her to meet a talented, funny, and incredibly good-looking guy like Eugene was fate. But fate had given her a timer. Eugene graduated this year, and Rapunzel didn't think he planned to return.

"I'm sure he looks at me as if I'm a baby. Spoonfeeding me, caring for me like a mother or father. Ugh, I give up."

Boo shook her head. "No, don't go about talking yourself down Rapunzel. You are a beautiful young woman, with immense talent and potential, and if Mr. Fitzherbert can't see that, sucks for him!"

Rapunzel beamed. Then she saddened again. "Oh Boo, I've been such a horrible friend, complaining about my problems. I didn't even ask you how entertaining your parents went!"

Boo swatted her hand. "Friends can vent. It went well! They love Florida, but I think they adored the collage when I showed them. They told me they're proud of me, which touches me every time."

"Ah, visiting Corona was lovely, I don't see my parents that often since I don't live in the castle anymore. I'm surprised they let me come here."

"I mean, if my daughter was stolen I wouldn't really want to let her go when I just got her back either. It's understandable."

"Boo, we should hang out like this more often. You're a lot of fun when you're not off in a daze. Like you are now..."

Rapunzel sighed and pushed Boo's shoulder.

"Huh? Sorry, what was it?"

"Boo! What's been on your mind? You're not acting normal. Everything okay?"

Boo couldn't tell her the crazy stories of her past. Rapunzel would think she's crazy, and stay away from her. Boo didn't want that, that's why she tells nobody about her monsters. If they were monsters. If there was even a they.

Boo laughed it off. "I'm going to start doing meditation to keep my mind on track, I should be better. Sorry if I'm worrying you guys."

Rapunzel smiled. "Just as long as you're okay."