“Very nice,” stated Balto. “Much better than some old boat.”

“Oh, Balto, you know how much I still love the boat. I'll come by and visit you overnight sometimes,” replied Onyx.

“Well, now we won't have to worry about keeping you and Aleu separated. She can stay with me tonight.”
“Oh, gosh. Don't even bring up Aleu. She gets my dander up.”

“Well, I see that you feel much better now,” said Jenna thoughtfully. “That was bit of a shock this afternoon, wasn't it?”

Onyx growled in return. “If he ever comes near me again, I'll...”

“Just relax, sugar. Try to enjoy yourself,” interrupted Balto.

“I just don't want to see him ever again.”

“Onyx, he did apologize,” said Jenna. “He came back because he cares, not because he wants something from you. The least you could do is to forgive him. He doesn't expect you to love him right away.”

“If I were him, I wouldn't expect any love at all. All my love goes to you guys, my family. You are my REAL family.”

“Onyx, as much as we are attached to one another, we aren't actually blood related. Steele is your father, and you should treat him with respect.”

“After what he pulled off? Screw him! A real dad wouldn't abandon his kids at birth, then show up a year and a half later, wanting to come into their lives. I don't want things to change. I love the way things are.”

“Onyx, we can't control that. Things happen the way they are supposed to. You can't do anything to fix that, but you can choose your words, and I don't think you are acting appropriately.”

“Jenna,...” butted in Balto.

“What's that to you if I give him lip? You just said yourself, we aren't actually blood related.”

“Onyx, I didn't mean it that way. I'll leave you and Maverick alone. Think about it.”

“What is there to think about?” she muttered as they exited the shed. Maverick snuggled against her. His warmth soothed her pulse, sending a smile across her face. “I'm sorry, I don't mean to get so mad all the time. It's just that nothing ever works out for me.”

“Well, I'll say this is working out just fine,” he replied.
“Oh, Maverick,” she sighed, leaning her head against his fur, “why are you so good to me?”

“Why shouldn't I be? I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Listen to me,” he said softly, “no matter what happens, I'm always here for you.”

The night settled in and morning quickly came. Onyx and Maverick journeyed to Jenna's house since Onyx wanted to apologize for being so rash the previous night. Heading around to the back of the house, they were surprised when Jenna's face didn't pop through the window like it normally did.

But just at that instant, Onyx overheard wild commotion by the front of the house. All that was determinable was that Jenna was sobbing harder than she ever knew her to. Quick as lightning, she and Maverick encountered upon the problem. Balto was there, calming her, but it did no good.

 

 

(to be continued...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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