
Picture done by the incredible and probably not edible
Ada_oz
Shedding
A story by Tazel Tawner (2014)
Characters are copyright to their creators
the FBA is copyright to
Buckhopper
The European Red Deer had his head hanging low, one hand supporting it, the other holding a phone to his ear as he listed to the shrill diatribe being delivered on the other end.
"Yes, sir. I understand, but you have to understand that I give my players the best accommodations possible. That means first class...Yes.... well, maybe the airline should consider wider seats if you didn't want him complaining. Not every fur is the size of a shrew, you know."
Wilmer Grehr, the Hawaii Kahunas' general manager (GM), held out the phone at arm's reach as another shrill delivery of anger came from the receiver. He replaced the phone once the volume died down. He continued to listen, half-heartedly, to the protestations of the airline ombudsman. But his eyes had flicked to the door when he saw a yellow cobra standing there, waiting patiently.
His smile returning, he waved in the rookie while he grunted some 'Uh-huhs' to the still ranting voice, gesturing to the seat in front of him for the shooting guard to sit down.
Aurora sat down softly and quietly, with her hands in her lap, patiently waiting for Wilmer to finish the call. Wilmer, of course, had no problem in visually expressing his annoyance of the call, with rolling eyes and a hand making a 'yap yap yap' motion to Aurora. She smiled politely and nodded, still waiting.
"Yes... okay, I'll keep that option in mind. Thank you, Mr. Frillfossa... Thank you... yes... goodbye..." He hurried along the pleasantries as he quickly hung up the phone, and let out a sigh. "It'll be a cold day in Maui before I put any of my players in cargo..." he muttered. He turned his face to Aurora and smiled. "Luckily, Mr. Burgh won't have to deal with private airlines as often anymore." He straightened himself up and looked at Aurora pleasantly. "I'm sorry you had to hear that, Aurora, but I assure you that you have my full attention now." he said, his hands clasped together in front of him on the table.
The snake nodded softly, her eyes flicking from the ground to her new GM, and back down. "Thank you, Mr. Grehr."
"Please, call me Wilmer. I may be your boss, but I consider the Kahunas a family, and as long as there is respect, I insist on a degree of informality." The red deer smiled genuinely.
"Alright." came the soft reply.
Wilmer stroked his chin a bit. Perhaps a bit of small talk was in order to break the ice. "How are you liking Honolulu so far?"
Aurora looked up slowly. "I haven't had a chance to look around much. I should rent a bike and go riding."
"No car?"
She shook her head. "No car. I don't want to contribute to the ecological disasters they cause."
Wilmer nodded. "And how are the accommodations?" he asked.
Aurora managed a soft smile. "They're fine, sir. Rather... big for me, I suppose." she replied, her tail starting to curl around her legs a bit. "I haven't had such luxury in a long time, and truth be told, I don't miss it."
"I can get you a different suite if you prefer. And I'll have one of my staff help you find a home that's right for you as soon as possible. Actually, now that I think of it..." he said, looking on his desk and shuffling things around to locate a piece of paper. Finding it, Wilmer slid it across his desk to his #1 draft pick. "...she did mention to me that there is a small bungalow very close to the beach that you'll be able to easily afford. I think it might be perfect for you."
The GM paused as Aurora nodded again, taking the paper gingerly. "Thank you sir." was the reply. She never looked at the paper though as Aurora still looking down at the ground. "I appreciate everything you've done for me." she said, very gently. Almost inaudibly.
Wilmer could tell the reply was sincere, but he knew why it was so severely muted from the ebullience he and the world had known about "The Hippy draftee". She was a PR dream. Positive, helpful, friendly, supportive - there was not one tweet she had made that made anyone wince. Not to mention her scores, performance and demeanor on the court were very high. She seemed perfect. But as some sharp-eyed reporters and opinionators had deduced, perfection is an illusion, and there was always something bubbling below the surface. Typically it was a repressed anger, or an ego, or sometimes it was just self-doubt. All of these, to a degree, could be handled and maintained.
For Aurora Goldshine, those problems were nothing she herself could change. They were external. She had notified Wilmer the night of the draft of what happened, and how the threats, both overt and implied, had been made. She had told Ahti too, but nobody else, despite pleas from her friends such as her fellow #FBAngels. She didn't want to poke the hornet's nest, for fear of what might be done to those who were aware.
She felt the only two people who needed to know, were the ones who were in direct threat from the repercussions. The Kahunas from her father, and Ahti threatened by...
...by *him*.
Aurora shivered in the warm office, the tail tightening around her legs, trying to cocoon herself in a false sense of safety.
Wilmer sat up in his chair, folding his hands together again. Icebreaking was over. Time to get to the meat of the discussion. "I think I have an idea why you might have come here, if you'd let me wager a guess."
Aurora looked up, and Wilmer could see for the first time the change in her face since Sunday. What should have been the happiest day of her life had been twisted into a fearful nightmare. Her glow had gone, and she had slight bags under her eyes from days of sleeplessness. She seemed tired and nowhere near as full of energy as she was before.
Wilmer kept calm, but inside he was raging. Damn that egotistical bear for stomping on this flower like that! He couldn't let Aurora see that though - she was very sensitive to emotions, positive and negative. One of the reasons he had picked her was that her positivity would hopefully flow into their team and help buoy their spirits. With time and experience, she could be a great floor captain as well.
"I am guessing you are here because of Trent," offered Wilmer, carefully choosing his words. "I watch the tweets carefully, and saw his post about 'west coast businesses' for investing. There would be no reason he'd post that, unless he knew you were watching, to get at you again."
Aurora sighed and nodded. "Mr. Grehr, I..."
"Wilmer, please?" offered the red deer, smiling.
"...I'm sorry. Wilmer... ever since Draft night, I've not been sleeping and can't meditate. These horrible visions come to me, of my family - my commune - being cast out like petals of a flower on a cruel and rampaging sea, swallowed by riptide. And he's there... standing above it, laughing... and he has no eyes. He has nothing to look into, no soul to draw out. And everything just goes into a swirling vortex, a black hole..."
Aurora visibly shook with the recollection, the tail all but encasing her in herself. It was long enough to just about do it, but the cold came from somewhere... or someone else.
Wilmer stood up and walked to the small bar he had in his office. He didn't drink much, but he did have it there for visitors. He reached into the small refrigerator, and got a bottle of water out. "Aurora, would you join me here, please?" he asked, gesturing to a small sofa in another part of the office. He figured a bit more informality would help the cobra.
Aurora appeared to jump at the chance, quickly walking away from the single seat and sitting down on the other side of the sofa, not wishing to impinge on personal space. But it was a bit more intimate, and she seemed somewhat more relaxed as a result. Wilmer handed her the water bottle and sat down on the other end of the sofa. She nodded her thanks, and took some sips, her hands wringing around it when she was done.
Wilmer studied his top pick carefully. He could tell her things would be alright, but he had seen this level of despair before. Mere words wouldn't do it. He had to show he was as committed to protecting her - as an investment at least, but hopefully as a member of the family later - so he decided to play a card he was going to save till later.
"Aurora? Have you heard of the 'Bank of the Valley'?"
The cobra looked up, a bit confused. "No sir. I never heard of it before." she answered.
The red deer nodded. "I didn't think you did. I got a call from Mr. Kaimana earlier today. Do you know who he is?"
Again, a shaken head. Wilmer smiled. "Makaio Kaimana, he's the team owner. He's one of the many folks who said you belonged with us and pushed me as hard as possible to get you first. And he also is being served a notice from the Bank of the Valley to pay up on a loan he took out for building the Punchbowl."
Aurora nodded, but still looked confused as to what that mattered with her. Wilmer continued as he leaned back in the sofa. "We did some checking. The Bank of the Valley is part of a conglomerate based in San Mateo."
This, Aurora recognized. Her hometown. And a conglomerate from San Mateo involved with annoying the Kahunas could only mean...
"My father?" she guessed.
Wilmer nodded. "Or at least a subsidiary of a parent company controlled by him."
Any hint of a smile or relaxation left the snake as she curled up again on the sofa. "I'm sorry, sir..." she began.
"No, Aurora," interrupted the GM, "You have no reason to be sorry or take this as your fault. This is beyond your control and I desperately need you to understand that there was nothing you could have done to affect it."
"Then why tell me?" she asked, feelings of despair beginning to well up in her again.
"Because I wanted to let you know we were handling it." He paused for a moment to let that first sentence sink in. "When you talked to me at the draft, I called Makaio immediately. He's aware and more than willing to take up your cause. He has resources your father doesn't, and he's fighting this tooth and nail. He actually hired someone specifically to keep an eye on communications concerning you or your hometown. That includes emails, tweets, phone calls - if anything is out of line, or suspicious, the Kahunas will be on it like a bloodhound on a scent trail."
Wilmer made sure to keep eye contact as he finished. "Right now, Aurora, you are an investment. I won't lie. We expect great things from you, because you proved you could do great things. But you won't be able to do them if you have to keep looking behind you to see who might be following, or watching your step every second."
Aurora stayed quiet for a long while. "I understand, Mr. Gr...Wilmer."
Wilmer looked at her face, and shook his head. "No, Aurora, I don't think you truly do." Wilmer turned on the sofa to face his body towards a slightly confused Aurora. "We will do everything in our power to stop your father - and Trent, if it comes to it - from doing anything to harm you or the ones you love. But that comes at a price." The red deer smirked a bit. "From what you told me, I have to say Trent was right about one thing."
Aurora's eyes widened. She hadn't expected anyone to agree with Trent, save a select few people who couldn't, or wouldn't, see through the mask. "What's that?" she asked, a mixture of fear and curiosity.
Wilmer's face turned very serious. "That the Neverland is over." He paused a moment to let that sink in, and then continued, leaning towards Aurora to make sure she could understand him completely. "To be frank, your college and commune life has been a fantasy of freedom. From what I've gathered about it, I'm somewhat jealous that you had a rich life that many people dream about. It has been priceless in developing a fine, positive ballplayer, and should be remembered fondly."
He paused for a moment, allowing Aurora the small smile she gave in thinking about her past. "But that is baggage you must leave behind now, and take on a new yoke of responsibility. If you don't, that baggage now includes people like Trent St. Croix. And I can't have the Aurora Goldshine I admired, if she is struggling with carrying the past with her."
Aurora looked firmly at Grehr's face, and nodded slowly. He could see she was understanding. She would always be a free spirit, and promote peace and happiness whenever and wherever she could. But her life had now changed, and she needed to embrace that as the new reality.
"Now, that doesn't mean you put your commune mates out of your mind. They are your family. They helped inspire you and nurture you. And when you get your breaks, I think they will be happy to see you again. But worrying every day for them - and for Ahti, as well - that's doing you, and us, a disservice that I don't want to see. It will hurt this team, and that I cannot have. Am I clear to you?" Wilmer said, firmly.
Aurora nodded firmly. "Yes sir." she answered.
"Good." Wilmer relaxed a bit, easing off the seriousness. "As I said, Aurora - we have your back. Your father won't affect us, no matter how he tries. I have some tricks too, you know. And Trent - if he's dumb enough to try anything - will get the same treatment and more. As long as you're focused on your abilities and your team, he'll make the mistakes, and we'll be ready to deal with him at that time. But I need you, Aurora. I need you to put him and your father behind you, and work with us to make this team flower."
Wilmer put his hand on Aurora's shoulder, and squeezed gently. "Can I count on you for that?" he asked, softly.
Aurora closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her hand reached up and alighted on top of Wilmer's. He clasped her hand in his, in a statement of bonding. She opened her eyes and looked at her GM. "Yes." she said, simply. Honestly.
Wilmer smiled, letting go of the hand. "You have a new family now, dear," he said, standing up slowly. "We're a bit more ragtag than your commune, but we have spirit you wouldn't believe. And I couldn't think of anyone more appropriate than you to join us. Please take the time, the effort, to know your family, and help us do our best. Take care of us, and we will bend over backwards to take care of you."
Aurora rose as well, nodding. "Yes sir." she said. Wilmer noted as he looked into Aurora's eyes, that there was a glint in those soft browns. "Thank you for everything."
Wilmer smiled again. "It's my job - and my pleasure - to take care of my team, Aurora. We're proud to have you. We just need you to regain your focus. And we'll help with anything you need. Just be there for us, okay?"
The cobra nodded, the smile widening a touch. Wilmer couldn't help but widen his own smile. "I'll have my assistant contact you about that bungalow, if you're still interested?"
"I would be, thank you sir. But there's... something i need to do first." she said, making her way to the door.
Wilmer cocked his head. "Oh? What would that be?" he asked, curious.
Aurora paused at the door, turning her head to face his. "I have to go get rid of some baggage." she said, simply, and left.
Wilmer Grehr's smile stayed with him as he sat down to his chair again. The smile faded as he thought about things, then picked up the phone, dialing his assistant. "Would you please get me Hector Louis on the phone? I think he needs to know what's going on too."
The shop's name was "Decades", which was both its name and testament to its staying power, as it had been on the Hawaiian island for years. An antique clothing shop, specifically. Some had considered it a costume parlor, able to get clothing dating all the way back to pre-1900's America, as well as the polynesian heritage of the islands.
Kaila Moha was an older female kiwi who ran the store by herself, seeing as it was not a very large store, and she had owned it since her mother had passed it on to her. Admittedly, business was slow, but as time marched on to Halloween, that's when she saw the most business. People buying the clothes for costumes, and then even returning to sell them back at a loss.
As Kaila was freshening up some store displays, the door's bell tingled, letting her know a customer had walked in. She turned and gave a big smile around her thin beak. "Welcome to Decades! How can I help you?" she asked, effervescently.
The yellow cobra that had walked in had a box in her hands. "I understand you buy period clothing?" she asked, hopefully.
"I do, but business is a bit slow now - I might not be able to give you top dollar."
Aurora nodded. "I understand. Here." She proffered the box, which the kiwi took and opened. Inside was a fake brown leather tassel-vest jacket, a green and brown tie-dyed long sleeved shirt, and some bell bottom blue jeans. Kaila grinned around her beak. "Sixties clothes! Those are a big seller! But... the size is a bit small. It might not be able to move as much."
"You can give me what you think is fair." replied the snake as the kiwi examined the clothes. "They're in perfect shape though... how about fifty dollars for the group?" she asked the donor.
Aurora nodded again. "That would be fine." she replied, a smile on her face and a slow, relaxing breath, as if relief was finally finding her. Kaila opened the register and brought out the money, handing it to the snake. "Thank you miss...?"
"Goldshine."
"Goldshine? That's an unusual name. Are you from around here?"
The snake smiled politely. "No, I just moved here. I..."
"GOLDSHINE?!"
The interrupting voice came from the back, from what sounded to be a young male. A smaller young kiwi bounded out of the back room. "AURORA Goldshine?" he prodded, his eyes wide.
"Mahna! Mind your manners!" hissed the mother. "And why are you listening in on conversations when you should be cleaning the shelves?"
Mahna didn't seem to hear his mother as he bounded up to the slightly blushing snake. "It IS you! You're the Kahuna's first draft pick! WOW! I didn't think I'd ever get to see a future star rookie! Can you wait here for a second? I'd love for you to sign my Kahuna's program from last season!"
Aurora became a bit more flustered, but nodded. "O-of course." she said, unable to stop the smile returning to her face at the exuberance.
Mahna took off like a shot to the back, where apparently the two lived in addition to the shop. Kaila cleared her throat. "I'm sorry for my son - he's crazy about basketball. He kept talking about Alfie this and Scoonie that all last year."
"It's okay, really."
Kaila cocked her head. "Are you really a basketball star?" she asked. "I mean, if you are, then I should be giving you more for these clothes or something. These could be very valuable!"
"No... no, I'm not a star. I just got drafted on Sunday. And what you gave me was fair. What you do with them, I leave that to you. I just needed to get rid of them."
Mahna shot back into the room with a program a pen in his hands. "Here! Please sign, would you?" Aurora nodded and took the pen, signing her name a little awkwardly. "Why are you here, anyhow?" asked the young bird during the signature.
"I sold some clothes to your mother." replied Aurora, gesturing to the box, where Kaila had laid out the clothing.
Mahna looked over and went wide eyed. "These..." he started, running to them, touching them. "You wore this on Sunday, didn't you? Draft night?"
Aurora nodded softly, handing the signed program back. "Yes." she said, simply.
"Oh wow, these... Mom! These are priceless! Don't you DARE sell them! Put them in a glass frame and put them behind the register! I gotta tell my friends! Thank you Miss Goldshine!" And with nary a pause in his words or energy, he zoomed back to the back room.
"MAHNA! DON'T BE JUMPING ON THAT COMPUTER UNTIL YOUR CHORES ARE DONE!" Kaila called out, and chuckled, shaking her head. "He'll be glued to that thing for an hour bragging to his friends. Well... thank you very much, Miss Goldshine! I think I might follow my son's advice - it is likely to bring more customers here if they know."
Aurora smiled. "I'm glad I could help. Thank you." She turned to leave.
"But..." Kaila interrupted one final time, "I still don't understand - if these clothes are as meaningful as my son says, wouldn't you want to keep them?"
Aurora turned slowly and looked a bit sadly at the kiwi. "They did mean something before, but now... they're just clothes to me now," She put her hand around the red cedar hummingbird charm she wore around her neck and grasped it firmly. "There are other things that mean much more."
"Wouldn't you want to sell them yourself?" prompted Kalia as Aurora opened the door to leave.
Aurora paused and looked back, staring at the clothing. She looked at the kiwi and smiled just a bit.. "No. It's just a skin I needed to shed." She left the store quietly, leaving the confused kiwi holding her old outfit, so the cobra could return to "The Punchbowl" and grab her jersey.
Her new skin.

Shedding
A story by Tazel Tawner (2014)
Characters are copyright to their creators
the FBA is copyright to

The European Red Deer had his head hanging low, one hand supporting it, the other holding a phone to his ear as he listed to the shrill diatribe being delivered on the other end.
"Yes, sir. I understand, but you have to understand that I give my players the best accommodations possible. That means first class...Yes.... well, maybe the airline should consider wider seats if you didn't want him complaining. Not every fur is the size of a shrew, you know."
Wilmer Grehr, the Hawaii Kahunas' general manager (GM), held out the phone at arm's reach as another shrill delivery of anger came from the receiver. He replaced the phone once the volume died down. He continued to listen, half-heartedly, to the protestations of the airline ombudsman. But his eyes had flicked to the door when he saw a yellow cobra standing there, waiting patiently.
His smile returning, he waved in the rookie while he grunted some 'Uh-huhs' to the still ranting voice, gesturing to the seat in front of him for the shooting guard to sit down.
Aurora sat down softly and quietly, with her hands in her lap, patiently waiting for Wilmer to finish the call. Wilmer, of course, had no problem in visually expressing his annoyance of the call, with rolling eyes and a hand making a 'yap yap yap' motion to Aurora. She smiled politely and nodded, still waiting.
"Yes... okay, I'll keep that option in mind. Thank you, Mr. Frillfossa... Thank you... yes... goodbye..." He hurried along the pleasantries as he quickly hung up the phone, and let out a sigh. "It'll be a cold day in Maui before I put any of my players in cargo..." he muttered. He turned his face to Aurora and smiled. "Luckily, Mr. Burgh won't have to deal with private airlines as often anymore." He straightened himself up and looked at Aurora pleasantly. "I'm sorry you had to hear that, Aurora, but I assure you that you have my full attention now." he said, his hands clasped together in front of him on the table.
The snake nodded softly, her eyes flicking from the ground to her new GM, and back down. "Thank you, Mr. Grehr."
"Please, call me Wilmer. I may be your boss, but I consider the Kahunas a family, and as long as there is respect, I insist on a degree of informality." The red deer smiled genuinely.
"Alright." came the soft reply.
Wilmer stroked his chin a bit. Perhaps a bit of small talk was in order to break the ice. "How are you liking Honolulu so far?"
Aurora looked up slowly. "I haven't had a chance to look around much. I should rent a bike and go riding."
"No car?"
She shook her head. "No car. I don't want to contribute to the ecological disasters they cause."
Wilmer nodded. "And how are the accommodations?" he asked.
Aurora managed a soft smile. "They're fine, sir. Rather... big for me, I suppose." she replied, her tail starting to curl around her legs a bit. "I haven't had such luxury in a long time, and truth be told, I don't miss it."
"I can get you a different suite if you prefer. And I'll have one of my staff help you find a home that's right for you as soon as possible. Actually, now that I think of it..." he said, looking on his desk and shuffling things around to locate a piece of paper. Finding it, Wilmer slid it across his desk to his #1 draft pick. "...she did mention to me that there is a small bungalow very close to the beach that you'll be able to easily afford. I think it might be perfect for you."
The GM paused as Aurora nodded again, taking the paper gingerly. "Thank you sir." was the reply. She never looked at the paper though as Aurora still looking down at the ground. "I appreciate everything you've done for me." she said, very gently. Almost inaudibly.
Wilmer could tell the reply was sincere, but he knew why it was so severely muted from the ebullience he and the world had known about "The Hippy draftee". She was a PR dream. Positive, helpful, friendly, supportive - there was not one tweet she had made that made anyone wince. Not to mention her scores, performance and demeanor on the court were very high. She seemed perfect. But as some sharp-eyed reporters and opinionators had deduced, perfection is an illusion, and there was always something bubbling below the surface. Typically it was a repressed anger, or an ego, or sometimes it was just self-doubt. All of these, to a degree, could be handled and maintained.
For Aurora Goldshine, those problems were nothing she herself could change. They were external. She had notified Wilmer the night of the draft of what happened, and how the threats, both overt and implied, had been made. She had told Ahti too, but nobody else, despite pleas from her friends such as her fellow #FBAngels. She didn't want to poke the hornet's nest, for fear of what might be done to those who were aware.
She felt the only two people who needed to know, were the ones who were in direct threat from the repercussions. The Kahunas from her father, and Ahti threatened by...
...by *him*.
Aurora shivered in the warm office, the tail tightening around her legs, trying to cocoon herself in a false sense of safety.
Wilmer sat up in his chair, folding his hands together again. Icebreaking was over. Time to get to the meat of the discussion. "I think I have an idea why you might have come here, if you'd let me wager a guess."
Aurora looked up, and Wilmer could see for the first time the change in her face since Sunday. What should have been the happiest day of her life had been twisted into a fearful nightmare. Her glow had gone, and she had slight bags under her eyes from days of sleeplessness. She seemed tired and nowhere near as full of energy as she was before.
Wilmer kept calm, but inside he was raging. Damn that egotistical bear for stomping on this flower like that! He couldn't let Aurora see that though - she was very sensitive to emotions, positive and negative. One of the reasons he had picked her was that her positivity would hopefully flow into their team and help buoy their spirits. With time and experience, she could be a great floor captain as well.
"I am guessing you are here because of Trent," offered Wilmer, carefully choosing his words. "I watch the tweets carefully, and saw his post about 'west coast businesses' for investing. There would be no reason he'd post that, unless he knew you were watching, to get at you again."
Aurora sighed and nodded. "Mr. Grehr, I..."
"Wilmer, please?" offered the red deer, smiling.
"...I'm sorry. Wilmer... ever since Draft night, I've not been sleeping and can't meditate. These horrible visions come to me, of my family - my commune - being cast out like petals of a flower on a cruel and rampaging sea, swallowed by riptide. And he's there... standing above it, laughing... and he has no eyes. He has nothing to look into, no soul to draw out. And everything just goes into a swirling vortex, a black hole..."
Aurora visibly shook with the recollection, the tail all but encasing her in herself. It was long enough to just about do it, but the cold came from somewhere... or someone else.
Wilmer stood up and walked to the small bar he had in his office. He didn't drink much, but he did have it there for visitors. He reached into the small refrigerator, and got a bottle of water out. "Aurora, would you join me here, please?" he asked, gesturing to a small sofa in another part of the office. He figured a bit more informality would help the cobra.
Aurora appeared to jump at the chance, quickly walking away from the single seat and sitting down on the other side of the sofa, not wishing to impinge on personal space. But it was a bit more intimate, and she seemed somewhat more relaxed as a result. Wilmer handed her the water bottle and sat down on the other end of the sofa. She nodded her thanks, and took some sips, her hands wringing around it when she was done.
Wilmer studied his top pick carefully. He could tell her things would be alright, but he had seen this level of despair before. Mere words wouldn't do it. He had to show he was as committed to protecting her - as an investment at least, but hopefully as a member of the family later - so he decided to play a card he was going to save till later.
"Aurora? Have you heard of the 'Bank of the Valley'?"
The cobra looked up, a bit confused. "No sir. I never heard of it before." she answered.
The red deer nodded. "I didn't think you did. I got a call from Mr. Kaimana earlier today. Do you know who he is?"
Again, a shaken head. Wilmer smiled. "Makaio Kaimana, he's the team owner. He's one of the many folks who said you belonged with us and pushed me as hard as possible to get you first. And he also is being served a notice from the Bank of the Valley to pay up on a loan he took out for building the Punchbowl."
Aurora nodded, but still looked confused as to what that mattered with her. Wilmer continued as he leaned back in the sofa. "We did some checking. The Bank of the Valley is part of a conglomerate based in San Mateo."
This, Aurora recognized. Her hometown. And a conglomerate from San Mateo involved with annoying the Kahunas could only mean...
"My father?" she guessed.
Wilmer nodded. "Or at least a subsidiary of a parent company controlled by him."
Any hint of a smile or relaxation left the snake as she curled up again on the sofa. "I'm sorry, sir..." she began.
"No, Aurora," interrupted the GM, "You have no reason to be sorry or take this as your fault. This is beyond your control and I desperately need you to understand that there was nothing you could have done to affect it."
"Then why tell me?" she asked, feelings of despair beginning to well up in her again.
"Because I wanted to let you know we were handling it." He paused for a moment to let that first sentence sink in. "When you talked to me at the draft, I called Makaio immediately. He's aware and more than willing to take up your cause. He has resources your father doesn't, and he's fighting this tooth and nail. He actually hired someone specifically to keep an eye on communications concerning you or your hometown. That includes emails, tweets, phone calls - if anything is out of line, or suspicious, the Kahunas will be on it like a bloodhound on a scent trail."
Wilmer made sure to keep eye contact as he finished. "Right now, Aurora, you are an investment. I won't lie. We expect great things from you, because you proved you could do great things. But you won't be able to do them if you have to keep looking behind you to see who might be following, or watching your step every second."
Aurora stayed quiet for a long while. "I understand, Mr. Gr...Wilmer."
Wilmer looked at her face, and shook his head. "No, Aurora, I don't think you truly do." Wilmer turned on the sofa to face his body towards a slightly confused Aurora. "We will do everything in our power to stop your father - and Trent, if it comes to it - from doing anything to harm you or the ones you love. But that comes at a price." The red deer smirked a bit. "From what you told me, I have to say Trent was right about one thing."
Aurora's eyes widened. She hadn't expected anyone to agree with Trent, save a select few people who couldn't, or wouldn't, see through the mask. "What's that?" she asked, a mixture of fear and curiosity.
Wilmer's face turned very serious. "That the Neverland is over." He paused a moment to let that sink in, and then continued, leaning towards Aurora to make sure she could understand him completely. "To be frank, your college and commune life has been a fantasy of freedom. From what I've gathered about it, I'm somewhat jealous that you had a rich life that many people dream about. It has been priceless in developing a fine, positive ballplayer, and should be remembered fondly."
He paused for a moment, allowing Aurora the small smile she gave in thinking about her past. "But that is baggage you must leave behind now, and take on a new yoke of responsibility. If you don't, that baggage now includes people like Trent St. Croix. And I can't have the Aurora Goldshine I admired, if she is struggling with carrying the past with her."
Aurora looked firmly at Grehr's face, and nodded slowly. He could see she was understanding. She would always be a free spirit, and promote peace and happiness whenever and wherever she could. But her life had now changed, and she needed to embrace that as the new reality.
"Now, that doesn't mean you put your commune mates out of your mind. They are your family. They helped inspire you and nurture you. And when you get your breaks, I think they will be happy to see you again. But worrying every day for them - and for Ahti, as well - that's doing you, and us, a disservice that I don't want to see. It will hurt this team, and that I cannot have. Am I clear to you?" Wilmer said, firmly.
Aurora nodded firmly. "Yes sir." she answered.
"Good." Wilmer relaxed a bit, easing off the seriousness. "As I said, Aurora - we have your back. Your father won't affect us, no matter how he tries. I have some tricks too, you know. And Trent - if he's dumb enough to try anything - will get the same treatment and more. As long as you're focused on your abilities and your team, he'll make the mistakes, and we'll be ready to deal with him at that time. But I need you, Aurora. I need you to put him and your father behind you, and work with us to make this team flower."
Wilmer put his hand on Aurora's shoulder, and squeezed gently. "Can I count on you for that?" he asked, softly.
Aurora closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her hand reached up and alighted on top of Wilmer's. He clasped her hand in his, in a statement of bonding. She opened her eyes and looked at her GM. "Yes." she said, simply. Honestly.
Wilmer smiled, letting go of the hand. "You have a new family now, dear," he said, standing up slowly. "We're a bit more ragtag than your commune, but we have spirit you wouldn't believe. And I couldn't think of anyone more appropriate than you to join us. Please take the time, the effort, to know your family, and help us do our best. Take care of us, and we will bend over backwards to take care of you."
Aurora rose as well, nodding. "Yes sir." she said. Wilmer noted as he looked into Aurora's eyes, that there was a glint in those soft browns. "Thank you for everything."
Wilmer smiled again. "It's my job - and my pleasure - to take care of my team, Aurora. We're proud to have you. We just need you to regain your focus. And we'll help with anything you need. Just be there for us, okay?"
The cobra nodded, the smile widening a touch. Wilmer couldn't help but widen his own smile. "I'll have my assistant contact you about that bungalow, if you're still interested?"
"I would be, thank you sir. But there's... something i need to do first." she said, making her way to the door.
Wilmer cocked his head. "Oh? What would that be?" he asked, curious.
Aurora paused at the door, turning her head to face his. "I have to go get rid of some baggage." she said, simply, and left.
Wilmer Grehr's smile stayed with him as he sat down to his chair again. The smile faded as he thought about things, then picked up the phone, dialing his assistant. "Would you please get me Hector Louis on the phone? I think he needs to know what's going on too."
The shop's name was "Decades", which was both its name and testament to its staying power, as it had been on the Hawaiian island for years. An antique clothing shop, specifically. Some had considered it a costume parlor, able to get clothing dating all the way back to pre-1900's America, as well as the polynesian heritage of the islands.
Kaila Moha was an older female kiwi who ran the store by herself, seeing as it was not a very large store, and she had owned it since her mother had passed it on to her. Admittedly, business was slow, but as time marched on to Halloween, that's when she saw the most business. People buying the clothes for costumes, and then even returning to sell them back at a loss.
As Kaila was freshening up some store displays, the door's bell tingled, letting her know a customer had walked in. She turned and gave a big smile around her thin beak. "Welcome to Decades! How can I help you?" she asked, effervescently.
The yellow cobra that had walked in had a box in her hands. "I understand you buy period clothing?" she asked, hopefully.
"I do, but business is a bit slow now - I might not be able to give you top dollar."
Aurora nodded. "I understand. Here." She proffered the box, which the kiwi took and opened. Inside was a fake brown leather tassel-vest jacket, a green and brown tie-dyed long sleeved shirt, and some bell bottom blue jeans. Kaila grinned around her beak. "Sixties clothes! Those are a big seller! But... the size is a bit small. It might not be able to move as much."
"You can give me what you think is fair." replied the snake as the kiwi examined the clothes. "They're in perfect shape though... how about fifty dollars for the group?" she asked the donor.
Aurora nodded again. "That would be fine." she replied, a smile on her face and a slow, relaxing breath, as if relief was finally finding her. Kaila opened the register and brought out the money, handing it to the snake. "Thank you miss...?"
"Goldshine."
"Goldshine? That's an unusual name. Are you from around here?"
The snake smiled politely. "No, I just moved here. I..."
"GOLDSHINE?!"
The interrupting voice came from the back, from what sounded to be a young male. A smaller young kiwi bounded out of the back room. "AURORA Goldshine?" he prodded, his eyes wide.
"Mahna! Mind your manners!" hissed the mother. "And why are you listening in on conversations when you should be cleaning the shelves?"
Mahna didn't seem to hear his mother as he bounded up to the slightly blushing snake. "It IS you! You're the Kahuna's first draft pick! WOW! I didn't think I'd ever get to see a future star rookie! Can you wait here for a second? I'd love for you to sign my Kahuna's program from last season!"
Aurora became a bit more flustered, but nodded. "O-of course." she said, unable to stop the smile returning to her face at the exuberance.
Mahna took off like a shot to the back, where apparently the two lived in addition to the shop. Kaila cleared her throat. "I'm sorry for my son - he's crazy about basketball. He kept talking about Alfie this and Scoonie that all last year."
"It's okay, really."
Kaila cocked her head. "Are you really a basketball star?" she asked. "I mean, if you are, then I should be giving you more for these clothes or something. These could be very valuable!"
"No... no, I'm not a star. I just got drafted on Sunday. And what you gave me was fair. What you do with them, I leave that to you. I just needed to get rid of them."
Mahna shot back into the room with a program a pen in his hands. "Here! Please sign, would you?" Aurora nodded and took the pen, signing her name a little awkwardly. "Why are you here, anyhow?" asked the young bird during the signature.
"I sold some clothes to your mother." replied Aurora, gesturing to the box, where Kaila had laid out the clothing.
Mahna looked over and went wide eyed. "These..." he started, running to them, touching them. "You wore this on Sunday, didn't you? Draft night?"
Aurora nodded softly, handing the signed program back. "Yes." she said, simply.
"Oh wow, these... Mom! These are priceless! Don't you DARE sell them! Put them in a glass frame and put them behind the register! I gotta tell my friends! Thank you Miss Goldshine!" And with nary a pause in his words or energy, he zoomed back to the back room.
"MAHNA! DON'T BE JUMPING ON THAT COMPUTER UNTIL YOUR CHORES ARE DONE!" Kaila called out, and chuckled, shaking her head. "He'll be glued to that thing for an hour bragging to his friends. Well... thank you very much, Miss Goldshine! I think I might follow my son's advice - it is likely to bring more customers here if they know."
Aurora smiled. "I'm glad I could help. Thank you." She turned to leave.
"But..." Kaila interrupted one final time, "I still don't understand - if these clothes are as meaningful as my son says, wouldn't you want to keep them?"
Aurora turned slowly and looked a bit sadly at the kiwi. "They did mean something before, but now... they're just clothes to me now," She put her hand around the red cedar hummingbird charm she wore around her neck and grasped it firmly. "There are other things that mean much more."
"Wouldn't you want to sell them yourself?" prompted Kalia as Aurora opened the door to leave.
Aurora paused and looked back, staring at the clothing. She looked at the kiwi and smiled just a bit.. "No. It's just a skin I needed to shed." She left the store quietly, leaving the confused kiwi holding her old outfit, so the cobra could return to "The Punchbowl" and grab her jersey.
Her new skin.
Category All / All
Species Snake / Serpent
Size 1280 x 853px
File Size 179.9 kB
Listed in Folders
Tazel just . . . . . this is absolutely amazing work. I WISH I could write something this effective and this amazing for Kevin.
Aurora continues to remain among my favourite characters, and this story was so important, so necessary to her character.
So thank you for writing and sharing this with us, Tazel. Thank you.
Aurora continues to remain among my favourite characters, and this story was so important, so necessary to her character.
So thank you for writing and sharing this with us, Tazel. Thank you.
This is an excellent story, T6! I love the ease at which your words flow, and your delivery is always so poignant!
I'm hoping Aurora can relax now, knowing that her team will protect her from all those who wish to harm her. And the store owners should hold onto those clothes for a decade or so. The FBA Hall of Fame Museum might pay a pretty penny. ;)
I'm hoping Aurora can relax now, knowing that her team will protect her from all those who wish to harm her. And the store owners should hold onto those clothes for a decade or so. The FBA Hall of Fame Museum might pay a pretty penny. ;)
Well-done! Wilmer really is good with people, he'd be an effective counselor or advocate if he wanted to be. I wanna give the snake a hug! Nice scene at the store, loved Mom Kiwi! It's true, Aurora's life will definitely change, attention, press scrutiny, fans, being "known". I just hope she'll be able to not be overwhelmed by the experience.
And I want to punch Trent in the balls until he pukes blood.
And I want to punch Trent in the balls until he pukes blood.
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