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Plot summary:
Following a long hiatus due to private reasons Mr. Wolf again reaches out to the teenager he previously decided to mentor. Set on keeping up an affable but professional distance he soon comes to realise that it is easier said than done. Part three in the series "About a Boy and a Wolf".
Previous parts of the saga:
1. The Fan
2. A Wolf's lesson in consequences
2b. A curious occurrence (PG13 side-story)
The background (updated Aug 2023):
This fanfiction has been posted under the name "Dreams and Lavender", then "Dreams and Wolf Travels" and I didn't like either. Finding a good name has proven as hard as writing this piece! Name change aside, I also split it into two chapters and made multiple edits, primarily removing excessive fluff which didn't contribute to the plot.
Around L.A. in a day takes place after the side-story "A curious occurrence" and is a bit slower-paced, focusing mainly on the evolving friendship between Mr. Wolf and the teenage boy.
DISCLAIMER! This work is not affiliated with DreamWorks in any way. I do not claim ownership of any characters from the movie. All events herein are purely fictional and sprung from the writer's imagination. The mirror Earth where the story takes place is different from ours (although there are overlaps), so if you enjoy things “dark and realistic” do not continue reading as you may find this disheartening.
This story plays out approximately five years prior to the events of the movie.
A well-known, flowery smell was in the air.
...Lavender!
His mom always grew those flowers in their minuscule orchard and used them to protect her textiles from pests and to provide a scent of freshness. But where was she? Out grocery shopping? Oh, yes! He could see her walk submissively amongst all the people on the main street sidewalk. How strange, considering she had been dead for many years. Unless...this was a chance to start over? Like resuming your videogame from the last save point!
"Mom?" he called out. "Mom!"
Slowly she lifted her head and looked at him, that sad smile he knew so well creasing her snout. He attempted to reach her but the distance between stretched like a rubber band.
"Mom! MOM!!"
Reaching her was a matter of life and death! He HAD to warn her to take it seriously if she ever fell ill; but she was gone, swallowed by the crowds which were murmuring louder and louder and drowned out his pathetic shouting.
With a jerk Wolf sat up, panting hard. Switching on the bedside lamp he swung both legs over the edge of the bed and sat there for what felt like a long time. Finally, he decided this wouldn't do and went to have a shower. But not even the warm water, a thorough shake-out, fur brushing and fresh clothes removed those cold shards pricking and poking inside him. What he needed was fresh air, coffee - and a distraction. There was somebody Wolf hadn't seen in a dog's age due to certain, awkward circumstances. In light of his current state of mind however, awkwardness would be a great improvement.
He grabbed his phone and checked the clock. 6:30, Sunday morning. Why not chance it? He sent a short, encrypted message to the user afxilike:
Hey, are you an early bird? Up for some breakfast? Offer expires 8am cus I'm hungry as a wolf! /W
Having left a short written note on the kitchen table for his crew, Wolf went down by the large elevator and was driving out of the lair's tunnel entrance when an incoming message popped up on his phone:
Sure, why not. Where do you want to meet?
Wolf replied:
I'll pick you up at your local Metro station half an hour from now. Ok?
An answer arrived within seconds:
In a wanted car? Are you joking?
Smirking, Wolf composed and sent one last message before driving off:
You'll see 🐺
The city traffic was light and the skies were clearing up as Wolf drove into a posh neighbourhood downtown. Reaching the local Metro station he spotted someone waiting on the sidewalk outside. Someone who wore a sand coloured linen shirt and matching pants, backpack slung over the left shoulder, whose head turned towards the sound of the approaching vehicle.
Wolf made a smooth stop right by the human teenager, leaned over and opened the passenger door.
"Hey!" he said, smiling. "Glad you could make it. Get in!"
"Hello Wolf. Long time, no see."
Ethan looked very pleased and made a move to enter the car, then hesitated and walked up front, examining the bumper.
"Okay, what was that all about?" Wolf asked once the boy had returned and sat down.
"The registration plates don't match those in the wanted posters. Did you have them changed? "
"Sure did! Usually I don't mind a nice car chase, but not today."
Lowering the sunglasses, Wolf took a good look at the teenager occupying Snake's usual seat. The blue eyes and the curly, straw-coloured hair didn't resemble the mother whom Wolf had got to know so intimately earlier that summer. The facial features, body movements and manner of speaking however, those were so similar it was kind of uncanny!
"Forgotten what I look like, have you?" Ethan asked, studying the criminal canine in turn.
"Just checking to see if you've grown and I think you have. Come on, buckle up!"
As they set off, Ethan examined every detail in the coupé keenly. Wolf grinned with pleasure noticing this. Seeing the kid again somehow made him feel real good and not awkward at all.
"You like my car?"
"It is pretty cool, I admit. Roomy and leathery. But what's that strange smell?"
"Trust me," Wolf coughed, "you don't want to know."
"Maybe not but what I DO want to know is why you invite me for breakfast after two months of silence. I thought you had given up on me and here I am, riding in your getaway vehicle."
"Guess I'm just full of surprises."
"That's one thing I really appreciate about you, even when you refuse giving me a straight answer." Ethan said, his inquisitive eyes watching the canine. "And by the way, is your car always this loud?"
"She's got to be powerful and smooth to handle whenever the heat's on." Wolf said and patted the dashboard affectionately.
"Keeping it in shape must require a skilled and tight-lipped mechanic."
"Yep! You're looking at him."
"No way!"
"Sure way! I've loved cars ever since I was a pup, and one day I met this cranky old guy who taught me the ropes. That was before I entered the robbery business, of course."
"I can't imagine YOU in a boiler suit, lying under a dirty car, covered in grease and oil."
"Didn't I say I'm full of surprises?" Wolf laughed and stopped briefly at a red light. "Snake's still my better at diagnosing what needs to be fixed, though."
"What's he like?" Ethan said with a sudden, unexpected interest. "Your friend."
"Who, Snake? Why'd you ask about him?"
"I figure he is important to you."
"Well, yeah. He's my best bud and the oldest of us. Hasn't got my confidence and planning skills or else he'd lead. Pretty cynical and distrusting and – wait! Why am I telling you all this?"
"Because I asked you and because we are friends?"
"Sure we are, kiddo! Sure we are. But–"
"And friends should be able to share confidences!" Ethan said firmly. "The light's turned green now, by the way."
"Look..." Wolf said as he pushed the accelerator and drove through the intersection. "I've told you several times–"
"Yeah, I KNOW! 'Don't ask me about my work!' And I didn't ask what you are doing or plan on doing, I was asking about your family. You know about mine."
"That's a stretch!" Wolf thought out loud.
"I've told you about my mother and seeing how the rest are gone I'd say you know plenty!"
In most situations Wolf would have come up with a clever retort, but right then he felt completely stumped. Never before had Ethan mentioned his deceased father, or any other relatives for that matter. What did you answer to such an admission? Suddenly Wolf got an idea.
"Tell you what," he said. "Let's have breakfast at my favourite diner and then I'll take you to a place that's important to me. What'd you say?"
"Yeah, why not."
"Oh and I almost forgot, there's something for you inside the glove compartment."
Ethan checked and turned his head, staring at Wolf. "Okay?" he asked incredulously, holding up a beige, saggy bucket hat. "What am I to do with this?"
"Put it on your curly head of course."
"Why? It looks like somebody's nightmare!"
"I want you to be a little less conspicuous. Anyone seeing us is bound to remember that mop of yours."
Ethan inspected the hat carefully and found some brownish grey strands hiding away on the insides. "These look like they came from you." he said. "Did YOU wear this horrible thing?!"
"Sure did! Can't tell you the circumstances though."
"If you could suffer it, who am I to refuse?" Ethan mumbled, pulling the textile hat over his hair. "I look absurd, don't I?"
"Just like I did and a great deal less recognisable."
"Planning ahead to avoid unforeseen consequences, right?"
"I'm glad you remember my lessons and the first one of today is..." Wolf grinned as he switched on the radio and turned the tuner knob. "...you always need a nice tune playing when riding this car!"
"It does add to the overall experience." Ethan nodded sagely and continued trying to adjust the hat.
Wolf kept driving westwards at a leisure pace, humming along to the guitar-laden song streaming out of the speakers, his free paw drumming against the windowsill.
♪ Don't know what you saw
but you know it's against the law
and you know that you want some more
I've heard it all before!* ♪
The canine and the human glanced at one another, smirking at these sentiments as they entered a nice straight stretch without intersections or cameras, the traffic basically non-existent.
"Hey, Ethan!" Wolf said in a confidential voice, leaning over a bit. "What'd you say 'bout a little speed?"
The kid raised an eyebrow. "Would that be wise?"
"Heh, nope! And that's what makes it so FUN, don't you think?" Wolf winked and seized the steering wheel. "Hold on to yourself now!"
Pressing the accelerator, Wolf immediately felt the car responding with a powerful surge.
"Whooaaa!"
Throwing a lightning quick glance at the boy and reading nothing except absolute delight on his face, Wolf pushed the accelerator even further. The engine now shook the entire frame as the vehicle hurled down the road like an unstoppable roaring behemoth. Feeling they were pushing their luck, Wolf eased up on the accelerator and braked, resulting in a powerful jolt and the car was back at law-abiding speed.
"Wow, that was amazing!" Ethan exclaimed, his facial expression exuberant. "Now I see why you love a good car chase!"
Wolf laughed long and heartily. "Glad you liked it but that's enough for today. Wanna show me what's in that backpack of yours? No hidden microphones, I hope?"
Ethan pulled the rucksack into his lap and opened it, revealing a pair of expensive-looking binoculars and a book with the succinct title "Birds of North America".
"Heeey, I got myself a bird watcher!"
"Yes. It is a peaceful, solitary hobby I happen to enjoy a lot. And an acceptable excuse to go outside."
"I might know a place or two where we could go watching." Wolf mused. "By the way, how are things back home?"
"Okay, I guess. Maxed out my grades and mother still signed me up for summer school to get me out of her hair. The less she sees of me the better she likes it."
"Aren't you being a little harsh on your mom?"
"Not really. Anyway, do you know the worst part about our summer school? The building itself is very old and the ventilation awfully shoddy. When entire floors turn into steamers during heatwaves it's downright torturous, and we are prohibited from wearing short pants. I'm trying to fix that."
"Got a plan, huh?"
"I submitted a proposal to expand the school's dressing code, permitting all males to wear uniform skirts in class if they wish to, professors and students alike. There are suitable sizes available for purchase but our principal refuses."
"Don't guys already wear skirts in...whatsthename- Scotland! Right?"
"The KILT," Ethan said with emphasis, "has been worn by the Scots for at least 500 years and is not to be compared to any regular SKIRT. I did bring the kilt up as an example when speaking to the principal, however. She wasn't amused."
"What about your classmates?" Wolf asked, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like they would agree with you, yeah?"
"Some of them think I'm nuts, others mutter in agreement but they are afraid to rock the boat. Good grades will give you some protection but the principal still called mother to complain about my alleged 'attitude problems'."
"What did she say?"
"My mother? Well, it's weird." Ethan frowned. "I was expecting the usual harangue, that my poor manners are an embarrassment to her and I should be ashamed. Instead, she says I'm doing the right thing and that she told the principal as much too. Mother has been acting a bit strange all summer and I'd love to figure out why."
"Uh... Do you think the ventilation in my car is okay?" Wolf tugged at his shirt collar. "A little hot in here!"
"Maybe it's your ravening hunger?"
"Lucky for us that's our destination coming up on now."
Wolf slowed down, made a left turn across the road and parked next to a low two-story wooden building.
"Okay!" he said after killing the engine. "Let's get into character. Who am I?"
"Mister Oliver Poodleton, tutor of talented young people."
"You bet I am! And who are you?"
"Your devoted star pupil, sir. Who has to wear an awful hat for failing to hand in my homework on time."
"Good improv there, I like it! Keep your cool and let's do this."
"This place looks real nice." Ethan said as they approached the entrance. "Homey."
"Wait until you see the outdoor area. It's really something."
On the inside, the diner looked like a large wooden hut with exposed wooden beams in the ceiling and thick logs serving as supporting pillars. A kind-looking Hispanic woman came forward to greet them. As it turned out, Wolf was a well-known patron of the place.
"Eggs Benedict with extra bacon and a double espresso as usual, sir?"
"You got it!" Wolf smiled.
"And for your young company?"
"I would like the dry French toast along with a pot of Ceylon tea, please. And orange juice, if possible?"
"I think we can manage that. Anything else?"
"Throw in an orange juice for me as well." Wolf said. "Can't miss out on some vitamin C."
"You will have the usual table?"
"If it's not taken, yeah."
"No problem, sir. You are our first guests today. I'll be with you soon with the drinks."
Wolf headed towards the end of the dining hall and Ethan followed, passing through the open doors and onto a terrace.
"Oh wow!" Ethan exclaimed when he saw the lush and vast green valley spread out below them.
"What'd you think?"
"So far they are worth five stars out of five unless the breakfast is a downright disaster."
"Don't worry, that won't happen."
The two sat down at a table by the railed fence and regarded each other fondly. A light breeze from across the valley brushed over them and caused Wolf's cheek fur to flutter in a (at least to Ethan's eyes) comical manner.
"What's funny?" Wolf asked noticing the boy's grin.
"Nothing. Guess I am just feeling happy."
"This is the first time I brought company, you know. I usually only come here by myself."
"Your friends would upset the establishment, wouldn't they?"
"Afraid so. Terrified people is an occupational hazard when you're us. Luckily the people working here have no idea who I really am." Wolf sighed. "Tell you the truth, I always feel a little sad when staff's shrinking away from me and all I'm trying to do is giving them a tip."
"We want to be loved," Ethan said in a poetic voice, "failing that, admired; failing that, feared, failing that, hated and despised. At all costs we want to stir up some sort of feeling in others. Our soul abhors a vacuum. At all costs it longs for contact.*"
"Whoa! Where did that come from?!"
"A European book which deals with difficult existential topics. And it's true, isn't it?"
"Too heavy for me but I sure prefer the first two. Ah, here comes our drinks now!"
The matron arrived carrying a tray and proceeded to lay the table. After she had left, Ethan poured himself a cup and gingerly tasted the hot beverage.
"This tea is lovely. No cause for complaints concerning the coffee?"
"As good as I could ask for." Wolf replied, taking his time savouring the espresso.
"Now YOU share something about yourself!" Ethan said suddenly. "I'm tired of us always talking about me. What music do you like?"
"Hmm, I'm not too fussy. I enjoy 90s rock and classics from the 70s pretty well."
"What would you make of... say, Buddy Holly?"
"More funny sounding than good."
"Black Sabbath?"
"Jeez, you want to get me all depressed?! Give me Led Zeppelin any day! Your turn."
"Aphex Twin is pretty awesome."
"Aphex WHO?"
"His real name is Richard D. James and his music has become very influential in the field of electronic music." Ethan deftly produced an iPod player from his backpack, scrolled through the lists and then handed it over. "Have a listen."
Wolf had some trouble getting the earbuds placed right inside his large ears, but he could hear well enough anyway and smirked. "I should have known you'd be into something weird."
"I can put on Metallica or maybe Rage Against the Machine if you prefer."
"And I bet neither of those two would be appreciated back home."
"Mother stopped listening to most music a few years ago." Ethan answered neutrally. "Sometimes she will play Mozart, Schubert or Mendelssohn on the piano but I know for a fact she used to love Joni Mitchell. And Madonna."
"I didn't– uh, really? She's a pianist, huh?"
"The women of her family were expected to become above average pianists to provide entertainment and impress the guests." Ethan grimaced. "Regrettably she got a SON instead of a daughter but even so it falls to me to carry the torch, regardless of my feelings on the matter."
"Don't you like playing?"
"Depends on the situation and the repertoire. I am still taking piano lessons because she insists and... Well, resisting only makes things worse so I put up with it."
Wolf was spared the trouble of thinking up a suitable response when their orders arrived which kept them busy for a good while.
"That was quite a protein-heavy breakfast you just had." Ethan said after they were both finished. "Did you know that the Golden Jackal, a close relative to wolves by the way, can survive on grass alone?"
"Guess every genus houses some weirdos!" Wolf scoffed as he wiped his black lips. "If I had to do without meat it'd be the end of me!"
"Spoken like a true wolf."
"Yeah and speaking of something else, how has my friends-finding homework been working out for you?"
"At last you ask! Would you believe I have actually become acquainted with someone in my class? He is spending this summer in Europe though."
"Well done!" Wolf grinned and leaned forward. "Tell me more!"
"His name is Nicholas, Niki to his friends, and I am allowed to address him as such."
"Niki? As in Niki Lauda?"
"Who is that?"
"You don't know?" Wolf seemed a little disappointed. "He is one of the best Formula-1 drivers the world has ever seen! Got into a real bad crash once, suffered terrible injuries and nearly snuffed it, but he was back behind the wheels a few weeks later. Amazing guy!"
"It might not come as a total surprise," Ethan said with emphasis, "that I am ignorant concerning most sports. I will look up this Niki Lauda, however. Any idols of yours are worth investigating, to unravel the mystery."
"What do you mean, 'mystery'?"
"Why you became who you are. The thing you refuse to talk about."
"Maybe there isn't much to know?" Wolf answered, trying his best to look bland.
"I will figure you out one of these days, just you wait. Returning to the topic at hand, Niki is athletic and beats the rest of us blokes at sports any day. My opposite, really. I still don't understand why he agreed to a collaboration effort."
"Bet the two of you aced it."
"And you would be right, we were flawless! Niki is very smart and socially skilled and I think his parents expect him to become a diplomat for the United Nations someday."
"Glad to hear you're making good progress." Wolf gave the boy an encouraging smile. "Keep it up and you won't need me for much longer."
"Ow..." Ethan's face fell.
"Not now, next week or month!" Wolf spread his arms wide. "But I'm probably not the kind of company your mom would approve of."
"You don't know my mother." Ethan replied flatly. "She doesn't give a damn what I do, how I do it or how I feel. One thing and one thing alone is important: her social reputation! As long as things are kept quiet I can be best friends with Charles Manson for all she cares."
Wolf opened his mouth to protest, then caught himself in time and shut it just as fast.
"Don't you get it? You're about the only adult who has paid me any serious attention since..." Ethan's sentence trailed off and he turned his head, staring into the valley below them.
Clearly a sensitive topic. Wolf thought as he watched the boy's vacant expression. Memories of your dad are haunting you, aren't they? I bet you two were pretty close. Sorry kid but someone like me can't possibly fill in for him, even if your mom likes me. He cleared his throat.
"I won't just leave you and that's a promise, and I'm sorry for being out of touch for so long. There was some stuff I had to deal with but I'm here now, ain't I? We shouldn't worry too much about the future!"
"Guess so." Ethan said in a low voice.
"Do you really have to guess? This is your tutor speaking and you better listen to him!"
The boy looked back at last, the corners of his mouth curling.
"See! You're still learning!" Wolf laughed. "I'm glad to have you for company today kiddo, and tell you what; the day isn't over yet!"
~
To be continued in next chapter
* Lyrics: Happy Mondays - Loose Fit
* Quote from the book "Dr Glas" by Hjalmar Söderberg
When Wolf and Ethan decided to wrap up their breakfast the diner by State Route 27 was facing an influx of new guests.
Passing the counter on their way out Wolf showed his appreciation by leaving a generous tip and the busy matron still took the time to wish him well. Wolf returned the smile, tipped his hat and for once he did not ask himself whether or not the kind service towards him would remain, had she known who he was. He felt ridiculously cheerful.
"Okay, let's go to my special place now!" Wolf said once they were back inside the car. "It will be a while before we get there, unless I step on it. What'd you say?"
"Please don't!" Ethan eyed him anxiously. "I would hate getting motion sickness in your car."
"Just kidding! I'll drive carefully, don't worry." Wolf grinned and manoeuvred back onto the main road heading north.
They drove northwards until they reached Woodland Hills where Wolf made a right turn upon Mulholland Drive.
"This road is SO legendary and having a house here is a prized asset!" Ethan said, studying the surroundings eagerly. "Mother sometimes receive dinner invitations from posh acquaintances who live here and I'm forced to accompany her and play the piano in front of everybody." The boy made a grimace of disgust. "Can you believe these people buy the most expensive instruments without even having an ear for music?! Let alone the ability to play them."
"I sure can." Wolf agreed and glanced at the passing mansions. They would be worth visiting, someday.
Stepping on the accelerator quickly put the superfluous showpieces behind and the further they went the more beautiful the views became. At long last Wolf began slowing down and stopped by a renowned, north-facing scenic outlook.
"What are you doing?" Ethan asked in a theatrical voice. "We don't stop here!"
The canine looked back at him and raised an eyebrow.
"That was a famous movie quote."
"Oh yeah?" Wolf peered into the boy's face as if trying to catch a bluff, then threw open the car door. "Come on, this is the place."
They walked over to the wooden fence and stopped to take in the vast scene of northern Los Angeles basking in the morning sun.
"I have always wanted to come here but it never happened!" Ethan said happily, grasping the railing. "Amazing how a city can look ugly and beautiful at the same time. From what I have heard it's a pretty rough place to live."
"Yours truly were bred and born in that rough place." Wolf paused. "Seeing it from up here really takes me back. I had lots of aspirations when I was a pup, you know, but they didn't come true."
"Mister Wolf?"
"Hey, don't you EVER go mistering me! Between us two alone it's WOLF - and don't broadcast it."
"Wolf." The boy smirked before turning serious. "Why didn't you pursue becoming a mechanic by profession?"
"Well what can I tell ya, Ethan." Wolf scratched the back of his head. "Guess some things in life just aren't meant to be. Or maybe that's how I used to think about it."
"What WERE your aspirations?
"Becoming a Formula-1 driver of course! Niki Lauda was my idol and I thought, 'if a human can do all THAT, why not a wolf?'. Then I found out us canines aren't allowed to compete because we have superior reflexes or whatever, so I went with the idea of becoming an adventurer like Indiana Jones, travelling around the world searching for treasure."
"You certainly have parts of the doctor Jones character down." Ethan looked sidelong at the well-groomed master thief. "Only difference is you seek out treasures FROM museums, not FOR them."
"Heh touché!" Wolf chuckled. "You could say I am living out my childhood dreams, in a warped sort of way. It might not be perfect but it's what I'm good at. I'd rather live like this than not living at all."
Lapsing into a silence the human teenager and the adult canine stood side by side watching the city slowly waking up below.
"Have you ever heard there are some people who always try to reach the horizon?" Ethan asked suddenly, pointing towards the distant mountain ranges. "They want to get there so badly, everything else becomes unimportant, and when they realise it's impossible... They just give up on living. Isn't that sad?"
"I don't know much about such things, Ethan." Wolf answered, feeling unsettled by the boy's strange question. "I think it's more important to stay alive no matter what and make the most of what you've got. Hey, a-are you crying?!"
"No! I just got some dust in my eyes."
Acting more on instinct than thought, Wolf put an arm around Ethan's shoulders.
"Let's get a move on while the day is young, huh?" he said gently. "And don't worry about whatever's eating you. It'll be okay."
"Yeah... I guess so. Thanks, Wolf."
"Anytime, kiddo."
They continued the trip along the famed Mulholland Drive all the way to its eastern end, where Wolf turned left into northern Los Angeles. He made occasional stops to tell stories about the days when he had roamed the streets, all while the sun and the car's temperature kept rising.
"Time for some water unless we want dehydration headaches." Wolf said and made a backwards gesture with his paw. "There are a bunch of bottles in that bag on the floor."
"Good idea." Ethan reached back and pulled out a 0.5 litre water bottle. Having drunk his fill he offered the rest to Wolf who gratefully emptied it. "Should I get another one for you?"
"Nah, I'm fine thanks." Wolf replied as he brushed some droplets from his black lips.
"You really do think of everything, don't you?"
"Why'd you think I'm the leader of the pack?" Wolf grinned at the boy, fangs glinting. "Being unprepared makes you slow and being slow gets you caught. I always stay sharp and attuned to my surroundings."
"It's funny. When we first met I thought you would be a very serious, dangerous and even angry person."
"I rarely get angry. Annoyed, sure. But not real angry."
"What makes you angry?" Ethan tilted his head.
"Planning to try my patience to see what you can get away with, huh?" Wolf smirked kindly. "I don't like it when people think I'm stupid."
"That's quite a reasonable cause to get upset. Want to guess what angers ME?"
"Your mom?"
"No, it's the hypocrisy she embraces. This bald-faced lying to oneself and to others for the sake of keeping up shallow appearances. 'Oh, I'm so noble and well-mannered! Look at me behaving impeccably! I MUST be better than everybody else!'" Ethan said in a posh voice dripping with mockery. "I detest those polite dinners when all we do is talk-talk-talk empty rubbish, and nobody is allowed to be themselves."
"Hmm..."
"On the contrary, I like how unapologetic you are about yourself and your friends. I feel much more at ease around you than at any gathering of the so-called 'sophisticated' society elite."
"Glad to hear it."
"And the media keeps painting a picture of you as some dangerous predator nobody should even approach. Which makes me wonder..."
Wolf listened and said nothing.
"How strong are you? For real."
"We can arm-wrestle at the next stop and you'll find out."
"I think that would be a waste of time." Ethan was grinning now. "You are lean but it doesn't betray true strength. Have you ever been in a physical fight?"
"Fights aren't not my forte. I leave them to Piranha."
"You have, haven't you? ... I'm sorry!" Ethan added hurriedly upon seeing how the top of the canine's muzzle wrinkled. "That was an intrusive, rude question."
"Yeah, I have been in fights." Wolf said after clearing his throat and deciding to not chastise the boy for his impertinence. "Last time it happened things got pretty nasty." He clenched the wheel in remembrance. "What I did made me want to avoid future fights like the plague."
"I see." Ethan said after a lengthy pause. "Do you remember the two brutes at the Heartland Café? The ones I ran my mouth off to?"
"Vividly."
"You defused the situation. But if they had tried hurting me... You said you wouldn't have let them and I have kept thinking... You really did have cause for being angry with me, didn't you? The situation could have turned real ugly because of me. I was scared you would cut me off and I am not sure why you didn't, because let's be honest, I am mostly a lot of trouble for you."
"Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment or something..." Wolf muttered.
"I thought about it a lot during your absence."
"Okay! I like you, right? And that's good enough reason for me to put up with you."
"If that's the case, what are you like when you're drunk?"
"What kind of question is that?" Wolf's ears folded back against his head as he shot Ethan a sidelong glare. "Do you think I'm driving under influence?!"
"No! I'm only curious because I know so little about wolves in general and you in particular."
"I don't get drunk, period. Alcohol hardly has an effect on wolves anyway."
"What about other drugs?"
"I never did 'em and I ain't going to so you can stop asking!"
"No need to snap at me. I meant no harm."
"Hmpf!" Wolf shook his head. "You're really pushing me today."
"Doesn't it make sense to consider other reasons for you not talking to me? Reasons that weren't my fault?"
"Do you want me to believe you thought I spent two months being drunk or stoned?!"
"How could I know?" Ethan retorted. "I am glad to be wrong about you having bad vices though."
"You unruly pup..."
"As for me I never intend to do any substance abuse in my life, seeing how they only serve to make people stupider."
"Wise decision. Just make sure to stick to that throughout college."
"I will! After all, the mind is our most prized asset. Right?"
"Agreed." Wolf shot the boy a smile, hoping to soften the atmosphere a bit. "And I'd be wasting my time if yours wasn't up to par."
"Time with you is always the best time! Summer has been a real drag because you weren't around."
"Hey, watch the compliments kid! You're gonna make my tail go rogue!"
"Sorry!" Ethan grinned happily. "Just stating the obvious. Where are we headed to now?"
"Someplace where we might get to see something pretty awesome if we are lucky."
Traveling eastwards along a winding mountain road, they soon found themselves reaching a quite different scenic outlook where vast mountain ranges rose in all directions. Many people were standing by the road railing and enjoying the views and some were watching the skies through binoculars.
"If luck's with us," Wolf said as he parked the car, "we'll get to see the condors nesting in this area."
"That would be amazing! I saw one once but it was from very far away and I didn't have any binoculars at the time. Bet everyone is here for the same reason we are."
They crossed the road and walked a few strides into the rocky terrain where the ground consisted mostly of gravel and sand.
"I must see what my bird atlas has to say." Ethan sat down on a large stone and began turning the pages. "The California condor, Gymnogyps californianus, a vulture inhabiting the New World..."
While the kid buried his nose in his book Wolf had a good look around and almost immediately he noticed something that set off his warning detectors. An elderly woman standing further up the road, whose stance and clothing radiated upper class, kept throwing searching glances their way and when Ethan looked up she started towards them. Seeing how the boy's body tensed up for a second, Wolf thought he knew what was coming.
"Well, hello dear! Aren't you Grace's son?"
"Yes I am. How do you do, missus Lowell?"
"Oh fine, just fine dear, except for my eye sight perhaps. I am afraid it is getting worse! I hardly recognised you at first. And who is this gentleman accompanying you?"
"Missus Lowell," Ethan made a sweeping gesture with his arm, "meet mister Oliver Poodleton, my private tutor. We are doing zoology studies today and he let me to pick the topic. I chose to study native, endangered species which brought us here."
"A pleasure meeting you, mister Poodleton." Mrs. Lowell shook hands and seemed a bit surprised by the rough feel of the canine paw. "Isn't Ethan the most clever boy you ever met?" she went on. "Always ready to perform a little piano concert after dinner to everybody's delight!"
"He has talent, that's for sure." Wolf agreed, glancing at the subject of the conversation who had assumed a poker-faced polite expression.
"Did you also come here hoping to get a glimpse of the condors?"
"Yes. We thought to seize the opportunity to combine education with a pleasant Sunday excursion." Ethan replied primly. "My tutor is very kind indeed, agreeing to drive me all the way out here."
"I couldn't say 'no' to such reasonable request, now could I?" Wolf chuckled despite the dark suspicion the encounter would come back and bite them growing in his mind.
"I am delighted to hear your mother has found such a courteous gentleman to handle your tutelage." Mrs. Lowell smiled and pinched Ethan's cheek affectionately. "Be a dear and send her my warmest regards, will you not?"
"Of course."
"A pleasure meeting you and good luck with your studies. Ethan. Mister Poodleton." Mrs. Lowell waved and went to join her less sociable husband who had been hanging back, glaring impatiently and tapping his wrist-watch. Ethan returned the wave, then he turned around to start searching the skies through his binoculars.
"They have left." Wolf said in a quiet voice. "And this is exactly what I didn't want happening! She is sure to ask your mom about this next time they talk."
"Maybe. Maybe not." Ethan sounded unconcerned. "They aren't that close and in case you didn't notice, mister Lowell abhors social get-togethers. They are unlikely to run into each other and I will have time to think up a story to pacify mother, if necessary."
Wolf felt less than reassured but the way the kid had improvised under pressure had impressed him. Perhaps Ethan would be able to keep things under wraps after all? They would just have to wait and see and hope for the best.
The number of people began thinning out and when Ethan shrugged his shoulders in silent resignation he and Wolf were alone at the outlook.
"Seems we are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe we should leave too?"
"I don't think so. At least not yet. Look east. 9 o'clock. High up."
Ethan put the binoculars to his eyes again and let out a shout. "I see it! It's far away but I can see it floating on the thermals! It's coming towards us! How the heck did you spot it without aid?!"
"Wolves have a pretty good eye sight and that's a big target. Could be an old male."
The vulture floated ever closer and Ethan gasped with joy. "How can people think they are ugly, gross animals?" he said, following its flight. "They are magnificent! Here, have a look."
He handed Wolf the binoculars.
"Very impressive!" the canine concurred, watching the mighty bird as it rose higher and higher, going further and further west.
Once the condor had vanished beyond the crests, Wolf and Ethan returned to the car. The route took them through San Bernardino, touched San Diego and continued north along coastal interstate highway 5. They made occasional breaks to rest and eat, watch something interesting or look for other birds (no sighting came close to matching that of the condor, however). The afternoon went by quickly and the car's clock displayed 6 PM sharp when they arrived at Long Beach.
"Okay, final stop!" Wolf said as he parked near a street Metro station. "Thank you for riding with Wolf's Travel Agency and please come back soon! Guess you'll have no trouble getting home from here, huh?"
"No." Ethan undid the passenger seatbelt. "I am used to travelling around the city by myself."
"Until next time then."
"See you Wolf. Thank-you for everything."
Having crossed the street, Ethan looked back and waved before he boarded the waiting train. Wolf returned the wave and joined the lively evening traffic.
A little over an hour since the departure from Long Beach, Ethan unlocked the door to the apartment where he had lived all his life.
He felt unusually light-hearted despite the distant sound of classical music announcing his mother's presence. Switching to indoor shoes, he walked towards the music to file report which was annoying but would spare him more nagging later. Stuffing Wolf's ugly bucket hat deep into the backpack, he crossed the spacious lounge and stopped right outside the open door to his mother's study.
"Good evening, mother."
"You are late in coming home." she replied without looking up from the stacks of paperwork.
"My apologies. I have had a busy day."
"Busy doing what, exactly?"
Sighing, Ethan opened his backpack and brought out the bird atlas and the binoculars, showcasing them like evidence during a court trial. At least she was looking at him now.
"You have been out bird-watching since seven o'clock in the morning?"
"Yes."
"Where did you go?"
"The hills."
"What hills?"
"The ones in Angeles National Forest, north of Pasadena." Ethan rolled his eyes. "I believe you know them."
"Don't get smart with me!"
"I won't if you stop asking me stupid questions."
Mother and son glared at each other.
"I am of a mind to ground you." she said slowly.
"For what reason?" Ethan reached into the backpack again and held up a bottle of sunscreen. "Borrowing this without permission?"
"You know what!"
"I'm afraid I don't."
"Your case is getting worse the more you talk back to me!" she stood up, eyes flashing. "I want to know EXACTLY where have you been all day!"
"Since when do you even care where I have been, what I have been doing or HOW I am doing?" Ethan retorted, staring his mother down without hesitation. "I did encounter the Lowells at Angeles Crest, by the way, and missus Lowell bade me to send you her warmest regards. I kept your reputation clean, as I know you want it, and if that is cause for grounding may I go to my room now?"
A few seconds of solid silence followed during which his mother seemed to deflate.
"You know that's not true, Ethan."
"It is not? I recall differently and my memory hasn't failed me yet."
"Have you had supper?"
"No."
"Here." she picked up her wallet on the desk and handed Ethan a 50 dollar bill. "Go buy yourself something to eat and come right back home when you are finished."
"I will. Thank you, mother."
Grace Landau looked about to say something but her son was already out of sight and she sat down again, frowning. Having waited a few minutes she picked up her mobile phone and made a call which didn't last very long. After its conclusion she leaned back in the chair, breathing rapidly as if in shock.
Sometime later, when the front door opened and closed again, Grace entered the hallway and watched her only child change shoes. He started in surprise upon seeing her.
"Did you find someplace nice to have supper?"
"Yes."
"Are you alright?"
"Yes."
"Please come here for a moment."
Ethan seemed hesitant as he walked towards her and seizing his shoulders Grace could feel him tensing up.
"Even if we don't always see eye to eye and regardless of what you might believe, I still love you and want whatever is best for you. You know that, don't you?"
Her son made a movement which could be interpreted as either a nod or a headshake.
"I trust your judgement in friends as long as they are good at heart and that's why I am not going to ground you. Do you understand me?"
"Yes." Ethan replied tentatively and held out three ten dollar bills and a few coins. "Here is the change."
"Keep it. For a rainy day."
"Thank you, mother. I will go to my room now."
Grace sighed as the door to Ethan's room closed shut and returning to the study she decided to keep a vigilant but non-intrusive watch from that point forward. Just in case.
Alone at last, Ethan stretched out on his bed in his room, hands behind the head. He felt unsettled by the mother's bizarre behaviour when normally her actions were very predictable. Had she called the Lowells and if so, shouldn't he be under additional cross-examination concerning a mysterious Mr. Poodleton? Her talk about judgement in friends clearly indicated she knew something. But why the subterfuge?!
Ethan got up and began pacing around the room. He tried to imagine what Wolf's advice might be in this situation. Their unlikely friendship rested on a number of conditions and today he had pushed them and got away with it. Messaging the criminal canine during "off-hours" to inform him a certain bothersome mother probably knew everything could very well mean being cut off for good.
Still, there was no doubt his risky gamble in telling the truth to his mother made him responsible for whatever happened. And true friendships also require trust and honesty even at the risk of losing them.
At last Ethan knew what had to be done.
Elsewhere, in a place not too far off (geographically speaking), Wolf had returned home carrying loads of hot Korean barbecue. His crew accepted the food gift with great enthusiasm and in the midst of them digging in, bantering about the last successful job and what would come next, an incoming message signal sounded from the leader's phone.
"Excuse me guys! I'll be back in a second."
Wolf could sense Snake's eyes following each step when he went to check the phone. As expected there was a message from Ethan waiting:
Dear W
First, thank you so much for today. It was the best day I have had in years (no exaggeration).
I made it home okay but my mother demanded a full account of where I had been during the day. Normally she doesn't care what I do and is okay even with vague answers, so I delivered Mrs. Lowell's greeting in the hope of getting her off my back. She seemed to calm down and gave me money to go have supper out.
When I returned she was behaving even stranger than before, saying she loved me and trusts my judgement in friends "as long as they are good at heart"! I suspect she checked up on my story but why the strange act instead of demanding I explain who I have been with? She didn't seem very upset either, just kind of sad.
I can't sort this out! What would you say is going on?
Love,
-E
P.S. I really did consider whether or not to bother you with this but seeing how we are friends I couldn't keep it from you.
Wolf closed his eyes and felt a sudden urge to delete the encrypted messenger account and never reach out to the boy again. That would simplify things!
"What's up?" Snake's suspicious voice rang out from behind him.
"Nothing."
"You look pretty bothered to be bothered about nothing."
"Stomach cramps. Excuse me."
In the restroom, Wolf sat down and read the message again. Ethan's heartfelt words were touching but it was the part concerning the mother which made his guts to clench. He was sure Grace knew what was happening. She didn't seem upset about it however, and the conveyed words hinted she had trust in him - right? Yeah, that had to be it!
Figuring Ethan wouldn't get any sleep unless he received some reassurance, Wolf typed and sent a reply:
Hey. Can't say I'm an expert on mothers but I think yours might mean what she says. Don't worry about her, just trust me on this ok? I had a great day too. It started pretty badly and you helped me out so I owe you one. Sleep tight! /W
The boy must have been waiting with the phone in hand because a return answer came momentarily:
I trust you. -E
Wolf smiled, flushed for show and washed both paws before he re-joined his crew.
"Feeling better now, eh?" Snake asked.
"Yeah! Had to be that hotdog I ate earlier today. I thought it tasted off!"
"Sure, whatever! Want the last glazed ribs? Shark was gunning for them and I told him 'no' since you weren't here to fend for your own."
"Thanks bud but I'm done eating. Go ahead, Shark!" Wolf said and reached for his coffee mug.
~
To be continued...
Following a long hiatus due to private reasons Mr. Wolf again reaches out to the teenager he previously decided to mentor. Set on keeping up an affable but professional distance he soon comes to realise that it is easier said than done. Part three in the series "About a Boy and a Wolf".
Previous parts of the saga:
1. The Fan
2. A Wolf's lesson in consequences
2b. A curious occurrence (PG13 side-story)
The background (updated Aug 2023):
This fanfiction has been posted under the name "Dreams and Lavender", then "Dreams and Wolf Travels" and I didn't like either. Finding a good name has proven as hard as writing this piece! Name change aside, I also split it into two chapters and made multiple edits, primarily removing excessive fluff which didn't contribute to the plot.
Around L.A. in a day takes place after the side-story "A curious occurrence" and is a bit slower-paced, focusing mainly on the evolving friendship between Mr. Wolf and the teenage boy.
About a Boy and a Wolf
Part 3
Around L.A. in a day, chapter 1 - Breakfast invitation
By Agncec, 2022/2023DISCLAIMER! This work is not affiliated with DreamWorks in any way. I do not claim ownership of any characters from the movie. All events herein are purely fictional and sprung from the writer's imagination. The mirror Earth where the story takes place is different from ours (although there are overlaps), so if you enjoy things “dark and realistic” do not continue reading as you may find this disheartening.
This story plays out approximately five years prior to the events of the movie.
A well-known, flowery smell was in the air.
...Lavender!
His mom always grew those flowers in their minuscule orchard and used them to protect her textiles from pests and to provide a scent of freshness. But where was she? Out grocery shopping? Oh, yes! He could see her walk submissively amongst all the people on the main street sidewalk. How strange, considering she had been dead for many years. Unless...this was a chance to start over? Like resuming your videogame from the last save point!
"Mom?" he called out. "Mom!"
Slowly she lifted her head and looked at him, that sad smile he knew so well creasing her snout. He attempted to reach her but the distance between stretched like a rubber band.
"Mom! MOM!!"
Reaching her was a matter of life and death! He HAD to warn her to take it seriously if she ever fell ill; but she was gone, swallowed by the crowds which were murmuring louder and louder and drowned out his pathetic shouting.
With a jerk Wolf sat up, panting hard. Switching on the bedside lamp he swung both legs over the edge of the bed and sat there for what felt like a long time. Finally, he decided this wouldn't do and went to have a shower. But not even the warm water, a thorough shake-out, fur brushing and fresh clothes removed those cold shards pricking and poking inside him. What he needed was fresh air, coffee - and a distraction. There was somebody Wolf hadn't seen in a dog's age due to certain, awkward circumstances. In light of his current state of mind however, awkwardness would be a great improvement.
He grabbed his phone and checked the clock. 6:30, Sunday morning. Why not chance it? He sent a short, encrypted message to the user afxilike:
Hey, are you an early bird? Up for some breakfast? Offer expires 8am cus I'm hungry as a wolf! /W
Having left a short written note on the kitchen table for his crew, Wolf went down by the large elevator and was driving out of the lair's tunnel entrance when an incoming message popped up on his phone:
Sure, why not. Where do you want to meet?
Wolf replied:
I'll pick you up at your local Metro station half an hour from now. Ok?
An answer arrived within seconds:
In a wanted car? Are you joking?
Smirking, Wolf composed and sent one last message before driving off:
You'll see 🐺
The city traffic was light and the skies were clearing up as Wolf drove into a posh neighbourhood downtown. Reaching the local Metro station he spotted someone waiting on the sidewalk outside. Someone who wore a sand coloured linen shirt and matching pants, backpack slung over the left shoulder, whose head turned towards the sound of the approaching vehicle.
Wolf made a smooth stop right by the human teenager, leaned over and opened the passenger door.
"Hey!" he said, smiling. "Glad you could make it. Get in!"
"Hello Wolf. Long time, no see."
Ethan looked very pleased and made a move to enter the car, then hesitated and walked up front, examining the bumper.
"Okay, what was that all about?" Wolf asked once the boy had returned and sat down.
"The registration plates don't match those in the wanted posters. Did you have them changed? "
"Sure did! Usually I don't mind a nice car chase, but not today."
Lowering the sunglasses, Wolf took a good look at the teenager occupying Snake's usual seat. The blue eyes and the curly, straw-coloured hair didn't resemble the mother whom Wolf had got to know so intimately earlier that summer. The facial features, body movements and manner of speaking however, those were so similar it was kind of uncanny!
"Forgotten what I look like, have you?" Ethan asked, studying the criminal canine in turn.
"Just checking to see if you've grown and I think you have. Come on, buckle up!"
As they set off, Ethan examined every detail in the coupé keenly. Wolf grinned with pleasure noticing this. Seeing the kid again somehow made him feel real good and not awkward at all.
"You like my car?"
"It is pretty cool, I admit. Roomy and leathery. But what's that strange smell?"
"Trust me," Wolf coughed, "you don't want to know."
"Maybe not but what I DO want to know is why you invite me for breakfast after two months of silence. I thought you had given up on me and here I am, riding in your getaway vehicle."
"Guess I'm just full of surprises."
"That's one thing I really appreciate about you, even when you refuse giving me a straight answer." Ethan said, his inquisitive eyes watching the canine. "And by the way, is your car always this loud?"
"She's got to be powerful and smooth to handle whenever the heat's on." Wolf said and patted the dashboard affectionately.
"Keeping it in shape must require a skilled and tight-lipped mechanic."
"Yep! You're looking at him."
"No way!"
"Sure way! I've loved cars ever since I was a pup, and one day I met this cranky old guy who taught me the ropes. That was before I entered the robbery business, of course."
"I can't imagine YOU in a boiler suit, lying under a dirty car, covered in grease and oil."
"Didn't I say I'm full of surprises?" Wolf laughed and stopped briefly at a red light. "Snake's still my better at diagnosing what needs to be fixed, though."
"What's he like?" Ethan said with a sudden, unexpected interest. "Your friend."
"Who, Snake? Why'd you ask about him?"
"I figure he is important to you."
"Well, yeah. He's my best bud and the oldest of us. Hasn't got my confidence and planning skills or else he'd lead. Pretty cynical and distrusting and – wait! Why am I telling you all this?"
"Because I asked you and because we are friends?"
"Sure we are, kiddo! Sure we are. But–"
"And friends should be able to share confidences!" Ethan said firmly. "The light's turned green now, by the way."
"Look..." Wolf said as he pushed the accelerator and drove through the intersection. "I've told you several times–"
"Yeah, I KNOW! 'Don't ask me about my work!' And I didn't ask what you are doing or plan on doing, I was asking about your family. You know about mine."
"That's a stretch!" Wolf thought out loud.
"I've told you about my mother and seeing how the rest are gone I'd say you know plenty!"
In most situations Wolf would have come up with a clever retort, but right then he felt completely stumped. Never before had Ethan mentioned his deceased father, or any other relatives for that matter. What did you answer to such an admission? Suddenly Wolf got an idea.
"Tell you what," he said. "Let's have breakfast at my favourite diner and then I'll take you to a place that's important to me. What'd you say?"
"Yeah, why not."
"Oh and I almost forgot, there's something for you inside the glove compartment."
Ethan checked and turned his head, staring at Wolf. "Okay?" he asked incredulously, holding up a beige, saggy bucket hat. "What am I to do with this?"
"Put it on your curly head of course."
"Why? It looks like somebody's nightmare!"
"I want you to be a little less conspicuous. Anyone seeing us is bound to remember that mop of yours."
Ethan inspected the hat carefully and found some brownish grey strands hiding away on the insides. "These look like they came from you." he said. "Did YOU wear this horrible thing?!"
"Sure did! Can't tell you the circumstances though."
"If you could suffer it, who am I to refuse?" Ethan mumbled, pulling the textile hat over his hair. "I look absurd, don't I?"
"Just like I did and a great deal less recognisable."
"Planning ahead to avoid unforeseen consequences, right?"
"I'm glad you remember my lessons and the first one of today is..." Wolf grinned as he switched on the radio and turned the tuner knob. "...you always need a nice tune playing when riding this car!"
"It does add to the overall experience." Ethan nodded sagely and continued trying to adjust the hat.
Wolf kept driving westwards at a leisure pace, humming along to the guitar-laden song streaming out of the speakers, his free paw drumming against the windowsill.
♪ Don't know what you saw
but you know it's against the law
and you know that you want some more
I've heard it all before!* ♪
The canine and the human glanced at one another, smirking at these sentiments as they entered a nice straight stretch without intersections or cameras, the traffic basically non-existent.
"Hey, Ethan!" Wolf said in a confidential voice, leaning over a bit. "What'd you say 'bout a little speed?"
The kid raised an eyebrow. "Would that be wise?"
"Heh, nope! And that's what makes it so FUN, don't you think?" Wolf winked and seized the steering wheel. "Hold on to yourself now!"
Pressing the accelerator, Wolf immediately felt the car responding with a powerful surge.
"Whooaaa!"
Throwing a lightning quick glance at the boy and reading nothing except absolute delight on his face, Wolf pushed the accelerator even further. The engine now shook the entire frame as the vehicle hurled down the road like an unstoppable roaring behemoth. Feeling they were pushing their luck, Wolf eased up on the accelerator and braked, resulting in a powerful jolt and the car was back at law-abiding speed.
"Wow, that was amazing!" Ethan exclaimed, his facial expression exuberant. "Now I see why you love a good car chase!"
Wolf laughed long and heartily. "Glad you liked it but that's enough for today. Wanna show me what's in that backpack of yours? No hidden microphones, I hope?"
Ethan pulled the rucksack into his lap and opened it, revealing a pair of expensive-looking binoculars and a book with the succinct title "Birds of North America".
"Heeey, I got myself a bird watcher!"
"Yes. It is a peaceful, solitary hobby I happen to enjoy a lot. And an acceptable excuse to go outside."
"I might know a place or two where we could go watching." Wolf mused. "By the way, how are things back home?"
"Okay, I guess. Maxed out my grades and mother still signed me up for summer school to get me out of her hair. The less she sees of me the better she likes it."
"Aren't you being a little harsh on your mom?"
"Not really. Anyway, do you know the worst part about our summer school? The building itself is very old and the ventilation awfully shoddy. When entire floors turn into steamers during heatwaves it's downright torturous, and we are prohibited from wearing short pants. I'm trying to fix that."
"Got a plan, huh?"
"I submitted a proposal to expand the school's dressing code, permitting all males to wear uniform skirts in class if they wish to, professors and students alike. There are suitable sizes available for purchase but our principal refuses."
"Don't guys already wear skirts in...whatsthename- Scotland! Right?"
"The KILT," Ethan said with emphasis, "has been worn by the Scots for at least 500 years and is not to be compared to any regular SKIRT. I did bring the kilt up as an example when speaking to the principal, however. She wasn't amused."
"What about your classmates?" Wolf asked, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like they would agree with you, yeah?"
"Some of them think I'm nuts, others mutter in agreement but they are afraid to rock the boat. Good grades will give you some protection but the principal still called mother to complain about my alleged 'attitude problems'."
"What did she say?"
"My mother? Well, it's weird." Ethan frowned. "I was expecting the usual harangue, that my poor manners are an embarrassment to her and I should be ashamed. Instead, she says I'm doing the right thing and that she told the principal as much too. Mother has been acting a bit strange all summer and I'd love to figure out why."
"Uh... Do you think the ventilation in my car is okay?" Wolf tugged at his shirt collar. "A little hot in here!"
"Maybe it's your ravening hunger?"
"Lucky for us that's our destination coming up on now."
Wolf slowed down, made a left turn across the road and parked next to a low two-story wooden building.
"Okay!" he said after killing the engine. "Let's get into character. Who am I?"
"Mister Oliver Poodleton, tutor of talented young people."
"You bet I am! And who are you?"
"Your devoted star pupil, sir. Who has to wear an awful hat for failing to hand in my homework on time."
"Good improv there, I like it! Keep your cool and let's do this."
"This place looks real nice." Ethan said as they approached the entrance. "Homey."
"Wait until you see the outdoor area. It's really something."
On the inside, the diner looked like a large wooden hut with exposed wooden beams in the ceiling and thick logs serving as supporting pillars. A kind-looking Hispanic woman came forward to greet them. As it turned out, Wolf was a well-known patron of the place.
"Eggs Benedict with extra bacon and a double espresso as usual, sir?"
"You got it!" Wolf smiled.
"And for your young company?"
"I would like the dry French toast along with a pot of Ceylon tea, please. And orange juice, if possible?"
"I think we can manage that. Anything else?"
"Throw in an orange juice for me as well." Wolf said. "Can't miss out on some vitamin C."
"You will have the usual table?"
"If it's not taken, yeah."
"No problem, sir. You are our first guests today. I'll be with you soon with the drinks."
Wolf headed towards the end of the dining hall and Ethan followed, passing through the open doors and onto a terrace.
"Oh wow!" Ethan exclaimed when he saw the lush and vast green valley spread out below them.
"What'd you think?"
"So far they are worth five stars out of five unless the breakfast is a downright disaster."
"Don't worry, that won't happen."
The two sat down at a table by the railed fence and regarded each other fondly. A light breeze from across the valley brushed over them and caused Wolf's cheek fur to flutter in a (at least to Ethan's eyes) comical manner.
"What's funny?" Wolf asked noticing the boy's grin.
"Nothing. Guess I am just feeling happy."
"This is the first time I brought company, you know. I usually only come here by myself."
"Your friends would upset the establishment, wouldn't they?"
"Afraid so. Terrified people is an occupational hazard when you're us. Luckily the people working here have no idea who I really am." Wolf sighed. "Tell you the truth, I always feel a little sad when staff's shrinking away from me and all I'm trying to do is giving them a tip."
"We want to be loved," Ethan said in a poetic voice, "failing that, admired; failing that, feared, failing that, hated and despised. At all costs we want to stir up some sort of feeling in others. Our soul abhors a vacuum. At all costs it longs for contact.*"
"Whoa! Where did that come from?!"
"A European book which deals with difficult existential topics. And it's true, isn't it?"
"Too heavy for me but I sure prefer the first two. Ah, here comes our drinks now!"
The matron arrived carrying a tray and proceeded to lay the table. After she had left, Ethan poured himself a cup and gingerly tasted the hot beverage.
"This tea is lovely. No cause for complaints concerning the coffee?"
"As good as I could ask for." Wolf replied, taking his time savouring the espresso.
"Now YOU share something about yourself!" Ethan said suddenly. "I'm tired of us always talking about me. What music do you like?"
"Hmm, I'm not too fussy. I enjoy 90s rock and classics from the 70s pretty well."
"What would you make of... say, Buddy Holly?"
"More funny sounding than good."
"Black Sabbath?"
"Jeez, you want to get me all depressed?! Give me Led Zeppelin any day! Your turn."
"Aphex Twin is pretty awesome."
"Aphex WHO?"
"His real name is Richard D. James and his music has become very influential in the field of electronic music." Ethan deftly produced an iPod player from his backpack, scrolled through the lists and then handed it over. "Have a listen."
Wolf had some trouble getting the earbuds placed right inside his large ears, but he could hear well enough anyway and smirked. "I should have known you'd be into something weird."
"I can put on Metallica or maybe Rage Against the Machine if you prefer."
"And I bet neither of those two would be appreciated back home."
"Mother stopped listening to most music a few years ago." Ethan answered neutrally. "Sometimes she will play Mozart, Schubert or Mendelssohn on the piano but I know for a fact she used to love Joni Mitchell. And Madonna."
"I didn't– uh, really? She's a pianist, huh?"
"The women of her family were expected to become above average pianists to provide entertainment and impress the guests." Ethan grimaced. "Regrettably she got a SON instead of a daughter but even so it falls to me to carry the torch, regardless of my feelings on the matter."
"Don't you like playing?"
"Depends on the situation and the repertoire. I am still taking piano lessons because she insists and... Well, resisting only makes things worse so I put up with it."
Wolf was spared the trouble of thinking up a suitable response when their orders arrived which kept them busy for a good while.
"That was quite a protein-heavy breakfast you just had." Ethan said after they were both finished. "Did you know that the Golden Jackal, a close relative to wolves by the way, can survive on grass alone?"
"Guess every genus houses some weirdos!" Wolf scoffed as he wiped his black lips. "If I had to do without meat it'd be the end of me!"
"Spoken like a true wolf."
"Yeah and speaking of something else, how has my friends-finding homework been working out for you?"
"At last you ask! Would you believe I have actually become acquainted with someone in my class? He is spending this summer in Europe though."
"Well done!" Wolf grinned and leaned forward. "Tell me more!"
"His name is Nicholas, Niki to his friends, and I am allowed to address him as such."
"Niki? As in Niki Lauda?"
"Who is that?"
"You don't know?" Wolf seemed a little disappointed. "He is one of the best Formula-1 drivers the world has ever seen! Got into a real bad crash once, suffered terrible injuries and nearly snuffed it, but he was back behind the wheels a few weeks later. Amazing guy!"
"It might not come as a total surprise," Ethan said with emphasis, "that I am ignorant concerning most sports. I will look up this Niki Lauda, however. Any idols of yours are worth investigating, to unravel the mystery."
"What do you mean, 'mystery'?"
"Why you became who you are. The thing you refuse to talk about."
"Maybe there isn't much to know?" Wolf answered, trying his best to look bland.
"I will figure you out one of these days, just you wait. Returning to the topic at hand, Niki is athletic and beats the rest of us blokes at sports any day. My opposite, really. I still don't understand why he agreed to a collaboration effort."
"Bet the two of you aced it."
"And you would be right, we were flawless! Niki is very smart and socially skilled and I think his parents expect him to become a diplomat for the United Nations someday."
"Glad to hear you're making good progress." Wolf gave the boy an encouraging smile. "Keep it up and you won't need me for much longer."
"Ow..." Ethan's face fell.
"Not now, next week or month!" Wolf spread his arms wide. "But I'm probably not the kind of company your mom would approve of."
"You don't know my mother." Ethan replied flatly. "She doesn't give a damn what I do, how I do it or how I feel. One thing and one thing alone is important: her social reputation! As long as things are kept quiet I can be best friends with Charles Manson for all she cares."
Wolf opened his mouth to protest, then caught himself in time and shut it just as fast.
"Don't you get it? You're about the only adult who has paid me any serious attention since..." Ethan's sentence trailed off and he turned his head, staring into the valley below them.
Clearly a sensitive topic. Wolf thought as he watched the boy's vacant expression. Memories of your dad are haunting you, aren't they? I bet you two were pretty close. Sorry kid but someone like me can't possibly fill in for him, even if your mom likes me. He cleared his throat.
"I won't just leave you and that's a promise, and I'm sorry for being out of touch for so long. There was some stuff I had to deal with but I'm here now, ain't I? We shouldn't worry too much about the future!"
"Guess so." Ethan said in a low voice.
"Do you really have to guess? This is your tutor speaking and you better listen to him!"
The boy looked back at last, the corners of his mouth curling.
"See! You're still learning!" Wolf laughed. "I'm glad to have you for company today kiddo, and tell you what; the day isn't over yet!"
~
To be continued in next chapter
* Lyrics: Happy Mondays - Loose Fit
* Quote from the book "Dr Glas" by Hjalmar Söderberg
Around L.A. in a day, chapter 2 - Eastbound
By Agncec, 2022/2023When Wolf and Ethan decided to wrap up their breakfast the diner by State Route 27 was facing an influx of new guests.
Passing the counter on their way out Wolf showed his appreciation by leaving a generous tip and the busy matron still took the time to wish him well. Wolf returned the smile, tipped his hat and for once he did not ask himself whether or not the kind service towards him would remain, had she known who he was. He felt ridiculously cheerful.
"Okay, let's go to my special place now!" Wolf said once they were back inside the car. "It will be a while before we get there, unless I step on it. What'd you say?"
"Please don't!" Ethan eyed him anxiously. "I would hate getting motion sickness in your car."
"Just kidding! I'll drive carefully, don't worry." Wolf grinned and manoeuvred back onto the main road heading north.
They drove northwards until they reached Woodland Hills where Wolf made a right turn upon Mulholland Drive.
"This road is SO legendary and having a house here is a prized asset!" Ethan said, studying the surroundings eagerly. "Mother sometimes receive dinner invitations from posh acquaintances who live here and I'm forced to accompany her and play the piano in front of everybody." The boy made a grimace of disgust. "Can you believe these people buy the most expensive instruments without even having an ear for music?! Let alone the ability to play them."
"I sure can." Wolf agreed and glanced at the passing mansions. They would be worth visiting, someday.
Stepping on the accelerator quickly put the superfluous showpieces behind and the further they went the more beautiful the views became. At long last Wolf began slowing down and stopped by a renowned, north-facing scenic outlook.
"What are you doing?" Ethan asked in a theatrical voice. "We don't stop here!"
The canine looked back at him and raised an eyebrow.
"That was a famous movie quote."
"Oh yeah?" Wolf peered into the boy's face as if trying to catch a bluff, then threw open the car door. "Come on, this is the place."
They walked over to the wooden fence and stopped to take in the vast scene of northern Los Angeles basking in the morning sun.
"I have always wanted to come here but it never happened!" Ethan said happily, grasping the railing. "Amazing how a city can look ugly and beautiful at the same time. From what I have heard it's a pretty rough place to live."
"Yours truly were bred and born in that rough place." Wolf paused. "Seeing it from up here really takes me back. I had lots of aspirations when I was a pup, you know, but they didn't come true."
"Mister Wolf?"
"Hey, don't you EVER go mistering me! Between us two alone it's WOLF - and don't broadcast it."
"Wolf." The boy smirked before turning serious. "Why didn't you pursue becoming a mechanic by profession?"
"Well what can I tell ya, Ethan." Wolf scratched the back of his head. "Guess some things in life just aren't meant to be. Or maybe that's how I used to think about it."
"What WERE your aspirations?
"Becoming a Formula-1 driver of course! Niki Lauda was my idol and I thought, 'if a human can do all THAT, why not a wolf?'. Then I found out us canines aren't allowed to compete because we have superior reflexes or whatever, so I went with the idea of becoming an adventurer like Indiana Jones, travelling around the world searching for treasure."
"You certainly have parts of the doctor Jones character down." Ethan looked sidelong at the well-groomed master thief. "Only difference is you seek out treasures FROM museums, not FOR them."
"Heh touché!" Wolf chuckled. "You could say I am living out my childhood dreams, in a warped sort of way. It might not be perfect but it's what I'm good at. I'd rather live like this than not living at all."
Lapsing into a silence the human teenager and the adult canine stood side by side watching the city slowly waking up below.
"Have you ever heard there are some people who always try to reach the horizon?" Ethan asked suddenly, pointing towards the distant mountain ranges. "They want to get there so badly, everything else becomes unimportant, and when they realise it's impossible... They just give up on living. Isn't that sad?"
"I don't know much about such things, Ethan." Wolf answered, feeling unsettled by the boy's strange question. "I think it's more important to stay alive no matter what and make the most of what you've got. Hey, a-are you crying?!"
"No! I just got some dust in my eyes."
Acting more on instinct than thought, Wolf put an arm around Ethan's shoulders.
"Let's get a move on while the day is young, huh?" he said gently. "And don't worry about whatever's eating you. It'll be okay."
"Yeah... I guess so. Thanks, Wolf."
"Anytime, kiddo."
They continued the trip along the famed Mulholland Drive all the way to its eastern end, where Wolf turned left into northern Los Angeles. He made occasional stops to tell stories about the days when he had roamed the streets, all while the sun and the car's temperature kept rising.
"Time for some water unless we want dehydration headaches." Wolf said and made a backwards gesture with his paw. "There are a bunch of bottles in that bag on the floor."
"Good idea." Ethan reached back and pulled out a 0.5 litre water bottle. Having drunk his fill he offered the rest to Wolf who gratefully emptied it. "Should I get another one for you?"
"Nah, I'm fine thanks." Wolf replied as he brushed some droplets from his black lips.
"You really do think of everything, don't you?"
"Why'd you think I'm the leader of the pack?" Wolf grinned at the boy, fangs glinting. "Being unprepared makes you slow and being slow gets you caught. I always stay sharp and attuned to my surroundings."
"It's funny. When we first met I thought you would be a very serious, dangerous and even angry person."
"I rarely get angry. Annoyed, sure. But not real angry."
"What makes you angry?" Ethan tilted his head.
"Planning to try my patience to see what you can get away with, huh?" Wolf smirked kindly. "I don't like it when people think I'm stupid."
"That's quite a reasonable cause to get upset. Want to guess what angers ME?"
"Your mom?"
"No, it's the hypocrisy she embraces. This bald-faced lying to oneself and to others for the sake of keeping up shallow appearances. 'Oh, I'm so noble and well-mannered! Look at me behaving impeccably! I MUST be better than everybody else!'" Ethan said in a posh voice dripping with mockery. "I detest those polite dinners when all we do is talk-talk-talk empty rubbish, and nobody is allowed to be themselves."
"Hmm..."
"On the contrary, I like how unapologetic you are about yourself and your friends. I feel much more at ease around you than at any gathering of the so-called 'sophisticated' society elite."
"Glad to hear it."
"And the media keeps painting a picture of you as some dangerous predator nobody should even approach. Which makes me wonder..."
Wolf listened and said nothing.
"How strong are you? For real."
"We can arm-wrestle at the next stop and you'll find out."
"I think that would be a waste of time." Ethan was grinning now. "You are lean but it doesn't betray true strength. Have you ever been in a physical fight?"
"Fights aren't not my forte. I leave them to Piranha."
"You have, haven't you? ... I'm sorry!" Ethan added hurriedly upon seeing how the top of the canine's muzzle wrinkled. "That was an intrusive, rude question."
"Yeah, I have been in fights." Wolf said after clearing his throat and deciding to not chastise the boy for his impertinence. "Last time it happened things got pretty nasty." He clenched the wheel in remembrance. "What I did made me want to avoid future fights like the plague."
"I see." Ethan said after a lengthy pause. "Do you remember the two brutes at the Heartland Café? The ones I ran my mouth off to?"
"Vividly."
"You defused the situation. But if they had tried hurting me... You said you wouldn't have let them and I have kept thinking... You really did have cause for being angry with me, didn't you? The situation could have turned real ugly because of me. I was scared you would cut me off and I am not sure why you didn't, because let's be honest, I am mostly a lot of trouble for you."
"Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment or something..." Wolf muttered.
"I thought about it a lot during your absence."
"Okay! I like you, right? And that's good enough reason for me to put up with you."
"If that's the case, what are you like when you're drunk?"
"What kind of question is that?" Wolf's ears folded back against his head as he shot Ethan a sidelong glare. "Do you think I'm driving under influence?!"
"No! I'm only curious because I know so little about wolves in general and you in particular."
"I don't get drunk, period. Alcohol hardly has an effect on wolves anyway."
"What about other drugs?"
"I never did 'em and I ain't going to so you can stop asking!"
"No need to snap at me. I meant no harm."
"Hmpf!" Wolf shook his head. "You're really pushing me today."
"Doesn't it make sense to consider other reasons for you not talking to me? Reasons that weren't my fault?"
"Do you want me to believe you thought I spent two months being drunk or stoned?!"
"How could I know?" Ethan retorted. "I am glad to be wrong about you having bad vices though."
"You unruly pup..."
"As for me I never intend to do any substance abuse in my life, seeing how they only serve to make people stupider."
"Wise decision. Just make sure to stick to that throughout college."
"I will! After all, the mind is our most prized asset. Right?"
"Agreed." Wolf shot the boy a smile, hoping to soften the atmosphere a bit. "And I'd be wasting my time if yours wasn't up to par."
"Time with you is always the best time! Summer has been a real drag because you weren't around."
"Hey, watch the compliments kid! You're gonna make my tail go rogue!"
"Sorry!" Ethan grinned happily. "Just stating the obvious. Where are we headed to now?"
"Someplace where we might get to see something pretty awesome if we are lucky."
Traveling eastwards along a winding mountain road, they soon found themselves reaching a quite different scenic outlook where vast mountain ranges rose in all directions. Many people were standing by the road railing and enjoying the views and some were watching the skies through binoculars.
"If luck's with us," Wolf said as he parked the car, "we'll get to see the condors nesting in this area."
"That would be amazing! I saw one once but it was from very far away and I didn't have any binoculars at the time. Bet everyone is here for the same reason we are."
They crossed the road and walked a few strides into the rocky terrain where the ground consisted mostly of gravel and sand.
"I must see what my bird atlas has to say." Ethan sat down on a large stone and began turning the pages. "The California condor, Gymnogyps californianus, a vulture inhabiting the New World..."
While the kid buried his nose in his book Wolf had a good look around and almost immediately he noticed something that set off his warning detectors. An elderly woman standing further up the road, whose stance and clothing radiated upper class, kept throwing searching glances their way and when Ethan looked up she started towards them. Seeing how the boy's body tensed up for a second, Wolf thought he knew what was coming.
"Well, hello dear! Aren't you Grace's son?"
"Yes I am. How do you do, missus Lowell?"
"Oh fine, just fine dear, except for my eye sight perhaps. I am afraid it is getting worse! I hardly recognised you at first. And who is this gentleman accompanying you?"
"Missus Lowell," Ethan made a sweeping gesture with his arm, "meet mister Oliver Poodleton, my private tutor. We are doing zoology studies today and he let me to pick the topic. I chose to study native, endangered species which brought us here."
"A pleasure meeting you, mister Poodleton." Mrs. Lowell shook hands and seemed a bit surprised by the rough feel of the canine paw. "Isn't Ethan the most clever boy you ever met?" she went on. "Always ready to perform a little piano concert after dinner to everybody's delight!"
"He has talent, that's for sure." Wolf agreed, glancing at the subject of the conversation who had assumed a poker-faced polite expression.
"Did you also come here hoping to get a glimpse of the condors?"
"Yes. We thought to seize the opportunity to combine education with a pleasant Sunday excursion." Ethan replied primly. "My tutor is very kind indeed, agreeing to drive me all the way out here."
"I couldn't say 'no' to such reasonable request, now could I?" Wolf chuckled despite the dark suspicion the encounter would come back and bite them growing in his mind.
"I am delighted to hear your mother has found such a courteous gentleman to handle your tutelage." Mrs. Lowell smiled and pinched Ethan's cheek affectionately. "Be a dear and send her my warmest regards, will you not?"
"Of course."
"A pleasure meeting you and good luck with your studies. Ethan. Mister Poodleton." Mrs. Lowell waved and went to join her less sociable husband who had been hanging back, glaring impatiently and tapping his wrist-watch. Ethan returned the wave, then he turned around to start searching the skies through his binoculars.
"They have left." Wolf said in a quiet voice. "And this is exactly what I didn't want happening! She is sure to ask your mom about this next time they talk."
"Maybe. Maybe not." Ethan sounded unconcerned. "They aren't that close and in case you didn't notice, mister Lowell abhors social get-togethers. They are unlikely to run into each other and I will have time to think up a story to pacify mother, if necessary."
Wolf felt less than reassured but the way the kid had improvised under pressure had impressed him. Perhaps Ethan would be able to keep things under wraps after all? They would just have to wait and see and hope for the best.
The number of people began thinning out and when Ethan shrugged his shoulders in silent resignation he and Wolf were alone at the outlook.
"Seems we are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe we should leave too?"
"I don't think so. At least not yet. Look east. 9 o'clock. High up."
Ethan put the binoculars to his eyes again and let out a shout. "I see it! It's far away but I can see it floating on the thermals! It's coming towards us! How the heck did you spot it without aid?!"
"Wolves have a pretty good eye sight and that's a big target. Could be an old male."
The vulture floated ever closer and Ethan gasped with joy. "How can people think they are ugly, gross animals?" he said, following its flight. "They are magnificent! Here, have a look."
He handed Wolf the binoculars.
"Very impressive!" the canine concurred, watching the mighty bird as it rose higher and higher, going further and further west.
Once the condor had vanished beyond the crests, Wolf and Ethan returned to the car. The route took them through San Bernardino, touched San Diego and continued north along coastal interstate highway 5. They made occasional breaks to rest and eat, watch something interesting or look for other birds (no sighting came close to matching that of the condor, however). The afternoon went by quickly and the car's clock displayed 6 PM sharp when they arrived at Long Beach.
"Okay, final stop!" Wolf said as he parked near a street Metro station. "Thank you for riding with Wolf's Travel Agency and please come back soon! Guess you'll have no trouble getting home from here, huh?"
"No." Ethan undid the passenger seatbelt. "I am used to travelling around the city by myself."
"Until next time then."
"See you Wolf. Thank-you for everything."
Having crossed the street, Ethan looked back and waved before he boarded the waiting train. Wolf returned the wave and joined the lively evening traffic.
*A little over an hour since the departure from Long Beach, Ethan unlocked the door to the apartment where he had lived all his life.
He felt unusually light-hearted despite the distant sound of classical music announcing his mother's presence. Switching to indoor shoes, he walked towards the music to file report which was annoying but would spare him more nagging later. Stuffing Wolf's ugly bucket hat deep into the backpack, he crossed the spacious lounge and stopped right outside the open door to his mother's study.
"Good evening, mother."
"You are late in coming home." she replied without looking up from the stacks of paperwork.
"My apologies. I have had a busy day."
"Busy doing what, exactly?"
Sighing, Ethan opened his backpack and brought out the bird atlas and the binoculars, showcasing them like evidence during a court trial. At least she was looking at him now.
"You have been out bird-watching since seven o'clock in the morning?"
"Yes."
"Where did you go?"
"The hills."
"What hills?"
"The ones in Angeles National Forest, north of Pasadena." Ethan rolled his eyes. "I believe you know them."
"Don't get smart with me!"
"I won't if you stop asking me stupid questions."
Mother and son glared at each other.
"I am of a mind to ground you." she said slowly.
"For what reason?" Ethan reached into the backpack again and held up a bottle of sunscreen. "Borrowing this without permission?"
"You know what!"
"I'm afraid I don't."
"Your case is getting worse the more you talk back to me!" she stood up, eyes flashing. "I want to know EXACTLY where have you been all day!"
"Since when do you even care where I have been, what I have been doing or HOW I am doing?" Ethan retorted, staring his mother down without hesitation. "I did encounter the Lowells at Angeles Crest, by the way, and missus Lowell bade me to send you her warmest regards. I kept your reputation clean, as I know you want it, and if that is cause for grounding may I go to my room now?"
A few seconds of solid silence followed during which his mother seemed to deflate.
"You know that's not true, Ethan."
"It is not? I recall differently and my memory hasn't failed me yet."
"Have you had supper?"
"No."
"Here." she picked up her wallet on the desk and handed Ethan a 50 dollar bill. "Go buy yourself something to eat and come right back home when you are finished."
"I will. Thank you, mother."
Grace Landau looked about to say something but her son was already out of sight and she sat down again, frowning. Having waited a few minutes she picked up her mobile phone and made a call which didn't last very long. After its conclusion she leaned back in the chair, breathing rapidly as if in shock.
Sometime later, when the front door opened and closed again, Grace entered the hallway and watched her only child change shoes. He started in surprise upon seeing her.
"Did you find someplace nice to have supper?"
"Yes."
"Are you alright?"
"Yes."
"Please come here for a moment."
Ethan seemed hesitant as he walked towards her and seizing his shoulders Grace could feel him tensing up.
"Even if we don't always see eye to eye and regardless of what you might believe, I still love you and want whatever is best for you. You know that, don't you?"
Her son made a movement which could be interpreted as either a nod or a headshake.
"I trust your judgement in friends as long as they are good at heart and that's why I am not going to ground you. Do you understand me?"
"Yes." Ethan replied tentatively and held out three ten dollar bills and a few coins. "Here is the change."
"Keep it. For a rainy day."
"Thank you, mother. I will go to my room now."
Grace sighed as the door to Ethan's room closed shut and returning to the study she decided to keep a vigilant but non-intrusive watch from that point forward. Just in case.
Alone at last, Ethan stretched out on his bed in his room, hands behind the head. He felt unsettled by the mother's bizarre behaviour when normally her actions were very predictable. Had she called the Lowells and if so, shouldn't he be under additional cross-examination concerning a mysterious Mr. Poodleton? Her talk about judgement in friends clearly indicated she knew something. But why the subterfuge?!
Ethan got up and began pacing around the room. He tried to imagine what Wolf's advice might be in this situation. Their unlikely friendship rested on a number of conditions and today he had pushed them and got away with it. Messaging the criminal canine during "off-hours" to inform him a certain bothersome mother probably knew everything could very well mean being cut off for good.
Still, there was no doubt his risky gamble in telling the truth to his mother made him responsible for whatever happened. And true friendships also require trust and honesty even at the risk of losing them.
At last Ethan knew what had to be done.
*Elsewhere, in a place not too far off (geographically speaking), Wolf had returned home carrying loads of hot Korean barbecue. His crew accepted the food gift with great enthusiasm and in the midst of them digging in, bantering about the last successful job and what would come next, an incoming message signal sounded from the leader's phone.
"Excuse me guys! I'll be back in a second."
Wolf could sense Snake's eyes following each step when he went to check the phone. As expected there was a message from Ethan waiting:
Dear W
First, thank you so much for today. It was the best day I have had in years (no exaggeration).
I made it home okay but my mother demanded a full account of where I had been during the day. Normally she doesn't care what I do and is okay even with vague answers, so I delivered Mrs. Lowell's greeting in the hope of getting her off my back. She seemed to calm down and gave me money to go have supper out.
When I returned she was behaving even stranger than before, saying she loved me and trusts my judgement in friends "as long as they are good at heart"! I suspect she checked up on my story but why the strange act instead of demanding I explain who I have been with? She didn't seem very upset either, just kind of sad.
I can't sort this out! What would you say is going on?
Love,
-E
P.S. I really did consider whether or not to bother you with this but seeing how we are friends I couldn't keep it from you.
Wolf closed his eyes and felt a sudden urge to delete the encrypted messenger account and never reach out to the boy again. That would simplify things!
"What's up?" Snake's suspicious voice rang out from behind him.
"Nothing."
"You look pretty bothered to be bothered about nothing."
"Stomach cramps. Excuse me."
In the restroom, Wolf sat down and read the message again. Ethan's heartfelt words were touching but it was the part concerning the mother which made his guts to clench. He was sure Grace knew what was happening. She didn't seem upset about it however, and the conveyed words hinted she had trust in him - right? Yeah, that had to be it!
Figuring Ethan wouldn't get any sleep unless he received some reassurance, Wolf typed and sent a reply:
Hey. Can't say I'm an expert on mothers but I think yours might mean what she says. Don't worry about her, just trust me on this ok? I had a great day too. It started pretty badly and you helped me out so I owe you one. Sleep tight! /W
The boy must have been waiting with the phone in hand because a return answer came momentarily:
I trust you. -E
Wolf smiled, flushed for show and washed both paws before he re-joined his crew.
"Feeling better now, eh?" Snake asked.
"Yeah! Had to be that hotdog I ate earlier today. I thought it tasted off!"
"Sure, whatever! Want the last glazed ribs? Shark was gunning for them and I told him 'no' since you weren't here to fend for your own."
"Thanks bud but I'm done eating. Go ahead, Shark!" Wolf said and reached for his coffee mug.
~
To be continued...
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