Chapter 2: Stop horsing around.
Dr Blitzen looked over Heather's chart and copies of the medical reports. Most were normal except for the fact that Heather's implants and the tissue surrounding them had healed very quickly. It usually took months for the tissue to heal but the report said it only took only took a week, she was puzzled about this. Still, Heather complained of pain from the implants, that she knew would pass, she herself went through that. She felt the pin protruding from her front leg. She'd grown accustom to seeing and feeling it there, it was now a permanent part of her. She put Heather's quirk down as being a fast healer but she didn't think there was anyone this fast. But then being the only known Skunktaur, what was normal for her? There was one other thing in her medical file that disturbed her, now all she had to do is schedule a time to tell her.
Heather White tried lifting herself up after her brief tumble on the treadmill, but found it much too difficult. She was in an awkward position and she sighed as she relented to aid from her physiotherapist. The young cougar was a lot of help but Heather felt her pride slipping, a lot. She'd been at this for almost two months now and still things weren't really improving a whole lot. Her rear end was sluggish. The braces on her legs she found worked but they felt funny and were extremely painful. Dr. Blitzen had told her they would for awhile until they settled in so to speak. She wanted so much for this to work but her hopes were diminishing. She couldn't believe that only two months ago she was walking around, now she could hardly move at a snails pace.
"Let's try again, OK." Sarah Fractmore had been great these last few weeks, she was in great shape and could easily lift Heather. Since the stroke Heather had lost quite a bit of weight, which helped somewhat in the lifting category but adversely affected her stamina. However she was going to have to get back to a normal weight soon. She needed the energy to carry herself along; she tired way too soon for Sarah's liking. The doctors had a solution to the problem but they didn't think Heather would like it too much. The act of forcing food into ones stomach was none too pleasant.
"Sarah, I'm really tired, think we can pass."
Sarah grinned at Heather, "No silly, you've just begun today's exercises, if you don't exercise then you won't get any better." The cougar smiled a big smile, which was almost impossible to resist.
"Ok," Heather let out a big sigh then began to take a step. Unbeknownst to her, Heather had a visitor who was watching from afar; it was Hector.
He watched as Heather took one step, then another, he was so proud of her. She had been through a lot, more than he really knew. He had seen the anger and frustration in her face when they first started her therapy; it was going to be a long road, he sighed gently to himself. However it was a road he wanted to travel, without her he felt incomplete and in his hand was something that he hoped would make her feel this way too. He decided it was time for show and tell. He began to walk towards the two femmes.
"Hello." He said as he walked in on the two of them.
"Hector!" Heather exclaimed, her eyes beaming.
"The nurse upstairs said you'd be here, mind if I drop in for a few minutes."
Sarah sort of rolled her eyes, "Ok but not too long Hector." Sarah said, "You're a big distraction to my patient." She smiled and almost laughed for Hector was big, really big. "I'll leave you too alone for lets say 15 mins."
Hector nodded, "That should be enough. Thanks Sarah."
"You owe me big fella." She winked and left the two of them alone.
"Well what brings you by?" Heather asked, she was indeed surprised to see him. Hector seemed to put his visits into the evening more.
"Have to see how my girl is doing."
"Oh…so how am I doing?" She asked fluttering her eyes in mock gesture.
"Just wonderful." Hector said as he kissed her muzzle.
"Well my day just got better." She smiled.
He could see she was tired already, this was taking a lot out of her. He saw that even standing was difficult, but she was a stubborn one. She'd walk, it was just going to take time. "Well, I have a ….little…. something for you."
"You do? Let me see." She tried peering behind his back.
He handed her a small rectangular box, wrapped neatly in silver paper. "I hope you like it." He was sure she would but he crossed his large fingers just in case.
The paper only lasted a few seconds before she was at the box, it was a jewelry box and she gave Hector a funny look. "Hector??" She flipped the box open and there inside was a beautiful silver necklace, earrings and a diamond ring. The set shone with brilliance that went with the look of shock on Heathers face. "Hector…. they are beautiful." However there was one empty space, it was beside the ring, but was also a holder for another ring.
"It's an engagement ring, one that is divided into two; you'll get the other half when we're married." He said it softly, but she turned with her mouth agape. "Heather will you marry me?" He said staring into the face he loved to see each day.
Tears began to flow like rivers from her eyes, "Oh Hector, YES, YES…..I'll marry you. You're the sweetest fur I've ever known." She threw her arms around him, trying hard not to let go of the box, it threw his balance off a bit but he compensated easily.
"Thank you." Hector whispered softly in her ear, "You've made my life complete."
"Oh Hector, you don't know what this means to me."
"It means your gonna have to walk down the aisle." He looked deep into her eyes and he could see passion within them.
"Oh I'll walk don't you worry, I'll be on my feet in no time."
"I never doubted that you wouldn't. Your father told me how hard you worked the first time to learn to walk. Well, I can see you're just as determined this time. Let's put them on you shall we?" He tried the necklace but his fingers were too big to fit the small clasps and Heather's ears weren't pierced. "Let's try the ring." He said as he picked out the ring from its box and gently put it on her finger. His hands almost too big for this as well, but he managed, the ring of course was way too big but Heather adored and loved it.
"It's beautiful." It sparkled and she threw her arms around Hectors neck and gave him the longest kiss he had ever had. As their bliss continued they were interrupted by the clearing of ones throat.
"Think it's time to breathe you two?"
Hector blinked, "Back already?" Hector said surprised.
"Already, I've given you 5 more minutes than you should have had."
Heather was still beaming, "Sarah look!" She shoved the ring under the cougar's nose. "Well that is something to look at." She was surprised, "Did something else go along with this?" She inquired.
"Oh yeah!" Heather beamed, "We're going to get married." Heather had a smile from cheek to cheek.
"Well not right away…." Hector stuttered.
"I know, I gotta get your bride here, ship shape for that date, don't I Heather."
Heather's mind was floating, but she nodded at the question.
"I have my cell phone want to call your Mom?" Hector asked, to which he got a paw almost immediately demanding the phone. He handed it to her and the number was dialed faster than you could say it.
The phone rang at the White's residence. Sid and Nancy were the adoptive parents of a now very excited Skunktaur.
"Hello." Nancy said in a cheery voice, the afternoon was bright sunny and beautiful indeed. They had planned to go into town to see Heather at the hospital later but it seems they might just have to move that up a bit.
"MOM GUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!" Heather almost leaped into the phone.
Heather was ecstatic from what her mother could gather from the few words she had just spoken. "I don't know dear, something pleasant I would have to say." She smiled.
"Hector's asked me to marry him!!!!"
Nancy put her paw to her mouth, "Really!!!"
"I said yes!!!! Isn't that great, you should see the ring Mom its gorgeous!!!"
"I can well imagine, hold on hon." Heather could hear her Mother call for Sid, there was some minor thumping of the phone then her mother returned. "Your father's here tell him the news." She handed the phone to him as soon as he was close enough to grab it.
"Ok….what's this all about, hon? Your Mother's telling me you have good news, so spill."
"You're going to have to give me away Daddy, Hector proposed and I said YES!!" Her voice was breaking trying to contain her excitement.
"He did!!!! Well I guess that is news to celebrate, would he still be there by any chance."
"Standing right here Dad, ears tuned in and listening."
"Well put him on."
Heather handed the phone to Hector, "Its dad." She said softly.
"Hello Mr. White, seems you've heard the big news."
"Yes my boy, yes quite. Well congratulations son, you have yourself a fine young lady there."
"I know Mr. White she is indeed special and I didn't want to let her get away."
"Well you found the right way, lad."
"Yup, you should see her smile, its almost blinding." With that comment he got a swat.
"I'll just bet, you coming over later? I'd like to have a word or two with you if possible."
Hector thought that was a bit odd but he didn't think there was anything sinister to it, "Sure thing Mr. White I'll come right over, as soon as I pull our mutual love away from myself."
"Fine I look forward to seeing you; I'll give you back to Nancy." He handed the phone to his wife.
"Hello Hector."
"Hello Mrs. White."
"It's going to Mum soon, you got that."
"I understand."
"Congratulations Hector, she's a fine catch, and so are you."
"Thanks Mrs….ur Mum, I hope she thinks so."
"From the sounds of her voice, you hit pay dirt."
He grinned, "You're right. Here I'll give you back to her." He handed the phone back to Heather.
"You coming over to see it Mom? Oh…he also gave me a silver necklace and ear rings as well."
"They sound lovely dear we'll be over soon, Hector is coming here first then we'll be over, Ok."
"Sounds good, I'll see you soon and Mum….. I love you."
"Love you too dear, we'll see you soon."
"Bye Mom."
"Bye dear."
The phone died and Nancy looked at Sid. "Well…?" She had this look of question on her face.
"I just want to see where his priorities lie, that's all. Heather could wind up needing constant care, that's a lot to put on a young healthy fur such as Hector. I just want to be sure he understands what he's getting into."
"Sid, I think he knows, he can see."
"I know but how far…?"
She sighed, "That's true, love is blind to many things. Would you mind if I joined in the conversation, it might makes things a little easier."
"You're always there for me, Nance we'll do this together. I think things will be fine, Hector is a handsome young fur. One that I think is perfect for Heather, I just want to be sure he understands what he's in for. Plus I want to tell him that he's not alone in all this and reassure him that he can count on us for help."
"You're always caring for others."
"You know me all too well, Nance." He kissed her nose, knowing that his conversation with Hector would be a little easier now that she would be there. In truth he really didn't have that much doubt, but he wanted to be sure Hector was going to be happy with his daughter through sickness and health; the former being the worst case.
"Well she sounded happy." Hector said as he put the phone away.
"She sure did, thanks Hector." She kissed him again on the nose.
"Ok you two, enough, Hector seems you put the spark to my patient and I want to use it before it goes out again soooo if you don't mind?" She made a shooing gesture and he took the hint.
"Sure thing Sarah, gotta go Heather, I'll come back in tonight. Oh should I tell Sabrina the good news? I'll be seeing her soon."
"Sure I'll have plenty of people to tell, I'm sure though she'll try to call after you tell her."
"That I'm sure of, ok. I'm proud of you." He stroked her paw gently, looking at the ring that he just gave her, a symbol, a commitment, one he was going to keep. Whether or not Heather actually walks again didn't really matter, he was with her to the end.
"Thanks Hector." She smiled.
He could see that she wanted so much to make this work, it pained him to watch her try. "I'll see you soon." He waved and walked away from his true love and as soon as he was out of the room the two women heard a very loud and bodacious "YES!" from out in the hall. They both smiled and had a giggle to themselves.
He rang the doorbell nervously; he didn't know why he was so nervous. He'd really gotten to know Heathers parents rather well; he guessed it was just the fact that he was joining the family, so to speak, that had him a bit on edge. The door opened, Mrs. White had gotten it. She was a lovely lioness, beautiful in every way, he could see why Mr. White had chosen her.
"Hello Mrs. White." Hector's voice broke as he spoke and he quickly cleared his throat.
"Hector what did I tell you?" She eyed him good.
"Hello Mum."
"Much better, now come in, come in." She motioned him to the living room, as he walked past she was still astonished by his size. Not just his height but his overall size. His arms chest and shoulders were massive and legs were huge ending in giant hooves.
"It's a beautiful day." He spoke starting the conversation.
"Seems so, in many ways, I'm sure Heather is still floating."
"She was when I left, not too sure now that Sarah has her working again."
"Well I don't think that will stop her." Hector took a seat but when Sid entered the room, he promptly got back up again.
"Hello Hector nice to see you again, guess I should be the first to say welcome to the family." They shook paws and sat down once again.
"Thanks Mr. White, with all the latest additions I didn't think one more would be too much of a problem." He grinned.
"That's so true Hector." Nancy said also smiling.
Sid cleared his throat before he continued, "We just wanted to talk a bit about today that's all." Sid could see that Hector was nervous. "Hector …..no need to feel nervous around us two, your upcoming marriage to our daughter is fine with both of us." Hector let out a sigh. "Nancy and I just want to be sure you understand what you're getting into."
"I know Mr. White."
"Well we just want to be sure, you understand that as bad as this sounds, Heather might not ever walk again." Sid saw that hit him, not hard but it did affect him.
Hector took in a deep breath, "Yes that I do understand and well, I've thought long and hard about it too. Heather needs someone, and if she cannot walk then she'll need someone even more. When she was unconscious all I could do was think about her, she was always in my thoughts. I just never really realized it until she wasn't there anymore. I don't care if Heather can walk or not, I'm in love with Heather the person, not Heather the walking person."
Sid looked at his wife and nodded, "I suspected as much, we knew, we just wanted to be sure you knew."
"I do Mr. White I love Heather, so much so I even have a house plan being made up." Oops so much for the surprise he thought, drat.
"Oh…" Sid and Nancy said in unison.
"It's another surprise I plan to tell Heather about when we finally get married. I've been saving, for a home and I have enough to get one built. A few friends of mine are into that and they gave me a good deal. The home has been drawn up to accommodate us and a wheel chair for Heather. So if the worst happens, the house has ramps, doors and doorways to accommodate her needs."
"Hector, that's going to cost a fortune." Sid said.
"I know but she needs it, or maybe will need it."
Sid and Nancy looked at each other; this was a bit unexpected, a house. They didn't really know what to say.
"It's a beautiful gift Hector; you really do want the best for her don't you." Nancy said.
"I do Mum." She moved over to him and gave him a big hug, "Welcome to our family Hector, Heather has found a fine man to look after her." Hector trembled a bit for he hadn't been the most loved in his household, his mother never was really close to him, hugs were something out of a dream. However here he had found them and it frightened him a little but he opened his heart to them. "Thank you."
There was something else that Sid wanted to say, "Hector there is one other thing I think you should know and consider. Heather will probably tell you, but I think its best that we tell you. The doctors are not sure if Heather can actually have children. Everything is there but they don't know if it works."
Hector smiled, "Children are a bonus Mr. White. I'm not marrying Heather just to have kids. If she can't well we'll adopt a kid. It's not a big issue with me, it would be nice but it's not important at the moment. Getting her well and comfortable moving around, that's my priority."
"Ok Hector, I just didn't want you to be overly disappointed if you were looking to have a lot of children."
"If Heather wants lots then we'll adopt lots, I love kids. Especially good with ketchup "
Nancy looked at Hector, "Well that's good to hear, lots of little feet running around. I'll be a grandmother and spoil them rotten."
Hector smiled, "You'll always be welcomed if I know kids."
They all laughed at that and he really felt at home, he liked Heather's parents and they liked him. Now the big part was to tell his parents, first though he had to find them.
"I'll bet your parents will be surprised to hear the news Hector," Nancy said smiling. She was curious about Hector's parents because he hardly, or now that she thought about it, had never mentioned them.
Therein lay a potential problem. He knew his father wouldn't care, however his mother was a different story. She wasn't going like the fact that he was marrying outside his species, that was for sure. Then there was the fact that Heather wasn't the healthiest of individuals. He sighed knowing he better talk to the Whites about this lurking problem.
"Mr. and Mrs. White, there may be a small complication with my marriage to Heather."
They both looked a bit puzzled, "Go on son." Sid said.
"You see my parents are Catholic and they are separated, have been for years. Since they took a vow of marriage, they had to abide by it but since they dislike each other intensely it could prove to be a problem."
"Oh….you mean by their attending."
"No…my father won't care when I tell him, probably be congrats then go on to what he is doing at that particular moment. Since I am one of three, he really didn't care all that much for me. However, my mother is a different story, that's if I can find her."
"Oh…..I see. Probably not going to be too happy that you have stepped out of your line, correct?"
"You hit the nail on the head Mum. You see, my brother is bit of a ditz; my sister, well, she was bright and ran when she could. She lives not too far from here and I have not too bad a relationship with her. I might invite her instead of my mother. It might be the best course of action in this case. My Mother had high hopes for me when she saw my talents, but ……don't take this the wrong way ……but I'm sure in her eyes my marrying Heather would be an insult."
Sid looked at Nancy, "Hector, you tell your Parents, let them decide what they want to do. If they want to come well that's their business. We'll handle your mother if she comes around, it isn't her say anyway, it's yours and you have made your choice. We've had to come to Heather's aid many a time when people put her down, one even had the audacity to tell us to have her euthanized her put to sleep thinking she was so pathetic."
Hector's eyes almost popped out of his head. "You're joking Mrs. White, nobody could have said that."
"Believe me Hector it happened, it took all my strength to pull Nancy off the….ahem….woman who said it."
"You should have let me at least tear a bit more fur off her head….." Nancy said flexing her fingers. Hector gulped and made a mental note not to anger Heather's mom.
"Hector, Heather's childhood was not a pleasant one, she never really got a good hold of walking until she was in her teens. It might have been chemical or something else, we aren't really sure. She cried many tears growing up but we were there for her. So if your mother comes around spoiling for a fight, she better be able to win."
"Mom's no slouch but I don't think she could win against you two."
Nancy winked, "Now you go find them and tell them the news. See what they have to say, you never know they might surprise you."
In his mind he hoped that's what the case would be but he severely doubted it.
Sabrina was ecstatic at the news and gave him a big hug; he was getting to like this family. She was immediately on the phone to Heather and Hector was soon completely forgotten. He silently left the store letting the two women talk.
He found his father later that day; sure enough he was working for the same construction company that he had been on and off for many years. In his prime he had been red with a golden mane, which was rare for an equine, probably was what turned Mother onto him. He was a lot older now, his red coat grey in a lot of places, his golden mane now white. He was no longer a prime example of a fit equine and the decline startled him when he saw him after many years, nonetheless he still was his father. After he asked the foreman if he could enter the site, he was given a hardhat and he proceeded to wander through the construction site to talk with his father.
"Dad?" He said as he approached the large figure.
"Huh…." The large equine turned and a look of surprise came over the elongated face. "Hector, is that you?"
"Yeah dad it's me." He didn't know what to say next, his last conversation with his dad was when he semi conscious. It was his farewell speech and he doubted that he even remembered it. He had talked with him occasionally seeing him on the street but their conversations were very brief. Talking to him really was or had been a waste of time.
"Well what brings you around, bet you want something." The kids, that's all they ever came to see him about, wanting something, but now he had nothing to give.
"Not really dad, ah….can you put those boards down for a moment I really need to talk to you." The big equine did as asked and put the lumber aside then went and stood by a large loader, it was a bit quieter there.
"Ok Hector what do you want?"
Hector saw that he wasn't in the best of moods, "Nothing really Dad, I …uhm just wanted to tell you I'm getting married." He waited for his response.
His old man's eyes opened wide. "You are….heh never figured you for the marrying type. Guess I was wrong." He paused long enough to take a long breath, "So who is the lucky filly?"
He was pretty sure his dad wouldn't care about whom he married so he just went ahead and told him straight out. "Her name is Heather and she is not a filly Dad, she's a Skunktaur." He let that sink in.
Hector saw that his father was surprised but he really didn't say too much else. "Hmmmm now that is different; didn't think there was such a thing. Well if you like her son then it's a good thing."
"I do Dad, she's really smart." He hesitated in telling him the rest but if he was to see her he had to know. "Although she has had a major setback just lately."
"Oh…." His eyebrow raised in question.
"She had a stroke Dad, one that has affected her walking ability, I'm not sure she is going to fully recover."
He saw his fathers face grow taught, marrying was one thing but marrying a creature with a major disability like that was almost unheard of.
"Son, sounds like your getting yourself into a whole heap of trouble, if she doesn't recover she's gonna be a handful. Probably round the clock care, can you afford that?"
"I'll have to find a way Dad, I love her, her parents are supportive of the marriage, and they think I'll be good for her. Heather has several sisters who have been a big help to her."
The big horse let a big sigh, "Well I can only give advice son, if its love you feel and not pity then you should do alright." He patted his son's shoulder. "She sounds like a nice girl, sisters, that sounds good as well, she'll need some support."
"Yeah they are great, I just wanted you to know, I'll send you and invitation if you wish." Hector waited to see what he said.
"Won't be necessary Hector, I'd just be in the way, or cause problems, especially if your Mother decides she wants to come." Hector saw that he cringed at mentioning her, "Have you talked to her yet?" The words Hectors father spoke were unfeeling words, no love or hate resided in them, they were just words.
"No, I was hoping you might be able to tell me where she was, I want to at least tell her. I know she isn't going to like the fact that I'm marrying outside my species."
"Well don't let her walk all over yah, stick to your commitments, she has a way of trampling you into the ground. I should know." He took out a pen from the overalls he was wearing and a small slip of paper. He wrote something hardly ledge able on it then handed it to Hector. "Try there, I heard she was around there about a week ago, the trail should be fresh."
"Thanks Dad, I won't mentioned that I got this from you."
"Good idea son. Well I gotta get back to work, my best to you and ….." He had forgotten her name already, he almost cried.
"Heather Dad."
"Heather…..yes, right, she'll be good for you."
"I know it Dad, you take care." Hector waved good-bye and started to walk out of the yard. He saw the foreman and walked over to give him back his hat.
The foreman looked a bit worried, "Sorry about your Dad there son, he's one of our best workers. Known him for years; he'll be missed."
Hector was a bit taken aback, "Huh? I don't understand."
"He didn't tell you!" The foreman exclaimed, "That SOB…..well I'm gonna tell you, son your father is dying, he has a brain tumor. He's got about maybe a week or two left."
"What!!!!" Hector ran back into the yard, his hat fell off as he ran to catch up to his father. "Dad…Dad..!!!"
The big equine turned around and swore, he knew what had happened. "Hector you shouldn't be here with out a safety hat on." He said to his son as he ran up, acting like nothing had happened.
"WHY!!!!! Why didn't you tell me???" He was shouting.
"Calm down, your shouting is not going to change things, I'm dead already."
"No your not!! You're here, right now talking to me, now why didn't you tell me?" He was angry.
"It wouldn't have made any difference Hector, you cannot change it, no one can. None of you kids cared for me anyway, can't blame any of you though; you were the best and I was the worst." He put his head down, a tear came to his eye and he quickly wiped it away; hoping that Hector had not seen. "You go on, have a good life Hector, you deserve it, after the one I gave you it will be a good change."
Hector saw this was no act, his father had seen the light but he felt it was too late. In fact he probably wanted to come to see him but the past had put a wall there that he thought that he couldn't break.
"Dad I cannot change the past, it's gone but I can change the here and now. I'd like to introduce you to Heather, at least you'd get to see her, I haven't told her a lot about my childhood. She knows that you are separated and things didn't go well for your marriage but I'd still like to introduce you to her. It would mean a lot to me."
Hector's fathers straightened up, trying to stand tall, "You were always the bright one, I could see it in you when you were just small. You had a knack for things the others didn't, which side of the family it came from I don't know but I'm glad it was you who got it." He rested his giant paw on Hector's shoulder, "You sure about this?"
"Yes Dad, please come."
"Ok I will if that is your wish, is tonight alright?"
"Tonight will be fine Dad, she'll be glad to see you."
"Sounds like this Heather of yours is a good woman."
"She is dad, she's the best."
"Then I won't disappoint you or her, I'll see you tonight."
"I'll come around 7 to pick you up."
"That will be fine."
They exchanged numbers of where they hung their hats after the day was over. Hector hadn't seen this side of his father, a humbled one and it wore well on him.
When Hector got home he looked up the two numbers that he hadn't called in a long time, Carl and Suzan. His brother and sister, his brother he hadn't spoken to in years but Suzan he had kept in touch with. She was a stripper at a local club and made good money. He had thought growing up that's what she'd wind up doing. She was certainly built for it, with her huge watermelon tits, he could see why. Carl on the other hand was older, 11 years older and mean as they come. He'd been arrested several times and hung out with the wrong crowd. He was tempted not to call him but it was only fair that if he wanted to make peace with his dad that he'd have the chance. He tried the number but found it was out of service. Now he was going to have to go looking, drat.