Chapter 4 : I do….I do.
England : A calm and balmy night.
The phone rang and interrupted Ti and Richards Television watching. Since getting the new Satellite dish it was something they had found relaxing to do after some of the horrible days they'd have been having as of late. She got up reluctantly and picked up the cordless phone.
"Hello, Kent residence." If it was another call in she wasn't sure what she was going to say.
"Hi Ti it's Heather."
Upon hearing Heather's voice Ti's heart soared. Ti quickly sat back down on the couch, eager to hear what her sister had to say. Making Richard curious as to who was calling, he didn't have to wait long to find out. "Heather how nice to hear from you, how are you doing love?" Richard smiled as Ti winked in his direction. He knew that Ti had been incredibly worried about Heather. Ever since Sabrina's call she had been on edge.
"Not bad, been working out, I take it you have already heard the news." She was sure that Sabrina had spread the news like wild fire.
"Yes dear, we all know….phone calls erupted over here, congratulations."
Heather could hear Richards voice in the back ground congratulating her as well. She liked Richard he was right for Ti. "Got a moment to spare."
"Sure dear, we would have called but with your schedule we weren't sure where you'd be and I would hate to have woken you just as you had fallen asleep."
"Thanks Ti, you knew I'd call any way."
You should have called earlier, she thought. "Yes, we were pretty sure on that." Ti smiled although very relieved inside. "How's Hector holding up?"
"Good, his father and his sister will be over tonight to see me, it should be an interesting conversation."
This was a new development she thought, "Oh…I thought you told me that Hector didn't have much to do with his father."
"Yes…that's true but things have sort of turned here, Hector's father is dying…." She found it hard to say the last few words, dying….she had come so close herself in that department.
"Oh ….sorry to hear that love." Ti saw Richards face turn to one of question.
"I think he wants to make peace or try to anyway before he passes on."
"Tis a good thing, I hope it works out."
"I hope so too." There was a long pause and Ti knew something was up. "Uh….Ti …uhm…"
"Come on Sis you don't have to beat around the bush with me, remember I'm your sister."
"My big sister you mean…." Heather had to smile, big described Ti to a tee.
"Well….yes in that way. What's on your mind?"
"It's about your wedding…."
Ti's face dropped, oh no…she wasn't going to be able make it!!! She began to panic, a dark cloud circled her head, Richard saw the look on her face and became overly concerned. "You're not going to be able to make it…??" Ti said in question.
She could hear the fear in her sister voice, it was broadcasting on every frequency. "Oh ..Ooh no Ti that's not it….no no no. I was thinking….I know it's your day and all but I was wondering if….." She didn't get to finish for Ti finished the sentence for her. It seems she had guessed.
"MAKE IT A DOUBLE WEDDING!!!!!!" Heather pulled the phone away from her ear, half expecting another outburst. Now Richard face became one of surprise.
"Ahhh…yeah……I don't want to spoil your wedding Ti……it's your day but I thought…"
"Hold on dear let me converse with my other half." Ti put the phone down and put a pillow over it so as to give them some privacy. "I take it you heard."
"How could I not…" Richard said smiling.
"Well it's up to you."
He made a face, "Oh no it's up to us."
"Well you know my decision."
"I do…." Richard eyebrows went up.
Ti rubbed her fiancés head mussing up his hair. "Of course you do."
He grinned, "You tell your Sister that I'd be happy to have a double wedding, everyone is going to be here anyway….will make things easier. Hector and I can have a few nights on the town as single gentlefurs."
"Oh you…" Ti took the phone from under the pillow. "Heather…"
"Yes still here."
"Tell your bo….to be ready to get hitched when he gets off that plane." She had to smile this was going to be the event of the year around these parts.
"Really!!! OH thanks Ti…….this is great news!!!! Wait till Mom hears this."
"Seems I have some calling to do too, Sister."
"Yeah…this is going to be fantastic."
"It will be Heather, it will be." She could hear Heather breathing hard. "Heather I think it best to slow down some, now our wedding isn't for awhile yet, I still want to see if Swallow wakes up."
"I know but I had to ask now to make sure it was ok with you…..none of this last minute stuff."
"I understand, I'll let my Mother know and everyone else on this end that it will be a double wedding, you take care of everyone on that side of the pond."
"Gottcha. Ti thanks, please tell Richard too."
"Why not do it yourself…." She handed the phone to Richard.
"Hello Heather, how are you."
Heather found Richards accent long and sometimes hard to understand, not like Ti's at all. "Hi Richard, taking it one step at a time….literally."
"I see….well you'll always get where you're going that's for sure."
"Thanks, and I'd like to thank you for allowing me to join your special day."
"Think nothing of it, now it will be our special day." He thought ahead to that day and his stomach turned, he was nervous enough as it was; now even more so.
"Ti's lucky to have you."
"Oh I think she'd agree to that…" He laughed and so did Heather. Ti looked confused?
"I'll take Hector for a tour round the town, I think he'll like that."
"Oh yes Richard he would….I don't think he's had a lot of time to travel."
"Well I'll give him the grand tour. Now Heather I don't want this to cost you a fortune, I'll put you back to Ti."
"Ok Richard nice talking with you."
"You too Heather, it will be good seeing you up and about."
"Not to worry you will." She was sure of that, even if she had to crawl!
He handed the phone back to his future wife.
Ti was happy to get the phone back, "Is there anything else Heather?"
"I don't think so, not at the moment but I'm sure some things will come to me later."
"I'm sure of that….ok love you take care best to all of you."
"You too Ti, oh and say hi to Ezzy for me, give her my love."
"I will, she misses all of you guys."
"I bet, but we'll all be together soon, it should be quite the extravaganza."
"Yes we'll be the talk of the town, probably get our names and photos in the paper."
"Think so…."
"It's a small town sis, I know so."
"Ok…take care Ti."
"My love to you Heather, say hi to Hector and everyone for me."
"I will, bye."
"Bye love."
The phone went dead and Ti looked at Richard, "Well this will indeed be a wedding not to forget."
"Yup ….what's going to be black and white all over…….our wedding…."
"Yup and heaven forbid that we get gas!!!!!" Richard held his nose and Ti laughed.
"More like a gas mask. Shall I add them to list????"
She poked him and he yelped, they soon were cuddled together watching a movie they both had seen many times before. It didn't matter, she had heard from her sister. Now if only she could get that one other call. She held Richard tight not wanting to let go of him for fear he would leave; just as Swallow had. A small tear escaped her eye and she gently wiped it away. She said a silent prayer for Swallow then went back to relishing in Richard's company.
Canada
Hector's truck pulled up into his father's home drive. He waited for a few minutes; when no one appeared he got out and went to the front door of the very small home. He knocked loudly and waited patiently for the door to open, finally the door moved and there stood his Father. He was almost dressed, his shirt wasn't fastened and his mane was a complete mess. Adding to the facts he didn't look well at all.
"Dad?"
"Hello Hector", he said softly. "Come in, my apologies……I'm not at my best tonight." He hung his head.
His dad didn't have to mention it, he was obviously unwell. "It's ok Dad….we can do this another night." He secretly hoped he would back down.
His aging father raised his head and stared Hector right in the face; their eyes clashed and locked. "No, there will not be another time." He was deathly serious and it frightened Hector.
"Dad??" Hector thought that they should be going to the hospital, then he almost slapped his head for that's exactly where they we're going. For a moment he put his father's health aside for he knew if all else he would have a doctor look at him at the hospital. He looked around the room and saw that most things were in boxes and the walls were bare. "Dad…..what's with all the boxes?"
His father turned his back to him, "I don't have the money to stay here. Most of my stuff is in storage, doesn't matter anyway I don't have that much longer."
"Dad don't talk like that."
Charley Sandrom sighed a heavy sigh, "Hector…..there isn't time to deny it, my time has run out, all I can do is let it come." He turned back to Hector, "However I can see my son's Fiancé' before I go." He put his paw on his son's shoulder.
"I'm glad too." Hector smiled, "Can I help you get ready."
A fur's pride is something that is last thing you are left with when everything else is gone; Charley Sandrom felt it was the only thing he had left. He didn't want to admit it but he really needed the help tonight, his paws were extremely shaky. Finally he relented for it would delay them even more, "I could use some." Hector saw that his dad didn't want to say it, he just nodded and followed his dad back to his bedroom.
After finishing up with his Dad, they set out to the dark green truck. Hector hadn't told him about Suzan, he was now afraid to seeing how fragile he was. As they settled into the vehicle, Hector started the car but before he started off he turned and spoke, "We have to pick up Suzan on the way." He waited to hear his father's reaction.
He was slow to reply, "She wanted to see me?"
He hated to tell him, "No….not really but I informed her of your situation."
"Probably came to see if it was true….this might not be such a hot idea son. You know how she really feels about me." He sighed a heavy sigh.
"She's coming for me and I told her you have changed and that you wouldn't make waves."
"Me just being here Hector, is enough to make them."
"I agree but just let things flow….say hello anyway, I'm figuring the conversation will be light. If there is any at all."
"I understand." His father put his paw to his head and put his head back.
"Dad??"
Charley turned his eyes closed, "Just a bit of pain son, comes and goes…..bad tonight though….too much excitement I guess."
"We can cancel Dad."
"No …lets go, I don't want to keep your sister waiting."
Hector nodded and backed out of the driveway.
The truck was perfect for him, lots of room for him to stretch. Although he thought that he probably should be looking more now for a large van, if he was to be with Heather. Heather wouldn't fit at all and he had to try and make her comfortable, he made a mental note to look soon. The apartment complex was nice and sure enough there was his sister outside waiting by a fence. He hadn't seen her in awhile and she looked good.
Charley moved over to give her room. As she opened the door her face lost all expression.
"Dad!!!!"
"Hello Suzan, it's nice to see you again." It was quiet and a bit slurred too much for Hector's liking. His Dad had also slunk down on one side putting most of his weight against Hectors shoulder.
"Sis I think we better get Dad to the hospital right now!"
"Yeah I think so….." She jumped in, "Floor it bro!!!!"
"Hector!!!" Charley exclaimed "You slow down this minute!!!" He had tried to make it sound authoritative but it came out slurred and hardly comprehendible.
"Dad your not in any position to tell me what to do…..you need help now!" The truck tore out of the parking lot like it was on fire and made the Hospital in record time. They pulled up to the emergency and Hector promptly jumped out and ran for the doors. Suzan stayed behind and tried to comfort her ailing father.
Charley eyed his daughter, she was beautiful, took after her mother; in her younger days. He really didn't know what to say to her, he was so ashamed at what he had done in the past the he didn't know where to begin. "You know…you two were my favorites, I was so proud of you." Blood ran from his nose and he wiped it away with the back of his paw, staining the white fur.
"Dad….save your strength." Suzan said, she didn't want to see him this way…she knew he was ill but this was a nightmare. He was so weak, she remembered how strong he once was and now…this was heartbreaking. Tears came to her eyes, she didn't know really why, in the past she hated him for what he had done. Running away seemed to have been her only escape at the time now all she wanted to do was be by her father's side.
"Tears…." He coughed, "For me…heh…didn't think I deserved them." In his mind he felt that this might be the end and that if he didn't say something that all this would be in vain. "Suzan…I cannot change the past, but I can say I'm sorry. I was a rotten father, one who deserved this fate. Our gods punishment I guess, soon I'll have to account for my actions."
She had to stop him, "Dad…..come on save your strength." Suzan saw his eyes wander then he choked and blood poured out from his nostrils and in one final act he said.
"I'm sorry." His body became limp and Suzan cried. She felt for a pulse….there was one but it was weak, very weak, she screamed for help!!!
Suzan paced back and fourth, she didn't know why she really cared for him, where had these feelings come from. "Hector something's really wrong here."
Hector looked at his sister, "How so?"
"I'm all mixed up; I hate Dad….or so I thought I did, until now."
Hector stood up and put his arm around his sister, "It means my big sister has a conscience and is a good person inside. I know you may never forgive him totally but you're willing to give him a chance. That's proves you're a kind soul."
"But Hector I…"
"I know, it's hard to give up hating and turn but you proved it tonight."
She began to cry, "Hec….he said he was sorry!!!"
Hector hugged his sister for it was all he knew what to do. She sobbed and he comforted her as best he could.
The doctor came out of the hospital room and looked at the two equines who were sitting waiting nervously. He sighed deeply, he didn't really have it in him today…relating bad news really took it out of him, he was too old for this. He hated this job sometimes. "Hector Sandrom." He annouced.
"Yes Doctor, I'm Hector Sandrom and this is my sister Suzan." They both rose and shook his paw.
"Hello….pleased to meet you both, I'm Dr. Potter. Please sit, I have some thing's I want to discuss with you."
As they sat, Hector glanced at the aging giraffe, "I know about Dad's tumor."
His face brightened a bit, "Well that's good, I'm glad you were aware of his condition…I was afraid you didn't. Then you understand how serious this is. I'm not Mr. Sandrom's Doctor but I have been touch with him, he is in the advanced stages of the disease and will be prone to attacks like this."
"You mean he's not going to die." Suzan interjected.
"Well…..yes he is going to die but not tonight…..he just needs rest…..the more stress he has the worse his condition will get."
Hector and Suzan looked at each other, then Hector spoke, "Well tonight I guess would have been pretty stressful for him."
"Yeah." Suzan agreed.
"I've admitted him, you'll have to sign some papers for him being here."
"Yeah ok." Hector knew that this wouldn't be cheap but he had no choice.
"He'll be better tomorrow, the rest will do him good."
"Doctor he bled a lot…." Suzan said softly.
"Yes, unfortunately it's a side effect of the tumor, blood builds up pressure in his head and finally it lets go, the nose is the closest exit point. Go home you two, you cannot do any more for your father than you already have."
"We will, thank you Doctor."
"Take care you two, I'm sorry to have to break the bad news to you."
They both nodded and the giraffe doctor left them to themselves.
"Well Hec, meeting Heather should be a breeze after this." Suzan spoke.
Hector did the forms then they headed towards Heather's room. She was reading when they came in. Her taur body lay on its side but her torso was turned almost 90 degree's. It looked painful but to Heather it was just normal taur flexibility.
"Hey four foot!" Hector said coming into the room.
"Hey…." She looked at the couple coming in and smiled. Hector was right about his sister being well endowed, she knew if she had a pair of those…..she probably wouldn't be able to stand up.
"Heather this is my sister Suzan."
"Big sister little bro….nice to meet you Heather." Suzan said as they shook paws.
"I can see the family resemblance." Heather said with a bit of astonishment, for it was true. Suzan had the same facial structure as Hector, a short muzzle and soft curves. Most equines had long muzzles and hard edges. She was a combination of red and blond fur and very striking, she was sure she would be the envy of the dancers. For one thing was for sure she was certainly built for it. Most equines were of standard colours, however there were a few exotics, like Suzan here. She also seemed the friendly sort, out going too, which Heather liked. "Ah….didn't you say your Dad was coming….I hope everything is ok."
Hector sighed, "Well he collapsed on his way here Heather."
"Oh…..no…I'm so sorry, is he ok?"
"He's been admitted here for the night, he needs rest."
Heather took Hectors paw, "I'm sorry Hector, I know how much this meant to you."
"Well I made it!!" Suzan interjected…..to Hectors surprise, "Little bro here tells me you're into the computers and stuff!"
Heather smiled, little bro…she almost laughed out loud. "A bit, I have a small store on main street downtown."
"A very profitable store downtown, the sales figures came in for the month, you did great."
"No Hector you guys did great, I just sat here like a giant sack of potato's."
"Ah…..that's not entirely true, remember the inventory day….." He winked.
"Oh …..forgot about that……ick …..you had to remind me. But anyway Suzan, to answer you question aside from falling down all the time I do some computer stuff."
"Hector say's your doing pretty good ..I mean getting around." She had only seen a taur once in her life, it was at the bar, however she had never really got to talk with him. Heather was really different, she had no idea that there was such thing as a Skunktaur!
"He hasn't seen the bad days Suzan….it's not going that well!" She sighed.
"Oh you''ll get it….." Then Suzan saw a glint of metal around Heather's legs, where they had poked out beneath the sheet. She was shocked, what was it she wondered?
Heather saw the look on Suzan's face and figured that she saw the leg brace. "If your wondering Suzan the metal you see are leg braces, my right side was greatly affected by my stroke and it is very weak. They installed braces on my right legs which allow me to stand. It's taken me sometime to get used to them." Heather concentrated hard and her right rear leg moved out from the covers showing off the metal support attached to it. "There now you can see it bit better."
"OWWW!!! That looks painful, you poor girl!!!!" Suzan said in horror.
"Yeah, they are." At the moment they didn't feel too bad.
"Awww you poor thing, I'm glad you have Hec here to keep you company."
"He's a life saver if you ask me Suzan." She grinned.
"What flavor?"
"Hmmmmmmm……I think he'd have to be the green one."
Suzan laughed. "Oh yeah he's the green one all right!!!!"
Hector just frowned, "I am NOT the green one!" He defended himself….which made the girls laugh even more.
"Heather we're going to get a long fine." She went over and gave Heather a big hug, which for her small frame was indeed a big hug. "You're all right."
"Well I will be….eventually." Heather sighed then opened the drawer on the table at the side of her bed and took out the jewel box and handed it to Suzan. "Take a look at my engagement present."
Suzan opened the box and her eyes almost came out of her head. "F__K would you look at those jewels!!!!"
"Suzan!" Heather smiled.
"Hec I'll marry you for these puppies!!!!" Suzan exclaimed.
"Sorry already taken." Hector smiled.
"Well these take your breath away that's for sure Heather."
"Yeah all I have to do is get these ears of mine pierced and I'll be set."
"I know someone who really does good piercing, got all the …..right tools."
Hector looked at his sister for he knew the crowd she hung out with and she eye'd him back. "What!!! He's legit Hec, got a nice spot up town and he's a doc!!! Satisfied!!!!"
Hector smiled, "I trust you sis, I know you wouldn't do anything to harm Heather."
"Your darn toot'n!" She gave him a jab…and Heather giggled, she liked Suzan. She had grown on her quickly. "Hey think you could give us a minute for some girl talk Hec…..please!!" Suzan made eyes at him. Heather had to stifle a laugh, oh this was good.
"Sure I thought this might happen, get women together and ……"
"Hush boy!" She smacked his butt.
"Ok I see that I'm not wanted at the moment, I'll be back in about 10 minutes. I'll try to make noise to warn yah!"
"Oh you don't have to try bro….." Suzan laughed.
"See you in a few." Hector waved and he was gone.
Suzan took a look out the door, just to be sure he was gone. It wasn't that she didn't trust him. It was the fact that this would be a tremendous temptation to eavesdrop. He was gone, as she thought so she turned to Heather.
"Great Hec's gone."
"You didn't think he'd stay??" This perturbed Heather for it seemed that Suzan didn't really trust her brother, she knew Hector and he wouldn't have stayed.
"Oh ….well I thought he might, considering our relationship. I'm damn well sure he's wondering what the heck I'm talking to you about right now."
"I think I would be too, if the roles were reversed." Heather wasn't really sure what Suzan wanted either but it seemed that she was going find out in a few moments.
"Well I need to know some information from you." She smiled.
Heather smiled, "Ok what do want to know?"
"Have you seen Hec naked?" Heather's eyes opened wide. "Oh come on Heather it's a straight enough question."
"I know but…."
"Well….have you?"
"I don't know if I should be talking to you about this."
"All right then forget that, I'll fill you in then. Hector is big, bigger than most equines in sexual dept. I know, I've seen him." Heather was a bit shocked but settled to listen. "I don't want you to be upset when the day comes for sex and you can't take him."
"What!!!!"
"Heather listen to me, most equines are big naturally, so taking someone like Hec is easy. However for you its gonna be a big…. pardon the pun….problem."
"I..I..I.."
"Look Heather I doubt you've had very much experience with this, if you have you can tell me to shut my trap right now." She looked at Heather and reading her face when she got the her response she continued. "I thought so, its nothing to be ashamed of, it just makes things a little harder. I'm sure that your doctor is going to tell you same thing, that's if you want to have sex with Hec???" She looked for a sign.
Heather thought this was a fairly open conversation but continued in fashion, "Of course I do, to tell you the truth I want to have his children eventually!"
"Great, that's what I wanted to hear. Heather you're not going to be able to take any length of Hector into you unless you do a bit of stretching if you get my drift. Its just not going to fit and if he tries too hard some ones gonna get hurt and it ain't going to be Hector."
Heather looked at Suzan this was indeed a personal conversation, "How do you know?"
"I know hun I know, I've seen him hard and your not going to believe your eyes. But that's not to say you can't take him, without some practice. I think your doctor will advise the same thing. You have an advantage you're a taur and that means you probably have a long canal that will be able to take Hector probably to the hilt. Most of our kind probably make it half way with Hec."
Heather couldn't believe this, "He's that big!!"
Suzan grinned, "Yup….you hit the jackpot with Hector. He doesn't brag about it like some of the equines in town that are his size. He's a gentle fur and a kind soul, he wouldn't hurt you, even if meant not having sex with you. That's why I'm stepping in, I'm afraid he's going to chicken out on you, not because he doesn't love you but for not wanting to hurt you. He knows he big and that in turn is his problem."
"Oh my I ….I didn't realize." She knew that she was going to talk with her doctor about having sex soon anyway. But she really didn't think this information would come from Hector's sister.
"Yeah I didn't think this would come to you and I didn't want you to feel well disheartened. Now you can talk with him when the time comes and if things go well you should be able to have some fun in the mean time."
"Ah….how?"
"Well….I had thought about this on the way over and I think I can give you a wedding present a little earlier than your date."
"Oh…" Heather's eyebrows perked up.
"Got your interest huh…….well I can get you a really good set of dildo's that would range in size from small to ….well Hector size……the two of you could have some fun with them. When you reached the end of them …..well you be set to take Hec on……sound good???" Suzan looked to see if this all reached Heather.
"I suppose you're right, I guess I am going to need some help in that dept but I never thought it come from you….Hector's Sister!!!!"
Suzan laughed, "Oh there's more to me than meets the eye Heather. Ok, I'll get you the set and you can spring it on Hector, I'm sure some of the pressure will lessen when you talk with him about it." She paused then went on, "He's in love…. head over heels with you. I can see it; you must be really special Heather for I have never seen him this way. Oh he's had dates but he wasn't like this, you've won his heart totally."
"Well he's won mine too; he's a special fur that's for sure. Not many would be willing to take me on even in my best condition."
"HUH!!!!!!! Heather you're really pretty what's that stuff you're spouting???"
"Oh …Suzan you wouldn't believe how many customers I've lost the minute I've walked out from behind the counter."
"No…..you're not serious?" She couldn't see anything wrong with Heather, she was pretty.
"It's a sad fact Suzan, taurs are not well liked, specially by those purists! One customer actually spit at me."
"I didn't know they had come this far. I've heard rumors and read some of the incidents in the papers. I've never known someone affected by it though."
"No one really knows, well my parents know and other taurs and mixed species, we all know."
"Well you picked one fellow who knows how to defend himself and you." She smiled and Heather grinned.
"I know."
"Oh……" Suzans eyebrows went up.
"Hector flattened a fur who insulted me one night we were out, I was flattered and it was that night I gave him my first kiss."
"Well that probably did it right there…Hec's strong but soft at heart, wouldn't hurt anyone really. Look Heather I didn't mean to come on so strong but sometimes it takes someone who's a bit brash to take a hold of a situation. I'm in the biz and I know how it is. I want you two to be happy and sex is a part of that happiness, like it or not."
Heather took Suzan's paw for she was truly trying to help. "And it takes someone special to come out and talk with a perfect stranger about it as well." She smiled, "I'm glad Hector has you, you're good for him."
"You bet I am, and you too. Welcome Heather it's going to be great having you as a step sister."
"Same here."
"I'll get your gift for you and deliver it to you personally, no delivery people involved. So don't worry no one will know."
"Thanks…..I'll have a talk with Hector soon about this subject, like you said it's part of the relationship."
"Yeah and I want you two to have a good one."
"Me too, believe me I want that as well!!!!"
Suzan smirked, "We all want that honey!!!!" They both broke into laughter which was interrupted by the clearing of ones throat. The two women looked at Hector who just walked in.
"Seems you are getting along just fine, I see."
"Your sister is a wonderful fur Hector."
"You don't know her yet!!!" To which he got a poke from Suzan.
A big grin came to Suzan's face. "Oh she'll get to know me and you!!!!" To which Hector's ears drooped. Heather and Suzan laughed and laughed, it was going to be a nice evening.