Disclaimer: Baloo, Rebecca Cunningham, Don Karnage, Kit Cloudkicker, Molly Cunningham and WildCat are (c)1990/1991 Walt Disney Company and are being used without premission. The writer has made sure that all material represented here is not used for profit and is used with the upmost respect to Disney and the Tale Spin team. All other characters are the property of the writer.
Disclaimer#2: The characters of Scatcat and Thomas O'Mally are creations of the very talented Larry Clemmons, Vance Gerry, Frank Thomas, Julias Svendsen, Ken Anderson, Eric Cleworth, Ralph Wright and author of the book "Albert and Victoria", David Duff. Don't Worry! I did not make any money from the use of these characters.
Is ordinary life a joke? No one on this blessed earth has an ordinary life Not by the rules in the sky Everyone has a right to life But not ordinary Ask any person in this world if they had had an ordinary life They will respond with a yes But in fact they're eyes lie And than you understand that their ordinary life was all in their mind ******
The ordinary life was a joke for a young bear cub named Kit Cloudkicker. Eversince he was born, his life was a hectic battle of secrets and lies and tragedy. He could write a whole tragedy on his life. A regular Bill Shakespeare Baloo said. But the trunk that was filled with his parents most precious belonging stared him down everytime he passed it. It was too hard for him to open it. He was afraid of what he might find, but was anxious at the same time.
"Kit, why don't ya open the trunk . You could find a whole bunch a things that could connect you with your parents" Baloo told Kit.
Kit replied with a grim expression.
"Come on it won't hurt."
"I just can't do it, Baloo. I might be setting myself up for a disappointment. No telling whats in that trunk."
"Well, it's just gonna bother ya till ya open it" Baloo said walking out of their room.
Kit sat on his bed for a moment staring at the small trunk sitting in the corner. He didn't want to, but he was finally tempted to take a peek inside. He closed the door and walked over to the trunk . He placed it his lap and carefully tore off the tape that was keeping it shut .
The first item he saw was a birth certificate. His birth certificate.
It read:
Kristopher Payton Cloudkicker Son of Vincent and Sabrina Cloudkicker Born on March 16, 1925 Weight: 5ibs. 10oz. Length: 18ins. Time: 2:40a.m.
"I know my birthday now and it's coming up soon" he said out loud setting the certificate on the floor. He pulled out the next item in the box. It was a fancy book with a painting of a beach on the cover. Kit opened the book to find it was his mother's diary. He flipped to the first page.
*****
March 16, 1925
This was my present for giving life today. What I mean is. I gave birth to my first child. My son . I named him after my father- Kristopher Payton. He is so beautiful and perfect. I know he is bound for greatness one day. With his father's intelligence and my creativeness, he will be someone special one day.
December 25, 1925
Kit gave me the best Christmas gift. He said his first word- Moma.
July 4, 1927
We were caught. The rats took Vincent and I haven't seen him since. I don't even know if he is still alive. I doubt it though. The thought makes me quiver. Kit wouldn't stop crying last night. The guards were angry. I didn't know what to do.
July 9, 1925
They took my precious baby away from me. First Vincent, now Kit. I can't live anymore. Not without my family. I'll never see them again. But I only shed two tears. It is useless to tear anymore. It will not bring them back. Their coming to take me next. I can feel it. Now, I know, my life ends today.
****
That was it. The entrees stopped. Kit closed the diary. He couldn't help but shed tears for his parents. His mother's words were so sad. He tried not to imagine him being taken from his mother's arms. He saw her pleading to not to take him away from her. He put the diary down. A photo fell out. Kit picked it up. The old black and white photo's edges were worn. The photo had a baby and two adult bears. He turned it over. The back read:
The Cloudkickers 1927
"This must of been taken right before they were caught" Kit murmured to himself. "She's gorgeous. I never imagined my mom being so pretty."
Kit thought of the orphanage. All the kids there. There was so many kids. He was only a face in a crowd there. Tiny beds as far as the eye could see. He didn't want to remember that. No telling where all those kids were now. He never made friends with any of them. The care taker never really learned their names. He was just bed number 27. Just another face in a sea of misery.
Kit crawled over to the nightstand that was between his and Baloo's beds and set the picture up on it. Going back to rummaging though his parents things, he picked up another book . It was entitled "Etiology: the Cause".
"Etiology. Isn't that the study of causes?" Kit asked himself placing the book down on top of his mother's diary. The next item was a white baby romper with the name Kristopher "Kit" Cloudkicker on the bid. Kit smiled at the thought of him running around as a baby in the little romper he held in his paws.
The blueprint of Kit's airfoil was the following thing in the box. It was just like Kit had pictured it in his head. That's how he had made him a new.
He pulled out an old worn notebook out of the bow. It was tattered with the initials SGC in big gold letters. ~Sabrina Golden Cloudkicker~ Kit murmured in his head. He opened the notebook. Poetry. Everywhere. It was his mother's poetry book that she use to express herself in.
The Gift of Life
Something happened today It was real I felt it It was the gift of life that I gave I couldn't explain the feeling for it is too great The wonder of life itself comes to mind Then a river full of feelings floods your every being That's when you first see him and know that it was worth it
Kit's Song
I can't imagine any feeling Waking up without you here Although the sun Will still shine My whole world Would be lost But not for long If I had to run If I had to crawl If I had to swim a hundred rivers Or to climb a thousand walls Always know that I would find a way To get to where you are There's no place that far
A Short Story
A short story I fall upon you For you to read Now my gift is through
The Last Day of Cessation
Two Four Their at my door Five Six They brought their sticks Seven Eight They know my fate Ten Eleven I'm off to heaven
With that, Kit stopped. His stomach felt sick and he felt like losing his breakfast, but tried keeping it in. He put down the notebook and laid on his bed. He couldn't get the imagine the poem described out of his head. He couldn't look in the trunk anymore. The hardship was overbearing. So, he locked the door and deplored.
"Has anyone seen, Kit?" Baloo asked a couple hours later.
"I haven't seen him today" Rebecca replied taking off her glasses and setting them on the desk.
"I haven't seen him since I woke up this mornin'."
"Maybe he's with Guinna and Molly outside?"
"I'll go see."
The big bear went outside and saw the two girls sitting on the dock giggling, but Kit wasn't there.
"Hey, girls. Have ya'll seen Kit-boy?"
"Sorry, Baloo. We haven't seen him all day. I thought he was just running an earnin for Rebecca."
"Okay. Thanks anyway."
"Do you have any idea where he could be?"
"No. I'm gonna go check the bedroom. That's the last place I saw em'."
Baloo left the girls and went to the bedroom upstairs. He grabbed for the door knob.
"Locked. We never lock our door. Kit has to be in there. Kit! Are you there?"
No answer.
"Kit if your in there, open up. It just ya o'buddy Baloo."
As the big bear was fixing to give up, he heard a voice come from inside.
"Go away please. I want to be alone" Kit yelled clinching his pillow. Baloo noticed a hint of upset in his voice and realized Kit had opened the trunk.
"Kit, what's wrong? Are you all right? Open the door. I want to come in."
"Leave me alone!"
"Kit, what's wrong? Did you open that trunk?"
The door opened. Kit's face was tear soaked.
"Yeah, I did."
"What'd ya find? It musta been something pretty upsetin' to make you cry like that."
"I read something my mom wrote in her poetry book and it made me sick."
"Well, what was it, Lil' Britches?" the large bear asked walking in the room.
"It was this" Kit said handing Baloo the notebook with turning to the last page.
Baloo looked at it then began to read it. "The Last Day of Cessation. Two, four, they at my door, five, six, they brought they sticks, seven eight, They know my fate, ten, eleven, I'm off to heaven." Baloo paused. "I'm sorry, Kid. But I really don't get this poetry thing."
"Don't you see! The last day of cessation means the last day of death! That was the day my mom was murdered. Something that shouldn't of happen. Why did they kill my mom? Why did they kill my dad?" Kit sobbed putting his face in his paws.
"I'm sorry, Kit." The big bear put his arm around the young cub. "I wish there was somethin' I could do, but I can't. Your parents have been gone for eleven years."
"I know, Baloo. I wish it wouldn't of happen."
Guinna and Becky walked in. They heard the shouting all the way from downstairs.
"Kit, are you okay?" Becky said walking up to him.
"He's all right, Becky. Just got a little emotional from readin' his mother's poetry."
"O, Kit. I'm sorry. Is there anything I could do?" Rebecca said.
"No, thanks, Miz Cunningham."
"Mommy! I got the mail! Looks like a big box came." Molly shouted from downstairs.
"That's probably my new seat cushion for the Duck."
"Let me go check the mail. Baloo why don't you come with me."
"But Becky."
"Don't you want to open your package before Molly digs into it?"
"Go on, Baloo. I'm here for Kit" Guinna said sitting down by him.
Baloo and Becky went back down stairs. Baloo's package was sitting on the old chair. He walked over to it and tore it open taking out a red puffy seat cushion. Becky went back to her desk where Molly had set the mail down. She flipped though the mail to a letter from her parents.
"O, look, my parents wrote me a letter. What a surprise" Becky said tearing it open. She read a short letter from her mom then took out another letter. It was old and venerable letter. She unfolded it and got the shock of her life.
"What is it Becky?"
"It's a letter from my husband."
"Your husband?! Where is the o'ball'n'chain?"
"Dead."
"O, I'm sorry, Becky. I didn't know."
"That's all right. I wonder what this is about."
She started to read out loud.
To my dearest Rebecca,
By the time you read this, I will be gone. The soldier would have caught me and I would not be able to escape. I want you to know I will always love you and Molly.
I don't want you to live your life without love, so, I'm telling you now and meaning it, I want you to find someone else. Don't mourn me for the rest of your life and die a lonely woman . Move on.
Tell my butterfly when she's old enough that I apologize for not being there for her. I hope she understands. I know you can make it without me. Your a strong woman.
Good-bye.
Always love you,
Lucas
"O, my goodness. I can't believe. After all these years, this comes now" Rebecca gasped placing her fingers over her mouth.
"Two many tragedies happenin' at once. So how long has it been?"
Rebecca let out a sob.
~ Baloo, stop bein' a jerk~ "Ah, you don't have ta answer that. Sorry. I'm gonna go check on Kit."
"Four years. Lucas has been dead for four years."
Baloo stepped down from the first stair and sat back down in the old red chair.
"I remember the day I got the call. He's missing they said. Well, I didn't believe them. I knew Lucas could get out of anything. Atleast, that's what I told myself. But I know I was lying to myself. I didn't want to admit it. I never mourned. Not in public. Only in my room. I lie on my bed and cried all night."
Baloo went over to the sobbing woman and put his arm around her.
"It's okay, Becky. Let all out."
The next morning, everyone was slumping. Kit had cry a lot that night haunted by the imagines of his parents and the photo he slipped back in his mother's diary. Baloo had bags in his eyes from not getting much sleep. He had tried all night to comfort Kit.
On the other hand, Becky skipped in cheerful swinging her briefcase and had a big grin on her lips.
"Good morning, everyone. How's my favorite pilot and navigator doing today?" she said setting her briefcase on her desk and walking into the kitchen with Guinna behind her.
"Someone's feelin' better today."
"All right, I guess" Kit replied flipped his eggs with his fork.
"Lil' Britches was upset for a while last night."
"Do you feel up for school today, Kit?"
"I'm fine. Really. I just got a little upset from reading my mom's poetry yesterday. I'm okay. I can handle school" Kit said standing up with false confidence. He was having a hard time with his recent discovers of who his parents were and what their fate had been. But he was trying not to show it today. Most of it had come out the night before. He looked at his watch. "It's time to get going. Guinna."
"I'm coming" the girl said following Kit out the kitchen.
"Guinna" Rebecca called.
"Ya Miss Cunningham."
"I told you to call me Rebecca. Now, watch Kit for me. If he has any trouble in school today, I want you to call me and I'll came pick him up. Got that?"
"Roger Rebecca."
"Thank you. Have a good day at school kids."
"Bye, Kit. Bye, girlie."
"Bye, Baloo" the kids said in unison shutting the door.
Rebecca turned to Baloo who was sipping his coffee and reading the comics.
"Baloo, it's your lucky day. You only have one shipment to New Fedora today."
"That's great, Boss-lady. I can get home before Kit gets back from school. I sure hope he feels better."
"I hope so too. But I was wondering if you would go out with me tonight. You know, to have some fun."
"Go out. Like where?"
"To this new club I heard so much about. I think the name is The Swingin' Mambo or something."
"Mango. The Swingin' Mango. Why do ya wanna go there, Becky?"
"I feel like a want to go have a good time. I haven't been to anyplace like that since me and my husband were newly weds. I guess I just got an itch to party or whatever."
Baloo gave out a loud laugh. "Party! You! Mrs. Highly Respected Business Woman can party!"
"Laugh all you want, Baloo. But I use to party a whole lot. And I'll prove it to you tonight. Come by my apartment at seven. Bring Kit so he can stay and play games or talk with Guinna and Molly."
"That's one of my issues, Becky. Is Kit gonna be all right? I have to know before I go anywheres tonight."
"Only if Kit is okay tonight, then we'll go."
"You sound like a totally different person from yesterday, Beck. Could this sudden want to party have anything to do with that letter you got from your husband yesterday?"
"No. Well, a little. That letter brought back memories of when Lucas was alive. I remembered I use to have so much fun with him. I know your not even close to being Lucas, but you are the only male figure in my life and your my friend. I was thinking maybe you'd be fun to be around, you know, away from the work place."
"My answer is ya I'll go with ya to the Swingin' Mango, but only if Kits all right."
"Thank you, Baloo. Trust me, you'll have so much fun with me, you won't even recognize Rebecca Cunningham."
Kit was feeling better. He calm down from his sorrowful histeria. He grabbed his new issue of "Fly Guys" and his mom's book of etiology and headed over to Rebecca's place with Baloo. They stepped in the elevator. Kit was wondering what was actually going on. Baloo said it was just a meeting with a client, but Baloo looked nervous to him. Twisting his pilot cap in his paws, Baloo knocked on the door. Molly answered it.
"Hi Baloo! Hi Kit! Me and Guinna were playing dodge the bullet. Come on Kit your next to be the target" Molly said dragging Kit inside. Guinna was caught sweeping up dirt on the floor from a plant that fell from Molly accidentally hitting it.
"Ah, Molly, maybe we should rest for a few minutes" Guinna said desperately catching Kit's eye pleading for him to help.
"Yeah, short stuff, why don't me and you play tail gunner for a while and let Guinna rest. Looks like you made her awfully tired."
"Yah" the little bear shouted jumping on Kit's back.
Baloo walked over to Guinna who had calasped on the sofa.
"Hey, girlie, is Becky ready yet?"
"I hope she is now. When Molly knocked over that plant, I thought we were never coming out of our rooms, but it's like Rebecca didn't even hear it fall."
Just then, Rebecca walked in wearing a short blue courteous dress with spaghetti straps. Her hair was pulled up into a tight braid. She said they wouldn't recognize her and she was right. All the bears eyes grow big when she pranced in purse in hand.
"Wow, Miz Cunningham, you look great!"
"Why thank you Kit. Now Guinna, your in charge of the place tonight. Make sure Molly is…"
"In bed by eight and that we do not do anything foolish like open the door for strangers. Yes, Rebecca, I know. I've lived here for a month ya know."
"Good girl. And here's some money for you kids to go get an ice cream or something" Rebecca said pulling out five dollars from her purse.
"That's okay, Miz Cunningham, I'll pay for the ice cream. Besides tonight is kinda a half date for me and GG."
"If you say so Kit, but here's the money just incase." She set the money on the table by the door. "Well, Baloo, lets get going, before it gets too late."
"Okay, Becky."
"You kids be good."
"Bye Miz Cunningham. Bye Baloo."
"Have a good time!"
The two cubs closed the door than let out a big yes! But that was spoiled by the remembrance of Molly behind them .
"What are you guys yesing about?" the little girl asked cocking her head.
"Nothing, short stuff, we're just happy that we get to spend the time together."
"Naw-uh . You two don't want to be around me."
"What do you mean, Molly?"
"You can't wait till I have to go to bed so ya'll can make out."
"Well, button-nose, your half right. Has much as me and GG want to make out, we'd rather spend time with you."
"Ya, Molly. Your more important then what we want to do."
The cubs loved their little "sister", but she was a handful and you could get tired quickly being with her. It was true the cubs wanted some alone time. Eversince whole ordeal with the blueprints and all, they hadn't had much time to hang around each other. Guinna grabbed the keys to the apartment and they headed out to the ice cream shop down the street.
Baloo and Rebecca stepped out of the yellow cab to a sea of flashing red and orange lights. Loud big band music could be heard all the way down the street. Dozens of people of all shapes and sizes were crowding into the Swingin' Mango.
"Wow! This place is really swingin'." Baloo exclaimed wide-eyed.
"Yeah, this place is busy" Rebecca uttered paying the cab driver.
"Ya know, if ya don't want ta go through with this we can go home."
"Nonsense! I want to do this" she said pulling Baloo along.
They joined in the crowd of people walking into the place. The crowd was even bigger inside. A big band was playing swing music in the corner and couples were fast dancing on the dance floor. Bright lights shined on the walls and waiters were hustling around carrying drinks and delicious looking food to tables.
"Lets grab a table" Baloo said ushering Rebecca up a very short flight of stairs that looked over the dance floor. They sat at the first table at the top of the stairs. Baloo trying to be polite pulled out Rebecca's chair and pushed her to the table.
"Thank you, Baloo."
"Welcome, Becky." Baloo sat down across from her. "So, whatcha gonna order?"
Rebecca opened the menu.
"The chicken fettacheni sounds good. What do you want?"
"That cheeseburger looks good" Baloo replied watching a waiter pass with a cheeseburger on his tray.
"Well, then order that. Everything's on me."
"You don't have ta do that Becky."
"I invited you out tonight. And besides I want to pay."
"Your the boss, Boss-lady."
A tall skinny stork with black pants and a white tuxedo shirt stepped up to the table.
"Hello, folks, my names Buster. What can I serve to get you tonight?"
"I want the biggest cheeseburger you got with fries and a large soda" Baloo spoke up.
"Okay. And how 'bout you pretty lady?"
"O, well, I want the chicken fettacheni and a cup of coffee."
"All righty than. You kids feel free to take a swing on the dance floor while your waitin' for the grub."
"Thank you."
"Okay, all you crazy cats out there. That little jam was called "Hoppin' Till the Sun Came Up"." A black cat with a white belly said and a red bowtie and black top hat on . "Now, I would like ta take this time to introduce myself. I am Scatcat Crothers."
"Scatcat!" Baloo shouted turning his attention to the dance floor.
"And this is my band The Crazy Spinners. I am the leader of this here band. I play lead trumpet. This here is Sully Tarabone on the saxs. That there is Humphrey Fitzsgerald on the trombone. Right there playin' the string bass Thomas O'Mally And that back there is Bobby Bratt on the drums. I know whatcha thinkin. Ya probably sayin' shut up Scatcat and play some of that fine music. Well, I agree witcha too. I'd rather hear my trumpet than hear myself talk. So, this next diddly is called "Rock-Along-Little-Chick". Here it is. A one, two, one two, three, four."
The band started playing their next song.
"Hey, Becky. I know those guys. We were old high school buddies. Man, I remember Scatcat always wanted ta have his own band."
Scatcat hit a high note with his trumpet.
"Man, he sure can play."
"Why don't you go say hi when he finishes playing."
"I got a better idea. Come on" he said grabbing Rebecca's hand. They ran out to the dance floor and Baloo started to jig. Rebecca joined in with a slit smile on her face. The music stopped.
"All right! Fine dancin' all you swingin' cats on the floor" Scatcat said catching Baloo's eye. "Okay this next ones called "The Beat" ."He turned to his trombone player. "Hey Thomas. Look over there isn't that o'Baloo from school?"
"Yeah. Scatcat. That's him. Let go give him a yell" the orange cat said.
"Hey, Sully. Play a solo, K."
"Okay, Scatcat" the green frog replied.
"Change of plans people. My talented sax players gonna play his own little diddly. Enjoy."
Scatcat and Thomas O'Mally jumped off the stage and headed over to Baloo and Rebecca standing by the wall.
"Hey, hey Baloo I thought that was you" Scatcat said putting up his paws for a hug.
"Hey, Scatcat. How's it been man?"
"Great, Baloo, just happenin'. Do you remember Thomas O'Mally?"
"Course I do. Hey Tom" Baloo greeted hugging him.
"Hey, Baloo. What's swingin' in your neck of the woods lately?"
"Well, in the past year a whole lot. Guys, almost forgot, This is my boss Reebecca Cunningham."
"Hello, little lady" Scatcat said kissing Rebecca's hand.
"Pleasure to met your aquantaince" Thomas said doing the same thing.
"Thank you it's a pleasure to meet you too" she said blushing.
"Me, Thomas, and Scatcat was the first in our school ta make a swing beat."
"Yeah, me and Thomas would play our tunes and Baloo would rate it by how much he jigged."
"If he didn't stop jiggin', that meant the tune was bonzer."
Rebecca laughed. "The big galoot still jigs no matter if the music is on or not."
"Hey! I'm right here guys. You know I can hear ya'll."
"O, Baloo. We're just tellin' ya boss what her… what do ya do?"
"I'm a pilot. I ship cargo all over the world."
"Yeah don't say. You always wanted ta fly. I remember you always talking 'bout getting your own plane. Did that happen?" Thomas asked.
"Yeah, it did, but I lost it. Now it belongs to o'Becky here."
"Is the cargo business good money?"
"Sometimes. Sometimes not. Especially when Becky gets one of her hair-brained make money quick schemes."
"Baloo!"
"Face the hard facts. It's true Becky."
"Miz Cunningham, would you like ta dance and let these two o'bags reminisce?"
"Sure, Mr. O'Mally. I'd love to."
Rebecca took his paw and they went out on the dance floor.
Meanwhile at Rebecca's apartment, Kit and Guinna were having the most torture of their lives. Molly had caused a riot at the ice cream shop, she refused to take a bath, and now she didn't want to go to bed.
"Molly, please. What will make you go to bed? I'll do anything" Guinna pleaded.
"The only thing that will get me in bed is if Kit reads me "Grace and the Gorilla".
"All right. Kit!"
"Yes, babe" Kit said running in the room.
"Read her this" Guinna said tossing him the book.
"Don't worry, Molly is as good as asleep. Then we can have time to relax and listen to some of Miz Cunningham's records."
"We'll see if that really happens."
Kit sat next to Molly in her bed. "Okay, kiddo, I hope this puts you ta sleep."
"Just read the story and we'll see what happens."
"…And Grace and the gorilla lived happily ever after" Kit finished looking down at Molly sound a sleep. ~ Good. She's finally asleep~. Kit pulled the covers over Molly and tip-toed out the room. He closed the door and went into the livingroom.
"I finally got Mol…" Kit stopped. Guinna was asleep on the couch. Kit smiled ~ Awe. I guess Molly tired her out too much ~ He sat on the couch next to her and propped her head on his lap.
"Kit" Guinna murmured still asleep.
"It's okay, babe. Go back to sleep."
By then, she was already fast asleep.
Baloo and Rebecca walked along the street toward her apartment.
"So, you had a good time?" Baloo asked.
"Yeah. I had a great time."
"You and O'Mally got along great. You two was tearing the dance floor up."
"He was a really fun guy. He reminded me kinda of you. You two kind of have the same voice. But he was more of a gentleman."
"Gentleman! Ha! O'Mally was no where close ta that in school."
"People can change after many years, Baloo. Maybe Thomas found a better attitude."
"In school, he use ta be a big talker, but he never did try and do what he was talkin' 'bout. I think he was kinda chicken. But what is it with you sayin' people change over the years. Have ya even noticed that you've changed Reebecca?"
"I have! I must not have noticed it."
"I never seen you have so much fun in the two years we've known each other. Was this night all 'bout that letter ya got from your husband?"
"No. Well, kinda. O, I don't know. The letter brought back so many memories of when me and Lucas going out. I guess I did kinda have a problem thinking that I had a commitment to Lucas forever. I will always love him, but I didn't want to end up a lonely old woman."
"O, Becky. Your never gonna be alone not with all your friends here for ya."
"Thanks, Baloo."
"So, what did your husband do that would put his life in danger?"
"Lucas was a photographer. He would go to danger zones where fighting was and take pictures of what went on. He didn't have to go very offend, but when he did, I would pray that nothing happen to him. I guess, I didn't pray hard enough . But I didn't blame anyone for his death. He loved his job. I couldn't stop him from doing it. He was home most of the time taking family pictures and stuff."
"He musta been a brave guy."
"He was very brave and couragest and he loved an adventure."
"Sounds like my kinda guy."
"He probably would of liked you too."
"So, how's you and Guinna been gettin' along?"
"Great. She is such a good girl. Her and Kit are perfect for each other. Me and her have been talking about me adopting her."
"Really! Wow. She deserves it. Kit and me have never really talked ya know about adoption."
"Maybe he's kinda afraid to ask."
"I don't know. Maybe he is, but he shouldn't be."
"Baloo, he's only a child. He won't just ask you to adopt him. You should ask him."
"Maybe I should."
Kit stepped down the stairs slowly still tired from Molly-sitting last night. He treaded into the kitchen to see Baloo wide wake flipping flapjacks.
"Mornin' Lil' Britches" he greeted flipping a flapjack onto a plate.
"Hi Baloo" Kit said sluggishly plopping down on a chair.
"Molly made ya tired, huh?"
"Yeah. Me and Guinna are the match for her. She protested at the ice cream shop that they didn't have her favorite Moecah double fudge. When we got back, she didn't want to go to sleep. So, I had to read her a story. She finally fell asleep, but so did Guinna on the couch. We didn't get to spend any us time together."
"O, don't worry, kiddo. You'll have plenty of time ta spend with Guinna. You knew what you were gettin' into when ya'll baby-sit Molly."
"Yeah. I shouldn't of been so naïve. Baloo, last night, you and Miz Cunningham weren't really going to meet a client were ya'll?"
"No, Kit, we weren't. Becky got a letter from her late husband and it mustof upset her pretty bad, but then she comes around and asked me to escort her to that new club The Swingin'Mango."
"Was it a…a" Kit paused. "A date." Kit swallowed hard.
"O, no, no, no. Wasn't even close ta one. But while we were there, we ran into two of my old high school buddies. Becky kinda warmed up ta one of em'."
They heard the door open and Baloo stopped talking.
"Hello everyone" Rebecca said flamboyantly.
"Mornin' Becky. Hey girlie."
"Hi Miz Cunningham. Hi babe."
"Kit, come here" Guinna said gesturing to Kit.
He followed her into the office. She grasped his paws lovingly.
"I'm sorry I fell asleep last night. I know you were looking forward to cuddling on the couch while listening to romantic music."
"GG, I understand you were tired. I was tired too. We'll do that soon."
"What are you so happy 'bout?" Baloo asked.
"I had a great time last night."
"Dancin' with O'Mally has gotten you all starry-eyes and stuff, huh?"
"No, it hasn't. I admit that I like him, but not that much."
"Tell me another, Becky" Baloo said folding his arms.
Just then, the phone rang.
"Higher for Hire, how my we help you?" Guinna answered.
"Yeah, is Rebecca there?"
"Yes, she is. Rebecca phone for you."
"Thank you, Guinna" Rebecca said taking the phone. "Hello."
"Hey, Rebecca. It's O'Mally."
"Hi Thomas."
Baloo jumped up and walked into the office.
"What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you would like to go out tonight."
"I would love to go out with you."
"All right. I'll pick you up at seven."
"Okay. See you then. Bye."
She hung up the phone with a small grin on her face.
"I know it!" Baloo yelled.
"Who's Thomas?" Guinna asked.
"Baloo. Were just going as friends. Nothing more."
"Who's Thomas?" Guinna asked again getting ignored the first time.
"It's one of Baloo's old high school friends" Kit answered her.
"O!"
"No, your not, Becky."
"Yes we are. Now drop the subject. You have a delivery in San Flamingo. It has to be there by afternoon. So, you better get going, Baloo. And kids, you better get going to school."
"I still have to get dressed and eat breakfast."
"Well, I'd suggest you hurry than Kit."
"Go ahead, Kit. I'll wait for you outside."
Kit ran upstairs to get dressed and Guinna walked outside leaving Rebecca and Baloo alone.
"So, Becky, you can tell me now."
Rebecca glared up from the paper work she was going over.
"There's nothing to tell you, Baloo."
"Ya know what O'Mally's nickname was in school."
"What?"
"Thomas O'Mally the ally cat."
"Why was he called that?"
" 'Cause he was from the ally. He was really poor. Never had much money ta buy food so he use ta eat out of the garbage. I remember at school he use ta go back fer seconds and try ta get us ta give him our food. I use ta feel sorry for em'. I guess now he's doing good with the success of the band and all."
"That's so sad."
"Ya it was. But don't tell him I told you that."
Kit ran back down the stairs, into the kitchen grabbing his flapjacks, and out the door.
"Bye, Miz Cunningham!"
"Bye Kit."
"Ya ready?" Guinna asked standing up on the dock.
"Yeah. I just gotta ask Baloo somethin'."
Baloo was loading the cargo onto the sea plane.
"Hey, Baloo."
"Yeah, Lil' Britches" he grunted setting down a crate.
"I found an address book in my parents trunk and I was wondering if we could go to those placing. I would like ta try and get more information about my parents."
"Where were they stationed at?"
"In Tropicana ."
"That's only four hours from here. I guess if the weekends open we could go."
"All right! Thanks Baloo. Bye."
"Bye Baloo."
"See ya later kids."
The two cubs walked off hand in hand down the street to school.
"Ya know what?"
"What?"
"Rebecca has offered to adopted me."
"That's great, GG. You deserve it" Kit said with a faint smile.
She glanced over at Kit with pity hearing the sadness in his voice.
"You deserve to be adopted as much as I do. Has Baloo ever asked?"
"No. I don't know if wants too anyway."
"He loves you more than anything, Kit. He's probably just scared to asked because he thinks you might say no and he doesn't want to be rejected."
"Well, I wouldn't say no. I would love it if Baloo was my father."
O'Mally knocked on Rebecca's door holding a bouquet of flowers. Rebecca answered the door with a red one stripe flowing dress on that stop alittle pasted the knee.
"Hi, Thomas."
"Evening Rebecca. Theses are for you."
"Thank you."
"You look beautiful."
"Come in. I want you to my daughters."
O'Mally walked in Rebecca closing the door behind him. Molly and Guinna were playing cards on the floor.
"This is my daughter, Molly."
"Hi Molly."
"Hi" Molly greeted going back to playing cards.
"And this is my soon to be daughter, Guinna."
"Soon to be?"
"Yeah, Rebecca is gonna adopted me."
"Well, that's just good for ya. Rebecca must be a really kind."
"Yeah, she is."
"You ready to go, Thomas?"
"Ready as ever."
"So, boss-lady. How was your date with O'Mally the ally cat?"
"It was good, but it wasn't a date. Remember just two friends going out to have fun . It's just like you and me going out."
"I still don't believe you."
"Do you like your job?"
"Of course I do."
"Either believe me or go look for another job."
"Okay. Ya spoke ya point."
"Did you come in here to bug me or what?"
"I have a question. Ya see Kit found an address book in his parents trunk and wanted to go to some of those addresses to maybe get more information about them ."
"Where are these addressed located?"
"On a little island four hours from here called Tropicana. I've been there before and it's a beautiful place, but very small."
"You can go. Make a weekend of it. You and Kit could bond more. You could ask him about the adoption."
"I don't think I should ask him on a trip going to his parents old stomping ground."
"Atleast try."
"Okay. I might."
"Ready to go, Papa Bear" Kit shouted buckling into the seat.
"Comin' Lil' Britches" Baloo said walking into the cockpit of the plane.
Baloo smoothly glided the plane. They were half way to Tropicana by now and the question of adoption lingered in Baloo's mind. He tried asking it several times, but switched to another subject. Finally he got up the courage. Kit was glaring out the window at the water with the map still in his lap.
"Hey, Lil' Britches, you excited about going to your parents old home town?"
"Yeah, Baloo. But I'm a little nervous. What if anyone in this address book isn't there anymore?"
"They will be. Don't worry." Baloo paused for a second. "Say, Kit, did your girl tell ya o'Becky was adoption' her?"
"Yeah, Guinna told me on Friday. I'm happy for" Kit said with a feeble smile.
"Do ya ever want to be adopted yourself? Ya know, by me or whatever."
"You would adopt me?"
"Of course, I would. I love ya, kiddo. You're my best buddy. Ya know that."
"Well, can I think about it?"
"Take as much time as you need."
Kit was totally shocked that Baloo asked. On the outside, he was staring out the window again with a bigger smile, but on the inside, he wanted to jump for joy. I had to wait he thought. Gotta see what I find first.
The two bears landed the Sea Duck and walked around the airfield. Not very many people were around. Just a few people walking on the airfield area. The grass was grown up around old planes that sat near the edge of the field.
"Man, this place has changed since I've been here. I use ta do business here years ago. I guess they let this place go" Baloo said.
"This was the airfield my parents would use. Guinna's mom probably use to keep her plane her. I wonder why we never have delivered cargo here?"
"Take a look around, kid. This place is a dump."
"Yeah. I guess you're right."
"Now, where is the first place you want to try?"
"This sounds good. Hattie's Flower Shop. 64 red grave St."
"Lets grab a cab and go."
The yellow cab stopped in front of a small flower shop on a street corner. Baloo and Kit got out and walked up to the door. Kit pushed it and the door hit a bell. A short old skunk with glasses came out the back.
"Hello folks. How may I suit your flower needs?"
"Ah, we're not here for flowers, ma'am . I wanted to know if you ever knew these two people?" Kit said pulling out picture that had slipped out his mother's diary.
The skunk took a gander at the picture than laughed.
"O, my goodness. That is Vincent. I taught him in 1st grade. Before I opened this flower shop. Everyday he would come in and buy a single pink rose for his wife. What was her name? O, yes, he use to call her Goldie. He would come in and say 'Goldie needs her inspiration again'. I don't think she did. He was just being a loving husband. O, dear, I'm rattling on. Sorry 'bout that. Not very many people come in anymore. How do you know Vincent?"
"He was my father."
"O, my goodness! Your the baby. He use to bring you in here. I remember when Goldie had you. He bought her two dozen pink roses. That boosted my pay real high that week. But I remember when they died. I wondered what had happen to you. So, how's your life been?"
Kit was flabbergasted at all the info the little old lady had given him in only two minutes. He didn't know where to start.
"Who is this big guy?"
"This is my friend Baloo. He took me in after three years on the street."
"Good heavens. You were a hobo. My word. I feel for you child. How did you find this place then?"
"I was given my parents trunk full of their most prized possessions and I found an address book in it."
"And you wanted to find more information on your parents. O, dear, I know where you should go then."
"Where?"
"The police station. Your mother would always be in there."
"Okay, well, thank you ma'am ."
"Your welcome, young man. Come back and buy a flower."
The two bears trekked over to the police station across the street. The street was empty. It was almost a ghost town. They walked in to see an aged black dog with long whiskers sleeping in a chair snoring.
"Excuse me. Excuse me sir" Baloo said trying to get the dog to wake up. "Sir, could ya wake up, please."
"What! What! Who's braking into the bank?" the old dog shouted standing up suddenly.
"Ah, no one is sir."
"Than why are ya here? Can't ya see I have work to…O, who am I kidding. Whatcha need son?"
"Sir, were you the police chief here over twelve years ago?"
"Yes, I was. I've been the police chief here for over twenty-five years. What can I do fer ya?"
"Did you know these people?"
Kit handed him the picture.
"Sabrina Golden Cloudkicker. That girl was a regular in here from when she was seventeen up to the time she disappeared. I would book her for disturbing the silence and stuff like that. Why? Did you know here?"
"No, Not really. She was my mother."
"Kit! Little Kit. Is that you? Why when your mom would be locked in here, she'd show off dozens of pictures of you to me. She was so proud of you."
"I heard my mom was an activice. And that she would dig up government conspiracies Is that way she was arrested a lot?"
"No, she would protest the way the poor people and new races would get treated. Seems she was out to try and change the world. She once said that she wanted this world to be a better place for you to live. Every action she did was for you, Kit"
"What about my father. Did he every get arrested?"
"No, no, no. He was too shy to do anything rash. She would call him up and he would come down here and get her out of jail. He brung you a few times. You were the center of attention when every he'd bring you. Those two kids were so proud of you and they loved you so much."
"Yeah. I'm glad I know more about them. Why did they have to die? Did you know anything about that?"
"Yeah, I do, son . Since your mom was uncovering one conspiracy after another and more and more people were reliving that the government was cheating them. They need to get rid of the problem and your mom was the problem. She start the whole mess. I couldn't believe when I found out they were died. It said they were killed in a freak accident, but I didn't believe that lie."
"They were killed by the government. After they caught them, they jailed them than killed them."
"I'm sorry, son . I hope your life turned out good."
"For the first ten years, my life was a living hell. But a year ago, I met Baloo" Kit said turning to the gray bear. "And he took me in and gave me a great home."
"That's good, son . So, what brings you back to Tropicana?"
"I wanted to find out more about my parents."
"Well, if you want the personal stuff about them go to 439 Iris Ct. it's only two blokes from here. The Sandersons live there. They went to school with your parents."
"Thank you, sir."
"Yeah, thanks chief."
"Your welcome."
The bears were on the move again. They walked the two blokes and went up to a big white house with a picket fence and broken shutters. They walked up to the door and Kit nervously rang the door bell. A few seconds later, a round panda bear came to the door.
"Yes, how my I help you?" the lady said politely.
"Yes, ma'am. Are you Mrs. Sanderson?"
"Yes, I am."
"Did you know a Vincent and Sabrina Cloudkicker?"
The panda gasped. "You're Kit?"
"Yes, I am. How'd you know that?"
"I can see them. I can't believe it's you. O, please, come in."
Kit and Baloo walked in the house. The decor was mainly blue. Blue walls, carpet. She led them to the living room .
"Please, sit. I'll go get Fred."
The panda ran to the back door. "Fred, we have company!"
"I'm coming, Lainey." A middle aged koala stepped in the room as his wife went to the kitchen.
"Hello, my names Fred Sanderson" the koala said extending his paw.
"I'm Baloo" Baloo shock his paw.
"Who are you, kid?"
"I'm Kit… Kit Cloudkicker."
"Cloudkicker! Lainey!"
The panda came back in the room with brownies.
"Dear, it's Vincent and Sabrina's little boy."
"It can't be."
"Well, I am."
"Don't ya see it, Fred. Vincent's color. Sabrina's profile."
"Prove it."
"Here." Kit handed them the picture.
The couple stared at it with widened eyes. They were in shock.
"It's you" Fred said embracing Kit. "The little baby I use ta change diapers on."
Kit blushed. "You did? So, how well did ya'll know my parents?"
"Seventeen years worth of knowing em'. We stood in their wedding."
"Really! When did they get married?"
"In 1918. We have pictures."
"Can I see them?"
"Of course, you can" Mrs. Sanderson said. "I'll go get them."
"Could you tell me more about them? What did they do for fun? What were they like in school?"
"It's hard to start, Kit."
"Here they are." Lainey handed Kit the photo album. He began flipping through it immediately.
"That's them saying their vouls and that's them cutting the cake" Lainey said " and that's them having a food fight."
"A food fight?"
"Sabrina started it when she smirred cake all over Vincent's face. We all had such a great time. The only bad thing was we had to pick food off of us the rest of the time. And our good clothes were filthy. But it was worth it especially if it was for them."
"Wow" Kit gasped finishing the album. "They must of been a wild bunch."
"It was Sabrina who was real out going. Vincent was like her shadow. She'd begin thing. He would finish them. They worked as a team. Like soul mates, I suppose."
"They never left each others side, I can tell ya that. No matter where it was, they were together. When Sabrina would do her speaking out in public, Vincent would be there. But in the shadows. Just in case someone tried to hurt her, he would be in position. Or if the cops would arrest her, he would be waiting at the police station to bail her out. It was the same way in school. She would do something wrong and he would take her punishment. I never did get that, but I guess he really loved her."
"Every Friday, all of us would get together and play poker or go to the beach when this place was beautiful."
"Yeah! Now it's an old run down town. They say when the government had the ordeal with them and they disappeared then later they were found. That's when the town capasped."
"What do you mean by found?"
"They were both found died on the beach. All of us chipped in to give them a proper burial."
"We wondered and worried for years about you, Kit. And now you're here. You're alive and hopefully you have a good home."
"I do ma'am. I've been living with Baloo here for over a year, I have a good job, a surigant family, and a girlfriend."
"A job and a girlfriend. Aren't you too young to have those things?"
"I'm thirteen. I hope not."
"What do you do, kid?"
"I'm Baloo's navigator."
"And a fine good one too."
"And when I grow up, I want to be a pilot."
"Wow, you got into aviation. Vincent loved designing planes. He never went anywhere without an empty blueprint and pencil."
"Tell us about this girlfriend of yours."
"Well, you may know her. Her name's Guinna Kurasawa."
Both their eyes widen.
"Jillian's little girl! But how'd you meet her? Last time I heard of them was when they escaped from the compound."
"The compound?"
"Yes, they were locked in the EAS compound for months. It was on the news that they had escaped."
"Guinna never told me about that, but there's a lot of stuff I never told her either."
"You two use to play all the time. You two were so adorable."
"Mr. Sanderson, you said ya'll paid for my parents burial. Where are they buried?"
"They're buried in the town cemetery."
"Where's it at?"
"On the hill by the ocean. Only a mile from here."
"Baloo, we have to go. Right now."
"Okay, Lil' Britches. We can go, but what 'bout gettin' more info on your folks?"
"You can come back and have dinner with us. And we can tell you about the time your dad jumped started the teacher's car."
"That sounds great."
"Come on Baloo."
Kit pulled the big bear along. They stopped at Hattie's to buy two pink roses. They walked down the long road that led to the ocean. The beach had eroded away and only rocks stood there. The weeds had over grown the gates of the cemetery. Kit went on ahead to look for their graves.
"Over here Kit! I found them" Baloo shouted standing over two small head stones.
Kit ran up to them with the two pink roses in his paw. He stopped.
"Vincent Thomas Cloudkicker October 1, 1899-July 1, 1927 A loving husband and father and a genius inventor
Sabrina Golden Cloudkicker May 29, 1900-July 10, 1927 A wonderful mother and wife and great person"
Kit read. In the middle of the stone was a poem.
"Two souls Lost in each other Will fall one day But be reborn in a ravishing mix of glory And will be unison eternally."
Kit laid the two roses down on the stones with only two tears rolling down his cheek. Baloo bent down and put his arm around him.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. In my mom's words, I can only shed two tears for them" Kit said turning to Baloo and embracing him. "I love you, Papa Bear. I want you to be my father."
Rebecca sat at her desk sorting through papers when the Sea Duck landed. Baloo and Kit walked in.
"Welcome back . How was your weekend?" Rebecca asked taking off her glasses.
"It was a great weekend. Baloo is gonna be my father."
"You finally asked him. That's wonderful."
"It is Becky."
"Where's Guinna and Molly? I want to tell them."
"There with Wildcat at the park."
"Can I go, Papa Bear?"
"Of course, you can."
"All right!" Kit said running out the door.
Baloo waited for a moment then turned to Rebecca.
"So, how was your are you and O'Mally doin'? Did you two go out again?"
"Yes, but were still just friends. He came over my house and we all went to see a movie. That's all."
"Well, that's good. He's a good guy. But if your not interested, I'll let it go."
"Thank you, Baloo. That's real adult of you. But I'll tell you the truth . Maybe one day, I'll want a relationship, but not at this moment."
"I just want you ta be happy."
"I am happy. I'm very happy with friends like you."