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The Final Countdown

“I find it ridiculous and you are wasting your time here.”

The two squirrels sitting opposite to Flaky’s father, waited for his reaction. Splendid was in a neat tuxedo, beckoned politely with his hands. But the host didn’t have any trust in them. It was just their meretricious appearances. As a wise businessman, he knew they often took bribes from other organizations. They even gave the Law Council a backhander. Splendid’s family was deeply notorious for their wrongdoings.

The host stretched his arm languidly with glassy eyes. He wore a loose bathrobe with a towel over his neck. The crystal set of furniture reflected the morning glow from the garden. A plate of an ivory teapot was fixed upright on the table. He helped his yawn with his hand over dry lips. A cup of coffee had gone cold last night, which was replaced by a hot and milky one. He stirred up the coffee, and politely ask the guests if some cups of coffee were to their liking.
- If you have eaten breakfast, would you like to have a mild drink ?
- No, thanks. We came here  to have an answer from you, and particularly, from your daughter.
- Frankly speaking , I think your family  are trying to gain as much fame and authority as possible. And this is crazy. Why are you doing such foolish things just in the crack of dawn ?
- I have told you, I want a direct answer. We don’t have any conspiracy here. And I have planned this for the sake of both our families : What do you think about engagement in the future for them ?

The porcupine raised his eyesbrow, stared wildly at them with an astounded look. He nearly dropped a mug.  He never supposed they would go too far like this.
- Seriously ? Did I mishear that ?
- No, you didn’t. What do you expect from my proposal ?
- I regret to tell both of you now : this proposal is not feasible. This is a my denial, now what do you want from me ? Your family are always making antics.

Splendid was annoyed by such direct denial. He know this was rude to disturb her family in the morning, but he longed for an answer. Now being ejected so point-blank, he felt like haunted like a ghost.
" Their future would be glister like a pearl. Why are you so blunt ?", justified Splendid's father.

The host stroke a lighter, puffed gently at a tobacco. He was tired of dealing with this blue family. Through a hole on the wall, he found out that his daughter was eavesdropping on the conversation.
Flaky was frightened, as she was recognized. She didn’t believe what she had just heard. What a petrified proposal. Flaky's father gestured with a subtle nod, as the squirrels left the mansion. Now he turned to his daughter. Her scarlet hair was down for a while.
- You have heard all that, Flaky. What is your opinion ?
- Dad, I’d rather die than live with that despicable guy. I can’t stand their bossy attitude.
- I think the same too. They didn’t deserve my sweetie, right ?
- Dad! Stop mocking me.

Flaky kissed her dad softly on the cheek. She stayed calm, as his father is sternly serious about his daughter’s affairs. But it was just the case. How about Flippy ? She love him, but there was a wide gap in social standing between her and that boy. She sighed, she wanted to confide in her best friend, Lammy, but pride wouldn’t let her do that.
- Have you fallen in love with a boy ? I see your manners are unusual recently.
Flaky jumped out of her skin, as heard an unexpected question from her dad.
- Uh, its nothing, Dad.
- Don’t lie. When I was young like you, I was more dreaming than you. Your face indicates everything.

It’s time the red hair had to confess to her father. She knew she can’t keep this affair in the dark forever. She have a six-month relationship with Flippy. She often chat with him on the phone, but didn’t see him much.
- Dad, it’s okay if I have an affection for ones having an under-class background ? I know you always love me, but, I love him.
- It’s okay, as long as he is kind and helpful. Time is the only thing that matters, my sweetie.
Flaky revealed a carefree smile, laying her head in his father’s embrace.

…

Flippy was running a table in the restaurant, quickly noticed a young couple who had just parked their car. They seemed to be loosely extravagant, with a brand new sombre Escalade. The blue squirrel wore an imperious look, commanding the green bear to serve him a red whisky. The blue-haired boy kissed a pink chipmunk, and they teased each other. That chipmunk reminded Flippy of his mother. He not only abhorred the image of his mother, but also the lavish life style of those parasites. He remembered to have met this squirrel somewhere.

As he came back home, he made up an idea. Fliqpy was there in his mind, and fell about laughing.
“ What’s so funny ? “, Flippy grumbled at him.
“ I see you want to go out with her, right ?”
Flippy blushed at that.
“ I have been a friend to her for half a year. I don’t want to be friendzoned. You know, she did love me. “
“ Ask her now. What are you waiting for  ? Scared of being denied ? You have not grown up, man.”
“ Shut up, if you bet, I will ask her now “.
Sweat covered over his hands and forehead, Flippy was shaking with worry. He would ask her out for a date ! What if she refuses ? No, don’t think about it. Be brave. I'm Flippy and I know what to do.

Dear Flaky
It’s been a long time since we met each other. Would you like.. ah.. rendezvous with me at the Fair ?
Flippy