It's My Party

It's My Party

It was Monday morning at Zootopia High; in four days, the seniors would be prepping for their first big dance of the year. Most teachers would struggle to hold the attention of so many adolescent mammals at such any early hour. That was far from the case for Herb Horse, Language and Composition teacher.

Their unit on Arthur Mule's The Crucible was just wrapping up. Hannah Snowshoe Hare sat in the front row, ears tipped eagerly in Mr. Horse's direction. From the perch on the plush seat of her shiny silver powerchair, she never missed a minute. She was an all-around star student, but she was particularly devoted to the English discipline, especially where Mr. Horse was involved.

For instance, the Mule unit had turned the terrifying tale of a misbegotten witch-hunt into a tantalizing web of betrayal and intrigue. The result was, in Mr. Horse's capable hooves, something akin to a soap opera. Hannah, having no religious inclinations, had learned some basic Bible terminology in the process...and, thanks to Mr. Horse's comic timing, had a good long laugh about it.

From class, the students went straight to lunch, where Hannah and her friend Nick Wilde were discussing what they'd learned.

“You bark like a seal,” Nick grinned wryly, the comment in keeping with his usual penchant for editorializing. As if in payback, Hannah laughed some more, then shrugged.

“So? What's it to you?! I can't help myself; Mr. Horse is hilarious!” Nick raised an eyebrow.

“Funnier than me?” She considered this for barely a second before replying.

“Yep.”

“There goes the next great Wilde masterpiece I was going to make for you in art class.” The fox waved a paw with the practiced ennui of an art connoisseur. “Now I'm going to mess it up on purpose.”

“You wouldn't!” Hannah feigned shock, though she knew Nick wouldn't think twice about doing such a thing. Luckily for her, two could play this game.

“Ms. Lapin isn't going to like that...” she taunted. Despite her apparent bravado, Hannah was a keen rule-follower in contrast to Nick's class clown. It's hard to say if the two mammals became friends in spite of their differences or because of them, but whatever the reason, they could go on that way for hours.

“Oof, that's low, Miss Goody-Two-Paws.” It was to Hannah's advantage that she knew Nick's two weaknesses. One was blueberries, which he munched purposefully as he looked at her, a hint of challenge glinting in his green eyes. The other was his soft spot for both Ms. Lapin and Mr. Horse—and yet the latter was something the whole school shared, given that they were ZHS' power couple.

This was the stuff of ZHS legend. They'd first met years ago, when Sam Lapin had ventured into the city to meet with Mayor Lionheart, only to end up stuck in an elevator with then-Emergency Management Specialist Herb. The two career-minded mammals hit it off, but neither was prepared to pursue a relationship. Sam eventually left her family farm operations for more artistic pursuits in the city, which is when she happened upon Herb while boarding the train. The rest, as they say, is history.

Nick couldn't tell if Hannah's dreamy smile was caused by the pair's picture-perfect collective past, or if she was mooning over Johnny Reid, her not-so-secret crush. Johnny was originally from Outback Island, a charismatic koala with lustrous silver fur and alluring brown eyes, plus the accent to prove it. Suddenly, Hannah snapped out of her trance. “Isn't that Judy over there?”

Nick's mindless munching of blueberries halted the moment he turned his head. What he saw had him struggling to swallow, and his stomach lurched, threatening to lose his lunch. Judy Hopps, the most popular girl in school—and the object of Nick's affection—was sitting across from Johnny, eyes sparkling as she listened intently to whatever he said...and then Johnny produced a ring from his pocket and slipped it on her finger.

“I thought you guys were dating,” Hannah said softly. Nick, still stricken, didn't look at her as he answered.

“I thought so, too.” Hannah was numb; only when his eyes met hers did pain pierce her heart. She gazed into his green eyes, now glistening with tears, and wondered what either of them did to deserve this.

Their earlier squabble forgotten, they called a truce in art class. Today they'd be making sculptures; bereft of their beloved muses, neither was feeling up to the task. Still, once they worked their claws through the clay, they found the action surprisingly cathartic.

“What the heck just happened?” Nick wondered aloud as he kneaded the clay.

“I wish I knew,” Hannah sighed, pounding it with her good paw.

“I mean—technically we weren't exclusive, but I really thought she liked me.” Hannah resisted the urge to smile.

“You sound pathetic, Nick. I think you're losing your touch.”

“What?! How dare you?!” But some of the old Nick was back. “Maybe Mr. Horse's sob stories are rubbing off on me.” Sure enough, that teasing glimmer was back in his eyes.

“Is there something you'd like to share with the class, Nick?” Ms. Lapin's quiet voice belied the warning in her eyes, which gave every indication that she'd heard him exactly. Nick groaned and held up his paws.

“The joke's on me, Ms. L...Judy dumped this”--he waved a clay-covered paw in front of himself-- “for a koala.” The rabbit's expression softened.

“I'm sorry to hear that, Nick.” She smiled slightly. “I won't tell him if you don't.” As Ms. Lapin continued making her way through the room, Hannah barely held back a snicker. Nick rounded on her.

“If you tell Mr. Horse about that little exchange, you'll pay.”

“What makes you think I'd do that?” she asked, all innocence.

“Teacher's pet,” he muttered. When Hannah just stared at him, baffled, he hedged. “Stuart Little had a pet cat.”

The next day saw Hannah and Nick back in Mr. Horse's class. Emotionally, both felt as though it had been years since they left that room with smiles on their faces. Still, they held fast to hope that their situations would improve. But when it was announced they'd begin a unit on gender, Nick slouched further into his seat. 'He has it out for me,' Nick thought. When Mr. Horse clarified that the boys and the girls would each form a group and brainstorm questions to ask the opposite sex, Nick resisted the urge to run.

'Yup, he's trying to torture me. Ms. L. told on me, and this is his idea of revenge. Here I am missing Judy like crazy, and then this happens. I don't want to think about any other girl but her.' But then Nick realized that perhaps he was overreacting...Hannah, too, must be hurting, and Mr. Horse would never hurt Hannah on purpose. Nick knew then that he had to suck it up for her sake. He would sort out the mess with Judy later, but for now… 'Never let them see that they get to you', he reminded himself.

Hannah and Nick sulked through lunch that day, neither speaking about their projects...or anything much at all. They had very little to say for the rest of the week. The normally outgoing Nick was withdrawn, while it took all the energy Hannah could muster to laugh at Mr. Horse's jokes. They weren't themselves at all.

It was Friday before they finally managed to have a substantial conversation. “I'm not going to that dance,” Nick declared willfully around a mouthful of blueberries.

“Nick! You love dances!” Hannah hadn't actually been to one—they weren't her thing—but Nick had never missed any of them.

“I don't actually dance, you know; I'm a multi-talented mammal, to be sure, but it bores me. I prefer the socializing...and the free food.” The corner of Hannah's mouth turned up in a smile.

“Of course you do.” She paused, suddenly lost in thought. “But—let me guess—you're just going to sit at home and mope about Judy, right?” Nick opened his mouth to deny it, then snapped it shut and nodded.

“How'd you know?” he quipped.

“I'll tell you how—because I can't stop mooning over Johnny.” She sighed sadly...then Nick watched as a mysterious realization dawned across her face. “Let's go to the dance together.” Nick was taken aback.

“Whoa...I like you, Hannah, but you're...my pal, you know?”

“I know that, silly. But look at it this way...if they think we're together...”

“...They'll remember what they're missing and come crawling back to us!”

“I haven't actually dated Johnny...yet.” Hannah grinned lasciviously.

“I like the way you think, Hare. That's...” He gave her a toothsome grin. “...my girl.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek—and add, in a low, playfully seductive growl that only she could hear, “Let the games begin.”

As night fell in Zootopia, Hannah and Nick found themselves in the school cafeteria, surrounded by a sea of merry-making mammals. They had yet to spot Johnny and Judy, but… “There's a sight for sore eyes,” smiled Hannah. “I forgot Mr. Horse was chaperoning tonight!” Her smile soon faded. “Nick, if you ruin my reputation, I'll...I'll…!” She fixed him with a menacing stare.

“Ooh, the wittle hare's got her ears in a knot,” Nick cooed mockingly. “Relax...sweetheart.” remembering their ruse, he'd added the latter, and he wasn't about to stop there. “By the time I'm done with you, you'll be all loosened up.”

Nick leaned casually against a pillar that happened to be beside his post at the refreshments table. Hannah groaned; they'd been there less than 10 minutes, and he was already stuffing his face with something that smelled like… “Blueberry. I should've known.” She face-pawed.

“Mmph,” Nick confirmed, mouth full, and then, “Rumor has it that Ms. L. made these. She bakes for a hobby. But she should really make a go of it, because a.) these are really good, and b.) then she'd be out of my fur.”

“I'm glad you like them, Nicholas,” Mr. Horse had suddenly reappeared next to them. “I'll be sure to give her your compliments.” He looked a Nick pointedly, which suggested he hadn't missed the latter comment, but was willing to overlook it...if Nick was on his best behavior for the rest of the night. Like that was going to happen; he had some serious recon to do, and he was going to do it Wilde-style.

As Mr. Horse disappeared into the crowd, a Gazelle song started to play, one with a sultry thumping beat. Nick couldn't remember the name of it, but one thing was for sure; he could dance just as well—no, better--than those insanely buff backup dancers of hers. “Alright, Goody-Two-Paws, it's go time. Follow my lead and prepare to be dazzled.” With that, he promptly sat on her lap, swishing his tail seductively around her torso; his hips moved like clockwork, shimmying in time to the beat.

At first, Hannah was aghast. 'I can't believe I got myself into this', she thought morosely, certain that her reputation would never recover. But the more Nick persisted, the more she found herself actually enjoying it. For all his wily ways, he was, surprisingly, as skilled as he claimed to be. About halfway through the song, Hannah worked up the nerve to add a little rhythmic shake of her own. She heard Nick's approving chuckle as he chanted, “Go, doe, go!”

When the song ended, Nick smugly turned to his friend and announced, “if you like the back, wait 'til you see what the front can do!”

Hannah was speechless. Only a nervous giggle escaped her before… “That won't be necessary, Nicholas.” Mr. Horse was glowering down at them. Nick froze briefly in shock before deftly slipping off Hannah's lap.

“I'll just, go, um...” Hannah had never known Nick to be lost for words—and neither, in the whole time she'd known him, had she ever seen Mr. Horse be so strict. Nick surely would have taken off if Mr. Horse hadn't pinned him with another harsh look.

“This way,” ordered Mr. Horse, and promptly marched Nick out into the commons, Hannah trailing sullenly behind.

Once they'd reached the deserted, relatively private space, Mr. Horse spoke. “Nick, based on your record I should be punishing you on the spot. But because Hannah was with you, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. What do you have to say for yourself?” Nick sighed in guilty defeat.

“We hate coming to these things. Like, really hate it. But then we saw Judy Hopps and Johnny Reid together. I kinda have a thing for Judy, and...”

“I-I l-like Johnny,” Hannah managed haltingly. Nick went on.

“Yeah, and we thought that if they saw us together, they'd get jealous and change their minds.”

Throughout the confession, Mr. Horse's expression had yet to change, but when it had come to a close, he appeared thoughtful. At length, he smiled.

“Now, there's a story I can appreciate,” he said. Nick gave a guilty shrug.

“I thought you might.”

“So,” Mr. Horse said in a conspiratorial tone, “If I let you off with a warning, would I be higher up in your book?”

“Aww, that was never an issue—for me,” Hannah assured him, knowing better than to speak for Nick.

“For my part, do I see that happening? Yes, yes I do,” Nick answered, allowing himself a small smirk.

“In that case, go enjoy yourselves. But, Nick—one more strike and there will be consequences.”

“Got it.”

“And Hannah...” Nick rolled his eyes at the hare, who sat, patiently, pleased as pie as as she awaited Mr. Horse's words. “Behave yourself.” She laughed.

“I will.”

“I'm watching you.” Hannah smiled at the good-natured teasing, while Nick only waved and wandered away...but, as Hannah followed him back to the party, she thought she heard him mutter, 'don't I know it,' under his breath.

The festivities were now in full swing. A band had set up, and the music reverberated through the room. “Wow!” Hannah squeaked. “This is Johnny's band, Silverpouch!”

“Well, well, well...since you'll be busy drooling over your rockstar, I'll go back to the snack table. I need to replenish my energy; all that dancing and derring-do tires a guy out.” With a wink, he was about to wind his way through the crowd when a paw brushed his arm.

He was suddenly face-to-face with Judy, her eyes wide with relief...and, he imagined, a spark of interest. “Nick, I was worried about you! I looked for you earlier, but then Johnny said he saw you get called out by Mr. Horse. And”--she turned to smile at Hannah-- “Johnny had to start the set, but he was hoping to talk to you.” Hannah's ears perked up, and she stared with disbelieving joy at Judy; all the while, the hare's mouth was agape.

Judy smiled. “It's true! Wait here; you'll see. Hey, Nick, wanna dance? I hear you have some pretty impressive moves!” For the second time that night, Nick was struck silent. All agog, he could only nod. “Great! Come on!”

Minutes ticked by in a whirlwind. The next thing Hannah knew, Johnny had sidled up to her.

“Hi, Hannah.” It took every ounce of her focus to string two words together.

“Hi, Johnny.”

“Do you, ah, like the band?”

“You guys are great!” Johnny smiled shyly.

“Yeah?” The sweet, hopeful, slightly seductive way he said that one simple word made Hannah's head spin. If only he hadn't seen Judy first…!

“I've got something for you.” Johnny said.

“Who, me?” Hannah asked. Johnny laughed, and it lit up his heart-meltingly beautiful brown eyes.

“Too right!”

“Really? What is it?”

“Just a little something. I hope you like it.” Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a ring. The ring.

Before she could form a reply, Johnny continued. “On Outback Island, we blokes use promise rings when we want to go steady with a girl, you know? I'm great mates with Judy, so I asked her to try it on; she said you're about the same size as her. The whole thing must be a bit old-fashioned for a sophisticated city sheila like you, but...want to go with me?” His invitation left Hannah breathless.

“I-I'd love to.”

“Beauty! Look—I've got to get back to the band, but let's have a dance later, alright?”

“S-sure!” Johnny pressed a gentle kiss to Hannah's lips and was gone.

Away from Johnny's mesmerizing pull, Hannah was alert again. She scanned the crowd for Nick, anxious to tell him what had happened. But when she spotted him across the room, he was still jiving away with Judy, who was clearly his equal in the dance department. Luckily for them, Nick had learned his lesson and toned it down.

So there she was—high and dry, and in a huff. She was itching to tell someone, but she wouldn't trust just anyone with her precious news. What was a doe to do?! Between the clamor of the crowd and the dulcet tones of Johnny's voice filling her head, she could barely think straight. But when she finally figured out what to do, she barely resisted bouncing in her seat with excitement.

She zipped around the periphery of the room. Sure enough, she soon found Mr. Horse standing guard by the door. He was chatting happily with his fellow chaperones, but by now she knew he was also covertly scanning the room for any sort of juvenile disturbance.

Hannah hurried up to him, prepared to share her pleasant prospects. The thought delighted her to such a degree that when she opened her mouth to speak, the only word that came out was once again “Wow!”

“You're always so articulate, Hannah,” Mr. Horse observed warmly. “Some party, huh? But I think what you mean to say is that Johnny over there is quite the catch.” Hannah nodded, smiled, and blushed.

“Did you see…?”

“Not everything, but enough to know that you and Nick might want to consider teaming up on that paper you're doing. You can call it, 'The Courtship Rituals of Zootopian Youth'”. Hannah laughed.

“Really?”

“If it's that important to you, I don't see why not. You have a right to tell your story...although, for the purposes of this assignment, you might want to gloss over your earlier, um, transgression.” At that, they both laughed. In that moment of shared mirth, Hannah felt that this was their party that everyone else had only been invited to.

But that notion fled Hannah's mind when something soft touched her shoulder. Startled by the sudden stimulation, she spun to find Johnny standing there, surprise adorning his adorably expressive face. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…!”

“It's okay, Johnny.” He smiled.

“Ah, that's good. Care to join me on the dance floor?” Without waiting for a reply, Johnny made his way there. Hannah gazed after him, still incredulous about her luck.

“You'd better catch up,” advised Mr. Horse, “But be careful out there...A little jumpy today, aren't you?” Hannah laughed heartily.

“What else is new?” But as she sped toward the beaming Johnny, she had her answer.