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The AdvAnTAGE Project: Harriet's Birthday Present [MoW]

By Mantrid Brizon

(03/03/2021)

Watching the trees passing by, the wind flutters her dark wheat colored hair. She closes her vibrant, teal eyes, smelling the sweet scent of the damp trees. The rainstorm has finally passed, and though her mother had urged her father to pull over, he kept insisting that it wasn’t much further. He’s always insistent. It’s why they move so often. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, seventeen-year-old Harriet opens her eyes and turns her head, looking toward her sister, Madison. The fifteen-year-old human cocks her head as she looks to Harriet, who flashes her the faintest of smiles.

“Tired?”

Harriet slowly shakes her head.

“I’m bored, too.” Madison says, resting a hand on Harriet’s shoulder.

“We’re almost there, girls! We don’t have far to go now!” Kyle chirps, glancing into the rearview mirror.

The former doctor and scientist looks between his children, one he’d father with Carol, and the other, Harriet, he’d grown at MiLab, while still under the employ of Unifact Pharmaceuticals. He stares at Harriet for a moment, seeing her melancholy. She didn’t always look so sad. Even the clothes she makes for herself are darker. Returning his eyes to the road, his mind wanders. When was it that Harriet first began to change?

“Daddy!” Madison shouted.

Racing up to her father, who finally returned with the groceries, his then ten-year-old daughter latched onto his side.

“Hey, sweetheart. Want to take some of the groceries, before you make me drop them?” He said with a smile.

“Oh! Sorry, daddy!”

“And where’s my little Button?!”

Peeking around the corner, thirteen-year-old Harriet emerged, her hands pulled behind her back as she skipped toward the front door.

“That’s a new one!” He remarked.

Harriet, who was already a competent seamstress by that point, began working with her mother, Carol, as early as seven-years-old. They would sit and design clothes, as Harriet found it difficult to simply buy them. As the first AdvAnimal, there were no clothing manufacturers producing anything that could accommodate her large, paw-like feet, her digitigrade ankles or her fluffy tail. Wearing a white top and a blue skirt, the bunny girl was eager to show off her new schoolgirl uniform. She’d copied the design from those Japanese cartoons she loves so much. Standing before her father, little Harriet looked up at him, her hands behind her back as she leaned forward, batting her eyelashes.

“Well, hun? Tell her how pretty she looks!” Carol urged, emerging from the hallway.

“You’re an absolute vision of beauty, Button.” He said, softly stroking her cheek before tapping her gently on the nose.

Harriet smiled from cheek to cheek, then gave her father a long, loving hug. Afterward, she collected the groceries and followed her little sister into the kitchen, to put them away. After spending some time in the kitchen with his family, Carol turned toward their daughters, who were snacking on pudding cups.

“Okay, girls! Go upstairs and play!” She chirped.

Dashing out of the room and up the stairs, Madison mentioned something about beating Harriet at a video game. Kyle paid little attention to it, instead focused on Carol’s sudden change in demeanor.

“We have to talk...” She began.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s about Harriet.” She spoke softly, to prevent their daughter from hearing. “Mady saw her today...”

“Mady sees her every day.” Kyle chuckled.

“No, I mean... She saw her...” Carol pantomimed with her eyes.

“... I don’t get it.” He scratched his head.

With a frustrated sigh, his wife and former lab partner grabbed him by the arm, leading him toward a window. Leaning close and speaking even quieter, Carol began to explain.

“Mady walked in on Harriet... She was upstairs, and she was... Mas... Erm...”

She sighed, struggling to say the words. A moment of reflection, seeing the embarrassment on his wife’s face, and Kyle began to understand.

“You mean?”

He cupped a hand over his groin, pantomiming the act.

“Yeah... She was looking through her window, watching one of those boys. Dave, the one who waves to her all of the time... Mady said she was ‘in there’, and she didn’t even flinch when Mady caught her.”

“Oh, God...” Kyle sighed.

“What are we going to do, hun? We knew this was going to happen eventually.” Carol asked.

“We’re going to put a stop to it, before this becomes a problem.”

“How?”

“We’ll move.” He replied.

“Just like that?!” She whispered loudly.

“Just like that.”

“And what happens when she sees another boy she likes in the next town?”

“I guess we move again.”

“Well, we can’t very well stop her from ever having sex, can we?” His wife raised an eyebrow.

“Of course we can.”

Kyle promptly moved the family, notifying their handlers at Sovereign Six. The Agents were very accommodating, and their handler’s seemed understanding. In point of fact, they didn’t want Harriet to become pregnant too soon. She was still their poster-child, the face of their Public Relations campaign. From an adorable toddler to a bubbly teenager, Harriet has paved the way in normalizing AdvAnimals for the world at large. This fame, however, came at a cost.

With every town they moved to, Harriet was recognized, and within each town was at least one boy her age who noticed her figure. Like clockwork, every few months Kyle would find an excuse to move the family, taking them deeper and deeper into the rural areas each time. This last move was sparked by an incident. Harriet was caught trying to sneak out. Her parents didn’t know where she was going, but if she was going to try something like that again, there must be nowhere for her to go. Turning into the long driveway of their new home, Kyle gazes upon the large farmhouse.

“Look at that! Good, sturdy, country craftsmanship! And the nearest neighbor on record is almost a half-mile away!” He chirps.

Rolling her eyes, Harriet continues to listen to her music, slowly bobbing her head as she cranks up the volume on In Flames’ latest album. It’s a struggle to get the teenager to help with the move. She carries only a few boxes inside, but seems more interested in sulking in her new, unfurnished bedroom. Watching the sunset from her room, Harriet turns her head as she hears someone approaching. Her sister steps inside, waving her fingertips.

“Hey... Did you want help unpacking?”

Harriet looks at the cardboard boxes, the new bed frame and mattress leaning against the wall, and the boxes of Ikea furniture, all of which were provided and paid for by Sovereign Six. After a short pause, she lets out a melancholy sigh and slowly shakes her head.

“Okay.”

Taking a seat on the floor, Madison presses herself against Harriet, who leans her head to the side and rests it against Mady’s.

“Do you feel like writing?”

Once again, Harriet slowly shakes her head.

“Come on...” Madison holds up a small notepad and pencil. “You can get it off your chest. You know I never tell mom and dad.”

Harriet turns her vibrant eyes toward her little sister. With a frustrated grumble, she snatches the notepad and begins to write.

“I see boys and dad makes us move. It’s not fair.”

“How do you think I feel? I’m fifteen-years-old and I’ve never even kissed a guy!”

Harriet scoffs and rolls her eyes, setting the notepad on the floor.

“Don’t be like that. I know you kissed that boy, Scotty.”

Harriet glances back, a little smile spreading across her face.

“... It was just a kiss, right?”

Reaching up with a clawed hand, Harriet grabs hold of one of her breasts, giving it a squeeze.

“Really?!”

“Shh!” Harriet shushes her.

She picks up the notepad and scribbles a new message.

“He got to feel them but I was scared of getting caught. He could’ve had more, if mom didn’t catch me leaving.”

With a little giggle, Madison shakes her head.

“You still get more than I do... Come on. Let’s set this place up! We’ll make it nice and pretty!”

Waking up late the following morning, after staying up most of the night putting together furniture with her little sister, Harriet shuffles down the steps and into the kitchen. She looks around the house, which feels so unfamiliar, so foreign. Rarely does she allow herself to become too comfortable in any one place. Unfortunately, once she’s adjusted to a new place, her father finds an excuse to call the Agents and have them moved. Pulling out a chair, she takes a seat at the dinner table.

“Hey there, Button!” Carol chirps, standing in front of the stove and cooking bacon and eggs. “Have a good sleep?”

Harriet holds out a hand and wobbles it from side to side.

“Well, the first night is always the hardest. We’ll be here for a minute, though.”

“Pfft.” Harriet scoffs.

“Don’t be like that! Your birthday is coming up! Two more months and you’ll be all grown up! Boy, I remember when I turned eighteen...” Carol says with a little sigh, reminiscing. “Fun times... Anyway! Did you think of anything you wanted?!”

The chipper Carol sets a plate of food and a glass of orange juice in front of her daughter, who lifts up a smaller, pocket-sized notepad and a little pen. She jots down a note and hands it to her mother.

“A normal life.”

Carol’s sunny disposition slowly darkens. She lets out a sigh and pulls out a chair, taking a seat beside her daughter.

“I’m sorry, Button, but you know why we do this. It’s not to punish you or anything... You’re special, sweetheart.” She says, softly stroking Harriet’s furry cheek. “You’re our little miracle. We’re just doing what’s best for you... Or trying to, at least... Hey, what do you say we go for a walk?! We can explore all of this farmland! Just you, me, and Madison, one big, happy, isolated family!”

With a little chuckle, Harriet turns her eyes toward her mother. After a short pause, she nods her head. Madison and Kyle soon join them and the family enjoys a humble breakfast. Kyle has a lot of work to do, setting up the rest of the furniture and arranging the house. With the exception of his and Carol’s bedroom, he often prefers to do this on his own, and so when his wife decides to explore their property with their daughters, he has no objections.

Stepping out of the house and dashing down the front steps, the three women begin their little hike, wandering around their new home and exploring the yard. Surrounded by dense forest, they see a path on the east side. To their surprise, two figures emerge from beyond the trees. One of the figures waves to them.

“Hello!” The woman shouts from nearly one hundred meters away.

“Hi!” Carol shouts back. “I guess those are the neighbors.” She remarks to her daughters.

The five figures approach each other, meeting in a little field that makes up the Burnheart’s massive yard. Carol’s heart sinks as the two people come into view. Walking beside a rather unassuming woman in her early or mid-thirties is a teenage boy. With spiky hair, dark clothes, a choker around his neck, chains hanging off of his baggy pants and black nail polish on his fingers, he attracts Harriet’s attention like a magnet.

Carol briefly glances at her AdvAnimal daughter, who stares with wide eyes and her mouth agape. As they come into view, however, Harriet swiftly hides her interest, closing her mouth and glancing back at her mother. The look on Harriet’s face is strange. It’s as though she’s trying to appear disinterested, but failing.

“Oh, wow! Well, she certainly doesn’t need an introduction!” The woman chirps, looking at Harriet. “I guess that makes you Carol and Madison?”

“Yeah, that’s us.” Mady replies.

“Hi! I’m Susan, and this is my son, Osmond, aka ‘Ozzy’! We live in the house about a third of a mile that way!”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise!”

Ozzy and Susan shake the women’s hands, with both Ozzy and his mother paying special attention to Harriet.

“I’m sorry! I know you must get stuff like this a lot, but I just have to say this! I was just starting college when I first saw your 60 Minutes interview with Harriet. I was one of the first to counter-protest those Puritan assholes who wanted her... Well... You know.”

“Yeah...” Carol murmurs.

Harriet bows her head and stares at her animal-like feet. She’s always been aware and very self-conscious of who and what she is. It’s long bothered her that she isn’t a human, like her mom, dad and sister. Early into her teenage years, she often spent long periods of time looking at herself in the mirror, questioning her very existence. Though she’s since come to terms with it, it still hurts to be reminded that many don’t see her the way her family does.

“I was one of the first to join the Inclusionist movement. I always thought she was a little darling. It bothered me how some people would-”

“Okay, mom! They get it!” Ozzy barks at her.

“Sorry... Anyway, I’m glad to finally get a chance to meet you. I’ve been a big supporter of yours.”

“That’s good to know.” Carol remarks.

“And it’s nice that someone finally bought that house! It’s been vacant for a while, now. Gave me an excuse to drag his lazy butt out of his room. He usually prefers to stay hidden away, listening to bands like ‘Screaming Spanish Guys’ and ‘Dirt Work’.” Susan teases her son.

“It’s ‘Ill Niño’ and ‘Soilwork’, mom...” He closes his eyes and sighs.

Harriet perks up, her eyes growing wide as she turns her attention toward Ozzy. She’d noticed his attractive looks and sweet smile right away, but learning of his interest in bands that she follows?! She takes a step closer, looking him up and down. She’s no longer attempting to hide her interest, to Carol’s silent chagrin.

“Do you know those bands?” He asks.

Harriet swiftly nods her head, her bunny ears gently flopping back and forth.

“Oh, yeah. She loves all of that ear-splitting garbage.” Carol teases, ruffling Harriet’s ponytail.

With a furled brow and a look that’s filled with both anger and embarrassment, Harriet pulls away and straightens her ponytail.

“That’s cool! Do you have a favorite band?!”

“Symphony X.” She writes in her notepad.

“I love those guys, too, but I’ve been listening to a lot of In Flames and Static-X these days.”

Harriet and Ozzy share a little gaze. Her smile steadily grows wider as she brushes her bangs away from her eyes.

“I like to take walks in the woods and listen to my CDs. Tripp pants are great for that.” He remarks, using his fingertips to open a cargo pocket. “Maybe you’d like to trade CDs sometime? I’m always looking for new bands.”

Harriet nervously nods as she shies away.

“Cool.” Ozzy smiles.

“That’s my little hell raiser.” Susan plays with her son’s spiky hair.

“Mom!”

“You know, I named him that just so I could call him ‘Ozzy’. I always loved the Prince of Darkness.”

“Well, he looks the part.” Madison teases.

Susan continues to chat with Carol and Madison, with the occasional quip made by her snarky son, Osmond. Carol makes it a point to watch Harriet, to monitor her reactions. It’s clear, even at a glance, that her seventeen-year-old daughter has an instant attraction to Ozzy, which is made even stronger by their shared tastes in music and fashion sense. She knows Kyle will worry, and rightly so.

“You can’t be serious...” He growls, as they stand in their bedroom later that night.

“Look, I’ve been by your side for almost twenty years. I ran from the Agents for three of them, letting you lead us with nothing but a suitcase full of cash and your gut feelings, but enough is enough!”

“How can you say that?!” He gasps.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, Kyle, but Harriet seems really interested in that boy.”

“She finds an interesting boy everywhere we live, and that’s the problem. It’s why we keep moving every few months.”

“This feels different, though. She didn’t have the female gaze... I mean, she did, at first! But once he started talking? She seemed... I don’t know... Kind of enamored with him! She was intrigued. It was cute.” She continues.

“So, she has a crush?” Kyle smirks.

“Well, a crush is preferable to raw, unadulterated lust.” Carol quips.

“That might actually be worse...”

“She’s almost eighteen, Kyle... She only has two more months of childhood and then, by our standards, she’ll be an adult. Physiologically, she reached sexual maturity years ago. Do you really think you can keep her from a relationship forever?”

“I can try.”

“I don’t know. It feels like it’s inevitable, Kyle.”

“You know what will happen if we allow that, don’t you? If she mates with some human, she’ll... We cannot let her reproduce, Carol.” He speaks very sternly.

“And you don’t think they’ve already thought of that?! Those Agents followed us for nearly three years, Kyle, and they knew exactly how to play the public when the story broke. They’ve used Harriet as their adorable poster-child for nearly two decades, now her kind are hardly abnormal! Most people talk about them with intrigue, and everyone is curious about her when they first see her! She’s in ads, Kyle... Almost eighteen years, and they’ve been growing AdvAnimals ever since we left. You and I both know they must number in the millions by now!”

“What’s your point, Carol?” He asks, crossing his arms and glaring at her.

“What’s my point?! Sovereign Six planned for this! They weren’t going to make more like her and then keep them locked in cages forever. We know for a fact that they’re preparing to release them to the general public soon. Are you going to stop them all from reproducing?! Some umpteen-million of them?! You’re going to go from house to house and sterilize them? What about the males? We know they’ve made those, too. Are you going to fight them into submission? Cut their balls off before they find willing and curious women?”

Kyle is left in a stunned silence. His arms slowly fall to his sides and he looks toward the floor. He takes a moment to think, pondering her words. With a fearful sigh, he closes his eyes and runs his fingers through his hair, before covering his face with his hands.

“Do you really think they’d let these creatures reproduce with humans?” He finally speaks, breaking the fog of silence.

“Who’s to say?” She shrugs her shoulders. “Even if that wasn’t their intention all along, there’s so many of them now that one of them will eventually get loose and do it anyway. Reproduction: It’s the most powerful drive of any creature, a base instinct... All I’m saying is that if Harriet can find someone, a man whom she can enjoy a real, meaningful connection with, then who are we to stop her? Who are we to prevent her from being happy?” Carol pleads.

“... Her parents?” He quips, flashing a little grin.

“I’m serious, Kyle...”

“I know, I’m just... I’m not ready for that, yet. I don’t think you are, either.”

“In the end, it may not be up to us. I suppose that’s the real struggle of parenthood. We get to watch them live their lives, following or ignoring all of those years of advice.”

“So, mom... What’s your suggestion?”

“No more moving... We let this play out.”

Kyle didn’t want to admit it, but Carol was right. After a few days of pondering, he’s forced to come to one conclusion: He loves Harriet as if she was his own flesh and blood, and for as much as it terrifies him, he’d rather Harriet be happy. His daughters receive a private education from a vetted tutor, employed by Sovereign Six, a policy they began when they were toddlers. Without a school to go to, Harriet’s only other connections to the outside world, besides the TV and internet, are Ozzy and Susan.

Unsurprisingly, she gravitated toward the eighteen-year-old boy, trading CDs and sharing their interests. By the second week, she’d already had two supervised visits to Susan’s home. By all accounts, she marveled at how Ozzy decorated his room, and was elated to see that he was also a guitarist. By the third week, Kyle caught a glimpse of Harriet doodling hearts around Ozzy’s name, which she’d written in big, bubbly letters. As soon as she caught him watching her, she gave him a glare and closed her journal.

He couldn’t help but chuckle as he replayed that moment. If it wasn’t for her parentage, being grown in a lab, she’d be just like any other teenage girl. One day, five weeks after moving to the quiet town and the secluded farmhouse, Kyle found himself walking the property, only to see Ozzy appearing from the trail that connects their two houses.

“Hi, Mr. Burnheart!”

“Hey, Ozzy.”

“Is Harriet home?”

“Where else would she be?”

“Good point, Mr. Burnheart.” Ozzy softly chuckles.

“... You can call me ‘Kyle’...”

“Okay.”

“So...” Kyle takes a deep breath. “What’s your deal?”

“What do you mean?” A perplexed Ozzy furls his brow.

“You’re always over here. Don’t you have any other friends?”

“Gee, I’ve heard that before.” Ozzy sighs.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“No, it’s alright. To answer your question... Not really! I’m one of those brooding, loner types.”

“Well, you’re awfully forthright about that.” Kyle raises his brow.

“I grew up in this small town. Mom moved us here after my grandparent’s died, since she inherited the house. It was cheaper to pay the land taxes than keep her apartment in Portland, and she was able to find an office in that one-stoplight town a few miles down the road. I’ve always been a bit of an outsider.”

“I can’t imagine why.” Kyle’s eyes scan the teenager’s distinctive appearance.

“Yeah, well... Look like how you feel, I guess.”

“Is that why you hang around Harriet? She’s an outsider, too?”

“Yes and no. In a way, she reminds me of myself, but she’s way more popular than I’ll ever be, even though she’s not a human.” Ozzy replies very matter-of-factly.

“I see... And that doesn’t bother you? What she is, I mean.” Kyle narrows his eyes.

“Harriet’s just so human-like, it’s easy to forget that she’s not. Honestly, I hardly even notice anymore. It went from being really unique to a quaint novelty, and now she’s just like every other girl I’ve ever met. When I first saw her, I didn’t think I’d feel that way so fast, but I do. It’s just nice to have someone who likes what I like and doesn’t judge me... I like her. I like how normal I feel spending time with her.” Ozzy chirps, a little smile on his face as he looks toward Kyle’s house.

Kyle smirks, and shakes his head. Though he hates to admit it, something about Ozzy is genuinely refreshing. He’s honest, thoughtful and well-spoken. If he had to choose a single word, it would be ‘endearing’.

“Harriet’s birthday is tomorrow...” Kyle begins.

“I know.”

“It won’t be a typical party, but... If you want to come.”

“Thanks! I’d love to!”

The back door swings open and slams shut, drawing their attention. Harriet dashes down the steps and races up to the pair, smiling from cheek to cheek. It’s clear to Kyle how happy she is to see Ozzy. Watching her embracing the boy warms his heart.

“It’s good to see you, too!” Ozzy chuckles, gently rubbing her back. “I got a new CD. Did you want to hear it?”

“Mhm!” She nods.

Disappearing into the woods, the teens walk hand-in-hand. With a splitter allowing them both to listen to the same Walkman, they sit on a log, just beyond the tree line, enjoying each other’s company even more than the music. With his hand resting over hers, Harriet turns it over and coils her fingers, weaving them together. Staring into each other’s eyes, Ozzy leans closer, but rather than kissing her, as she was hoping, he rests his forehead against hers.

“These past few months have been great. I wake up every day, eager to see what happens next... I’m just really glad to know you.” He says with a quivering voice.

She turns her eyes upward to meet his gaze. After a moment, she blinks.

“I never thought I would... Get to know you, I mean. You’re so...”

He sits up and turns away, taking off his headphones. She follows his lead, focusing all of her attention onto what he has to say.

“I knew this would happen! I’m too nervous to talk.”

Harriet drafts a little note and slips it to him.

“It’s okay. I’m always here for you.” It reads.

He cracks a smile and glances toward her. Reaching out a hand, he rests it on her cheek. She closes her eyes, rests a hand over his and nuzzles his wrist with her snout.

“How can I say this? ... You’re fucking awesome.”

“Hehe!” She giggles and flashes a shy smile.

“You’re awesome, and I love you.”

Her smile fades and Harriet finds herself staring into his eyes. She’s always had the ability to read people, a sixth sense that confirms their honesty and intentions. She peers through his eyes and right into his soul. He’s sincere. He gulps from his growing nervousness and strokes her cheek with his thumb.

“I love you, Harriet. I’d spend every day with you, if I could.”

The teens lean closer, their eyes narrowing. She pauses as she feels his lips caressing hers, his breath warming her face. The next move is on him. Ozzy overcomes his nerves, pressing their lips together and giving her a very passionate kiss. One kiss becomes two, and soon she’s tasting his tongue. Her chest heaves as she softly pants, her temperature rising. Ending their kisses, Ozzy nuzzles her snout with his nose, sliding closer and pulling her into a tight embrace. She grabs onto his shirt, her claws digging into him. This is far more powerful than whatever she had with Scotty. Her heart feels warmer and her body trembles. They pull back so that they can share another kiss.

“Harriet! Dinner!” Carol calls out.

Pulling their lips apart, the teens look to each other for a moment. Harriet collects her headphones and hastily drafts a note.

“Coming over tomorrow?” It reads.

“Of course! I’d never miss your birthday. I have to give you your present.” He smiles.

Flashing a toothy smile, Harriet brushes her bangs from her eyes and walks back to her house. Ozzy follows her, waving to Carol before heading back to the trail that leads him back home. That night, Harriet can barely sleep. She’s just so excited to see him again. Her mind races. Did he really mean what he said? She’s certain he does, but does he, really? How does she feel about him? Is what she feeling genuine or is it just because he’s one of the most handsome boys she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing?

The emotional noise, like static in her brain, keeps her sleeping very lightly. When she finally does dream, she finds herself dreaming of a life with Ozzy, sitting on a porch as a vague, child-like figure plays in a yard as they watch and hold hands. The next day, she paces the floor and looks through the windows, watching the trail for Ozzy. When he appears from beyond the trees, she almost jumps for joy. Everyone can see how excited she is to have him there. At her modest party, Ozzy plays a cheap, First Act guitar with a built-in amplifier, singing a rock version of ‘Happy Birthday’, complete with a brief solo.

Harriet opens her handful of presents, most of them expensive and rare gifts bought by her parents, whose obscene salaries are paid by Sovereign Six. Ozzy, however, presents her with a small box. Opening the box with great care, Harriet’s eyes grow wide. Inside is a necklace made of black rope, with a unique pendant. Not quite three-inches-tall, the pendant is shaped like a coffin and made of shiny, black metal. A white skull sits atop the coffin, and a pink bow appears to be glued to the back of the skull, adding a bit of girly flare. She smiles from cheek to cheek as she looks over the necklace. Her thumb rubs the little skull. As she looks to Ozzy, she feels a click. She’s quick to reverse whatever she’s just done.

“Do you like it?”

“Mhm!” She nods.

Worried about what her parents will say or do if they properly express their affection, the teens lean in and share a hug. After staying for cake and a few party games, the sun begins to set. Ozzy takes out a flashlight and says his goodbyes, giving Harriet a hug and sneaking a kiss on her cheek as they stand in the doorway. She takes a shower and climbs into bed, but curiosity gets the better of her. Slipping on her new necklace, she examines the coffin and the little skull.

Rubbing the skull as she did before, she sees it lower and feels a click. The skull is a button! Opening her hand, the coffin lid swings like a door, revealing a note, held down by a silver ring. Lifting up the ring, her eyes water at the sight of two, entwined hearts. She tries the ring on, finding that it’s a perfect fit for the third finger of her left hand. Unfolding Ozzy’s note, she feels the wonderful burning in her heart.

“Dear Harriet. I meant what I said yesterday. I’ve been wanting to say it for some time. I love you, and when I imagine myself in the future, you’re there. I can see us in the future, side by side. I wouldn’t have it any other way, and I honestly don’t think I ever could. You’ve worked your way inside, and now we’re entwined, just like these hearts.”

“Aww!” She coos and wipes a happy tear from beneath an eye.

“P.S. I hope you find this soon. I’d love to see this on a finger. I think silver might be your color!” The note continues.

She sets the note aside and looks over the ring on her finger. Is it a coincidence that it fits her third finger? She certainly never gave him a ring size, and he never asked. Unable to control herself, she jumps out of bed and pulls on her clothes, picking the sexiest outfit she has. Picking up a pen, she sits at her vanity and writes a note before folding it up and placing it inside her coffin pendant. With the rest of her family sound asleep, Harriet walks softly on the floor, moving quietly toward the back door. Doing her best to remain undetected, she steps outside and gently closes the storm door.

Yawning as she sits up in bed, Madison throws her blanket from her legs. With the urge to use the bathroom and get a drink, she shuffles her feet over the soft carpeting. She glances outside, which is so wonderfully illuminated by the full moon. Taking a few more steps, she stops in her tracks, her eyes wide as she leans closer to the window and peers outside.

“Harriet?!” She gasps.

Her tall, bunny ears are unmistakable as the shadowy figure walks toward the trail.

“Oh, shit... I’d better follow her! ... After I use the bathroom.”

Tap, tap, tap. Ozzy turns his head and looks toward the window. He gasps and nearly falls out of his bed when he sees Harriet’s face peeking in at him from the darkness.

“Harriet?!”

She smiles from cheek to cheek and waves quite ecstatically. He moves toward the window, flips the latch and slides the window open. Reaching out for her, she grabs onto his forearms and carefully climbs through. She plops down onto his mattress and giggles, rolling over and facing him. He quickly slides the window closed.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon. I’m glad, though.” He says with a warm smile.

Harriet smiles back as she sits upright on his bed. She holds up the coffin pendant and presses on the skull-shaped button.

“I wondered if you were going to find that. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to tell you about it a week later.” He murmurs.

She takes out the note and passes it to him. Taking her note, he unfolds it and smiles when he sees the swarm of hearts that act as a border.

“I love you, too, Ozzy, with all of my heart. I think about you often. Let’s not ever be apart. We can wake up every sunrise, sharing every day. Snuggle every sunset and keep our loneliness at bay. You’re my one and only. The sunshine to my moon. I cannot live without you, so let’s watch our love bloom.” It reads.

“Wow! You’re a poet, too?!” He flushes.

She lifts a hand and wobbles it from side to side. Ozzy sets the poem beside a framed picture. She’d never noticed this picture, which he must have added quite recently. It shows them sitting together on his front porch, his arm around her waist and her head on his shoulder. Susan took that picture, commenting on how cute they looked. The fact that he has it on his nightstand, right beside his bed, warms her heart. Harriet scoots closer, sitting on her legs and looking toward him.

“So... What did you want to do, now? I can turn on the PlayStation, if you want.” He asks as he scoots closer.

Harriet looks down at his hands, which are very near her legs. With a subtle motion, she brushes her furry leg against his fingers. Ozzy flushes. They stare silently into each other’s eyes for a moment, and Harriet leans even closer. Meeting her halfway, Ozzy gives her a tender kiss on her lips. Just as before, one kiss isn’t enough. With her eyes narrowed and her breathing even heavier than before, Harriet rests her hands upon his shoulders, pushing him back.

She takes off her necklace and sets it aside, then pulls off her shirt, revealing her breasts to him. Ozzy, who is already in only his pajama bottoms and a baggy t-shirt, removes his top. Her hands caress his flesh, her body trembling. He grabs onto her biceps, firmly yet lovingly, and pulls at her.

“Eee!” She squeals as she falls against his chest.

She giggles as they continue to kiss, their tongues entwined. Unable to stop her natural impulses, Harriet puts her weight on his chest as she slides her hands down, slipping her claws behind the elastic waistband of his pajama bottoms and pushing them down. She hears a flopping sound, only to push herself up and gasp. His manhood is right there. She turns her eyes up to him, gently biting her bottom lip. They can’t stop now.

Ravaging him like a wild animal, Harriet keeps herself on top of him, making herself comfortable. Ozzy’s hands glide over the soft fur of her supple body, coming to rest on her perky buttocks. Pushing up her black skirt, he gives her cheeks a squeeze, making her coo and slip him even more tongue. His thumbs hook her pink panties, which he slowly slides down, peeling them off of her taut butt.

Meanwhile, Madison makes her way through the field, a small flashlight in-hand. After using the bathroom, she struggled to get dressed and sneak out without alerting their parents. It was hard enough to find a proper outfit; all of her clothes are so bright, unlike Harriet’s. What if they look outside and see her hot pink top and light blue jeans glowing in the light of the full moon? That’s just a risk that she has to take.

Walking through the trail in the dead of night, it’s exceptionally creepy. The trees block out much of the moonlight, and her flashlight isn’t very powerful. Her eyes scan the tree-line that borders the earthen trail, fearful of seeing something in the darkness. A pair of glowing eyes, a lone hand slithering away... Maybe she’ll turn and see a murderous clown?! As her fear grows, she begins to run, racing along the trail.

The leaves and twigs crunch beneath her shoes, and soon she can see a light in the distance. As Ozzy’s house comes into view, it’s clear to her that the light is coming from his bedroom. She’d been with Harriet during a few of the supervised visits, and knows where his room is located. Turning off her flashlight, Madison creeps toward the window, squatting down and leaning to the left and to the right, unsure if Ozzy or perhaps even her sister will look outside and see her. After taking a moment to build up her courage, Madison slowly stands up, peeking over the window ledge.

“Oh... Oh, wow.” Her eyes grow wide.

Rolling her eyes, Madison takes a step back. She sighs, turns around, and heads back toward the trail. She pauses after a few steps to glance back at the window, slowly shaking her head.

“Harriet always gets what she wants...” She murmurs.

Sitting atop Ozzy’s lap, Harriet rocks her hips, her eyes closed and head tilted back as she holds onto his hands, their fingers weaving together. She seems to pull at him, directing him to sit up. As he does, he wraps his arms around her slender body. Harriet looks down as she rides him, giving him the most passionate kiss Madison’s ever seen.

“Well... That’s a present we can’t share with mom and dad.” She quietly giggles.

Returning home, Madison slips back into the house without ever being detecting. Taking off her clothes and putting on her pajamas, she climbs into bed and tries to go back to sleep. The little excursion, however, has given her something of a second wind. She finds herself watching late night television programs until the tiredness finally returns.

Meanwhile, Ozzy and Harriet do the exact same thing. Lying under the covers, naked and snuggling, the teenage lovers watch reruns of Happy Days. It’s the most comfortable that either of them has ever been. It’s too much to resist. Awakening to the sunlight beaming through Ozzy’s bedroom window, Harriet’s vibrant, teal eyes nearly pop out of her head. She’d fallen asleep beside her lover! Hastily collecting her clothes, her movements awaken him. He opens his eyes and sits up just in time to see her slipping her necklace over her shirt.

“Oh, damn... I hope I didn’t get you into trouble.” He remarks.

Harriet smiles at him, crawls a little closer, then gives him a soft, loving kiss on his lips.

“You know, I... I never slept so well, before. Holding you was nice.”

Harriet leans in and nuzzles his cheek, then gives him one last kiss before opening his window and slipping outside.

“I’ll visit you today!” He shouts from his window.

She turns back and waves as she jogs toward the trail. By sheer luck, she returns to her home and slips inside before her parents wake up, slipping into the shower just as she hears them climbing out of bed. Sitting down for breakfast, Madison watches their parents, both of whom are blissfully unaware of what’s transpired between Harriet and Ozzy. As Kyle and Carol prepare a substantial meal together, Madison leans over the table.

“I won’t tell.” She whispers.

Harriet’s eyes grow wide, but seeing the little smile on her sister’s face, she can’t help but be relieved. She’s happy that Madison knows, and happier still that their unshakable bond is intact. Later that day, Ozzy stops by for a visit, just as he’d promised. Sitting together on the couch and watching TV, Carol watches the teens from a chair across the room, an amused little smile on her face. Suddenly, someone knocks on their front door.

“Who could that be?” Carol thinks aloud.

She opens the door and her heart sinks. A pair of Agents stand there, their expressionless faces and mirrored sunglasses all too familiar. Typically, however, they don’t arrive unless they’ve called them. Did Kyle change his mind?!

“Hello, Mrs. Burnheart. May we come in?”

Carol steps aside.

“Good. They’re both here.” An Agent remarks, looking at Harriet and Ozzy.

“What’s going on? Did Kyle call you?” Carol asks with worry in her voice.

“No, ma’am. We’re here to discuss Harriet’s future.” An Agent responds.

“What?! Why?!”

“Carol? Who’s here?” Kyle asks as he walks down the stairs.

He stops in his tracks as soon as he sees the Agents.

“What’s going on?”

“Don’t worry. We’re not here to harm her.” One of the Agents begins.

“We’re here to see if she would care to volunteer for a new project.” The other Agents replies.

“A project?” Kyle steps closer.

“Yes. There may be a solution to her speech problems. Luckily for you, the research is being done at Blue Base, only a few hours from here.”

The first Agent hands Kyle a blue folder. He opens the folder and examines the stacks of papers, which contain research data collected by a Dr. Gunderson. It describes a simple and non-invasive method that could potentially repair Harriet’s underdeveloped speech center. Seeing the potential, Kyle raises his brow and nods his head. The flabbergasted teens sit on the couch, watching the Agents. Ozzy looks between Harriet’s parents and the strange men, whom he’s never seen, but remind him of similar men in black from movies and television.

“This could work!” Kyle remarks.

“Does this mean she will volunteer?”

“Wait a minute, Kyle. Shouldn’t we talk about this, as a family?” Carol approaches her husband.

“Do we? This data seems sound, enough. There could be a chance to get her talking!” Kyle turns to her, holding out the folder.

“There’s no pressure.” The first Agent interjects.

“Take your time to think it over. This is an open offer, ma’am.” The second Agent adds.

“And if we say ‘no’?” Carol cautiously asks.

“They don’t want to force this, ma’am, not on Harriet.” The second Agent remarks.

“It would, however, be a wise decision. Given the recent turn of events, it would behoove us to monitor Harriet and her lover, in case she becomes pregnant. In that scenario, we’d have to take her anyway. You know the policy.” The first Agent takes over.

With their eyes growing wide, Kyle and Carol stare in shock at Harriet and Ozzy. The bunny girl closes her eyes, hangs her head and hides her face in a palm. Ozzy nervously bites his bottom lip and clears his throat, turning his head away. Kyle drops the folder onto the floor, the papers spilling out. The first Agent tilts his head, looking upon the pile but doing nothing about it.

“You can’t be serious...” Kyle murmurs.

“Oh my God! Button!” Carol gasps.

Harriet flashes an anxious smile and shrugs her shoulders.

“Hey, mom, there’s a black car out-... Uh... What’re the Agent’s doing here?” Madison asks, standing on the stairs.

No one responds. Kyle sighs and hangs his head, while Carol reaches an arm across her chest, then sets an elbow atop her forearm and nibbles on her thumbnail.

“... Guys?” Madison asks.