Tuesday, October 15, 2030
"Mom, dad. Can I talk to you for a second?" Laika asked after walking into the kitchen, she carried Bohai in her arms.
"Yeah sweetie, what's up?" Fan asked.
"I. Well. I… I don't know how to say what I want to," she replied.
"Is everything okay Laika?" Vapor asked.
"Yes… No. I don't know," she replied and sighed. "I, umm, I want to drop out of school," she blurted out. Vapor sprayed her coffee out and Fang inhaled his drink down into his lungs. By seeing their reactions, she knew it was the wrong thing to say. Fang coughed and coughed trying to clear his lungs from the milk he was drinking. Vapor was staring at her silently, unsure if she just heard what did. After nearly ten silent seconds Fang broke it.
"Why Laika? You love school," he asked.
"I do. But I'm failing, I can't stay awake in school and it's affecting me caring for my litter after school and I just can’t do it anymore," she explained.
"Laika, you don't need to drop out of school. You're a smart girl and you'll pull your grades back up," Vapor said, cleaning up the coffee on the counter.
"Mom. I can't even focus on school work or homework. I'm always tired and can't stay awake. I’m always getting written up for sleeping in class, you know that. I have detention after school today, again," she replied then pointed to a pile of disciplinary notes from her school that sat on the edge of island counter.
"Go get ready for school. We'll talk about this later," Fang replied.
"I got no sleep last night though," she replied.
"Tough shit. You should have kept your legs shut or used a condom. Now go get ready for school. We'll talk about it after school today," he replied.
“Fine,” Laika scowled walking away. She headed upstairs and put Bohai into his crib then got dressed. She sat down and sighed heavily. Lin frowned but moved up behind her and started rubbing her shoulders. She closed her eyes, feeling his fingers gently press into her muscles for the next few silent minutes.
Lin stopped, then sat down behind her, his legs next to her. He dropped his head onto her left shoulder and wrapped his arms around her body.
“It’ll be okay Laika. You’re doing good so far,” he said.
“I’m just always tired. School is no longer fun for me. I sleep more there than here and always getting into trouble for it. That two hours of after school detention is eating away at everything,” she replied.
“I know. I’m sorry that I cause you problems,”
“You’re not causing any problems though,” she replied and placed her paw against his on her stomach.
“But I made you pregnant,”
“No,” she shook her head, “we got myself pregnant. It wasn’t just you. I do love the cubs though. I just need a little more sleep,”
“Okay Laika,” he replied as she pushed herself off the bed.
“I’ll see you after I get back home from school. Love you Lin,” she said then left the room. Lin would soon follow her downstairs to catch the school bus.
***
“Laika Wolfe! Wake up. I’m not going to tell you again,” her second period teacher yelled.
“No dad, told you-”
She popped her head up after the class started laughing. She looked around, she could feel the heat from her face.
“Sorry Mr. Bour I got no sleep last night,” she replied.
“That’s not my issue nor my care. Stay awake or go to the principals office,” he replied.
“I bet she was fucking that perv again,” Melony said, causing a few students to laugh.
“I was up all night being a parent. Just like your parents did for you, so shut the fuck up bitch,” Laika replied.
“If you weren’t a whor-”
“Both of you shut up,” Mr. Bour scowled.
“Fine with me,” Laika said and laid her head back on her desk. Mr. Bour shook his head at Laika. Melony was glaring at Laika as she closed her eyes again.
A few moments later Mr. Bour walked up to Laika’s desk and slammed a heavy book against it, causing her to jump and shriek. He handed her yet another detention slip. She looked at it and shredded it before laying her head back down.
“Go to the office, now, Miss Wolfe,” Mr. Bour commanded. She grabbed her backpack and quietly left the room but not before flipping Melony off. In the office, she sat down and laid her head against the wall corner and fell asleep.
***
“We can’t let her drop out of school Fang,” Vapor said.
“It’s not that I want to let her drop out, but we both know what she’s going through,” Fang replied.
“And we dealt with it Fang,” she replied.
“Yes we did with two cubs, not six. We aren’t going through what she is. Even after we take two each night that leaves Laika and Lin with the four. Willow takes one when she can, but we shouldn’t let her burden herself like this anymore,” he replied.
“Fang, it’s a bad idea to let Laika drop out. It’s going to cost us a lot of money for that,” she replied.
“Vapor, we shouldn’t be worrying about money. We have plenty of it to pay the monthly fine. We have to think of Laika’s health and mental well being right now. Let’s allow her to drop out for this year and enroll her back in next year. She’s only three months in right now,” he suggested.
“Fine. We’ll let her take the year off and hope that she’ll start going again next school year,” she said as Fang snapped his fingers.
“Actually, we can home school her. She’ll probably enjoy it just as much as regular school. And we won’t have to pay the fine,” he replied.
“Yeah, maybe. Okay, I guess so Fang,” she replied sighing.
“Babe, I know it’s not a good thing for her to drop out. But think back on how tired we were with just Onai and Luna. We often fell asleep in class and would sometimes get in trouble. We had very little free time. When we weren’t caring for them we were catching up on homework and classwork,” he replied.
“I know Fang. I remember it clearly,” she replied.
“I’ll home school Laika, just like I’ve been home schooling Tamra since she’s banned from the school since those two girls still go there. Can’t believe they got the restraining order against Tamra for in school as well,” Fang replied.
“Poor Tamra. At least the restraining order is only for four years,” Vapor replied.
“Yeah, OoooooNLY four years Vapor. That’s a good chunk of my schooling,” Tamra said walking in after being dropped off by her dad.
“Ah, you snuck in today. How are you doing?” Vapor replied hugging her.
“I’m good. What should I start on?” She asked.
“Have you ate already?” Fang asked.
“I have,” she replied.
“Okay. Let’s see,” Fang said then went silent thinking for a moment, “ah! I know. We bought new books that need to be logged into the software for our library catalog. The books are sitting on the table in the study room. You remember how to use the software?”
“I think so. I’ll ask if I need help. See you both later,” she said then walked out of the kitchen.
“Fang, you goofball, that’s not school work,” Vapor said.
“Sure it is. It teaches her how to organize items,”
“You’re pressing your luck there. Anyway, I got to go. See you later babe,” she said, kissed him then left the house to head into Wolfe and Fox.
***
After arriving home, Laika started heading to the stairs when Fang called out to her to come over to him. Lin walked behind her as they walked into the office.
“Lin, leave,” Fang said. Lin looked over at Laika then back to Fang.
“Now Lin,” Fang said sternly. Lin gulped and quickly left the room.
“Sit down,” he said, then walked next to Vapor.
“Am I in trouble for sleeping in school again?” She asked.
“Yeah, we got calls from four of your teachers and the principal today,” Vapor said.
“I’m sorry, but I told you both I was exhausted,” she replied.
“We know Laika,” Vapor said and sighed. Fang walked around the desk and stood next to Laika.
“So you want to drop out of school, huh?” Fang asked and leaned against the desk.
“I don’t want to but I can’t keep up with it right now,” she replied.
“We know you don’t want to,” he replied then rubbed her head.
“I guess you’re going to tell me to stick with it and it’ll get better,” she said.
“It will get better Laika, but no. We’ll give you your wish,” he replied.
“R-really?” She asked surprised.
“Under certain conditions,” Vapor said.
“Which are?” She asked.
“One, you take on an extra chore. Two, you will care for your cubs throughout the night, we won’t move them into the nursery, as we have been doing. Third, you will be home schooled. Your dad will be your home school teacher just like he is for Tamra,” Vapor explained.
“Yeah, I’ll do that,” Laika said, as her tail started wagging.
“If you break any of the rules we’ll enroll you back into school and you can deal with the consequences. Understood?” Fang said.
“Yes dad. Thank you!” She said and smiled.
“You’ll go back to school next year after it starts back up in 2031,” Vapor stated.
“The cubs should be old enough to sleep through the night by then. Maybe it’ll work out,” Laika replied.
“Doesn’t matter if they keep you awake all night. You’ll go back to school next year,” Vapor replied.
“I understand mom,” she replied.
“It’ll probably take a month or two for everything to go through. Until then you still have to go to school,” Vapor said.
“Okay,” she said with a long groan.
***
Wednesday, October 16, 2030
“Thank you for meeting us so soon,” Fang said to Principal Salazar, the Middle School principal.
“I understand that you want to drop your daughter Laika Wolfe from the school for the current school year, correct?” He asked.
“Yes. With her being a parent to six cubs it’s affecting her ability to keep passing grades and staying awake during class time. We will be home schooling her just as we have been doing for Tamra Mosley,” Fang explained.
After an hour or so of more talking and paperwork the principal called Laika out of the classroom. With an office pass and yet another detention slip in paw she sleepily made her way to the office. She’s told by the front desk assistant to head into the principal’s office. Her eyes were half-way closed as she sat down next to her dad.
“Dad, I need you to sign this. It’s another detention slip for sleeping,” she said. He took it in his paw and ripped it in half, to her surprise.
“No worries about the detention. You won’t be attending it. You’re going home with me and you start homeschooling next week,” he replied.
“I thought you and mom said it would take a month or two?” She replied.
“We thought it would. It’s only a dozen papers and some forms that have to be sent into the state. We can pull you out immediately and then when your paperwork comes in you officially start then,” her dad explained.
“Ahem,” the Principal cleared this throat, “let’s finish this paperwork, shall we?”
After another half an hour and about fifteen minutes waiting for copies Dad and Daughter headed out of the office being followed by the security guard. The first stop was to her classroom. Fang and the guard stood at the door while Laika grabbed her bag and books. She told her classmates goodbye and she’d talk to them on various social media sites. After the classroom they headed to her locker and cleaned it out. Fang handed her the cardboard box and helped her put her stuff inside. He carried the books and they headed back to the office to turn them in. After getting the signed copies of the book returns they left the school. At the car Laika stopped and looked back at the two story building. A frown passed along her face. A few seconds later Fang took the cardboard box and put it into the trunk. He walked back up to her and squatted down. He wiped a few tears from her eyes and kissed her muzzle.
“You’ll be back here next school year,” he said.
“I know, but I hate leaving my friends behind. I hope Lara and Chelsey will be okay without me here,” she said. Fang chuckled at her.
“I’m sure they’ll get by just fine. They come over pretty often anyway. So you’ll still get to hang out with them,” he replied.
“Thanks dad,” she replied then got into the car.
After getting home the two walk in, Laika carrying her backpack on her back and carrying the cardboard box in front of her. She walked by the dining room and stopped. She walked over to the table, sat the box down and smiled at Tamra.
“Hey,” Laika said.
“You’re home?” Tamra asked confused after looking up from her studying.
“Yeah. I’m now being home schooled,” she explained.
“Nice,” Tamra replied.
“Laika, let Tamra get back to studying. You two can talk in two hours after she’s finished for the day,” Fang said walking in.
“Okay daddy,” she replied then picked up the box.
“Where the pups good?” Fang asked.
“Ah yeah, not even a peep from them,” Tamra said then went back to working on the math work.
“Once you put all that up Laika, you need to take care of your pups,” Fang said.
“Okay dad,” she replied then walked off to her bedroom.
After changing out of her school uniform she took a quick shower and headed back downstairs. She walked into the living room and up to the playpen where her pups were at playing with toys and each other.
***
Monday, October 28, 2030
“Okay Laika, Language Arts. Read pages 145 to 160 and do questions 1 through 10 and all five sub-questions from each. Tamra, Science. Read pages 245 to 265 and do all of the questions at the end. Call me when you’re finished,” Fang said.
“Okay,” both replied.
“Dad, what if one of the pups start crying?” Laika asked.
“Get up, take care of them and go back to reading or working on the questions,” he replied, “Tamra can help too if you get overwhelmed with more than two.”
“Thanks,” Laika replied and pulled the book to in front of her.
Over the course of the next hour both girls called Fang for help to understand some sections of what they were learning. After another two hours the two girls started and finished the questions at the end of the chapter.
After calling Fang to check their work, he graded them and told them good job. Laika stood up to walk away until Fang spoke up.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He asked.
“Pee,” she replied.
“Did you ask for permission?” He asked.
“N-no. Do I have to? I’m at home!” She replied dumbfounded.
“No,” he laughed, “go on but come back afterwards. You still have three more subjects to do today.”
After Laika came back, twenty minutes later, Fang moved them into the kitchen and had them sit at the center counter bar. He sat on the counter near the sink and looked over at them. After letting them take a drank he cleared his throat.
“Okay Furmerican History time,” he said. He smiled at both then landed his eyes on Laika. “Laika, who was elected four times as president?”
Laika sat there thinking, staring at the bar and glass of tea in front of her. Tamra on the other paw was smiling and a bit giddy, already knowing the answer. Fang had beforehand told them if either one spoke out of turn or blurted out an answer he would fail them on this section for the day. After about a minute Laika looked up.
“Uh, Roosevelt?” She asked unsure about the answer.
“Correct, two points,” he replied, “Tamra, who ran against Roosevelt in all four elections?”
“Fu-” she said, stopping herself and went deep into thought. It took her a little over a minute to think.
“Hoover, uh, Willkie, Dewey and Landon?” She asked in a squeaky and meek voice.
“In proper order please,” Fang replied.
“REALLY?” She screeched.
“Yes, please,” he replied.
“I don’t know. I had to wreck my brain just for the names,” she replied.
“Laika, do you know?” He asked.
“No,” she replied.
“Hoover, Landon, Willkie and Dewey,” Fang replied.
“Ooooh,” both girls replied.
“One point off Tamra, but good job overall,” he replied.
“Thanks,” she replied.
“Laika, who were the presidents of the 1980’s?” He asked.
“Reagan and Bush,” Tamra blurted out.
“TAMRA!” Fang scowled.
“I’m so sorry! I forgot. Please don’t fail me for this,” she replied.
“Two points taken off of your grade,” he replied.
“Laika, of those two presidents who was president twice in the 1980’s?”
“Reagan,” she replied.
“Correct, two points,” he replied then looked over at Tamra.
“Tamra, what was Reagan’s famous speech sentence?” He asked.
“Mr. I don’t know how to say his name, tear down this wall,” she replied a moment later.
“Gorbachev,” he replied, “two points, well done,” he replied.
“Two points to the first who blurts out the answer,” Fang said catching both girls off guard.
“Where was Tetris created?” He asked.
Both girls sat there silently, neither of them sure.
“Japan?” Laika asked.
“Furmerica?” Tamra asked.
“Nope. Russia,” Fang replied.
“What? Tetris is Japanese though,” Laika replied.
“No, licensed to Japan to be sold in the USF with the Gameboy,” he replied.
“So, one of the most popular games was a Soviet Russian game?” Laika asked.
“Yup. Tetris has an odd history of how it came to be as we know it now,” he replied, “anyway, back to Furmerican History. Laika, who did George Bush lose to?” He asked.
“Which Bush?” She asked.
“1980’s Laika,” he replied.
For the next twenty minutes they went back and forth with questions and answers. At the end Tamra managed to beat Laika by a single point, but both passed. After the fun game he told them to read the first two chapters for the 1990’s.
One PM rolled around and the two girls handed Fang their answers from their Social Studies and Math books. He looked them over quickly just to make sure they answered all of the questions. He nodded and told them they were done for the day. They smiled and rushed off to the living room. Tamra plopped down onto the couch and flipped the TV on while Laika checked her pups and changed the diapers of those that needed it. She also started feeding them with Tamra’s help. After half an hour all six pups were fed. As always on queue with food, Skyler toddled into the living room while Laika and Tamra fed the pups. Skyler was hungry and wanted food as well. Fang walked up behind and scooped the wolf-bunny boy up into his arms and took him to the kitchen and prepared food for Skyler, himself and the two girls.
Later in the evening after everyone came home from school they were all sitting at the table eating dinner. Vapor looked over to Laika, “how did you like your first day of homeschooling?” She asked.
“It was fun,” she replied.
“Do you think you’ll want to continue with it?” Vapor asked.
“Yes mom. For this school year at least,” she replied.
“Okay. I was just wondering. Glad that you had fun,” she replied then went back to eating.
***
Laika quickly settled into the home school life easily. For the next two months her and Lin were woke up during the night, however their cubs soon would sleep throughout the night giving their parents the rest they needed. Lin would power his way through the day as best as he could. Fang at two PM every day would drive to the high school, pick him up and drive back home who would take over caring for the cubs. After everyone else arrived back at home they would help care for the cubs so Lin and Laika could work on Lin’s homework so he doesn’t fail another year, which would cause him to lose his student visa and possibly send him back to China. He still studied for his citizenship test nightly for two to three hours after his school homework. Against their own words, Fang and Vapor would occasionally take one or two of the pups into their room, into the nursery to help Laika and Lin, mainly Lin, so they could get the sleep they needed to properly operate the following day.
***
Wednesday January 8, 2031
“Hey Lin, can we talk about something?” Laika asked while they laid in bed.
“Sure, what’s going on?” He asked.
“I don’t think I ever want to have more pups. The past year has been the most difficult and stressful year I’ve ever had. I don’t know if I could handle going through that ever again,” she said.
“If you don’t want any more that’s okay. Maybe years later and when we leave here maybe you will want to again,” he replied.
She turned her head and looked over at him and smiled. She kissed him, “thanks for understanding.”
“It’s been really hard for me too. I failed those classes because I couldn’t study right because of the pups. I love the pups though,” he replied.
“I know you do and I love you too,” she replied. He smiled but then sighed.
“I still haven’t told father about us, the pups or me becoming a citizen here,” he said.
“I know you haven’t. You don’t have to tell him about any of it Lin. Remember, you’re not even supposed to contact him at all,” she replied.
“I know but it’s just wrong if I don’t. Willow said she had in the contract thing that I can send him one letter or email saying all that. But I don’t know if I should or not,” he explained.
“If you really want to then do it. Do it if you think you’ll regret not doing it later. I’ll be there for you either way,” she replied.
“Thanks Laika,” he replied.
“No problem. We should try to get some sleep, especially you,” she replied then gave him a goodnight kiss. He smiled and returned the kiss then rolled onto his side and closed his eyes.
