Heavy sobs hit your body as you continue to drive away from the raptor paddock. You’ve had fights with Owen before but none as bad as this one.
You had been refilling the meat bucket when the new intern accidentally dropped a bucket that he was cleaning into the paddock. Thankfully, it landed near the cage door. After making sure none of the girls were near, or around for that matter, there were other workers watching, and no Owen, you opened the cage door and went in.
You quickly but quietly walked up to the bucket, bent down, and picked it up. What you didn’t know was that there was a pair of golden eyes staring at you from behind the bushes.
A yell suddenly rang throughout the entire paddock that caused you to turn around. Standing a few feet away from you was Echo. She didn’t make any moves to attack you, only stared at you curiously.
When you first started working with the raptors, after taking a break a little break from training Rexy, you bonded with the brown raptor called Echo. You would always be the one to feed her, calm her down, stay with her when there were thunder storms, and sing her to sleep. So if it were any of the other three raptors, they probably would have gotten you when your back was turned.
“Hello Echo, my darling.” You said, after debating whether to run or talk to her.
Echo continued to look at you, only this time, she tilted her head and let out a purring noise after you called her darling.
She started to walk towards you at a slow pace but still showed no signs of attacking you. Soon enough she was in front of you, lowering her head to nuzzle into you. Before she had a chance to touch you, Owen had jumped in between you and Echo, shouting out for her to get back. Seeing that you were frozen on the spot, Barry had ran, picked you up and carried you out of the cage, bucket and all.
When Owen got out of the cage. his face and aura was oozing with anger. And it was directed toward you.
Things were said, words that you both know aren’t true, your chest tightening with each word being thrown at you. You know he was just doing this because he cares about you it still hurt.
With tears running down your cheeks, you ran to your car and drove off to the T-Rex paddock.
Finally arriving at the paddock, you climbed out of your car and walked to the door leading into the paddock. Typing in the code to unlock the door, you ran inside.
“Rexy! Rexy! Come on out!” You started yelling into the thick forest, knowing she won’t harm you.
The thumping of her footsteps came from your right. When you looked over, you saw her making her way towards you. When she was in front of you, she stopped, bent down and rubbed her head softly against you.
“Oh Rexy.” You sobbed.
Sensing your sadness, she steps back and lies down, her head close to your body. Very carefully, Rexy grabs the bottom of you shirt and tugs you closer to her.
When Rexy rests her head back on the ground, you cuddle up into her neck, her body heat keeping you warm. You were now calming down, the silence of the island and Rexy’s breathing lulling you to sleep. Before you knew it, you were fast asleep.
You awoke to something gently nudging you and the feeling of warm breath gliding over you. You slowly peeled your eyes open only to see Rexy’s big, scaly head in your face. When she saw that you were awake, she let out a little groan, like she was trying to purr.
“Yes, yes. I’m awake.” You smile at her, getting up from your position from the ground.
Noticing the small amount of blood on her muzzle and teeth, you knew it was past her morning feeding time. Digging into the front pocket of your jeans, you pull out you phone. Opening it up, you find that you have 10 missed calls and 32 text messages.
All from Owen.
Closing your phone, you turn to look at Rexy, who was looking at you and waiting patiently.
“Well I got to go, my dear. I’ll see you soon.” You walk up to her and spread your arms out.
Rexy bent down and pressed her muzzle into you. You closed your eyes and hugged her tight.
“I missed you.” You whispered, a soft purr rumbling from her throat to your body.
Rexy pulls away from you and walks outward back into the forest. Once you couldn’t hear her footsteps anymore, you turn around and walk back to the paddock door.
Once you got into your car, you decide to go to the bungalow. You had to talk to Owen sooner or later.
Owen was outside working on his motorcycle when you drove up. Stepping out of your car, you quietly walk up to him. When you get closer, Owen stands up and meets you half way.
Before you could say anything, Owen grabs you by your cheeks and pulls you in for a passionate kiss.
You let out a squeak, surprised by the sudden kiss. Owen continued to kiss you, wrapping his arms around your waist. You slowly begin to close your eyes, melting into the kiss, your hands gripping his shirt.
The kiss continues for a couple more minutes until the need to breath became too great. Once you both separate, neither of you talked for a few more minutes. You were the one to break the silence.
“Owen, I’m sorry for going into the paddock. I just didn’t want the girls to destroy one of the buckets.” You state, sheepishly.
Owen chuckles and wraps his left arm over your shoulders, “It’s alright, let’s just get over it and get some lunch.”
Toad's Cave 