All The Little Foxes

by Karen Elizabeth Russell

  After the better part of ten minutes passed, Jules could not listen to one more word. ‘Look Edgar’ Jules tried to reason. ‘I only went to the concert because I LIKE THE BAND. That’s all. Fifi had an extra ticket, that’s the only reason we went together-It could have been Count Dracula with an extra ticket – and I would have gone!’ Jules was drained. It was true Edgar could be a bit ‘much’ at times, but Jules cannot remember a time when his pal had been this difficult.

  ‘Oh what’s the point – you can believe what you want to believe, I’m not going to fight with you anymore.’ Jules surrendered. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of questions, Edgar slowly began to back down. He wanted to believe what his friend had been saying – that was one thing for certain. Jules had been Edgar’s pal for such a long time, and he knew when Jules was being completely straight-forward with him and when he was pulling his leg. Deep down, Edgar knew Jules’ words were in the sincerest of nature, and he began to feel bad.

  ‘Well.....did you at least bring me back a t-shirt from the concert?’ Edgar queried, after sitting in silence for a moment or two mulling things over.

  ‘Nah – I was going to, but it probably would have ended up with girl-cooties all over it, and I would not do that to a pal !’ Jules joked, trying to pacify his friend.

  Just as quickly as those words came out of his mouth, Jules’ eyes darted across the room to where Fifi was talking to Anya. The little cub had hoped – no, he wanted to make certain that his comment had not been heard by Fifi, because he did not want to hurt his new friend for anything in the world. Jules did not really mean what he had said to Edgar. He was only trying to spare his pal’s feelings, as he knew Edgar had been feeling greatly left out.

  So with that, all the world for the most part was right again – but the calm did not last for long. Fifi being a vixen, and not realizing the code in which little boy cubs lived by, did not think anything of it when she stopped to make a comment to Jules on the way to her desk.

  ‘I had a great time at the faire Saturday!’ it was loads of fun.

  Fifi could not help it – she was simply glowing with happiness. ‘OUCH’ is all that can be said concerning this predicament. It certainly was not done out of malice. It was just an over exuberant vixen expressing how much fun she had with her friend – which would have been all well and good, had Edgar not been around to hear Fifi’s words.

  This was all the ammunition Edgar needed – he was in full force – all fired up and ready to start shooting his mouth off once again to his pal. Whatever was on the boisterous cub’s mind – whatever he was about to unleash on his pal, would have to be forced onto the back burner for the time being. Miss Tramatonna had arrived, and class was about to begin. For a brief moment in time, Jules was spared from anymore questions and accusations that his BFF was dying to bring to debate.

  Neither Jules, nor Edgar, nor Fifi – or any of this fifth grade gathering were spared from the oral quiz that was about to take place however. The class had been studying all things history, and were about to be quizzed on Paul Revere. Miss Tramatonna gave the first question to the kits and cubs, many of whom fell into a mode of faux distraction-looking very intensely into their lesson books – hoping not to be chosen as the first student to stand up and be tested by the teacher. Herbert, a bookish little fox in the back of the room was the first to be called upon.

  ‘Herbert – can you tell us about the shot heard around the world, and what prompted Paul Revere to make his famous ride on that fateful night?’ Miss Tramatonna questioned to a very frightened looking Herbert, who seemed to be at a loss for words. After what seemed like a weeks worth of silence, the unprepared student was let off the hook.

  ‘Can anyone tell us about that fateful night?’ Miss Tramatonna queried to the silent room. Slowly, one lone hand raised up in the air.

  ‘Yes Fifi?’ The teacher welcomed-and with that, Fox Township’s most recent addition went on a seven-minute, fully descriptive soliloquy about Paul Revere’s ride and that famous shot heard around the world, with great passion and detail. Fifi was painting a picture that made everyone in the class feel like they were right there as it was all happening.

  ‘Thank you, Fifi.’ Miss Tramatonna proudly praised. Jules could not help but smile about Fifi’s expertly delivered knowledge and sincerity of the subject. The entire class seemed to be impressed with Fifi’s passion and knowledge about this historical topic of conversation, with Jules being the most animated encourager. He just could not help himself – he felt great pride for his new little friend.

  This was all observed in great detail by Edgar, who immediately grew a bit hot under the collar. Edgar did not say anything direct, but there were certainly comments of the snide persuasion lurking just beneath the surface – waiting for just that precise moment to rise up and attack.

  Things might not have taken such an ugly turn so soon if Jules, still full of admiration for Fifi’s historical revealing, hadn’t made a point of stopping to comment on how awesome she had done on that surprise quiz, later on that day when the two met up in the hallway on the way to lunch.

  ‘That was great Feef !-you sure know a lot about Paul Revere!’ Jules triumphed. ‘Thanks.’ Fifi blushed, she knew she had been a bit passionate with her presentation, and was kind of feeling funny about that.

  At first she thought perhaps Jules was making light of her. Fifi waited for the next zinger she was sure would be coming from Jules – to put her on the spot and embarrass her, but she was soon put at ease. The little vixen soon came to realize Jules’ words were of the sincerest nature.

  Always in tow with his BFF, or not very far behind, Edgar heard this whole exchange between Jules and Fifi on their trek to the cafeteria, which only added more fuel to the fire he was already feeling about the weekend past. Yes, he knew Minor Skirmish was his pal’s all time favorite band, and yes, he knew Jules would have given anything to see them – but Edgar simply could not get the question out of his head why he was being so nice to Fifi all of a sudden.

  Edgar felt the concert was bad enough, but spending the day with Fifi at the faire? That was something the little cub just could not wrap his mind around. Then to make matters worse, why did Jules make a point of telling Fifi how great she did in class. This was just too much for Edgar to sit back and take silently.

  So it’s no wonder that will all of the events of the weekend, and this new found camaraderie between Jules and Fifi, Edgar made no bones about feeling slighted, confused, a little bit irked and maybe even a tad majorly angry about the whole situation.

  This irritated cub had to confront his pal once and for all – and he chose of all places, the cafeteria at lunch-time to unleash his wrath. Things had started out quite normal. The two got their lunch and settled down at their usual table. Jules felt particularly hungry that afternoon, and began gobbling up his food straight away. Edgar on the other hand, sat for a moment watching Jules – almost as if he was stalking the prey he was planning to attack. Finally, he could not hold back any longer.

  ‘So...really...when is the wedding?’ Edgar started with reckless abandon. ‘I mean, I AM your best friend, and I need to know these things – in case I have to rent a tux or something.’ There was no turning back now – The can of worms had officially been opened!

  ‘What?’ Jules countered, not knowing what to make of his friends’ ramblings. For the most part, Jules did not take Edgar seriously. He believed his pal was making a joke. Edgar loved giving people the business-it was just his ‘thing.’ ‘I never thought YOU out of anyone I know would fall for a silly vixen!’ Edgar teased. ‘What did you do...fall in love at the concert?-were they playing ‘your song’ when your eyes met?-did you kiss her? Huh?’ Edgar teased, as he made an obnoxious kissing motion.

  ‘What are you going on about?’ Jules questioned to his pal, who was becoming increasingly more annoying by the second. ‘I told you – I went to the concert because I like Minor Skirmish.’

  ‘Yeah’
Edgar countered, not letting his friend complete his thought. ‘Then why were you hanging out with Fifi at the faire?’ ‘OH JULES – I HAD SOOOOOO MUCH FUN!’ Edgar ruthlessly continued on, mocking Fifi’s words and demeanor.

  ‘Listen Edgar’ Jules tried to take a stand, but he was cut to the quick once more by his friend. ‘Listen, it’s okay – I just need to know...does this mean I need to find someone else to trade marbles with or what?’ Edgar continued with his verbal rampage, leaving Jules unable to jump in an defend himself.

  ‘Boy oh boy – wait til the rest of the guys hear about this one ! JULES AND FIFI SITTING IN A TREE K-I-S-S-I-N-G! MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH! Edgar’s actions were not only annoying Jules, they were starting to draw the attention of every student around him. In that moment, Jules could not contain himself. Any milk of human kindness the little cub had been harboring for his friend understandably turned sour. With every bit of force he could muster, the taunted cub leaped across the table at Edgar, making him fall chair to floor, and for the first time in the whole of their entire lives,Edgar and Jules were in a full-fledged scuffle. This was a sad mark on their friendship to say the least.

  Now remember, this had all happened in the busy cafeteria during lunch-time, so there was no lack of witness to this ‘friend turned foe’ fiasco. Principal Hertfordshire and Mr. Wilkins the school janitor, quickly stepped in to break up the scuffle. Before either Edgar or Jules really knew what was happening, they found themselves being escorted to the Principal’s office.

  ‘Nice going!’ Edgar scoffed to his pal. ‘You started it!’ Jules retaliated, making his now defunkt pal more furious, as the two sat waiting to be called onto the carpet.

  ‘No-YOU started it, it was you and your stupid girlfriend!’ Edgar tried to continue, but he was soon stopped in his tracks by Jules, who was quickly seeing that there was just no way of making Edgar listen to reason. The little cub realized he had been fighting a losing battle. He knew he had to do something to rectify the situation before it got any more out of hand – though Jules did not know how that could even be possible. Everything sure seemed to be in a mess.

  The forlorn fox had seen his pal in this sort of frenzy many times before. Jules had often likened Edgar to more of a pit-bull on occasion, rather than a fox – a pit-bull who sinks his teeth into something and just will not let go. There was simply no way of winning in this sort of situation with Edgar. Jules knew he had to be the bigger cub, and he resigned himself to sort of ‘play along’ with his pal. Jules knew the best way around this sort of thing was to diffuse the issue and move on.

  ‘Look, I told you already – Fifi is NOT my girlfriend!’ Jules informed. It’s like you always say, she is just a silly girl – a creep with cooties! She had an extra ticket to the concert and I......oh whats the point! You can believe what you want to believe!’

  Jules was tired and did not want to fight with his friend any longer. Edgar sat solemnly for a moment taking in what his friend had been saying. He wanted to believe his pal – but he still was not completely sure. ‘What about the next day when you were at the faire with the cootie creeper?’

  ‘I couldn’t help it – her grandma arranged the whole thing – I had to go – nobody else would go with her – because she’s a ratty girl!’ Jules did not like being less than truthful with Edgar, and he certainly hated dissing Fifi in such a manor, but in that moment, he felt there were just no other options. In order to keep the peace, Jules opted to take the easy way out.

  ‘You seriously don’t like her?’ Edgar quizzed, with just a hint of new found spryness in his voice. The tale Jules began to spin was certainly brightening up Edgar’s mood. ‘C’mon – she’s a girl, she is silly and gross and dumb!-what’s to like?’ Jules joked – albeit with his fingers crossed tightly behind his back. And with that – the crisis was over.

  Edgar happily accepted what his pal was telling him. Jules was not feeling very good about the things he had said, but he decided the subject should be dropped – he felt it was best to move on.

  The only problem now was Principal Hertfordshire. By the time he stepped out to the waiting area to fetch Edgar and Jules, the boys had cooked up a story to hopefully get them out of trouble – and back to class with everyone else.

  Each cub explained it was all just a bit of horsing around that got out of control. Edgar and Jules were two students who had never even ventured into Principal Hertfordshire’s office by accident, let alone being sent there in trouble. The Principal took each cub’s good record in standing to heart, and both of the little cubs were very pleased with the fact they were let off the hook with just a warning.

  The two buddies were soon off and on their way back to class. As they were exiting the office, the lunch break was now over – and everyone was scurrying between their lockers and class. In the midst of everything Edgar caught a glimpse of Fifi standing with Anya just around the corner – and when he did, he actually snarled a bit, for in Edgar’s mind, there stood the cause of all the problems he had come across that day.

  Fifi soon spotted Jules down the hallway, and was very concerned about what she had witnessed in the cafeteria.

  The little vixen rushed past Edgar without giving him any notice what so ever, to check on her friend. ‘Are you okay Jules?’ Fifi worried. ‘I...I’m fine.’ Jules reassured. The little cub found himself in a tight spot. Even though Jules presented Fifi with sort of a passive,’can’t really be bothered’ answer,because he was standing there next to his pal-it was obvious Edgar did not take kindly to the little vixen’s concern or to Jules’ acknowledgment of her question. Immediately, Edgar snapped back into ‘attack’ mode, he just could not help himself!

  ‘Awwwwwwwww....are you okay Jules? MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes JULES with a BABY CARRAIGE!-I KNEW this was your girlfriend! Wait ‘til the fellas find this out!-HEY OSCAR!’ Edgar said in a beckoning tone to one of his pals making his way down the corridor. ‘Did you hear? Jules and Fifi are an item!’ Edgar’s words brought on a round of laughter from Oscar and all of the other students in the vicinity that afternoon.

  This left Jules feeling extremely out of sorts. For the most part, Jules was a quiet and shy little cub. He did not like to draw attention toward himself in any way, shape, or form – and he did not appreciate his BFF doing that very thing to him.

  In a quiet, even tone, right up in Edgar’s face – Jules tried to quiet his aggressor down. ‘I told you – she is not my girlfriend – I don’t ‘like’ like her” Jules tried to reason. ‘PROVE IT!’ Edgar challenged, and this was a challenge that was echoed by Oscar and some of the other fellas in the hallway. ‘If she is not your girlfriend, tell her what you just said about her in the principal’s office.’

  Edgar was trying to egg Jules into saying something he knew the little cub did not want to say. Now there was no way Jules was going to say anything that would offend Fifi – so he opted to try and fix the situation the only way he thought possible. He was just going to walk away and ignore the whole thing. In Jules’ mind, there was no reason on earth he had to stand there and take part in any of this nonsense.

  Jules started to walk away from the gathering. Both Edgar and Oscar stood direct in his path. There was no way for Jules to escape. ‘Go ahead Jules – tell Fifi what you really think of her – tell her what you said in Hertfordshire’s office – if you don’t that PROVES she is your girlfriend.’

  Jules tried desperately to bite his tongue and not give in – but the pressure was mounting. It seemed that more and more kits and cubs had taken refuge in the corridor – to witness this unfolding spectacle, and it felt like each and every one of them were staring Jules down – waiting for an answer. The pressure was certainly on, and it was almost too much for our little friend to take.

  All of a sudden, as if he had no control at all over what he was saying or doing, Jules turned to Fifi and in one fell swoop, blurted out words the defenseless little vixen would not soon forge
t.

  ‘FIFI – I THINK YOU ARE A SILLY, DUMB, STUPID, GROSS GIRL WITH COOTIES! NOBODY LIKES YOU – ESPECIALLY ME – I WISH I HAD GONE TO THE CONCERT WITH ANYONE BUT YOU! I ONLY WENT ‘CAUSE YOU HAD A TICKET AND I LIKE THE BAND – BUT I HATED HANGING OUT WITH YOU! I HATE IT WHEN YOU TALK TO ME – I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND – I NEVER WAS – AND I NEVER WILL BE! ALL I WANT IS FOR YOU TO LEAVE ME ALONE!’

  With those few fiery words from someone she had considered a dear, dear friend – Fifi was crushed. It did not help matters any that all the other fellas in the hall started cheering and laughing at what Jules had said about her. Fifi had officially been betrayed. There was nothing she could do but run off. The pain of betrayal was wrenching her very being.

  ‘Happy now?’ Jules sniped at Edgar, as he watched a hurt Fifi rush off. The little vixen felt defeated by the world. She vowed over and over that Jules’ cutting words were not going to make her cry – she was better than that. But this was a vow that unfortunately could not be kept. Fifi was in such an emotional state.

  In the aftermath, Jules did not feel much better. Sure his buddies stopped haranguing him in the hallway and welcomed him back as their new ‘hero’, but he sure did not like hurting Fifi’s feelings at all. He knew he had to make things right with her, and the sooner the better. ‘Surely Fifi knew I only said those things to get the fellas off my back.’ Jules reasoned with himself. But deep down, he was not entirely sure what he was going to do to make things right again.

  Wrestling with this heart-wrenching quandary was making it very hard for Jules to focus on his studies – especially since Fifi’s desk was noticeably unoccupied. ‘Where is Fifi?’ Miss Tramatonna questioned the class.

  Surely this was where the jig was up – panic washed over every cub involved. Edgar readied himself for what was surely to come next – especially when Anya raised her hand. ‘Yes Anya.’ Miss Tramatonna returned. ‘Fifi is in the infirmary, she wasn’t feeling very well-I think the nurse is sending her home.’ Anya explained. Fox Township’s most social of butterflies never uttered one single word about what had taken place in the hall.