The Jackal's Song: Chapter 24

A few days had passed and it had inched closer and closer to Karrek's birthday. He didn't seem to even realize it. He had no excitement for it, and hadn't ever even acknowledged it. In fact, the only reason anyone knew about it was because of the information they had received from the hospital when Karrek had first come to live at Kai's mansion. This was all mostly because of Karrek's past. He had never been told a birthday was really something special. He had never celebrated it, and the whole idea was foreign to him. It was just another day on the calendar.

It was Friday now, and Karrek's birthday was on Saturday. He was far from aware of it but everyone was actually planning a surprise party for him. So far the plan was this: Silver would be taking Karrek into town in the morning for his gift. In the afternoon, they would return and everything would be normal. Hopefully, Karrek wouldn't be suspicious in the least, and Silver would lead him out to the sanctuary to be surprised in an area designated beforehand by Kai to be decorated. Tala, Faux, and Badger would be there, and give him their gifts. Then as a final gift, Kai would reveal what he had, with great effort, obtained for Karrek. Then the cake would be brought out and it would all be wonderful.

Right now, however, Karrek was outside playing with the rabbits. He eventually worked up the courage to go into the dog barn and get Agamemnon, as was his new daily routine. He had grown a great liking for Aga since he was first introduced to the dog.

Kai, Faux, and Badger had secretly snuck out to make sure they had everything prepared for the party the next day. Tala and Silver were both at work, and wouldn't be able to attend the group meeting until later.
Karrek returned into the house after a few hours, Agamemnon following him with his funny lumbering gait. Karrek then decided to sit down on the sofa in the family room and watch TV for a little bit. He sat in his usual manner, knees pulled up against his chest, and Agamemnon laid next to him on the sofa, nudging Karrek's hand. Karrek responded by stroking the great beast's head, and turned on the TV. After flicking through channels for a while, he realized nothing was on that he was interested in.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Tala entered the house. Spotting Karrek on the sofa, he walked over to him with a 'Hey babe,' and a quick kiss. He then went upstairs to change out of his suit and into more casual clothing. Tala then received a text message on his cell phone from his father and read it. It was informing him that the others had congregated out in the garden where they couldn't be seen out the window. Karrek noticed Tala behind him and going toward the kitchen. "Where are you going?" Karrek asked, following Tala with his eyes. "Going to see my pain in the ass father," Tala said, trying not to make Karrek suspicious.

Tala proceeded to meet the others in the garden and they confirmed the events that would take place the next day. They then quietly and stealthily dispersed; Faux and Badger disappearing from the property and heading quickly over to their flat. Kai and Tala then entered the house again, and Tala came to sit down on the couch next to Karrek, after motioning for the Pit bull to move away. "So how was your day?" Tala asked, putting an arm around Karrek. "It was alright," Karrek said, although his day was fairly uneventful. Karrek leaned into Tala, snuggling his head on Tala's shoulder. Karrek was comforted by Tala's warmth, and even the mild smell of tobacco that came from his clothing. Tala lifted his hand and began stroking Karrek's hair gently. "Tomorrow's your birthday, isn't it?" Tala asked Karrek, although he already knew the answer. "Yeah, why," Karrek asked, not moving from his position. "Just wondering… I'm guessing you've never really done anything for your birthday?" Tala asked him, moving his hand back down to wrap around Karrek's waist, holding him close. "Um, no not really," Karrek asked, a slight inquisitive tone to his voice. He was unfamiliar with celebrating birthdays and it never really occurred to him that people did that. "I didn't think so," Tala said, slight disappointment in his voice. He felt bad for Karrek, knowing that for the past nearly eighteen years of his life, Karrek had never really been significant to anyone. Before he came to live here, no one cared. Tala squeezed Karrek tightly for a minute, he hoped tomorrow would at least make up for the past seventeen birthday parties Karrek never had. He also knew full well what Karrek was getting from everyone as gifts, and hoped that would help as well. He was sure all of his gifts would have a lot of meaning to him.

Kai had snuck past the boys while they talked; walking out to the sanctuary into a secret shed-like building that no one really went into. Kai smiled as he entered, closing the door behind him. In the small room, in a wire pen, warmed by a space heater set up outside of the pen, lay Karrek's sleeping gift, whichever of the four creatures he chose. Kai would find homes for the others, but had gone through a lot of trouble to find and rescue them, and knew Karrek would be extremely happy to have one of his own. Kai knew they were perfect for him.