One thing I find fun about the Woodlands is the initiation process for new honeys. Basically, the bunnies throw water balloons filled with whiskey at me. I didn’t know what a water balloon was when Lana warned me about the process. Once I saw what they looked like and had Dove throw one at me, I got excited about the initiation.
On my big day, I danced around the cul-de-sac. The bunnies then tossed the colorful balloons at me. Mama, Dove, and Future clapped. Anders looked annoyed until my shirt got all wet. Suddenly, his frowning face turned warm and curious as he imagined sexual intercourse.
Despite my best efforts to get comfortable in this life, I refuse to pretend to like DeAnna and Taryn. They openly hate me, too. At the frequent parties, we stay away from each other. Just in case they ever start trouble with my family or Anders again, I’ve been practicing how to fight. Next time, I want to knock them on their butts!
Life at home is easier. Yet, the five of us stumbled early on. Feelings were hurt, and tempers flared. At times, Mama and Anders were like angry bulls. Dove cried whenever anyone argued because she feared returning to the Village. Future let his tummy starve until he couldn’t wait any longer before asking for food. I feared Anders’s temper before discovering how to tame it. However, with a little patience and kindness, we learned how to live together.
More than pleasure and pain, life is about the journey, and ours has only begun.
ANDERS
Before Pixie and her family moved into the house, the backyard remained untouched. There was a pool, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen. The grass stayed green, and the bushes trimmed. But I was rarely out there. I did occasionally swim. When I was in a lot of pain, I might smoke a joint and sit in the hot tub. Otherwise, I ignored the backyard in the same way I did most of the house.
Now, I find myself enjoying our backyard every single day. The trampoline and playset change the entire vibe of the backyard. The area feels fun. I often return home for lunch to find Dove floating in the pool while Future and Pixie play on the trampoline. Fairuza has started work on a small vegetable garden, but planting will have to wait now that autumn is in full swing.
Installing an atrium is our next big step. We’ve already put together an herb garden in the sunroom. Fairuza also asked about planting a few fruit trees at the back fence next spring. She says she can make jam for breakfast.
I like the idea of growing food in my own yard. No one ever did that shit when I was growing up. As an adult, I rarely ate anything fresh that wasn’t mashed and covered in gravy.
The food the Yabos make is like nothing I’ve eaten before. Some of it is spicy as fuck. I’m surprised Future can handle it. My favorites are the North African and Middle Eastern dishes. As much as I love to eat, I realize now how bored I was of ordering the same shit. Thanks to Pixie, I embrace variety. I’m even a fan of those weird-looking dumplings.
After a few bumpy episodes, my new family and I find a groove by mid-autumn. I can’t pretend as if Future’s tantrums don’t send me hauling ass out the door at times. And there are days when I resent them for being too nice to me. While I’m still capable of assuming the worst of my family, those moments are rare. Mostly, I’m eager for their approval and attention.
And I get plenty of both from the Yabos.
Future is always talking to me. He also watches my face a lot to see my mood. If I smile, his big brown eyes shine in response.
Dove often gives me hugs and thanks me for opening my home to them. She’s like a timid version of her big sister. I sense she suffered from the starvation and fear in a way Pixie and Fairuza didn’t. Still, Dove is getting stronger.
Fairuza treats me as if I’m her long-lost, poorly raised son. She always makes sure I have enough to eat and drink. If I’m acting like a fool, she’ll get in my face, even if she has to climb on the furniture to do it.
Before I leave for work each day, I have a routine. Future gives me a toy to take.