The kiddos are in the pool room sitting next to Azul. They are fascinated by her wing like fins on her back.

Tabitha: Can you fly Ms. Azul?

Azul: No… but they help me swim and move around in the water.

Matt: They look cool.[feels them] They feel slick and slippery like plastic.

Azul: I assure you.. they are real. Would you two like to hear a story?

Tabitha: Okie dokie!!

Matt: Sure.

Azul: [both kids scoot next to her] okay well there's a story in my home land that explains why there are so many different kinds of people.. and why males and females search for each other.

Matt:[crosses his arms] Is this gonna be mushy?

Tabitha: [glares at him] Matt.. hush.[smiles at Azul] Go on Ms. Azul.

Azul: Well long before anything.. there was the world.. not as we know it. It was lush.. and almost like a huge forest. The only thing that existed was a great creature.

Tabitha:[hugs her black rabbit plushie] Was it a purrdy creature?

Azul: Yes it was.. it had wings.. with colors of the rainbow…. It had slinky shiny fur, claws and gills. It was pretty much a mix of everything we know now.

Matt: Wow.

Azul: It was called the Ayanna.. and.. it was quite lonely… for it was the only one of it's kind.. and there were no animals or anything to speak of around.

Tabitha: That's sad.

Azul: Yes.. but one day something happened.. it stretched it's wings and they came off.

Matt and Tabitha: OWW!!!!

Azul: No wait..[sweating] let me explain.. the wings came off and from it came the first birds.

Matt and Tabitha: Whew.

Azul: Then it saw what had happened.. and it be came delighted. It now had someone to keep it company. But it grew restless and longed for more company.. So it stretched again. And nothing happened.. it did again.. and nothing happened.. finally with all it's might it stretched it's limbs and body and suddenly it burst.. and from it all the animals came to be.

Tabitha: Awww that's sad.

Matt: Yeah.. must have hurt too.

Azul: Now listen.. it's not quite over there. The Ayanna longs to be whole again.. that is why males seek females and vise versa. Some pieces split right down the middle.. perfect shards of itself.. that is why.. some people seem meant for each other. Cause they are perfect pieces split down the middle of the Ayanna. When those two people meet they stay together.. cause they have a bond.. truly genuine.

Matt: Wow.

Tabitha: Ms. Azul.. do you think me and Matt are perfect pieces?

Azul;[looks at her and smiles] I wouldn't doubt it.

Tabitha:[leans against Azul and yawns] That be nice.. then we can be like Sabeena and Mikey.

Matt: [yawns too and leans on her] Yeah.. I bet big bwuder and her are perfect pieces too.

Azul smiles and wraps her wing like fins around them and cuddles them close to her. Outside Miguel and Sabrina were listening. They poke their head back at and smile at each other.

Sabrina: [wraps her arms around him] So.. do you think there's any truth to her story?

Miguel:[smiles and looks down at her] Well let's see shall we.[places her head gently oh his chest] Well you yourself once said how you liked resting you head here..cause it felt almost like it was made for resting your head.[wraps his arms around her] Hmm my arm's fit around you nicely.. now..there's only one more thing.

Miguel looks at her sweating bullets..finally he moves in close and kisses her gently on the lips. At first Sabrina is surprised as her eyes open wide..but then she slowly closes them and sighs. He then pulls away, his face scarlet.

Sabrina: Perfect fit I'd say.[grins at him]

Miguel: [leans against the wall] Glad to hear it..[slowly slides down to the ground] I'll be on the floor if you need me.[flops on the floor]

Sabrina:[giggles] Hey..I feel weak in the knees after that too, but I'm still up.[thinks] Hey..if you stay down there you'd be able to look up my shirt.[Miguel springs to his feet again] Heh thought so.

Miguel: [face red again] NOT..funny.

Sabrina giggles as Miguel looks down and scratches the back of his head. Sabrina stops.. she knows she's driving him batty.. but it's just too much fun. She leans over and rubs her nose against his. Miguel pulls away with a smile on his face. She smiles and blinks both eyes at him. Miguel reaches behind his back.

Miguel: Mi amor? I got you something.[hands her a box tied with a big purple ribbon]

Sabrina: [takes it] What is it?

Miguel: Oh something I'd like you to try on.

Sabrina:[unties the ribbon and looks at him with a wicked grin] In front of you?

Miguel:[standing a few feet away from her in a flash] NO!! Geez!![leans against the wall]

Sabrina: Just kidding geez.[opens the box] You know me better than that.

Sabrina looks inside the box and pulls out a dress. It's a pretty iris purple and the fabric feels cool and smooth to the touch. She looks at it and looks at him. He smiles at her.

Miguel: Like it?

Sabrina:[takes it out and looks at it] Yes... how much did this cost?

Miguel: Don't worry yourself over that, just go try it on.

Sabrina: Um..okay.[closes the box and puts it under her arm and walks off]

Miguel:[watches her leave then turns to the reader] Take notes fellas, you're going to see me at my best. Sigh [shoulders droop]Yeah I may spaz out like always.[walks off]

Sabrina walks out of a stall in the bathroom in the dress. She walks up to the mirror and sees herself. She smiles and turns around. She's a bit surprised at her appearance.

Sabrina: Guess anyone can look pretty given the right clothes.

Funky:[leaning against the wall a few feet away] Not really, clothes are nothing.. it's the girl in them that makes them what they are..not the other way around. Never let anyone tell you different.

Sabrina:[looks at her] Thanks.

Funky:[walks up to her and brushes her hair] Well you can thank me later.. you gotta look nice for this next part.

Sabrina:Huh?

Funky: Trust me chica mi amiga,the tigerboy's got one heck of a surprise planned.[winks at her]

Sabrina beings to become curious. She smiles at the thought s of what Miguel could be up to. A bit later Funky leads her down the hall and to a room where she had never been before. It's an atrium, almost looks like she's outside. They come to a patio in the center of all of it.

Funky: My lady.. your date awaits you.

Sabrina's eyes widen as she sees at the patio a table with two chairs, set up nice. And there standing is Miguel.. dressed up in a black suit. His suit is very stylish and has a collar with a long scarf like material that goes down almost to his knees. She taken back by how good he looks. Miguel sees Sabrina and feels his knees weaken. She almost shimmers like an amethyst.

Sabrina:[walks up to him and smiles] So..you planned this whole thing..when?

Miguel: [Smiles] You know very well I'm good and making things up on my feet. Won't you sit down?[pulls her chair out for her]

Sabrina:[sits and then Miguel does too] May I ask why all this?

Miguel: Because... I feel a little surprise like this.. keeps a gal happy..and cause I wanted to.

Sabrina:[places her elbows on the table and rests her head gently on her hands] Well you won't hear me complain tiger... not one bit.

Miguel: Sides you said..and I quote.."Miguel do you always wear the same old stuff? I don't think I'll ever see you dress up." And so... I did this to prove you wrong.

Sabrina:[smiles] Only time I'm not upset at being wrong.

Miguel:[leans closer to her] If I may say.. you look gorgeous.

Sabrina: Well.. you look. okay.[makes a face at her] I'm joking. You look very nice. You should dress like this more often. [looks and sees a covered tray] What's this?

Miguel:[uncovers the tray and shows her some steaming food] Lunch actually.

Sabrina:[smiles] Aw tiger you cooked.

Miguel: Um no.. grammy made this for us actually.

Sabrina: [places her hand on his] I have to remember to thank her. Sigh, at least I have her on my side. Not like your mom.

Miguel:[serves her some] Listen.. you two are a lot alike.. I think that's why she doesn't like you.

Sabrina;[makes a face] Well we kinda look a like.

Miguel:[raises an eyebrow] Gypsy-gal? You do not.

Sabrina:[places her hand son her face ] Yes we do. But it's okay.. they say all guys look for someone like their mother.

Miguel: [serves himself] Stop saying that.. you two do not look alike..I mean sure you're both black a white.. have short hair.. about the same height and my mom does have a pair of reading glasses like..[throws the serving spoon and tray cover in the air as a look of shock comes over him] OH MY GOD YOU DO LOOK ALIKE!!!!

Sabrina: Hit you like a speeding MAC truck huh?[giggles]

Miguel: Oh geez.. I never noticed…. that. [lays his head down]

Sabrina: Oh. [reaches over and strokes his head] It's okay.. all things a side your mother is very pretty.. I'm rather glad someone so nice looking looks like me. Makes me hope I look good at her age.

Miguel: [picks his head up] Yes you will mi amor.. even if you don't.. I'll still love you.

Sabrina: Good then let's drop the whole thing and eat. So what is this?

Miguel: Pollo con calabaza. Think chicken with squash. Grammy knows it's my fave.

Sabrina watches as Miguel serves her something to drink. At first it looks like wine.. but when she tries it..

Sabrina: Grape juice?

Miguel: Yes well.. I've seen you drunk.. so it's just to avoid any..

Sabrina:[throws her napkin at him] OH DROP IT!!!

Sabrina takes his napkin and places it on her lap. She tries her meal and with much delight enjoys it.

Sabrina: Miguel.. do you think it's possible.. your grammy ..erm..[feels silly] that Maria Helen would like to spend sometime with me.. you know.. get to know each other?

Miguel: I don't see why not? She really likes you.

Sabrina sighs as she hears those words from Miguel. She now feels a bit better. Hilda. Miguel's mom may not be too crazy about her.. but another important woman in his life likes her. She now has what she wanted.. someone to learn from, and be good friends with, and who can pass on experience, be the mom she always wanted, and can bring her closer to Miguel.. except it would be Maria Helen. Sabrina sighs and stares at Miguel.. Miguel notices and becomes uneasy.

Miguel: Do I have something in my teeth?[sweating]

Sabrina:[laughs] No.. just thinking.. and watching you.

Miguel; I'd rather you not.. if you watch me long enough.. you'll see me make an ass of myself.

Sabrina: Miguel.[wipes her mouth with her napkin] You know when you're cute?[Miguel shakes his head] When you aren't beating yourself up. You're not as bad as you think you are.

Miguel: Well do you believe me when I tell you that you are the most stunning woman I know?

Sabrina:[thinks.. then smiles] I guess we have a lack of ego in common. But just know.. that when I say those things.. I'm not lying to you.

Miguel: Then know the same is true about me.

Sabrina smiles and continues eating. She then gets a wicked grin on her face as under the table she stretches her foot out and rubs Miguel's leg. Miguel's eyes open wide and he bites down hard on his fork.. and bites the top portion off. Sabrina looks in shock.

Miguel:[spits the fork into his napkin] See I told you.. if you watch long enough.

Sabrina:[tries not to giggle] My fault really.

Later after they finish eating, Miguel and Sabrina are sitting on the roof of the eMenagerie building looking at the sunset. Sabrina rests her head on his shoulder and sighs.

Sabrina: Miguel..[plays with her hair a bit] Please don't get uncomfortable when you hear what I'm about to ask. I know it my sound sudden.. but I've been thinking about it.[Miguel looks down at her] Do you want children?

Miguel: [thinks] Well Matt's pretty much ruined it for me as I'm sure Tabitha has for you.. but.. yeah.. one day I'd like to have offspring. Someone my legacy can live on with.. when I'm gone. You?

Sabrina:[Nods] I'd like to have children…[looks at him with a wicked grin] YOUR children.

Miguel: [nearly chokes] GAH!!

Sabrina:[giggles] Chalk up another for me. [rubs his chest in an attempt to calm him down] NOT RIGHT NOW!!! But.. someday. [thinks] What do you think they'd look like?

Miguel: Considering how many different DNA I have from different species in my family.. we'd probably end up with a Chimera.

Sabrina: [laughs and hits him in the chest] Very funny.. but be serious.

Miguel: Well… I guess.. most likely.. we'd end up with a tiger striped skunk.

Sabrina: [her eyes open wide and this time she almost chokes] GAAAAAH!!!

Miguel:[pats her on the back] You okay? Did I say something wrong?

Sabrina:[calms down a bit] No.. um.. just.. ah I don't know.. I guess I inhaled at the same time I was swallowing.

Miguel: Well take it easy mi amor.. I don't want to lose you anytime soon.

Sabrina: [looks up at him and strokes his face] You'll never lose me Miguel.. not ever. You're stuck with me .. for life.

Miguel:[his face turns sad suddenly] For life?

Sabrina:[becomes concerned] What.. is that bad?!

Miguel: Huh? ..No NO!! It's wonderful.. just.. it's nothing sweetie.[kisses her head] That's long enough for me.

Sabrina:[looks at him still concerned.. but then she lays her head back down on him and sighs] So.. what was it like having a roo for a grammy?

Miguel: [holds her to him] Oh it was cool. I remember.. how she used to sing me to sleep as I napped in her pouch. Heh, kinda like having a grandmother and a rocking crib in one. Just wish I had know my grandfather.[looks down]

Sabrina:[looks up at him] What happened?

Miguel: My grandfather died months before I was born, but from people.. I hear great things about him. Seems everyone in town knew him.. and none had anything bad to say.[looks at her] He..didn't like my mom seeing my dad. They were.. a lot alike.. in the end.. my dad won him over.[Sabrina smiles] Coarse they had to run off and get married mind you.

Sabrina:[looks at him] We'll keep that in mind.[winks] Guess your grammy was talking about that when I asked her if she knew what I was going through.

Miguel:[thinks] I wouldn't know..I did know my GREAT grandmother.. but she died years ago. Never ever thought about the fact that my great grandmother was a wolf.. I never gave any of my family a thought really. We were.. just family.

Sabrina: Miguel.. are there ANY same species marriages in your family?

Miguel:[thinks] Not really. We don't believe in such barriers.. when we fall in love.. all we know is that they are the one for us.. and that's final. Sides.. where I live.. there aren't many same species around.. Does it matter Sabrina? Do you ever think that maybe. With Blake.. him being the same..

Sabrina: NO!! We may have been the same.. but.. we were VERY different.. inside.[looks down] I don't really think I loved him. Just.. well.. he paid attention to me.. made me feel special. Kinda liked it. I was too busy enjoying a fantasy.. that I didn't see that to him.. I was just a possession. He didn't really love me.[looks up at him] Isn't that sad?

Miguel;[nods] Yes.. yes it is. And I know how you felt.. I've been there. It seems to you that they are just so DAMN important.. and when they get angry.. you think it's you.. and you try.. and do things you would never do.. just to make them happy and for them to stay. You never realize how stupid you are till it's too late.[sweating ] Um.. no offense.

Sabrina:[smiles] None taken.[pats him on the shoulder] You were RIGHT on the money there.

Miguel: [whispers in her ear] I do appreciate you… you know. I'll try my best to make sure you never question weather or not I love you.

Sabrina: [holds him tightly] Thank you.

The scene pans away and changes to a few hours later. Sabrina arrives home, and is still on cloud 9. She sets the box with her dress on the couch. Then she notices Amy isn't around. She figures that she's off somewhere sulking about Thomas being away. Then, she hear something. She goes into Amy's room and knocks on the door. There Amy is laying in her bed moaning. Sabrina walks to her.

Sabrina: Hey Amy you okay?

Amy: [painfully opens her eyes] NO. I've been throwing up this morning.. and I feel so worn out. I think I may have the flu.

Sabrina: Funny.. I haven't heard anything about a bug going around.. that and it's not even flu season. But still if you're sick.. maybe you better see a doctor?

Amy: Yeah.. I will tomorrow. Right now I just wanna sleep.

Sabrina turns the lamp off in Amy's room and leaves her to rest. She closes the door gently and goes into her computer room. She boots up her Amiga and looks a top it. She sees Tigerhawk.. the same one Miguel gave her. She smiles and pets it on the head. The scene changes to two days later. Miguel arrives at Sabrina and Amy's place. He knocks on the door and Sabrina answers. She has on a "Fighting Draftsmen" jersey.

Miguel: Hey.. can Sabeena come out and play?

Sabrina: Um.. Miguel I can't right now.. Um.. Amy's.. sick and well.. I don't want you getting sick too.

Miguel: Well geez what sort of jerk would I be if I didn't at least see how she is?

Sabrina:[grinds her teeth] Damn you for beings so noble.

Miguel: Excuse me?

Sabrina: Um..nothing..come in.

Miguel walks in and sees Amy laying on the couch with a wet towel on her forehead. Miguel stops in his tracks.. something doesn't feel right. He looks back at Sabrina who doesn't make eye contact. Miguel had seen this before.. if anyone knew when women were hiding something.. it be him. He kneels down next to her.

Miguel: Hey there Ms' Amy.. under the weather are we?

Amy: [has a sad expression on her face] You have no idea?

Miguel: [looks at her eyes] Well it's not a hang over.. and there's no cough, sneezing or any signs of flu or cold. Very odd. Tell me Ms. Amy.. would you like me to bring you something to eat.. maybe a loose meat sandwich? [Amy turns green and darts past him to the bathroom] I see. I'd say that's a common reaction.. but it isn't is it Sabrina?[looks at her]

Sabrina:[looks away] I don't know what you mean.

Miguel: Sabrina? If she's really sick.. she needs medical attention.

Sabrina; [rolls up her sleeves] She went to see the doctor yesterday. She has a girl problem you wouldn't understand so drop it.

Miguel: Well if you'd tell me I'd…

Amy:[wobbles back] It's a girl thing so drop it.

Miguel:[turns to the reader] I'm sorry I know I shouldn't be doing this but.. I have to. You know what puts my tail in a pencil sharpener? When you ask a woman what's wrong and they dismiss you by saying it's a girl thing. Then later they have the audacity to tell you, YOU NEVER UNSERSTAND!!!! Sorry just had to get that off my chest.[looks back at Amy] I'm only trying to help.. because I care.

Miguel looks at Amy who looks down.. he looks at Sabrina who looks away. Then it all falls into place.. everything. Miguel's eye open wide.

Miguel: Oh my god you're pregnant aren't you?!?!?!

Amy:[turns and snaps at Sabrina} Did you tell him!?!?

Sabrina: NO!! I didn't.

Miguel: No.. but as Sabrina knows.. I PAY ATTENTION. [Sabrina looks down and nods] Ms. Amy.. is it true?

Amy: [looks down] Yes.

Miguel: I.. I see. This wasn't planned I take it?[she shakes her head] I see. Thomas right? [she nods] I see. Does he know?

Sabrina: No.. he's away right now. [places her arm on his shoulder] Please don't tell him when he gets back okay?

Miguel: Oh right like it's gonna come up in a conversation. Hey Tom how's every little thing.. watch the game last night? Yeah speaking of babies did you know Ms. Amy's going to have YOURS??!?!

Amy: Please Miguel.. I.. I want to be the one to tell him.

Miguel:[sits down on the floor next to her] I know.. and I understand. [places his hand on her shoulder] Listen.. I'm sorry if I sound.. um.. out of it right now.. but I am. Look if you need anything.. anything at all…

Amy:[smiles] I know.. thanks Miguel.

Miguel: Fine.. I will stay silent.

Sabrina: You're very cool about all of this.[sweating]

Miguel: [stands up] No.. right now I want to KILL Thomas. But I won't.. I'll let Amy tell him.. then…. I WILL KILL HIM!!

Amy: Miguel!!!

Sabrina: Amy I'm sure Miguel doesn't mean it.. right.. right….. MIGUEL?!??!

Miguel: No.. I'd just hurt him….VERY BADLY!!

Sabrina:[pushes Miguel out] Um Miguel I think you better go.

Miguel: Why am I being punished? I'm not the one who…[Sabrina covers his mouth]

Sabrina: I'm not punishing you.. but right now you're not thinking right and just like now.. you're going to say something you'll regret.

Miguel: [calms down a bit] Right.. I'm sorry Ms. Amy. Sorry Gypsy-gal.

Sabrina: It's okay.. listen.. I'll see you tomorrow okay?

Miguel: Um okay.. tomorrow then.[kisses her on the cheek and walks off]

Sabrina:[closes the door and leans against it] Hoooboy.

Amy: Geez he was calm wasn't he.

Sabrina; [looks at her] He's only being that way cause he's worried about you Amy. He maybe acting like a thoughtless jerk.. but his heart is in the right place.

The scene changes back to eMenagerie, Miguel walks up to the building with his head hung low. He's met by a fox at the door… this is Jay.. is in charge of security.

Jay: Hey boss.. there's an Eric W. Squirrel here to see you?

Miguel:[looks up at him] Huh? I'm not in the mood right now..[thinks] Make him wait 2 hours.. then tell him I went home. [Miguel slumps off]

Jay: Um sure thing boss.

END OF CHAPTER 4