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This is an original story by Yellow and Hope. Some aspects of this story may be unrealistic, but please do not nag us about this. We hope you like it!

A/N: When the writing is bold and italic, it's a flashback.

A/N: We've decided to rewrite this, here, so go check that out!

Prologue - Esti (Hope)[]

Love burns, doesn't it?

It is like a wildfire in your stomach.

Some would say it hurts.

Not in my opinion.

My feelings for Beatrice are indescribable.

Her brown hair shimmers when the light touches it, like the moon on a river.

Her platinum eyes seem to follow me everywhere I go.

I long to be with her.

But would my parents approve?

My name is Esther.

I am nineteen years old and have big dreams of being a zoologist.

I have been studying zoology for two years now.

I have two wishes in life.

One is to save animals for being hunted in their own habitat and the other is to be with Beatrice.

How did we meet?

Well, that is an amazing story.

It was because of Bandit and Comet.

They were the ones who brought us together.

That day was very emotional.

I felt a lot that day, downhearted, miserable, happy, and most importantly, loved.

Chapter One- Bea (Yellow)[]

God, when I look at Esther I can't look away. The way she smiles and laughs at my jokes, the way her nose crinkles when she says something, the way her eye sparkle with mischief and joy. 

When we were on that tour bus, I was oblivious to her. I had no idea the love of my life was right there. Yet she was, and she is. We met when the bus stopped to take pictures, we stepped out and I found my camera. It was a slick black Nixon, the best money can buy, and snapped a few quick pictures of the savannah. The blond girl next to me blinked and said, "Did you hear that?" She asked.

I blinked and nodded, hearing the meowing. Whatever it was, it was in pain and starved. The sun was beating hot and strong as I quickly said bye to my mum, telling her I saw a good photo spot. The girl and I cautiously looked around and followed the mews. We eventually found what we were looking for- two sick tiger cubs on the side of the road. I gasped, my eyes darkening, and stopped down low. The girl's gasp echoed behind me. She squatted down, her face pale. I got down to my knees and cupped the darkest cubs face in my hands. It meowed faintly, it's paws scrabbling against my arm. I heard Esther gasp again, and I looked up. She was pointing at the road. I looked, and nearly cried. There was a female tiger, her pelt dark with blood, and a hole in her stomach. Before I knew it, tears were sliding down my cheeks. Esther's tears hit the earth like mine. I ran forward and checked the tigeress over, and leaned back. Pain flashed through me. Dead. My vet skills told me that. I had been training for a year now, and I knew as much as possible. The tiger was dead.

Why am I so damn nervous? This is what I had wanted my whole life- to be free, with Esther and the cubs. Now, in line to Customs, I wasn't so sure. Esther seemed to feel the same, because her pale hand was gripping mine like a vice. It was only slightly painful.

I was my own grey backpack while Esti's was swung over her shoulders. She turned to me, her eyes wide.

"I don't know if we can do this," she whispered.

I bit my lip anxiously and stared at her, "Me either. But we've come so far!"

I knew exactly how she felt. Leaving Australia, and our parents? If I'd heard that a year ago, I would have laughed so hard I'd have spat out my orange juice. Or snorted it through my nose. Whichever came first.

She laughed nervously, "I know."

I squeeze her hand reassuringly, my eyes locked on hers, "We can do this, Esti."

"Beatrice Swallow, you are the only living being who could convince me this is a good idea," she sighs.

I smile at her and step forward in the line. It feels like it's taking forever, but we eventually reached the front. By this time, Esther's smile was strained and she was gripping my arm so hard I thought it would come off. One of the guys at the security desk stepped forward, a smile on his face. He gestured for me to move forward, so I did.

"Please place all items in your carry-on luggage," he explained patiently, gesturing to the backpack. I slipped my phone, wallet, and watch into my bag. The man took my bag and sorted through it, grabbing all the metal and electronic items and dispositing them in the tray. He asked me to remove my hat and jacket and place them in the tray as well, so that's what I did.

"Place your bag onto the conveyor belt," he told me.

I slipped it off and dropped it gently on the moving belt. The guy gave me a thumbs up and asked after any medical devices, aids, and implants before gesturing through the walkthrough metal detector. Esther stared anxiously after me, her hands clasped over the strap of her backpack. I gave her a double thumbs-up and stepped through, my breath fast. Nothing went wrong, and I was able to get through with no problem.

I waited outside the detector and grinned reassuringly at Esti, who was going through the same process as I had. She came out the other side smiling, a nice change to the anxious frown I was used to seeing. She clasped my hand and collected our baggage, and went through to the Food Court.

Chapter Two - Esther (Hope)[]

The tigress blood had spilled on the road. It was terrible. I knew by instinct and my zoology skills that she had been killed by a hunter.

I looked down at the two mewling tiger cubs. One of the cubs seemed to have darker features and Beatrice was all over her. I looked down to see the smallest cub, he had a white sock on his back left paw. He was unique. Even though I had only started my Zoology course a few years ago I knew that this was very rare. I picked up the starved tiger cub and rummaged through my bag.

"There must be something here!" I said.

I found some water and a ham sandwich. I am a vegetarian so that sandwich was for my mother. I picked out all the ham and broke it into tiny pieces seeing as the little cubs were young. I walked over to Beatrice and gave her some for the other cub. 

I slowly dangled the pieces of ham on top of the cub's mouth. I knew that processed meats aren't as good as antelope meat but it was better than nothing. The cub scoffed it down licking his lips when he finished. I opened the lid of my water bottle and the cub started drinking. Once my little cub was finished drinking I turned around to see that our safari truck had left us. I turned to Beatrice with wide eyes.

This was the first time I really noticed how beautiful she was. Her brown hair glimmered in the dangerous rays of the sun. I heard the distant birds singing in the trees. Falling, I have been falling in love with Beatrice since this moment.

The savannah's burning sun was shining brightly, burning the back of my neck like a dragon's fire. I looked down at the little tiger cub in my arms. He had now fallen into a deep sleep, snoring as well. I smiled down at him. I knew I couldn't leave these cubs here but this was their natural environment. No, I would be taking him with me.

"I am going to call you Bandit," I whispered, smiling down at the asleep cub in my arms.

I squeeze Bea's hand. Then I smile at her. We were leaving. Fleeing I should say. We were destined to be together and our parents could never break that bond. 

All of a sudden, the food court's smells hit me. It smelt delicious.  

"I am famished," I say, smiling at Bea. 

"Me too!" she answers. 

We walk to the nearest restaurant, our steps are in time. The nearest restaurant was Italian. The menu seemed very nice and I could already taste a vegetarian lasagna on my tongue. 

"Here?" I ask Bea. 

"Sure!" she answers. 

We line up in the waiting cue. It wasn't long so we would have a table soon.  

I grab her hand again and lay my head on her shoulder. This moment felt like one of the best in my life. She is now what is needed for my survival. I don't know what I could do without her.  

"Oi, what are you two doing?" askes a low voice behind us. 

I jump and turn around to see a man. He has dark brown hair and a shaved beard. He is with a girl who only looks a few years younger than him.  

"We are waiting in line for Italian," answers Bea. 

We shoot each other an odd glance, confused about the man's question. 

He rolls his eyes and snickers. The woman next to him does the same. 

"Love is supposed to be straight," he says. 

My mouth drops and goes dry. How could he say such a thing? I roll my eyes and turn away. I try not to burst into tears to show him that I am stronger than he thinks.  

"Next please," calls the waiter. 

Bea and I move forward, greeting the waitress. 

"Table for two please," asks Bea with a smile. 

The waitress nods and signals for us to follow her. We get to a nice booth near the back of the restaurant. I admire the romantic glow of this Italian restaurant. The black walls seem to reflect the light and the little Italian flags are hung up everywhere. 

I sat down, Bea on the other side of the booth. The waitress hands us a menu with a smile.  

"I will be back to collect your order soon." says the waitress as she walks off. 

Chapter Three- Bea (Yellow)[]

I shivered, hugging the dark cub close. It had a wound on its flank, a pink slash that is probably the remains of a bullet graze. We were left alone. All alone. I can't believe mum left me- On my birthday! My nineteenth birthday. God, I hope it was accidental. 

"Okay," I whisper to the cub, "Calm. Be calm. We can get out of this, right?"

The cub stared at me, a delighted meow squeaking out of its jaws. This was a wild animal. I couldn't keep it, could I? It was dangerous! But looking into that sweet face, I couldn't believe it would hurt me. Tiny scrapes covered its chest, a bit like asteroid or comet trails.

"I'll call you Comet," I whisper, "You'll be safe." 

About now, I'm guessing she was nearly two months. Not weaned yet, but soon. Once the cub was two and a bit months, we could start giving her solids. She sighed, giving the meat back to the girl. 

"They can't eat solids yet," I informed her.

"Oh," the girl looked at her shoes, "Oops."

I bit my lip, "They should be okay," I told her, "Just be careful."

"Right," she smiled guiltily, "I should have known that."

"It's fine," I smile back, "You couldn't have known."

"Yeah, I should have," she told me, "I'm majoring in Zoology."

"Oh!" I said quickly, "I'm in veterinary school."

She smiled at me, a genuine smile, "I'm Esther," she says.

"Beatrice," I grin, "Call me Bea."

Esther stares at me for a sec, before turning away and motioning to the lighter cub with the rare sock, "He's malnourished," she tells me.

" I know," I say, "So's she. I can patch them up as best as I can with my kit, if you look around? For the bus, maybe?" she gave a mute nod and pushed herself up, walking off. I leaned down and focused on the male cub, my fingers unclusping my vet kit and pulling out bandages. I wrapped his paw and cleaned up his cuts with anticeptic wipes. Once I had done all I could, I turned to the female. Comet stared at me hopefully, l;ike I could bring her mother back to life. But no. I bent over her and stroked her ears, being careful not to let my hand out of her sight. If I did, it would spook her, and she could run. 

I cleaned up her minor cuts and scrapes and turned to the wound. It was a long gash, most likely to scar. I sighed. At least she would survive. I pulled the edges of the cut together and applied some quick anticeptic strips, making sure it would hold the would together. Comet whimpered and I whispered encouragement to her, soft words. 

I'm trying to hide how much the straight couple hurt me. Love is supposed to be straight, he said. That's stupid. But it got to me, just like it was meant to. Esti reaches her hand across the table, laying it on mine, and smiles.

"They're idiots," she whispers, "Don't listen to them."

I smile back, knowing she's right. I turn to my menu, picking out a Hawaiian Pizza, and showing it to Esti. She already knows she wants a vegetarian lasagne. I've tried to go vegetarian many times before, but the allure of hotdogs is too much.

We sit in comfortable silence, waiting for the waitress to come back. About five minutes later, she comes back with a notepad and pen.

"Have you decided?" She asks, and I pick up a Spanish accent. Working in an Italian resturat.

Esther nods and says, "A vegetarian lasagne and a Hawaiian pizza."

"Thank you," I add.

"Drinks?" she asks, scribbling our orders down.

"Oh," I glance at the menu, deciding, "Pineapple juice?"

Esther frowns, "Maybe... I'll just have some lemonade, if that's okay."

The waitress nods, her face warm, and writes those down too.

"Anything else?" she queries.

We shake our heads and the waitress leaves, humming a tune. I share a smile with Esti.

"I can't believe we're leaving," I say, and she nods.

"It's unreal," Esti breathes, "Leaving for the UK!"

"Leaving for the UK," I confirmed, grinning.

We get our meals soon, and mine is delicious. Crispy crust and juicy pineapple, melty cheese, and small bits of ham. I practically inhale it. Esther is finished before me, her meal being smaller, and quickly scoff the last few pieces of pizza. I need to fill up before the flight because who knows what the plane food'll be like. Esti waits patiently until I'm done.

"We have twenty minutes," I announce when standing up. Esti nods and walks alongside me as we come towards our terminal. We sit down carefully in the empty seats by the back, having a few minutes to spare. My stomach does a flip as I see the straight couple two rows ahead of us, sitting perfectly straight with their hands folded in their laps. I shudder, hoping this doesn't mean their on the same plane as us.

Five minutes later our flight is called, and to our horror, the straight couple stands up as well. Esti looks at me, worried, and I shake my head slightly. Don't react.

She gets the message and we walk behind them, praying they don't see us, and begin boarding the plane. We get a smile from one of the staff standing outside the entrance, and an odd look from a little girl and her mum. We walk along the middle, trailing our bags down to the end, checking numbers as we go. Esti slides into the window seat and I sit beside her. She smiles, propping her head on her hand and staring out the window.

"It's actually happening," I breathe, "Really."

Esti's eyes are shining as she replies, "Yep."

At the sound of our voices, a head pops around the corner of the seats in front of us. It's the woman from the straight couple.

"Oh, look, Steph!" she exclaims, her perfectly straight blond hair slipping around her face.

Esti and I exchange horrified glances with each other, and I groan inwardly.

The man, obviously Steph, pokes his head over the seat in front of Esti and scowled, "Great. The gay girls."

Chapter Four - Esti (Hope)[]

After Bea had patched Bandit up I cradled the little cub in my arms. I walked over to the tigress and bent down. She was a Malayan tiger, I knew that. I felt her coat.

How could someone even have the drive to kill these beautiful creatures?

I saw that Bandit was now staring at his mother.

"It is alright little one. I don't think she suffered." I whispered to Bandit.

I held Bandit close enough to his mother's fur so he can nuzzle it. It was one of the saddest things I have ever seen in my life,

"How could someone kill the mother of two-month-old cubs," I yelled, but not too loud so that the cubs wouldn't be scared.

Bea nodded her head and said, "I don't know either."  

Bandit's stomach seemed to be alright seeing as the meat was almost too tiny to be classified as a solid.

I still felt stupid though. I should have known. 

"The meat shouldn't upset their stomachs seeing as Malayan tiger cubs can eat solids at two months old," I said, remembering my course on tigers.

I felt relieved when I remembered that. At least I knew now, that Bandit would be alright.

My face drops. Sadness overwhelms me. Great. Of course they had to be placed there. Just my luck.

I look over at Bea. She is in shock as well. I must stand up for her. I must stand up for us.

"And what are you going to do about it?" I ask, giving him the look.

He looks at me, giving me an ice cold glare. His eyes seem to freeze me. But it doesn't freeze me from wanting to punch him. My question seems to silence him because he sits down back in his seat. He says something to the blonde girl next to him and she laughs.

I look at Bea and I can tell that she is still heart broken. I know how she feels. My love for her is undeniable.

I try to hug her over the seat handle. It doesn't really work though. Once I pull away she gives me a smile. I grin at her.

"This flight will depart in two minutes. Please sit and watch the safety procedure." rings the computer voice throughout the cabin.

Already sitting down I plug my earphones in. My nerves seem to become more noticeable every second.

"We are going to the UK!" I think, still surprised by the thought.

"On today's flight remember to..." says the flight attendant on the screen.

Still listening, I turn to Bea with a big thumbs up. She smiles and grabs my hand.

While watching I feel her place her head on my shoulder. Trying not to blush I lay my head on hers.

Love is supposed to be straight, rings in my mind.

Never.

Love is love.

No matter what.

My love belongs to Bea.

Chapter Five- Bea (Yellow)[]

Bea stared down at the dark cub, my tears dripping down onto her muzzle. Her tongue darted out and swiped up the salty liquid. I laughed through my tears. Her eyes were dark green, so deep I could almost dive into them. I smiled, "C'mon, let's get going. We need to keep walking. If we let outselves get stiff, we'll never get up."

I picked up Comet carefully, my hands holding her tenderly as if she would break. She stared at me, trust gleaming in those intelligent eyes.

Esti is fast asleep by the time we are halfway through our trip, and I'm so tired I think I'll nod off any second. I yawn, my head drooping. But no matter how hard I try, I can't go to sleep, so I plug in my headphones and begin scrolling through the movies on the plane TV. Smiling, I flick into Frozen 2. Ever since it came out, Esti and I have watched it on repeat many times, even though we're adults.

I shift slightly, taking care not to disturb Esti, who's head is leaning on my shoulder. One of my legs has pins and needles from sitting on it for so long. I keep having my thoughts flick back to Comet and Bandit, who we've gotten transported to the UK ahead of us. I hope they're okay.

My thoughts take another turn, back to my parents. That day...

I had just gotten home from another evening with Esti, at a nice park. I'd had to drive pretty far into the city to get there. My eyelids are drooping by the time I open the door with my keys, and I bump into Mum.

"Beatrice Swallow," she says slowly.

I gulp, "Yes?" I knew I had been allowed out of the house. That wasn't my issue. My worry was that she had found out.

"Bea," Mum looks at me, her eyes hard, "Tell this to me straight."

"O-okay," I stammer.

"Bea, Are you gay?"

My world falls. She knows. She knows and I know she does. She hates it. Hates me. Hates... who I am.

I swallow tightly, my eyes watering, "Yes, Mum. I'm gay."

"Beatrice!" Mum barks, grabbing my chin and tilting my face, "Are you lying to me? Is this a joke? Because last time I checked, 'Esther' was just a friend."

Just a friend, just a friend, rings in my mind and I gulp.

"No," I say quietly, "This is not a lie. I am gay," I shrug away from her, "And I'm proud of it!"

Mum's face goes deadly calm, and when she speaks, her voice is angry, "Is this how I raised you?" she asks, and her voice rises, "Are you not ashamed?!"

I stare at her, shocked, "No. This is who I am, Mum!"

"Nineteen and already a gay girl," she shakes her head, a hiss escaping her lips, "What did I do wrong?"

"Everything," I hiss, "You raised me to believe that only a certain type of love is right. That's a crime in itself."

She stares, her eyes narrowed and her mouth a thin line, "Beatrice, go to your room."

"No," I'm afraid as hell but I won't admit it, "No, I won't be punished for something that isn't wrong."

"Beatrice Swallow," her voice is soft and harsh, "Now. Get in your room and don't come out. I'll let your father decide how we punish you. I think not being able to see this Esther girl is not even punishment enough."

I obey.

Later that night, as I'm texting Esti and confessing what happened, I hear my dad come home.

"Beatrice is gay," my mother's voice is loud and full of rage, "We raised her wrong!"

My father is silent, only speaking after a minute of silence, "Are you sure?"

"She admitted it," my Mum says, "She admitted it!"

"I'll deal with her."

Chapter Six - Esti (Hope)[]

"Wait!" I said to Bea. 

She turned around and looked at me. Her platinum eyes were beautiful and the way they looked at me made me feel happy. 

"I am going to bury their mother, just in case the hunters come. I don't want her coat to be taken." I explained to her.

She nodded to say yes. 

"Can you look after Bandit?" I asked her.

"Yes," she said. 

I gave Bandit to Bea and then scuffled Bandit's fur on his head. I turned back to the tigress. I used my bare hands to dig a hole. I took me a while though. When I look back it wasn't the most time effective plan. 

Before I knew it Bandit had leapt out of Beatrice's arms and ran up to me. He started digging with his two front paws. 

"Thank you Bandit," I said, grinning at him.

He doesn't stop digging. It must have been so terribly hard for Bandit and Comet losing their mother. My heart ached for him and his sister.

After a while, bandit and I had dug a hole big enough to bury his mother. I patted their mother's head before slowly guiding the tigress's lifeless body towards the hole. Tears were streaming down my face like a rushing river and Bandit padded up to me, leaning his head on my arm. I gave one final push of the tigress's body before it fell into the hole. Bandit let out a mew of sadness which made me burst into tears. I cuddled him closer so his head was on my heart. 

I covered the hole with the dirt and earth. I put Bandit on top of the covered grave for the mother. He engraved a tiny paw print on the top. I picked him up, still crying.

 I heard the sound of Bea's crying before opening my eyes. Her face is in her palms. She was sobbing quietly.

I snuggle closer and ask, "What is wrong?"

She gives me a muffled response and I can pick out what she had said, "I was thinking about why we left."

My heart dropped and I hugged her closer. Her cries seemed to die down and I feel relieved. I hold her hand as I stare out the window. It is dark outside and I cannot see anything. The sound of the plane is very hard to hear as it glides through the sky.

Bea's sobs seem to have stopped but she squeezes my hand tighter.

Thinking about Bea my mind wander's off to the day when I didn't feel safe at home...

"You!" yelled my Dad, his arms crossed and his tone furious.

"You can't define who I am!" I screamed, tears rolling down my face.

"What did we do?" whispered my mother into my dad's ears.

"We raised her horribly wrong!" answered Dad, looking down at me.

I knew that my dad was drunk because he looked quite fatigued but that still didn't make it right.

"No, I can love who I love!" I protested, my eyes going puffy due to my crying.

"No! Beatrice will never be your love. You're gay and I don't want you in my house!" ordered my Dad, pointing to the door.

"Fine! Tigger and Topaz would never have wanted this. You are letting them down!" I screeched as I ran to my room.

I slammed the door shut. I grabbed my bag and suitcase and started packing. The first thing I picked up was my photo of Tigger and Topaz. Looking down at it, my tears fell onto it making a slide for my teardrops. I hugged it close to my heart before I put it in my bag. I grabbed my pillow and stuffed it in my suitcase. I went through all my photos picking out which ones to bring. I decided to take all of them except for the ones with my parents in it. I grabbed my Tigger's collar from on display and put it in a little box. I took my collage of Topaz from the wall and placed it in my suitcase. I heard Bandit's whimpers and I cuddled him and kissed his head.

"It will be alright," I whispered to him.

Grabbing Bandit's collar, I placed it around his neck and attached the leash. I patted my bed for him to jump up. He jumped up with a mew before grabbing a corner of the blanket.

"Thank you Bandit. I almost forgot that." I said, trying to laugh.

I took my collage of Topaz out of the suitcase and wrapped the blanket around it so it wouldn't break. I grabbed an armful of clothes and filled my suitcase up with them. I closed my bag and suitcase up with a zip. I swung my backpack on my back and then pulled up the handle on my suitcase. With Bandit's leash held tight in my hand, I stormed out of my room. I slammed the door shut and ran past my parents. Their despising whispers as I ran past made me cry even harder.

"You are no longer welcome in this house!" declared my mother.

"Go! Now!" yelled my dad.

I took his advice. I ran outside with Bandit. His mews were sad and lonely.

"We will be alright," I said to my little tiger cub.

I felt a little droplet of water fall on my head. Soon it was pouring it down with rain. Just my luck. I ran under a tree with Bandit. It was better than nothing. Grabbing out my phone I checked my messages. I had one notification from Bea.

"My mum and dad didn't take it very well," I said, reading aloud Bea's text.

"Are you still welcome at home? I am not and now I am stuck in the rain." I messages back.

I got a reply straight away.

"What? You can't come over because my parents will get incredibly cross. You might have to stay somewhere else." I read aloud Bea's message.

I slide down against the tree. My face in my palms with streams of teardrops running down my face.

I quickly looked up the closest place to stay and it was about two miles away.

What would I do?

Chapter Seven- Bea (Yellow)[]

I stared down at Comet, my face ashen, and gently set her down. She looked like she wanted to go and say goodbye to her mum but she was too scared. Her whiskers quivered and I whispered small, soft words to her. I wanted to help too, but I couldn't bring myself to. So I stood up gently and handed her over to Esther.

"I'm going to pay my respects," I tell her softly. She nods tightly, tears dripping down her nose. For some reason I want to brush them away. But I don't, and instead crouch by the grave. My own tears wet the soil and I brush my hand over the ground. A tiny bandit-like footprint is imprinted in the earth. A mark. It's small and alone. Alone. Not anymore. I push my hand into the ground next to it, an imprint of my own. 

"Oh, god," I whisper thickly, "Oh, god. Whoever did this... Whoever left these babies orphaned. God. They are monsters."

I stare down at it, sobbing freely now. Comet's head brushes against my arm and I hug her tight. I imagine the tigeress' body lying so still under the soil. She deserves so much more, but this is all we can do. Comet looks terrified and absolutely upset, her green eyes shimmering with fear. She steps forward and puts a pawprint next to Bandit's as well. I turn, beckoning Esther forward. Her blond hair falls around her shoulders in a heap, her tears soaking it. I'm doing to same. She steps forward too, and puts her handprint next to mine. 

We were bound to meet, I think. We were destined to find these cubs. If I could read the stars, it would be written in them. Tears are sliding off my nose and cheeks, skimming my mouth and soaking my blue t-shirt. I look around. It seems so terrible that life is going on without us, without the tigeress. Something terrible has happened and we are the only souls to know. I feel like the world should have stopped for this. For us.

"Oh, Esti," I choke, "How do we know we're doing to right thing?"

She stares at me, her lips quirking in a smile, despite the deep sadness in her eyes, "Because we're together. That must be right."

I sigh, leaning against her shoulder. She nudges my arm with her elbow and says, "We're close to Dubai, right?"

"I think so," I agree, staring out the window over her shoulder.

But my mind isn't on that...

I recieve Esti's text, and my shoulders slump. How could it be they both found out at the same time? My tears trickle down my nose and plop onto my pillow. I can hear my dad coming up the stairs, his footsteps loud. I bury my face in my blankets, dreading the moment my door opens. The steps stop. There is a pause before my dad comes in, the click of his black work shoes unbearably loud.

"Beatrice," he thunders, his face hidden by the tears in my eyes, "Your mother has told me the news."

"Yes?" I sniffle, acting innocent.

He's stone-faced, expressionless, "I thought we raised you well. I thought we taught you about love. I thought we made you a good person," he pauses, "Instead you've grown up wrong. You've grown up corrupted by that girl. How long has this been going on?"

I hug my pillow and whisper, "Not long. A month maybe."

My father's face tightens in rage, "No. Tell me the truth."

"A month!" I say forcefully.

Slap! My face stings, and then comes the pain. Sharp, searing hotness that I've never felt before. He slapped me.

"How. Long?" My dad's breathing is heavy, his eyes furious.

"A month!" I scream, throwing away my pillow.

He slaps me again, over the same place. I stifle a sob as he grabs my head and makes me look at him.

"Bea, if you lie now you will never be welcome in this house again," he snarls.

"A year," I hiccup, my tears flowing hot and strong, "A year."

"A year?" he whispers, "Our girl... No, she's not mine anymore."

And god, it hurts so bad.

Knowing I'm not the perfect daughter.

Knowing I'm no longer the girl who gets A's and studies at Vet School.

Knowing I'm not his anymore.

"Get out," he growls, "Get out and come back when you've learned your lesson."

Chapter Eight- Esti (Hope)[]

Earth is a beautiful place. It is filled with wonder and life. Sometimes it can be cruel though. It can take life away from others. People can take life away for money. How terrible is that? Looking at the grave made me so sad and extremely angry. If I have to live in a world where animals were killed for money, I would be dead. I would have killed myself. Hunting animals haunts me. It isn't right. Animals deserve to live just as much as we do.

I am a zoologist who will travel the world protecting the animals.

I will offer my life if the tigers could be saved.

I have always loved animals. When I was born my parents had two cats, Tigger and Topaz. Once I had met them I couldn't fall asleep at night unless they were in my nursery. I loved them so much. They died when I was sixteen and it was heart-breaking. I miss them so much. I long to have them back with me. Tiger's fluffy ginger pelt used to brush against my face when I was trying to fall asleep and Topaz's purr when she lay on my stomach. 

I think Topaz and Tigger have made me the person I am today. They still guide me in my opinion. I feel like wherever I go, I always end up in a tough situation but I always seem to make it right. It is though they are with me, every paw step of the way.

I plug my earphones in and I go to the music. I see my favourite artist Taylor Swift and click on her album selection. I click shuffle and Shake it Off comes on. I smile. This is a classic and one of my favourites. I moth the lyrics to Bea and she laughs.

Forgetting about my parents I lean in to kiss Bea on the cheek. But I am interrupted by the flight attendant. I pull one of the earphones out.

"Would you like any drinks?" she asks.

"May I have a glass of juice?" questions Bea.

"Apple, Pineapple or Orange?" queried the flight attendant.

"Pineapple," says Bea.

The flight attendant hands her a pineapple juice before asking me, "What would you like?"

"May I have a water?" I answer.

"Yes," says the flight attendant while she is pouring a cup of water.

"Thank you!" Bea and I say in unison when I am handed my water.

She nods her head as a thanks before moving to the people behind us.

I am a little disappointed that I could have had my first kiss with Bea. I take a sip from my water and my dehydration washes away. I know now that we are close to Dubai by looking at the travel information.

"UK, here we come!"

Chapter Nine- Bea (Yellow)[]

The first time I cried as a kid was when my cat Pumba died. My parents had had him for ten years before having me, and Pumba was there until I was six. I'd never cried before, honest. My parents thought there was something wrong with me when I didn't cry after breaking my leg. Since Pumba died, I cry all the time. Just in bed, or when I'm reading, or when I hurt myself. For two months after Pumba died I cried myself to sleep every night. I still do it sometimes now. Today is the most I've cried in ages, too, because It makes me so mad and so upset when things like this happen. Pumba had been a brown and black tabby cat with long fur, and his personality was amazing. He had the most brilliant purr, so loud we called him 'tractor' and his eyes used to be so bright and intellectual. Pumba used to crawl under my covers at night and lick my feet before I went to sleep. He used to sit on my chest and purr so much I vibrated. My parents offered to get me another cat, but I said it was disrespectful to Pumba. Now I know he would want me to be happy. I'm imagining his pawprint next to mine in the soil...

I yawn faintly and lean against the arm of my chair. My drink is okay, clearly not the best I've ever had. I was right about the quality of the plane food. I turn to Esti and say, "Good drink?"

She laughs, "It's water."

I shrug, "Is it good water?"

"It's okay water," she tells me, her lips quirking into a smile.

I grin back, but it fades away as the man, Steph (apparently), looks at us over the seat.

"Quiet down," he grunts his mouth set in a scowl, "If you're going to defy society, then why don't you be quiet about it?"

I stare at him, open-mouthed, and blurt out, "If you have nothing nice to say, why don't you shut up?"

Esti grabs my arm, "Bea."

Steph's mouth tightens into a thin, white line and he says, "Watch your mouth!"

"Shut up," Esti growls, her eyes hard, and her cheeks red.

"If you can't control yourselves, I'll have you moved," he snaps back, cheeks colouring.

"Don't-" I begin, but his head disappears behind the chair. I hear a muttered curse and a reassuring murmur.

Esti's face pales, "They can't move us."

I consider this and shake my head, "I don't know."

Esti sighs, "Of all the rotten luck," she bit her lip, "We had to be put with them."

I smile, "Hey, it's not so bad. At least we're together, right?"

She gives me a half-hearted attempt at a smile and nods, "At least there's that."

I peek out the window, squinting from my side of the chairs. Esti leans back to let me see. I note that the sky is beginning to lighten and the ocean seems to shimmer a different colour now, greener than deep blue. It seems we're getting closer to land. As I sit back in my chair, a voice comes over the intercom; "We are approaching Dubai. Please prepare for landing."

I smile at Esti and sigh, taking my headphones from around my neck and slipping them over the holder set in the seat opposite. Esti has already done this.

I grip her hand and blink fast, my ears popping as the lady on intercom tells us we are descending.

Here we go.

Chapter Ten - Esti (Hope)[]

I didn't want to leave the tigress. I didn't want her cubs to leave her. I could tell Bandit didn't want to leave too. His whimper's where sad so I cuddled him even closer. He seemed to purr when he felt the warmth or did he feel loved? He must do because I love him. Tigger and Topaz will be proud. I said my last goodbye to the grave of the tigress and picked up Bandit. His cries for his mother made my heart ache. I carried Bandit away from the grave, tears streaming down my face. Bandit mewed for his mother. He didn't stop. This made me cry even more. It was like leaving half of him back there with his mother.  After a few of Bandit's whimpers, I couldn't hold it into any longer. I snapped like a pretzel stick. I fell onto the ground my letting Bandit go. I made sure he was close before putting my head in my palms. I cried. I cried and I didn't stop. My hair long blonde hair fell in front of my face. I felt a head nudging mine. This didn't help. My pain had been held in for too long. Bandit's whimpers had stopped and they turned into purrs when he rubbed his body on my back. I felt sorry for him. He has got it tough. I was crying for him and his mother. What would it be like losing your mother? What would it feel like leaving your cubs?

The descent is quite smooth as we go to land. Squeezing Bea's hand, I grin at her. My past life with my parents seems so distant in my mind and I can only think about Bea. Her smile made me smile, her tears made mine run. Love can make you feel a lot of things. When I think of Bea it is like my fantasy. There are so many amazing thoughts of love, happiness, friendliness and much more. She is my one true love and nothing can change that.

The plane seems to get faster in its decline seems to be bumpier.

Bea seems to jump up in her seat because of the steep landing. I look out the window to see it is bright outside and the city of Dubai. It is a beautiful city with some huge buildings. We are still declining and the city seems to become even clearer. The bright blue sky is a nice shade of Maya blue and the clouds are pure white. What a stunning day!

Suddenly there is a bump and then it is smooth. We must have landed. I look out the window again to see we are now gliding on the runway. I give Bea a thumbs up.

"Not long till we are in the UK!" I say happily to Bea.

I must have said it quite loud because Steph and that blonde lady turn around and their mouths drop.

"You are going to the UK?" they ask in unison.

"Yes, and do you have a problem with that?" asks Bea.

This is one of the many aspects I love about Bea. She can be a little sassy but not very often.

"What flight are you on?" they ask again.

"Our flight number is 07498," I say, reading off the ticket.

"June, they are on the same flight as us!" exclaims Steph, angry.

June. That was the women's name.

"No!" yelps Bea in both shock and sadness.

June and Steph turn around and I whisper to Bea, "They may not be near us on that flight. Don't worry!"

Bea nods her head but I don't think she is so sure.

Chapter Eleven- Bea (Yellow)[]

I stopped, my heart aching. I wanted to comfort Esther. I wanted to brush her hair back and hold her-

Where did that thought come from?

Hold her?

Excuse me, mind, please don't do that again.

I crouched down, drying my own eyes. "Esther," I murmur, "I hate this too. SO much."

She lifts her head and looked at me with tear-stained eyes, her hair wet from the salt of her tears.

"Hey, hey," I murmur, "It's gonna be okay. I'm here, okay? Be here with me. It's okay to cry. You're okay, you're okay."

Soon I was rubbing my palm rhythmically in circles down her back, comforting her with soft words. My tears were brimming in my eyes, but I held them in. 

"Shhh," I whispered, "Shh. It's okay. It's okay."

Esther's sobs began to fade slowly, soon she was only hiccuping sorrowfully. I sat back, my hand still on her back, and cupped her face in my hands, hyper-aware of the physical contact.

"You're okay," I told her softly.

I rub my eyes and hold back tears. This is all being ruined! Stupid Steph, stupid June.

Esther gives me a comforting look, her eyes shimmering with tears too.

As we wait for landing, I unplug my headphones and stash them away. Esti's already done that. We tense, ready to leave. As the plane comes to a halt, my ears pop and then we hear the pilot jabbering on about something or rather. I'm really not in the mood, so I block my ears and tuck my knees under my bottom. Esther listens though, so I can count on her to tell me the important bits.

When it's over, we join the flood of people and escape the plane before Steph and June. I just want to walk all the way away, away from them all. All the haters. All the disbelievers.

We're now in a Cafe. I'm sipping more pineapple juice, and Esti's munching on a biscuit. I stare across at her and smile slightly.

"It's so unreal," I tell her truthfully.

"It is," she agrees, laying her hand on mine.

A wry smile touches my lips. We share it, a rare moment in time.

Then a waitress passes, clearing her throat, "Excuse me."

I look up, not worried. She's just asking after what we'd like next.

That's not what she says.

"I would like to ask you to leave," the woman asks, her dark hair in a tight ponytail and face pinched. It looks like someone's gone and sucked all the life out of her.

Esti blinks, but I get in before her, "Why?"

I should have already known.

I shouldn't have asked.

We should have gone quietly.

"We do not allow," she speaks fast and loud, "This." her trembling finger points to Esti and I's touched hands.

I swallow tightly, panic rising, "Oh."

Esti shakes her head and murmurs, "Let's go."

And I don't.

Anger floods my senses and I say steadily, "And why not?"

The waitress blinks, "Because this is not good."

Her voice is stiff and formal, yet I'm mad.

Mad.

"No," I shake my head, "No, I don't think so. We're not leaving."

Esti casts an urgent no glance at me, "Bea," she whispers.

"I think you are," The lady sniffs.

"No!" I yell, "If you think who I am is wrong," I hiss, "Go take a look in the mirror!"

The lady gasps, "Excuse me!"

"Yes," I growl, "Excuse you. "

The whole Cafe is staring now.

I don't care.

I'm on fire and can't burn out.

"Please leave," she says stiffly.

"Shut up," I say, "You can't tell us what to do. You can't tell us we're wrong."

Esti grabs my arm and pulls me away, but I'm not done.

"Go take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror," I hiss back, "And tell me what you see!"

Then Esti's led me out of sight.

Chapter Twelve - Esti (Hope)[]

"You're okay." rang in my mind. 

Bea's kind words made me feel better. Her hand on my back was very comforting. I finally felt alright. 

Still crying I turned around and tried to smile at Bea. It probably looked like I was constipated but who cares. 

I only cared about what Bea thought of me. I knew we hadn't been together long but I felt so connected to her. 

I knew this was a stupid move at the time but it felt so right. I just hugged her without thinking. I felt her hair on my face. I didn't think she would hug me back.

I could only wait.

I storm off, holding back tears. I am still holding Bea's wrist.

"Bea, you can't do that." I cried.

Her eyes seem to soften and are now more willing to listen.

"Why?" she asks, "She deserved it."

I know. That waitress was rude and not in the right to kick us out.

"I know she did but you made it worse!" I answer.

Bea seems to understand. The anger in her eyes seems to fade away.

"Yes," she replied.

People from the cafe seem to be leaving and they glare at us as they walk by.

I don't care what they think. I am with the one I love!

I wipe the tears from my eyes and then tie my long, blonde hair back in a loose ponytail. Some strands of hair stary from the ponytail and land on the side of my face. Before I could even put them behind my ears, Bea brushed them off my face.

I smile and then hold her hand. The moment is broken by an announcement.

"Flight Number 07498, please make your way to Terminal two."

Once the announcement had finished I say, "That is us."

Bea nods and we walk off.

The taste of my chocolate chip cookie still is in my mouth.

One step closer to England!

Chapter Thirteen- Bea (Obscure)[]

Coming Soon.

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