On a cold stone floor this letter came about,

Dear Santa,

Please, please, please could you make all my dreams come true? I am in need of a home and someone special to love me. Not that I don't have really kind people here in the shelter who cares for me but I would love to have a mummy and a daddy of my very own. I have never had a home but I hear from the others that it can be a wonderful place to be. Where you have a cosy bed and plenty of good food and lots of hugs. It just sounds too wonderful and If you are not to busy, (I know I am not on the top of your present list) I would love if you could help me.

Kisses

Zu Zu xxxx

AND

Some place else where the cold wind blew and the snow drifted down in elegant flurries stood in a petite brunette staring up at the swirling clouds of fluffy light snow as it fell around her. Silence pierced her heart as loneliness captured her soul. It was that time of the year again when she fastened her mask of joy firmly on her face and heard her sore sec ret of loneliness. She was without family. Her mother had run off with her husband best friend while her father had fallen so far in alcohol due to despair that it had eventually killed him by the perforation of oesophageal varices. She remembered the day when she was barely 12 when she had discovered him drenched in his own blood and deathly cold. She never thought her tears would dry. despite his life style she had dearly loved him with all her heart. And with her loss she found herself moved to a foster home. Her mother upon receiving the news of her husband death never appeared to take her only child home.

Years passed and moves she made from one home to another, never finding a family that could gain the understanding of her bright mind. She was treated as a freak by the other children for her above average intelligence and adults faltered in front of her unsure of how to handle her. She adapted and became a solitary figure but she still craved love in a deep way and a true family to love and cherish.

Wow... great start Ails! I have the feeling that this is going to be quite a ride and I can't wait to see where you go with it.

Hey Ails!

I'm so excited... an Ails story to brighten my holiday season...



Now just who is our little girl?

Hmm?

YES!!!!!!!!! another ails story. Its a sad start but beautifully written

So sad, but I have every confidence that you can make things right for this child. And for some unknown reason ( ) I'm very interested in ZuZu...

Tina

Poor little girl Looking forward to more Ails.

Oooh.... interesting way to start -- captures my attention right away.

Who's ZuZu?

Who's the petite brunette?

Who's the someone that will find love? (Assuming the title bears out...)

Questions, questions.

A mystery is afoot... Ails, we are ready to see how you weave the answers!!

On my gosh...what a sad childhood for that girl! Can't wait for thiss tory to take off!

I'm excited to read your story Ails. Lots of questions raised; i.e. who is this sad little girl, how old is she now, who is she going to find to love her and how will the story unfold? Guess I'll have to be patient.

Lynn

Beautiful, but heart breaking start Ails...I look forward to more.

“Good morning” boomed across the bullpen as Bobby strides across the room his long muscular legs quickly covering the space. “How are we all this beautiful Monday morning?” he grinned as he tossed his winter coat onto it’s hook.

“Beautiful” chirped Myles, “It is below freezing, I had to shovel my drive and dig my car out before I could even attempt to come to work on a Monday morning. So please don’t expect me to be sociable.”

“Never do” he smiled with a twinkle in his eye as he bounced over to the coffee machine. “I just love the snow”

“You would,” grumbled Myles under his breath while slinging a filthy look in Bobby direction.

“So do I” smiled Tara, “It just makes the world seem so clean and fresh like a new start.”

“Yeah and how could you hate it?” he said tossing a look over his shoulder in Myles generally direction, “something that you can fight with without hurting anyone.”

“And make snow angels” adding Sue as she joined the conversation.

“It’s just plain childish” bit Myles as he opened the file before him.

“Some of us like to act like big kids at times” replied Bobby as he did a silly dance back over to his chair while carefully balancing his full cup of coffee.

“Imbeciles” he muttered under his breath.

D tried to keep a straight face as he entered the room. “How is everyone, did we have a pleasant weekend?”

A chorus of yes and nods answered his question yet no one noticed how quiet Tara was as she sat behind her computer using her screen to hide herself from the outside world.


“I can’t believe it is December already” stated Lucy.

“Another year has crept by” shuddered Sue as she watched Jack confidently enter the room. “And everything the same” she whispered to Levi.

“So I guess it will be up to the ladies again to decorate this place” waved Lucy to the surrounding bullpen.

“Well you do, do such a beautiful job,” answered Jack smiling over at Sue.

Tara found herself forcing a smile. Her loneliness felt riper this year than any other year and she bit back the hot sting of tears.

I could so see/hear this scene being played out on TV in the bullpen... very in character for each of our beloved friends.

But... *ahem*... Ails sweetie... you still haven't answered our questions



(By the way... since you left us - - it has gotten quite I think Kentucky likes to show you what 'warm' feels like when you visit lol)

Aw, poor Tara. But at least she has the others to keep her company.

I am wondering just which who is going to find that Someone to Love. Please tell us more Ails.

The week passed in a blur of activity, a major case kept them occupied and by the following weekend Tara felt washed out and drained emotionally. They had rescued the abducted child and reunited her with her mother. Watching the hugs and tears of relief and joy that the mother had wept, tore at her heart strings and she couldn’t help thinking, ‘why does my mom not love me?’ Here she was in an empty and bare bullpen late on a Friday night. Due to the case the decorations had been put on hold much to Tara relief for this year she feeling the pain more acutely than in the past and jolly décor would only further her pain at this present time.

Leaning back in her chair she took in the room. She knew she was blessed with a non-blood family but they all held their own family deep within their hearts and she always felt like an outsider. Wiping a tear away a thought popped into her head. ‘What about a pet?’ she leaned forward onto her desk as her mind whirled with the possibilities. “Maybe I could find companionship with an animal?” she said with a happily tone then she felt. Clicking her mouse she started a search of local animal shelters for the thought had struck her for the need to rescue an abandoned animal like she was as a child.

“What type of pet do I want?” she muttered to herself as she found herself faced with various types of pet, ranging from reptiles and bunnies to dogs and cats. She started to flick through the files eagerly searching for a connection.

Awwh... that's an excellent idea, Tara. Pets are great when you're feeling down and their unconditional love will be wonderful for the blues she's experiencing right now.

But we still don't know who the people in the first post are.... although it sounds like maybe one of them is Tara??

Ooooooh, bunnies and kittens and puppies... Oh My! The choices are endless, and I'm sure a warm furry body and cold nose to snuggle up with will help bury those "left out" feelings!! Just watch out for the ones that like to take over your stuff... couches, beds, blankets

Tina

How about a pretty little girl-dog... then Levi could have someone to love too!!!

A kitten or a puppy sounds like a great idea!!!!

I'm thinking puppy.....

Can't wait to read more Ails! I always LOVE your stories!

....by the way....I'd go for a cat! What can you say, I'm a cat person!

I think I'm starting to get who ZuZu is.

Ails, I just caught up on your story and I love it so far!! The first post gave me that shivery feeling I always get when I find a new story from you!!!

Poor Tara - could she possibly be Zuzu?? I think a pet would be wonderful - I'm with Tosca - I lean toward a cat, but Tina is right too - beware of the "little" cat that can take up a whole queen size bed!!!

Joy

Looking forward to more, Ails, 'cause I'm curious to find out Zuzu is!

Take care,

Sairs

I can't wait to find out who Zuzu is. Great story.

Been away for ages so I have lots of lovely catching up to do...

I hope tara finds a suitable new furry friend - I feel for her loneliness too - looking forward to more!

What a lovely way to start my weekend, though I'm trusting you to brightene certain people's Christmas outlooks by the end of the story.

kav

Great start! Can't wait for more!!!

just a baby post...



Zuzu padded around her room, it was small but it the only home she knew. Her large brown eyes sad with the weight of love that she desperately wanted to share. Tucking herself into a small ball she listened to the whimpers and howls of those around her. This was a place of sadness and sometimes-deep relief as well. Also hope reverberated around the building. All she could do was close her eyes and allow herself to drift off to a place where hugs were abundant and toys were scattered and she would not need to share with anyone else. A place where she could call home with a springy bed instead of this hard one, a home with someone she could love and care for. Her dream was filled with similar thoughts. Oh how she longed to escape her present situation and find happiness and optimally someone to love

Whoever Zuzu is I just want to take her home and love her!!!!!

Poor little Zuzu!! I hope she's going to find everything she's been dreaming about!!!

Joy

I hope Tara gets Zuzu, she sounds really cute!

I think Zuzu and Tara need to connect!

kav

I hope Tara and Zuzu find each other very soon.

As she absently clicked her mind whirled, ‘It’s a big responsible, what if it doesn’t like me? What if I can’t be a good mother to it? I don’t know how to care for another, it has always just been me!’ She felt the surge of panic well up within her and she fought hard to keep the lump in her throat down. Wetness drenched her eyelashes but she refused to let tears fall. She was about to give up when she clicked on the last dog and came face to face with such a beautiful dog. It’s eyes where large and searching and she could see need reflected in them. It’s ears floppy but yet graceful, it’s soft colouring delicate and it’s pink nose sweet. Its sheer beauty that wasn’t just reflected in its appearance caught her breath. She found herself reading its dossier.

“Name ZuZu, a vizsla/ pitbull mix. What’s a vizsla?” she pondered as she read on.
“One year old female dog, which is very affectionate and loves to snuggle. Great with adults and children alike but a bit wary of other dogs. Loves soft toys and rawhide. Needs a kind, loving home where she would be kept indoors. Please contact” she found herself scribbling down the number before her mind caught up with her hand. She had fallen in love with a simple picture and description. She found her fears evaporating. She mentally made the plan to go visit the home tomorrow.

I would have fallen in love with her too

Babs
ickleails...you're making me want to go adopt another dog for Christmas. That's the last thing I need right now.

kav

Awh!!!! Perfect puppy for Tara!!!

I would take her home too!!!!!!

Isn't it wonderful how you just 'know' when an animal is meant for you? Makes you wonder how Michael Vick and his co-horts sleep at night. (At least for the next 23 months, it won't be as easy to accomplish. Personally, I think they should make him train helper dogs while he's in the slammer - with a watchful eye on him at all times, of course.)

Tina

Page 1 - Post #10 – The banter in the bullpen was right on! Now I’m thinking Tara might be our petite brunette except I think Tara is a natural blonde. Guess I’ll read on and see if you tell us before I catch up!

Page 1 – Post #15 – Oh, how different…the “Someone to Love” is going to be an animal, isn’t it?

Tara is the brunette and ZuZu is the pet! And kudos to Linny for guessing! I would not have guessed without Linny’s comment, which, after reading I went back and reread your first post. She is right….: It is clear as day now…Ails….you are a sly one!

Page 2 – Post #29 – Ah, is it a puppy? Sounds like it, but then that would be too easy! :dog:

Page 3 – Post #35 – Ah, who wouldn’t immediately fall in love with this little one? I want a dog to snuggle up to, but 1) I’m allergic to them and 2) I travel too much! One of these days though, when I’m not traveling so much, I’ll find me one that will not make me itch and break out in hives. I’ve never heard of a vizsla breed. Maybe I wouldn’t be allergic to that breed!

Tina, I wholeheartedly agree with you! I just hope he serves all his time!

Lynn

Sometimes you just look into their eyes and see their soul!! I have the same problem with teddy bears!!!

Joy

Ahem to that, Tina. I know it's mean of me to say, but I wish one of those dogs would have attacked him so he could experience all the pain and anguish they had to go through for his entertainment.

Ails, the dog just sounds so beautiful! And I'm as curious as tara to find out what a vizsula is... and are they cute?

Bobby whistled as he folded the last piece of clothing and then haphazardly pooled them into his chest of drawers. His favourite season was upon him and he was already indulging the festive spirit. All in all he adored this time of year, the only thing that could make it better was to have someone to share it with. He was searching for someone with fire and spunk that would challenge and adore him like he would with her. He had the feeling deep within the pit of him that he had already met her and had lost her and that realisation made him feel hollow within.

Walking back out of his room his eyes caught the framed picture of Tara and himself at the Mo jojo concert. It seemed like another lifetime he thought as he picked it up. Tara was radiant and she just shimmered with pure bliss. He found himself smiling broadly as he recalled that night and the way they laughed, sung and danced. She really was a beautiful, unique woman. He recalled having so much fun that he thought he was going to explode with laughter. Looking back down at the clasped photo he took a look at himself and suddenly he felt himself being knocked side wards. There he was grinning like a mad man with eyes alit and a face beaming with enjoyment. Never in his mind could he recall himself looking so unnaturally alive. And then the last memory of the night punched him in the chest.

Her lips were like marshmallows, soft but firm with a sweet taste to them. The lips that spoke words of intelligence that went far beyond his own was now caressing his own insignificant ones. It was a mere second in time but it felt like an eternity. It felt so right!

“Whoa” he said as he found himself sitting down on the edge of the bed and rubbing a hand roughly through his hair. “It’s Tara!”

Woot! (did you know this has been voted the top word for 2007?) and it aptly fits your post.

kav

so Bobby its Tara . . . good we got her name down . . . now we have to change that way of thinking

Bobby, we could have told you that - but it's so nice that you have caught on all by yourself!!!

Joy

So... yay... he figured it out... he gets a cookie!

Well 'duh' Bobby... men can be so oblivious.

Tina

Now don't be too hard on Bobby, gals! After all, he did think he was in love with Darcy! Now that he's realized Tara is THE one, if he doesn't make a move, then we can beat him up...vocally that is! If his dimples and dreamy Aussie accent don't take us out first!

Lynn

Woohoo! Bobby finally sees it!