******************** As soon as I arrived on campus that fall, I realized that college was going to be like nothing I’d ever known before. I never r...ally had much of a social life in high school except for the occasional dates, set up by my parents, with the daughters of some of their business associates. These girls had been alright in looks, I guess. But it was plain to see that they disliked being in the situation as much as I did. So, the few dates I had never went anywhere or amounted to. What would YOU think? She thought I’d send her away.I’m thinking, ‘to what’? She already had issues with her step-dad, her mom’s husband. I guess maybe she thought of the thousands of dollars of child support I’d paid her mom. And that a fact of genetics over-rode fourteen years of me raising a pretty decent young girl. Pretty young thing. Mom’s blonde hair, blue eyes. My blue eyes and sandy hair. Darned sure COULD be ours. I was the dad that took her to zoos and went to recitals, even though. ’ Sloane choked out, before looking at her father, ‘I promise.’ ‘There, see? I told you. She’ll explain everything. Now we need to go to the market, we’re going to need more groceries for dinner tonight.’ ‘Yes dear.’ her father replied before following his wife out the front door. Sloane inhaled deeply, before turning and looking at Gigi. Gigi must’ve misinterpreted the look she gave her because she immediately started rambling. ‘Oh god, I’m so sorry Sloane. I didn’t know what to do. Daddy is. "I would like to thank the Tiger People of my zone and the Elf-kin for all their wonderful support!" Which drew a big cheer from those present of her neighbors."I need to thank the Green Band, my family, for the love and support and the wonderful life they give me." And she smiled at those in her paddock, who stood and clapped and cheered as vigorously as any others had that day, almost delirious with happiness and pride."I would like to thank my betrothed quadmate Menak, though he cannot hear.