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The Confidence Secret","description":"","count":"42","submission_left_submission_id":"1961110","submission_left_file_name":"2827801_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2827/2827801_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2827/2827801_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2827/2827801_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","submission_left_thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"103","submission_left_thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","submission_left_thumb_large_noncustom_y":"172","submission_left_thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","submission_left_thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"259","submission_right_submission_id":"1961118","submission_right_file_name":"2827813_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2827/2827813_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2827/2827813_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2827/2827813_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_right_thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","submission_right_thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"103","submission_right_thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","submission_right_thumb_large_noncustom_y":"172","submission_right_thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","submission_right_thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"259"}],"description":"This chapter contains dialogues in Portuguese, but the translation into English is in parentheses.\n\nAfter 50 years, Frank finally realizes his dream and finds with his old friends Care Bears...\n\nThis story is the official continuation of @aquabear and @SeaHeartCat work, and contains characters from other authors. A complete list can be obtained at https://inkbunny.net/j/366917-jcriver-introduction\n\nGood reading. ;)","description_bbcode_parsed":"This chapter contains dialogues in Portuguese, but the translation into English is in parentheses.

After 50 years, Frank finally realizes his dream and finds with his old friends Care Bears...

This story is the official continuation of \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\taquabear\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\taquabear\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
and \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeaHeartCat\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeaHeartCat\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
work, and contains characters from other authors. A complete list can be obtained at https://inkbunny.net/j/366917-jcriver-introduction

Good reading. ;)","writing":"[center][b]The Care Bears\nThe Confidence Secret\n1st Part\nChapter 11[/b][/center]\n*****\n\n- What the bloody hell, did everyone decide to call at once? - Fred complained again as the phone rang for the umpteenth time.\nFrank's private secretary was going crazy with the situation he was experiencing, but it was not just him. Also Elizabeth and James were in bad shape. Every two minutes the phone rang, and it was someone from the business world, or businessmen, or even company personnel wondering why CEO Frank was not attending meetings, commitments or not answering calls.\nAnyone who looked at B & H's international vice president that morning on 7 June 1994 would certainly feel sorry for him. Lost in the middle of the paperwork, he was trying to give the company a direction. Although trained for this, his biggest problem was that Frank did not leave the interim presidency for him, so he could not answer for anything in the company.\nLooking at another contract in front of him, he jumped up in the chair when someone knocked on the door. Arranging his hair and tie, he allowed the entrance of those who beat. And behold, the young Jonas de Albuquerque appeared by the threshold.\n- Did I bother you? - asked the Paulista director.\n- No, there unless it's to make me even crazier... - James blurted out.\n- What?\n- Never mind, it's crazy here today. What you want?\n- Frank did not attend a meeting yesterday between the board of Paulista and GE do Brasil to affirm the contract for the electrification and modernization project of the Santa Fe - Campinas railway corridor, and we were all worried about his absence...\n- One more meeting! My God, where is he? - cried James.\n- Like another meeting? Frank is not here? - the director asked in surprise, looking around.\n- No! He has disappeared since Sunday afternoon. It disappeared, evaporated, and slipped. I have over fifty projects up here and I can’t sign any, because he did not give me the interim presidency, nor the powers to do so. It's all a mess! We should be back in the USA now, but...\n- Hey! Have you thought about calling the police?\nJames smiled nervously.\n- In such a situation, you'd better be sure of what's going on before you involve the police - said the vice president - I'd rather wait until the last minute to...\nAgain someone knocked on the door, and this time Elizabeth came in followed by a man who appeared to be train boss.\n- Mr. James, this gentleman here seems to know something about Frank - said the old secretary.\n- You know anything?!? Say it! - James demanded in English.\n- Eu não entendi o que esse homem falou (I didn’t understand what this man said) - said the railroader in Portuguese.\n- Ele pediu para que você diga o que sabe sobre o senhor Frank Heartom (He asked you to tell him what you know about Mr. Frank Heartom) - Jonas explained in Portuguese - Aliás, você trabalha na ferrovia, não é mesmo (You work at the railroad, by the way, do not you)?\n- Sim, senhor Jonas (Yes, Mr. Jonas) - said the railroader - Trabalho nos trens “Rápido”, no trecho entre Campinas e Araraquara. Eu soube pelo Douglas que o senhor Frank se ausentou de alguns compromissos sem explicação, e resolvi vir aqui contar o que sei. Ele pegou o trem R-4 no último Domingo, às cinco da manhã, e tudo correu bem até passarmos por Santa Gertrudes, quando senhor Frank acionou o freio de emergência da composição e saltou na linha correndo de volta para a cidade. Como o maquinista não queria chegar atrasado partiu novamente com o trem e não vimos o patrão depois disso (I work on the trains \"Fast\", between Campinas and Araraquara. Mr. Douglas told me that Mr. Frank was absent from some unexplained commitments, and I decided to come here and tell what I know. He got on the R-4 train last Sunday at five in the morning, and everything went well until we passed in Santa Gertrudes, when Mr. Frank fired the emergency brake of the passenger train and jumped on the rail line, running back to the city. As the train driver did not want to be late, he left with the train again and we didn't see the boss after that).\nJonas translated all this to James, who heard with growing impatience.\n- Damn it! - he shouted - What Frank would have been thinking when he traveled to the interior, making the train stop in the middle of the journey?\n- That's a good question - said the director of the railway, and turning to the clerk, asked in Portuguese - Você sabe de mais alguma coisa (Do you know anything else)?\n- Sim (Yes) - replied the train boss - Pelo que me disseram os funcionários das estações de Rio Claro e Santa Gertrudes, o senhor Frank está hospedado numa pensão próxima a estação da segunda cidade, e ontem esteve em Rio Claro no Grêmio (From what I've been told by the workers at the Rio Claro and Santa Gertrudes stations, Mr. Frank is staying at a boarding house near the station of the second city, and yesterday he was in Rio Claro at Grêmio).\n- Bem, você nos ajudou muito (Well, you helped us a lot) - Jonas said with a small smile - Obrigado por ter nos contado a respeito (Thanks for telling us about it).\nAs soon as the railroader departed, James and Elizabeth exchanged worried looks.\n- Well, what do you think of that? - the old woman asked quickly.\n- Jonas, is there any express train to Rio Claro these next hours? - James asked.\n- There'll be one from the Luz Station in about half an hour. I'll call you to reserve a place for you, but you better run. The train leaves on time.\nIt was not even necessary to repeat. The young businessman quickly grabbed his coat and briefcase and headed for the Luz Station. He needed to find Frank and find out what was going on with the old friend.\n*****\nAs soon as he finished breakfast, Frank quickly left the boarding house and ran to Hector's house. He wanted to make sure he would be on time. He already had a new plan in his head. In fact, often the old man himself was surprised by his creativity and agility even at the age of 90. Maybe it was because he lived a healthy life and tried his best not to worry about it. Only meeting his old friends bears was tormenting his head in those years all.\nA well-kept secret for his entire life, his relationship with bears and cousins been coming of a long time, and was interrupted because of a great disaster that assailed the lives of all. Never before had he had a better chance than at that moment of resuming relations. But as he had slept the day before, he did not know whether the bears had finished their mission with Hector Kayson or not. However, knowing who the boy's father was, he was almost certain that much was still to come.\nWhen he reached the square in front of Hector's house, his pocket watch marked 6:50 a.m. The old man's idea was to accompany the boy, always from afar, to see him meet the bears, and then approach them. Fortunately he had not been late because it was the time the boy usually went to school. It was a moving scene for Frank to see the boy say goodbye to his father and his housekeeper and to go to school, which was about three blocks from distance. From afar, Frank followed the boy to the school gate and, making sure he entered, went to a library, where he would spend the rest of the morning reading and distracting himself, until it's time for action again.\n*****\nThe alarm clock rang furiously on Champ's nightstand, causing the bear to jump off the bed to turn it off. For the second time in his life and in less than a week he had not woken up at sunrise. Lazily, he sat on the bed while his body asked to return to the lying position, but his mind urged him to get up. After all, he and Confidence stayed until more than midnight watching that photo album.\nIt had not been easy for the bear to arrive at that hour and enter without making a sound. He had never been so late before, except on mission. And if he was tired, it was because of the emotions of the day before and the bad night of sleep.\nSlowly he went to the bathroom, washed his face, made his morning needs, and dressed in his everlasting red coat with the band on his head. And so prepared, he left the room. The others had already had coffee and now chatted excitedly in the room about their plans for next weekend, when they intended to camp in the Forest of Feelings. That's when the sportsman came.\n- Oh, look at the new sleeper from the Kingdom of Caring - Treat Heart joked - Are you getting used to the bed? You could trade places with Bedtime Bear...\n- Good morning to you, too - said Champ with a faint smile.\n- Do you want breakfast? - Bright Heart asked.\n- You can let me get by with this, don't worry. But what are you talking about so excited?\n- We're planning to camp out for the weekend. Do you want to come with us?\nThe bear frowned thoughtfully.\n- Maybe I can't go... - Champ said finally - Everything will depend on my mission with Hector.\n- But is it that difficult? - Treat Heart asked.\n- I think he likes to spend more time with Confidence - Cheer Bear said, his eyes flaming with jealousy.\nThe sportsman did not like these words very much and looked angrily at his smirking girlfriend.\n- No, it's not that difficult, we're going to talk to his friends today - said the bear normally - What worries me is Hector's father, who hates us from the bottom of his heart. He does seem to be the real problem, and that has to have a plausible motive.\n- Maybe it's because he didn't like Confidence, too... - said Cheer Bear again with malice.\n- Cheer! - shouted Champ, very annoyed - What's your problem anyway? You look like a spoiled child!\n- Spoiled?!? - the female bear exclaimed in surprise, standing up - Want to know what the problem? Ever since this fox got here, you don't pay any attention to me! You only care about training with her, being with her, helping her... What about me?!? I'm your girlfriend! And you do not give a shit about me...\n- Of course I do! You got that silly jealousy. I love you! I give you the attention you want and deserve.\n- Oh, yes? Then you will have to prove it!\nCheer said that in a tone of defiance, which was well in the taste of Champ. For a few seconds he thought, his face closed.\n- It's ok! What do you want me to do for show that I pay attention of you?\n- You can start by not going anymore to train with Confidence Heart to spend more time with me.\n- Oh, how cute, do you want a Miss Grumpy trophy too? - replied the bear nervously - I'm not going to stop training with Confidence just because you're jealous. And I'm not going to stay here arguing about it either.\nAnd so saying, the bear left the room and went into the kitchen, where he quickly took his breakfast, washed the dishes that had been soiled, and left through the service door of the house, to stroll around Care-a-Lot, taking advantage of the free morning to think right in his situation with Confidence and on Cheer's jealousy. On the other hand, he needed to think of everything he discovered the night before with his friend.\nThe raccoon and the female pig watched the discussion of the pair of bears silently and concerned. After Champ left the room, Cheer and Treat went into the bedroom to talk about fashion and other things. Bright Heart, who had thought for the past three days, knew was lying to Champ on a particular subject, and decided he needed to tell him. When he realized that his friend had left, he decided to go after him to talk privately.\nWalking was not a sport for Champ. It was just a pastime, since it was not as exciting as a baseball game, his true passion. He had not played for some time, and he was missing it. But that morning he just wanted to walk to cool your head and thoughts in place. And it was no easy task.\nWalking through the small village where he lived, he watched the kaleidoscope of life. The birds flew unconcernedly as the leaves fell from the few trees in that area. In the playground, besides Hugs and Tugs playing, was Funshine Bear and Playful Heart in one of the toys, since both loved to live the life as children. Grams Bear sat on one of the benches, reading, while Loyal Heart and Proud Heart worked together in harmony to clean the backyard of the Share Bear house, which was on a mission on earth. Tenderheart and Love-a-Lot were on the alert if they needed to go on a mission, while Grumpy painted the Hall of Heart, even though he had dropped the paint can on his head as he fell down the stairs. The others were already waiting to go on mission or seizing the day to rest.\nIn one of the little squares that adorned Care-a-Lot, Bedtime took a nap on a cloud bank, while Surprise, Harmony and Sweet Dreams Bear took advantage of the moment of rest between one mission and another to get the conversation up to date. Shimmers, Aqua and Lonesome trained the saber-fighting, and Sky-Heart was sitting under a tree meditating. Goodluck, who was also on a time off, had just taken a cloud car and set off on his way to Paradise Valley, certainly to see his girlfriend Polite Panda, who lived there, while Redemption took care of his pots with medicinal plants in the yard of his medical clinic. Everyone was happy and calm. Less Champ.\nWith his thoughts in the clouds and feeling his chest overwhelmed, the bear left the rainbow paths and walked through the clouds, until he threw himself on his back on the soft ground, looking up at the sky and trying to find out why he was so sad. Maybe it was because of all that was happening. Maybe it was just indisposition. But tinkering with a past that he long ago given up on discovering surely also stirring his feelings and thoughts.\nWithout realizing what was going on around him, he jumped as he felt the hand of someone touching his shoulder.\n- Hey! Stay calm, it's me! - Bright Heart exclaimed as the sportsman turned on him with a startled look.\n- Oh, Bright Heart, what a scare you gave me now - said the bear relievedly as the raccoon sat beside him.\n- That's because I didn't do as Surprise Bear usually does. If it was her, you'd come out screaming in fright - the inventor joked to his friend.\n- We're not going to get to that much, sports fan - said Champ a little annoyed, and not being in the mood for jokes - Say what you want.\n- I need to tell you something private, and I thought this was the best time. It's about Cheer. You need to know one thing about her jealousy for Confidence Heart.\n- This subject again? - asked the bear, annoyed and nervous - I don't want to argue about it with anyone. Cheer's stubbornness is already passing...\n- There's a reason, and you need to listen to me - Bright Heart interrupted incisively -Last Sunday, shortly after you left in the morning to meet Confidence Heart, True Heart came to our house to ask if you were still, and how the response was negative, she then told us what she wanted to talk to you about. You remember that did we go to the house of Noble and True the night before?\n- Of course, I'm not that dumb...\n- And I did not call you that! - cried the raccoon in an offended way - Are you going to let me talk or will you continue to attack me with words?\nChamp felt himself ashamed to hear it, even blushing. He could not discount his anger in a friend who wanted only to help him, so he controlled himself as best he could.\n- All right, I'm sorry about that - the sportsman bear said - But what did True Heart want with me and what did she say to you?\n- She told us that Grams Bear went looking for them the night before to say she thought Confidence had some secret, and that it could hurt the group. Grams doesn't doubt the character of the young woman, but she wanted to understand what Confidence hide with such care. True Heart agreed with Grams, that there was something wrong with our friend, and that it was necessary to investigate. As you and she are together in this mission, True thought of telling him to keep an eye on Confidence to try to figure out his secret. But since she did not find you, she made this request for the three of us: Treat, Cheer, and me. And he added that we should not tell him anything...\nAs he listened, Champ began to turn red with anger, but also to cold sweat at the thought that someone was already suspicious of her friend's actions. No doubt it was a very bad thing Bright Heart told him, and it could be expensive for the fennec.\n- Why that? - asked the bear in surprise, increasingly bothered - Why spy Confidence? And why are you telling me this just now?\n- Because you're my friend, and it's only fair that you know what's going on. Also, Treat Heart and I did not agree to this plan of True, only Cheer agreed. They made us promise that we would not tell you about it, because you would surely be running to tell Confidence. But seeing the discussion between you and Cheer this morning, I realized that I could not fail to tell you the truth. Is not fair. I don't care if you know the secret of Confidence and what would it be. This is his problem and problem her. But I suggest you talk to her and ask her to be more careful. And most importantly, give Cheer all possible attention so that she does not make bullshit by jealousy.\n- I... I can only thank you for your consideration, sports fan,\" the sportsman said in a choked voice - Of everything you've done good to me to this day, that was the greatest of all things, and I can never pay.\n- You don't have to worry - said the raccoon with a smile - Now go find Confidence and do whatever you have to. As long as it's nothing to hurt the group, you have my full support.\nAnd with a nod, he got up and went home, while Champ meditated on everything he had heard from his friend. No doubt Bright Heart had a heart of gold and that his shyness prevented him from realizing it himself, but the sportsman had already noticed it and that was the biggest proof of that...\n*****\nConfidence had just gotten out of bed, too, and was astonished to have slept late. Since she was little, she loved to get up before the sun rose, to train karate, to make a race to warm her body, not to mention watching the interminable fights between Anger and Defiant. But without having her two brothers as alarm clocks and after a bad night's sleep, it was clear she had to be more lazy than usual, and that thought made her laugh with herself.\nNo hurry, since there were still a few hours before she and Champ left for the land to find Hector, the female fennec was preparing his breakfast. She passed butter on the bread and placed a slice of cheese on top, and a delicious sandwich was ready, which would be accompanied by an apple and a little strawberry jelly. To drink, pure milk, since she did not like to mix coffee or chocolate.\nThe fennec was already ready to take the first bite of bread when she heard the doorbell ring. With a sigh of resignation and a sad face, she left the table and went to the door to answer who beat.\n- How are you, Confidence? - Champ asked excitedly as she opened the door - Have you had breakfast?\n- I was going to start my breakfast it if someone did not show up to disturb me - she said, trying to look angry, but with a smile on her face - Will you join me?\n- No... I already had my breakfast. But I wanted to talk to you.\nThe female fighter invited his friend to enter in and closed the door, the two of them walking into the kitchen. Although she had arrived so recently, Confidence was given the right to choose where she wanted to live, whether in Care-a-Lot or in the Forest of Feelings. And to stay close to the gym, she preferred the bears' village, which gave her a \"spot\" in the clouds and helped her build her small, cozy home.\n- What do you want to talk to me about, Champ? - she asked as she sat down and finally began to eat her breakfast.\n- I wanted to know first how you spent your night... - began the bear, smiling timidly -How did you react with what we discovered yesterday...\n- I confess I'm still surprised and don't even know what to think right. But I slept well, did not affect my sleep. I think that during my life of mistakes and successes I learned to deal well with surprises, and this one is not that big.\n- Not that big? - Champ exclaimed surprise - You do not know your origins, is created by other bears away from the Care Bears Family, came here to try to discover your past, find a photo that proves that you've been connected at least with Noble and True when you was a baby... And all this to you is few thing?!?\n- That's not what I meant - Confidence replied with a wry grin - I meant that I suspected that one day my friends and I were connected to you and your group. I only did not expect to find a picture of me to prove it.\n- I wanted to know who that human is in the picture.\n- I wanted to, too. And who are those unknown bears, those other humans, that beautiful island...\n- Oh, that's easy. It is the island where is the Paradise Valley, in the middle of an eternal snowstorm.\n- But in the photos there are no snowstorms. Something has changed from that time to here, and we have to find out what it is!\nA blush, a great excitement swept over Confidence's face, whose eyes shone with strength of will and confidence. The young woman was willing to know the truth, no matter how. Already Champ shook his head sadly.\n- We need to be more cautious, my friend - said the bear - True Heart is already suspicious of you, and me too, and sent Cheer Bear to spy us.\nThe fennec choked on the food when she heard that. After coughing a little, she widened her greenish eyes at the sportsman and with a startled face asked what he meant by that. Then Champ told her everything Bright Heart had told him earlier, Grams Bear's suspicions, the certainty of True Heart that something was wrong, Cheer Bear's jealousy and his idea of helping the matriarch bear, the fact that the raccoon had not accepted that and revealed everything to Champ, who rushed to speak to her friend.\nConfidence Heart listened to everything with astonishment and a little fear. If they discovered the truth, perhaps their main mission, who was to prepare the bears and cousins of the Kingdom of Caring for the coming of their family, would be totally compromised. The fox had already noticed that tinkering in the past was more dangerous and troublesome than the arrival of eleven bears and cousins with magical powers, and that True Heart had much motives for not wanting to turn to the past.\n- What shall we do now? - she asked after a few minutes of silence.\n- I suggest we continue looking at the album for other photos that might help us discover the past, and be more careful about our attitudes so as not to arouse suspicion - replied the bear.\n- I think you're right - agreed the fox, taking her last sip of milk and rising from her chair.\nAs she did so, she dropped a spoon on the floor, and instinctively bent to pick it up. Champ did the same, and their hands touched in this movement. In a thousandth of a second, they both felt the warmth of each other's body, the heartbeats, and something none of them had ever felt. As they lifted their heads, their eyes met, and something strange shone in their eyes.\n- Sorry - said Champ, taking the spoon and handing it to Confidence, feeling his face turn red.\n- I apologize - said the fox with the same feeling.\nQuickly the fox went to the sink, where he washed the dishes he had used, while Champ sat at the table, watching his friend. Neither of them said anything, just kept thinking.\nThe bear thought of how his friend was beautiful, intelligent, and determined. Much like him. Besides being a great sportsman and competitor, she still knew very well what she wanted to do and did not give up easily. Her greenish eyes, which sometimes turned blue, were so beautiful and languid when she was struggling... Quickly he shook his head. Again he was thinking something he could not. His girlfriend at Cheer Bear, he loved her and that was what mattered. But at least Confidence did not feel obsessive jealousy, as well as not plotting to harm others.\nAlready the female fennec thought about how Champ was strong, bold, intelligent, and arrogant, what for her was a great quality. Even his faults could be forgiven, and he knew very well what he wanted, did not give up easily and was a great competitor. She loved it when he laughed, when he was happy and how much he was helping her to discover her past and become a new person... But in the same way she quickly pushed those thoughts out of her mind. Her boyfriend was Love Heart, and they loved each other. But he was far away, and Champ was close, and the former almost never looked upon her as an independent and self-confident young man, only like his helpless girlfriend, while the latter treated her equally, without showing superiority or other feelings that made her feel lowered from what she really was.\nAt that moment, they both felt lost, barely aware that they were entering a dangerous game that could cost them a lot.\n*****\nFrank walked up the street to Hector's school and was about a half block from the exit gate. The clock showed a few minutes for the midday. It was the old man's intention to know where the boy would go after school. Nibbling his lips, he did not stop staring at the dial one in a minute, anxious.\nAt last the gates opened and the exit signal rang. Dozens of children ran happily down the street, finally having finished one more day of classes. How to find one in the middle of so many? Luckily the old businessman soon saw the boy walk out to his house, with calm air and walk fast.\nFollowing Hector at a safe distance, Frank watched as the boy reached the square in front of his house, but instead of entering the house he went to the other side, where he was apparently waiting.\n- Heaven! Will I finally have my wish fulfilled? - Frank murmured to himself, sweating cold with nervousness and anxiety.\nHector was feeling something strange, but he could not tell what it was. Maybe it was anxiety about what was going to happen that afternoon. By a combination with his two special friends, the boy was waiting for them at the corner of the square in front of his house, where they would meet. This did not take long, because a few minutes later he heard the sound of the cloud car approaching, and Champ and Confidence coming on their mission.\nFrank, hiding among the trees, his eyes widened as he saw the cloud car and its two occupants arrive, and almost fainted with joy, for it seemed as though your heart wanted to jump from his chest. Finally he found them! Finally they were there, only a few steps! The old man thought about going speak to them at that moment, but as he reflected, he realized that the two of them would not leave before completing their mission with Hector. So he decided to listen to what the three of them were talking about.\n- How are you? - asked the boy excitedly.\n- Fine, and you? - Confidence asked with a big smile, as she and Champ stepped out of the cloud car, the bear undoing the car instantly.\n- I was anxious waiting for you - answered Hector - I could not wait you to come, for talk to my friends.\n- And how did they treat you today, Hector? - asked the sportsman.\nThe boy lowered his head dejectedly.\n- At least they did not offend me... - he blurted - I heard from one of the girls in the class they're going to play football on the pitch here near.\n- It's a great opportunity to talk to them - Confidence said.\nChamp nodded, adding,\n- Confidence is right. C'mon, Hector.\nAnd the three quickly made their way to the makeshift football field, which the children of that neighborhood had set up on a vacant lot to play ball. Frank, always hidden and respecting a good distance, went after them. He did not want to lose the bear and the fox at all, and he would still see what their system was like.\nThe field was not too far away. Turning to the other street and following two blocks, there was the place. It was between the railroad, protected by a fence installed by the rail workers, and the street, with another ground in the background and a house on the other side. There were six boys playing ball. All of them barefoot, with school bags and shoes on a corner of the ground.\nOne of the teams was with the ball, and one of the boys, tall and with blonde hair, ran dribbling one of the players of the opposing team, reaching the goal, which was nothing more than two rods with another branch tied over, signaling the soccer stand. With a shot, the boy sent the ball out, and it stopped at the feet of Champ, who stopped the match. Everyone then looked at the newcomer, who was accompanied by a beige fox and Hector.\nWhen they realized that the captain of the team was there, everyone looked at him very annoyed, as if questioning what he was doing there, while approached. And the blond boy actually asked that question when he stopped in front of the trio.\n- Que pensa que está fazendo aqui, Hector (What do you think you're doing here, Hector)? - he asked in Portuguese.\n- Pedro, eu (Pedro, I)... - Hector stuttered - É que eu queria (I just wanted to)...\n- Atrapalhar mais uma vez nosso jogo (Interrupt our game once more) - Pedro interrupted angrily - Já não basta ter perdido as partidas da escola, ainda quer acabar com nossa diversão? E ainda trás esses dois fantasiados aí (It's not enough to have missed the school games, do you still want to end our fun? And there are still these two costumed there)...\n- Eles não estão fantasiados. Eles são reais. São Ursinhos Carinhosos (They're not costumed. They are real. Are Care Bears).\n- Ah, tá bem. E eu sou um extraterrestre do planeta Zorg (Oh, okay. And I'm an alien from the planet Zorg) - replied the blond boy, not believing - Me dá essa bola aqui, seu pirralho (Now give me that ball here, you little brat)...\nDespite not speaking Portuguese, Champ understood that the last sentence was addressed to him and with some offense.\n- I know very well that you have English-language class at your school,\" said the bear in English, with a serious countenance and an angry voice - So you will understand what I am saying. And you, Pedro, called me what?\n- Of little brat - replied Pedro, also in English - Today is it Halloween for you use a costume?\n- Oh, so you think I'm not real, I'm just another little boy like you, costumed up and wanting a fight? - asked the bear - I'm not that. I'm Champ Bear, and this is Confidence Heart Fennec. We are Care Bears.\n- I've heard of you - said another, dark-skinned boy, a little surprised - You help troubled children, do not you?\n- That's right - said Confidence.\n- And you believe them then, Diego? - asked Pedro.\n- I believe. Not you?\nPedro turned to Champ and Confidence, looking at them intently.\n- It's... It doesn't seem like costumes at all - he said at last - Okay, I believe you. Can you give us back the ball, Champ?\n- Of course, sports fan - the bear replied with a smile - But first I wanted to know why you do not want to let Hector play on your team...\n- Are you still asking us? - Diego asked in surprise - Has not he told you what he's done in the last few games?\n- Lost a lot of balls, passes, two penalties, among other things - listed Pedro - Ah, not counting the goal against.\n- And what did you do to help him improve his game again? - asked Champ maliciously.\nAll six boys looked at each other in silence, ashamed.\n- I don't think we did much to help him, we just criticized - one of them said in a sad voice - We were so angry that we missed the last games that we took everything back to Hector.\n- He was the captain of the team, he lost his motivation and also stopped motivating us, but we didn’t help him to become a good player again - Pedro said in a low voice.\n- How about you give him another chance? - Confidence asked cheerfully.\n- No charges, no complaints, just play for fun - Champ added - So you can help your friend to have confidence during the games, too. That's what real friends do...\nThe six boys looked at Hector, who had been silent all the time.\n- You want to try, Hector? - asked Pedro with a frown.\n- I've been waiting for it for weeks - said the team captain - I may not be the best player in the world, but I want to remain your friend, regardless of whether we win or lose the games.\nPedro gathered his friends in a circle and whispered for a few seconds. Confidence tried to hear what the boys were saying, but they talked in Portuguese, while Champ and Hector waited in anticipation. Then the blond boy turned to the three of them and said,\n- All right, Hector, we'll give you a chance. But we are in seven, and one of us will have to leave...\n- Don't need it; I come in to complete eight - Champ said enthusiastically.\n- Great. So you can be our goalkeeper. What does Hector think?\nThe captain of the team laughed at that suggestion.\n- I don't think Champ is the best choice for this position right now, and he will agree with me - the boy said, looking at his furry friend, who frowned, not liking that remark.\n- Then I'll come in - Confidence said, a big defiant smile on his lips - Give me the ball, Champ.\nThe bear mumbled a little when he passed the ball to the fox, but deep down he knew she played that kind of football better than he did, and sat in a corner of the field to watch the game.\nHector took off his shoes, socks and backpack, throwing together them at the others who were there. Barefoot, the boy felt the land and the grass of the football field touching his soles, and deep down he liked it. Approaching the others, he saw that they were all hesitant to play or not.\n- What's the problem? - he asked.\n- It's that Confidence is a girl, and we... Well… - Pedro complained.\n- Hey! - shouted the fennec, already on goal - I heard that! It's not because I'm a girl that I can't play with you!\n- She's right - Hector said - And you not will regret, Pedro - the boy added to his friend with a blink of an eye.\nPedro and Diego agreed to take a chance, and took their positions. Everyone in the school played on the same team, but during the training they split into two teams. Thus, Hector stood before Osvaldo, another of his friends, who would start kicking the ball. Everyone got ready in their positions, while Champ just watched, lamenting for not being such a good player in that sport to participate along with the others.\nSeconds later, Osvaldo kicked the ball, starting the match. With a good pass, handed the ball to Gustavo, another friend, who dribbled Pedro and ran to the goal, kicking from far away. But Confidence showed actually be a good goalkeeper, deflecting the ball out of the field. It was a corner kick. Gustavo charged, but Diego managed to divert and sent it towards Hector, who managed to leave the defense of Paulo, running to the goal of Julio and kicking.\n- Goal!!! - Hector's team shouted, while Champ jumped in the side of the field.\nDiego, Pedro and Confidence ran to the team captain and hugged him. He himself was happy to have scored that goal, and was not feeling the pressure of his friends to play well. That was how he played well, and so did all everyone.\n*****\n- Goal!!! - cried Paulo, when he managed to score a goal over Confidence.\nThe fox had managed to make good saves, although Hector and Pedro always tried to stop the ball from reaching her. But by a distraction of both, the other team's boy stood before her and kicked in a way that the young fennec could not get grabs the ball.\n- You okay, Confidence? - Hector asked, seeing that her friend had not got off the ground.\n- Of course not, I did not catch the ball! - she complained seriously, irritated with herself - I had to have caught...\n- Oh, don't be like that, Confidence - Pedro said, moving closer - You're a good goalie, better than we thought.\n- I know... But I still wanted that ball - concluded the female fennec, smiling with her characteristic stubbornness.\nBut that goal, the first of the team composed by Osvaldo, Paulo, Júlio and Gustavo, did not change much the result for the team of Hector, Pedro, Diego and Confidence. The captain had made two goals and helped Diego in another. Pedro had already marked one more. And the fox itself marked one from his position, surprising Júlio.\nFor a few more minutes the group kept playing, until they decided to end the game. After all, they had been there for over an hour, and since it was just a play they did not have to play the same time of an official football match. Hector took the ball and along with the others went to where they had left the shoes and the backpacks. As they put on their shoes, were observed by Confidence and Champ who wondered why the humans in the background were so complicated.\n- And now? Do you think Hector can play in the team again with you? - asked the bear with a smile.\n- Surely he can and should play football with us - answered Pedro.\n- We were stupid in not to help him in this bad phase - Osvaldo said.\n- Do you want to keep playing with us, Hector? - asked Gustavo.\n- Of course yes! - replied the captain - That's what I want most...\n- And you forgive us for not helping you? We promise we'll never do it again - Diego said.\n- I forgive you all, after all, you're my friends, just like Champ and Confidence - Hector said, hugging his teammates.\nThe bear and the fox were thrilled by that scene, but they did not expect the seven boys to go where they were and hug them as well, thanking both of them for helping them get back to being friends, and for Confidence being a good goalie.\n- Do you want to take my place? At least it's a better goalie than I... - Júlio questioned jokingly.\n- I don't think they would accept me in the youth games, but if you want to train with me from time to time, I'm very happy - the female fennec said cheerfully.\nMoments later, Hector, Champ, and Confidence were alone in the field, while the others said goodbye and followed each to their home.\nFrank had stood all the time in a position that could see what was happening without being seen by the children and the Care Bears. In that place he could also hear almost everything they said, and soon he could understand what the mission of the bear and the fox was, and how they carried it through to a good solution. Although he had heard of how the Care Bear Family worked to help children and adults, it was the first time he saw with his eyes the techniques used by the colored beings. Frank was charmed and excited with all that. Breathing deeply to contain the emotion, and realizing that it was time to act, he left his hiding place and walked toward the trio.\n- I don't know how to thank you for what you did - Hector said with a twinkle of happiness in his eyes.\n- No need to thank us, sports fan - Champ said amiably - Seeing your happiness is already a great reward for us.\n- And you can be sure you're always our friend - Confidence said with a big smile - Especially mine, because it changed a lot of things inside me.\n- Oh, you're a nice girl, Confidence - Hector said, hugging her - I hope one day to see you again.\n- Actually you're going to keep seeing us, because our mission is not over - said the bear - As far as our original mission of helping you with your friends is concerned, that's the end. But now we have an unexpected new mission together with you.\n- You're certainly talking about my father - said the boy sadly.\n- Yes, himself. We're going now...\nChamp stopped talking as he saw an old man slowly approaching the trio, with his eyes wide and an expression of infinite happiness stamped on his face. In fact, it seemed he was in great excitement, for his face was flushed, his eyes moistened. Usually the Care Bears did their best not to be seen by adults or other humans other than those they were helping, to avoid problems or constraints.\nThe old man stopped a few feet from the trio, as if deciding what to say, until a tear trickled from his eyes, his voice did not come out and he dropped to his knees, so much the emotion he felt. Seeing this, Champ and Confidence ran to him and tried to calm him down.\n- Sir, is you well? - asked the bear, putting his hand on the old man's shoulder - You seem to be very excited...\n- Want something? A little bit of water? - Confidence asked in a sweet, polite voice - Take a deep breath and tell us what's going on.\nThe old man had to take three deep breaths before he could speak.\n- You must think I'm crazy or sad about something - he gasped - But this is joy! Pure joy, as I did not feel for over fifty years. Extreme happiness can also kill...\n- Certainly, sir - Hector said, helping the two friends to make the old man sit on the floor - We can help you with something? What's your name?\n- My name is Frank Heartom, and everything you could do to help me is already done.\n- Frank Heartom?!? - cried Champ with a surprised look - You own the B & H Company, one of the largest companies in the world!\n- That's right, and also the happiest man in the world, today - Frank replied in a good mood - It was fifty years have been waiting for this moment, fifty long years thinking I'd never find them again.\n- How so? - asked Confidence, interested - Do you know us?\n- I can say that yes, I lived with you and I was very happy with that. For many years I've tried to find them, and now I got. Who are you two?\n- I'm Champ Bear and she's Confidence Heart Fennec. But where do you know us from?\nFrank smiled listening at those names. They still kept the old custom in giving names of feelings and qualities to their cubs.\n- Many years ago, the bears and cousins lived on the same island where I lived - the old man replied with a smile - But you two were too young to remember anything that happened at that time...\n- In my case, I was just a baby when I got to Care-a-Lot, which is where we live today - Champ said.\n- And I didn't even go live there, I went to Canada also when I was a cub - Confidence agreed - Not to mention we do not know much about the island... Wait! You then know the truth, what happened to our parents! Say it!\nFrank looked at that female fennec with a big smile on his lips, before thrusting his hand into the pocket of his waistcoat, pulling an old picture, already kneaded and yellowed by time, and handing it to the fighter. It was the same photo she'd seen the night before on the bear’s family album. Confidence widened his eyes, unable to speak, just looking at the picture and for Frank, feeling his lips tremble and his heart skip.\n- So you... You're the human who... - she began.\nFrank understood what she meant, and just nodded, with a smile full of tears. For a moment both the bear and the fennec were left speechless, surprised by the turnaround in things. Hector, who did not understand anything, just looked from one to the other.\n- What's going on here? - asked the boy at last.\n- You'll know soon enough - Frank said kindly, beginning to recover from his emotion - I can't describe my happiness, it's as if an elephant had been taken from my back!\" Looking for someone for 50 years and finally finding them is very exciting. Especially you two, which I carried in my lap when you were born.\n- Wait a minute! - Hector exclaimed in a surprised tone - How many years do you have, Champ?\n- Time passes differently for bears and cousins, Hector - the sportsman replied with a smile - When I say I'm 17, I mean at the age of the Care Bears. But if it was human age, it would be about 52 years.\n- Wow! - exclaimed the boy - I did not think you were so old!\n- Hey! I'm not old, sport fan. Only time passes differently for Care Bears and humans, that's all.\nUntil that moment, Confidence had said nothing, just watched closely the photo that Frank had given her and Frank himself, trying to assimilate what was happening. Although she wanted to find the human in the photo to know more about his past, she did not had no hope that to happen. It was very shocking for her to find out that old man, who was pleasant in appearance, which was now in front of her, was the same man in that picture and had searched all those years the bears and cousins.\nUsually the fox was demure and did not show his feelings, but what she was living in the last months was very strong. And the summit was at that moment, which for her could be the source of all the answers she had wanted to know all her life. Without hiding what she felt, she ran to Frank, and despite reaching only the waist of the human because of his short stature, she hugged him as tightly as she could, starting to weep copiously with happiness.\nFrank was taken aback by this. He did not even know what to do. Champ and Hector also reacted the same way. The old man then pulled the fox away a little, crouched down, and looked into her eyes before smiling broadly.\n- I think you have many questions you want to ask me, don't you? - he asked amiably - Well, I'll answer all I can, whether it's for you, Champ or Hector.\nThe bear then approached Frank and hugged him along with Confidence as Hector watched too excited. After a few minutes in that long embrace, the businessman stepped away, wiped Fennec's tears with his hands and patted the bear's shoulder and stood up.\n- I want to tell you everything - he declared - All my life I kept this secret, just to say it in due course. Now, how about moving to a more reserved place to talk? Here in the middle of the street is a bit dangerous and attracts a lot of attention...\n- So, that's your big secret, Mr. Frank Heartom? - a serious, firm voice was heard behind the four of them.\nWhen they turned around, they found a well-dressed, tall boy with good bodybuilding, black hair, and a face of the one who feels betrayed. Frank winced as he recognized who he was.\n- James! - exclaimed the businessman.\n- Myself, Mr. Frank - the young business man replied, looking serious, before he relaxed his features and began to laugh - Oh my God, Frank! I could imagine everything: that you were a mobster, a drug dealer, a crazy, or a stranger, less than you had something to do with the so-called Care Bear Family.\n- Well, since you're here, you'll hear my story as well - the old man said calmly, approaching his vice president - And take it as a last lesson to be the next president of B & H.\nJames's eyes flashed at that, before he, Champ, Confidence, and Hector accompanied Frank toward the inn, where he could calmly tell his whole story, as he had wanted to do for more than 50 years.","writing_bbcode_parsed":"
The Care Bears
The Confidence Secret
1st Part
Chapter 11

*****

- What the bloody hell, did everyone decide to call at once? - Fred complained again as the phone rang for the umpteenth time.
Frank's private secretary was going crazy with the situation he was experiencing, but it was not just him. Also Elizabeth and James were in bad shape. Every two minutes the phone rang, and it was someone from the business world, or businessmen, or even company personnel wondering why CEO Frank was not attending meetings, commitments or not answering calls.
Anyone who looked at B & H's international vice president that morning on 7 June 1994 would certainly feel sorry for him. Lost in the middle of the paperwork, he was trying to give the company a direction. Although trained for this, his biggest problem was that Frank did not leave the interim presidency for him, so he could not answer for anything in the company.
Looking at another contract in front of him, he jumped up in the chair when someone knocked on the door. Arranging his hair and tie, he allowed the entrance of those who beat. And behold, the young Jonas de Albuquerque appeared by the threshold.
- Did I bother you? - asked the Paulista director.
- No, there unless it's to make me even crazier... - James blurted out.
- What?
- Never mind, it's crazy here today. What you want?
- Frank did not attend a meeting yesterday between the board of Paulista and GE do Brasil to affirm the contract for the electrification and modernization project of the Santa Fe - Campinas railway corridor, and we were all worried about his absence...
- One more meeting! My God, where is he? - cried James.
- Like another meeting? Frank is not here? - the director asked in surprise, looking around.
- No! He has disappeared since Sunday afternoon. It disappeared, evaporated, and slipped. I have over fifty projects up here and I can’t sign any, because he did not give me the interim presidency, nor the powers to do so. It's all a mess! We should be back in the USA now, but...
- Hey! Have you thought about calling the police?
James smiled nervously.
- In such a situation, you'd better be sure of what's going on before you involve the police - said the vice president - I'd rather wait until the last minute to...
Again someone knocked on the door, and this time Elizabeth came in followed by a man who appeared to be train boss.
- Mr. James, this gentleman here seems to know something about Frank - said the old secretary.
- You know anything?!? Say it! - James demanded in English.
- Eu não entendi o que esse homem falou (I didn’t understand what this man said) - said the railroader in Portuguese.
- Ele pediu para que você diga o que sabe sobre o senhor Frank Heartom (He asked you to tell him what you know about Mr. Frank Heartom) - Jonas explained in Portuguese - Aliás, você trabalha na ferrovia, não é mesmo (You work at the railroad, by the way, do not you)?
- Sim, senhor Jonas (Yes, Mr. Jonas) - said the railroader - Trabalho nos trens “Rápido”, no trecho entre Campinas e Araraquara. Eu soube pelo Douglas que o senhor Frank se ausentou de alguns compromissos sem explicação, e resolvi vir aqui contar o que sei. Ele pegou o trem R-4 no último Domingo, às cinco da manhã, e tudo correu bem até passarmos por Santa Gertrudes, quando senhor Frank acionou o freio de emergência da composição e saltou na linha correndo de volta para a cidade. Como o maquinista não queria chegar atrasado partiu novamente com o trem e não vimos o patrão depois disso (I work on the trains "Fast", between Campinas and Araraquara. Mr. Douglas told me that Mr. Frank was absent from some unexplained commitments, and I decided to come here and tell what I know. He got on the R-4 train last Sunday at five in the morning, and everything went well until we passed in Santa Gertrudes, when Mr. Frank fired the emergency brake of the passenger train and jumped on the rail line, running back to the city. As the train driver did not want to be late, he left with the train again and we didn't see the boss after that).
Jonas translated all this to James, who heard with growing impatience.
- Damn it! - he shouted - What Frank would have been thinking when he traveled to the interior, making the train stop in the middle of the journey?
- That's a good question - said the director of the railway, and turning to the clerk, asked in Portuguese - Você sabe de mais alguma coisa (Do you know anything else)?
- Sim (Yes) - replied the train boss - Pelo que me disseram os funcionários das estações de Rio Claro e Santa Gertrudes, o senhor Frank está hospedado numa pensão próxima a estação da segunda cidade, e ontem esteve em Rio Claro no Grêmio (From what I've been told by the workers at the Rio Claro and Santa Gertrudes stations, Mr. Frank is staying at a boarding house near the station of the second city, and yesterday he was in Rio Claro at Grêmio).
- Bem, você nos ajudou muito (Well, you helped us a lot) - Jonas said with a small smile - Obrigado por ter nos contado a respeito (Thanks for telling us about it).
As soon as the railroader departed, James and Elizabeth exchanged worried looks.
- Well, what do you think of that? - the old woman asked quickly.
- Jonas, is there any express train to Rio Claro these next hours? - James asked.
- There'll be one from the Luz Station in about half an hour. I'll call you to reserve a place for you, but you better run. The train leaves on time.
It was not even necessary to repeat. The young businessman quickly grabbed his coat and briefcase and headed for the Luz Station. He needed to find Frank and find out what was going on with the old friend.
*****
As soon as he finished breakfast, Frank quickly left the boarding house and ran to Hector's house. He wanted to make sure he would be on time. He already had a new plan in his head. In fact, often the old man himself was surprised by his creativity and agility even at the age of 90. Maybe it was because he lived a healthy life and tried his best not to worry about it. Only meeting his old friends bears was tormenting his head in those years all.
A well-kept secret for his entire life, his relationship with bears and cousins been coming of a long time, and was interrupted because of a great disaster that assailed the lives of all. Never before had he had a better chance than at that moment of resuming relations. But as he had slept the day before, he did not know whether the bears had finished their mission with Hector Kayson or not. However, knowing who the boy's father was, he was almost certain that much was still to come.
When he reached the square in front of Hector's house, his pocket watch marked 6:50 a.m. The old man's idea was to accompany the boy, always from afar, to see him meet the bears, and then approach them. Fortunately he had not been late because it was the time the boy usually went to school. It was a moving scene for Frank to see the boy say goodbye to his father and his housekeeper and to go to school, which was about three blocks from distance. From afar, Frank followed the boy to the school gate and, making sure he entered, went to a library, where he would spend the rest of the morning reading and distracting himself, until it's time for action again.
*****
The alarm clock rang furiously on Champ's nightstand, causing the bear to jump off the bed to turn it off. For the second time in his life and in less than a week he had not woken up at sunrise. Lazily, he sat on the bed while his body asked to return to the lying position, but his mind urged him to get up. After all, he and Confidence stayed until more than midnight watching that photo album.
It had not been easy for the bear to arrive at that hour and enter without making a sound. He had never been so late before, except on mission. And if he was tired, it was because of the emotions of the day before and the bad night of sleep.
Slowly he went to the bathroom, washed his face, made his morning needs, and dressed in his everlasting red coat with the band on his head. And so prepared, he left the room. The others had already had coffee and now chatted excitedly in the room about their plans for next weekend, when they intended to camp in the Forest of Feelings. That's when the sportsman came.
- Oh, look at the new sleeper from the Kingdom of Caring - Treat Heart joked - Are you getting used to the bed? You could trade places with Bedtime Bear...
- Good morning to you, too - said Champ with a faint smile.
- Do you want breakfast? - Bright Heart asked.
- You can let me get by with this, don't worry. But what are you talking about so excited?
- We're planning to camp out for the weekend. Do you want to come with us?
The bear frowned thoughtfully.
- Maybe I can't go... - Champ said finally - Everything will depend on my mission with Hector.
- But is it that difficult? - Treat Heart asked.
- I think he likes to spend more time with Confidence - Cheer Bear said, his eyes flaming with jealousy.
The sportsman did not like these words very much and looked angrily at his smirking girlfriend.
- No, it's not that difficult, we're going to talk to his friends today - said the bear normally - What worries me is Hector's father, who hates us from the bottom of his heart. He does seem to be the real problem, and that has to have a plausible motive.
- Maybe it's because he didn't like Confidence, too... - said Cheer Bear again with malice.
- Cheer! - shouted Champ, very annoyed - What's your problem anyway? You look like a spoiled child!
- Spoiled?!? - the female bear exclaimed in surprise, standing up - Want to know what the problem? Ever since this fox got here, you don't pay any attention to me! You only care about training with her, being with her, helping her... What about me?!? I'm your girlfriend! And you do not give a shit about me...
- Of course I do! You got that silly jealousy. I love you! I give you the attention you want and deserve.
- Oh, yes? Then you will have to prove it!
Cheer said that in a tone of defiance, which was well in the taste of Champ. For a few seconds he thought, his face closed.
- It's ok! What do you want me to do for show that I pay attention of you?
- You can start by not going anymore to train with Confidence Heart to spend more time with me.
- Oh, how cute, do you want a Miss Grumpy trophy too? - replied the bear nervously - I'm not going to stop training with Confidence just because you're jealous. And I'm not going to stay here arguing about it either.
And so saying, the bear left the room and went into the kitchen, where he quickly took his breakfast, washed the dishes that had been soiled, and left through the service door of the house, to stroll around Care-a-Lot, taking advantage of the free morning to think right in his situation with Confidence and on Cheer's jealousy. On the other hand, he needed to think of everything he discovered the night before with his friend.
The raccoon and the female pig watched the discussion of the pair of bears silently and concerned. After Champ left the room, Cheer and Treat went into the bedroom to talk about fashion and other things. Bright Heart, who had thought for the past three days, knew was lying to Champ on a particular subject, and decided he needed to tell him. When he realized that his friend had left, he decided to go after him to talk privately.
Walking was not a sport for Champ. It was just a pastime, since it was not as exciting as a baseball game, his true passion. He had not played for some time, and he was missing it. But that morning he just wanted to walk to cool your head and thoughts in place. And it was no easy task.
Walking through the small village where he lived, he watched the kaleidoscope of life. The birds flew unconcernedly as the leaves fell from the few trees in that area. In the playground, besides Hugs and Tugs playing, was Funshine Bear and Playful Heart in one of the toys, since both loved to live the life as children. Grams Bear sat on one of the benches, reading, while Loyal Heart and Proud Heart worked together in harmony to clean the backyard of the Share Bear house, which was on a mission on earth. Tenderheart and Love-a-Lot were on the alert if they needed to go on a mission, while Grumpy painted the Hall of Heart, even though he had dropped the paint can on his head as he fell down the stairs. The others were already waiting to go on mission or seizing the day to rest.
In one of the little squares that adorned Care-a-Lot, Bedtime took a nap on a cloud bank, while Surprise, Harmony and Sweet Dreams Bear took advantage of the moment of rest between one mission and another to get the conversation up to date. Shimmers, Aqua and Lonesome trained the saber-fighting, and Sky-Heart was sitting under a tree meditating. Goodluck, who was also on a time off, had just taken a cloud car and set off on his way to Paradise Valley, certainly to see his girlfriend Polite Panda, who lived there, while Redemption took care of his pots with medicinal plants in the yard of his medical clinic. Everyone was happy and calm. Less Champ.
With his thoughts in the clouds and feeling his chest overwhelmed, the bear left the rainbow paths and walked through the clouds, until he threw himself on his back on the soft ground, looking up at the sky and trying to find out why he was so sad. Maybe it was because of all that was happening. Maybe it was just indisposition. But tinkering with a past that he long ago given up on discovering surely also stirring his feelings and thoughts.
Without realizing what was going on around him, he jumped as he felt the hand of someone touching his shoulder.
- Hey! Stay calm, it's me! - Bright Heart exclaimed as the sportsman turned on him with a startled look.
- Oh, Bright Heart, what a scare you gave me now - said the bear relievedly as the raccoon sat beside him.
- That's because I didn't do as Surprise Bear usually does. If it was her, you'd come out screaming in fright - the inventor joked to his friend.
- We're not going to get to that much, sports fan - said Champ a little annoyed, and not being in the mood for jokes - Say what you want.
- I need to tell you something private, and I thought this was the best time. It's about Cheer. You need to know one thing about her jealousy for Confidence Heart.
- This subject again? - asked the bear, annoyed and nervous - I don't want to argue about it with anyone. Cheer's stubbornness is already passing...
- There's a reason, and you need to listen to me - Bright Heart interrupted incisively -Last Sunday, shortly after you left in the morning to meet Confidence Heart, True Heart came to our house to ask if you were still, and how the response was negative, she then told us what she wanted to talk to you about. You remember that did we go to the house of Noble and True the night before?
- Of course, I'm not that dumb...
- And I did not call you that! - cried the raccoon in an offended way - Are you going to let me talk or will you continue to attack me with words?
Champ felt himself ashamed to hear it, even blushing. He could not discount his anger in a friend who wanted only to help him, so he controlled himself as best he could.
- All right, I'm sorry about that - the sportsman bear said - But what did True Heart want with me and what did she say to you?
- She told us that Grams Bear went looking for them the night before to say she thought Confidence had some secret, and that it could hurt the group. Grams doesn't doubt the character of the young woman, but she wanted to understand what Confidence hide with such care. True Heart agreed with Grams, that there was something wrong with our friend, and that it was necessary to investigate. As you and she are together in this mission, True thought of telling him to keep an eye on Confidence to try to figure out his secret. But since she did not find you, she made this request for the three of us: Treat, Cheer, and me. And he added that we should not tell him anything...
As he listened, Champ began to turn red with anger, but also to cold sweat at the thought that someone was already suspicious of her friend's actions. No doubt it was a very bad thing Bright Heart told him, and it could be expensive for the fennec.
- Why that? - asked the bear in surprise, increasingly bothered - Why spy Confidence? And why are you telling me this just now?
- Because you're my friend, and it's only fair that you know what's going on. Also, Treat Heart and I did not agree to this plan of True, only Cheer agreed. They made us promise that we would not tell you about it, because you would surely be running to tell Confidence. But seeing the discussion between you and Cheer this morning, I realized that I could not fail to tell you the truth. Is not fair. I don't care if you know the secret of Confidence and what would it be. This is his problem and problem her. But I suggest you talk to her and ask her to be more careful. And most importantly, give Cheer all possible attention so that she does not make bullshit by jealousy.
- I... I can only thank you for your consideration, sports fan," the sportsman said in a choked voice - Of everything you've done good to me to this day, that was the greatest of all things, and I can never pay.
- You don't have to worry - said the raccoon with a smile - Now go find Confidence and do whatever you have to. As long as it's nothing to hurt the group, you have my full support.
And with a nod, he got up and went home, while Champ meditated on everything he had heard from his friend. No doubt Bright Heart had a heart of gold and that his shyness prevented him from realizing it himself, but the sportsman had already noticed it and that was the biggest proof of that...
*****
Confidence had just gotten out of bed, too, and was astonished to have slept late. Since she was little, she loved to get up before the sun rose, to train karate, to make a race to warm her body, not to mention watching the interminable fights between Anger and Defiant. But without having her two brothers as alarm clocks and after a bad night's sleep, it was clear she had to be more lazy than usual, and that thought made her laugh with herself.
No hurry, since there were still a few hours before she and Champ left for the land to find Hector, the female fennec was preparing his breakfast. She passed butter on the bread and placed a slice of cheese on top, and a delicious sandwich was ready, which would be accompanied by an apple and a little strawberry jelly. To drink, pure milk, since she did not like to mix coffee or chocolate.
The fennec was already ready to take the first bite of bread when she heard the doorbell ring. With a sigh of resignation and a sad face, she left the table and went to the door to answer who beat.
- How are you, Confidence? - Champ asked excitedly as she opened the door - Have you had breakfast?
- I was going to start my breakfast it if someone did not show up to disturb me - she said, trying to look angry, but with a smile on her face - Will you join me?
- No... I already had my breakfast. But I wanted to talk to you.
The female fighter invited his friend to enter in and closed the door, the two of them walking into the kitchen. Although she had arrived so recently, Confidence was given the right to choose where she wanted to live, whether in Care-a-Lot or in the Forest of Feelings. And to stay close to the gym, she preferred the bears' village, which gave her a "spot" in the clouds and helped her build her small, cozy home.
- What do you want to talk to me about, Champ? - she asked as she sat down and finally began to eat her breakfast.
- I wanted to know first how you spent your night... - began the bear, smiling timidly -How did you react with what we discovered yesterday...
- I confess I'm still surprised and don't even know what to think right. But I slept well, did not affect my sleep. I think that during my life of mistakes and successes I learned to deal well with surprises, and this one is not that big.
- Not that big? - Champ exclaimed surprise - You do not know your origins, is created by other bears away from the Care Bears Family, came here to try to discover your past, find a photo that proves that you've been connected at least with Noble and True when you was a baby... And all this to you is few thing?!?
- That's not what I meant - Confidence replied with a wry grin - I meant that I suspected that one day my friends and I were connected to you and your group. I only did not expect to find a picture of me to prove it.
- I wanted to know who that human is in the picture.
- I wanted to, too. And who are those unknown bears, those other humans, that beautiful island...
- Oh, that's easy. It is the island where is the Paradise Valley, in the middle of an eternal snowstorm.
- But in the photos there are no snowstorms. Something has changed from that time to here, and we have to find out what it is!
A blush, a great excitement swept over Confidence's face, whose eyes shone with strength of will and confidence. The young woman was willing to know the truth, no matter how. Already Champ shook his head sadly.
- We need to be more cautious, my friend - said the bear - True Heart is already suspicious of you, and me too, and sent Cheer Bear to spy us.
The fennec choked on the food when she heard that. After coughing a little, she widened her greenish eyes at the sportsman and with a startled face asked what he meant by that. Then Champ told her everything Bright Heart had told him earlier, Grams Bear's suspicions, the certainty of True Heart that something was wrong, Cheer Bear's jealousy and his idea of helping the matriarch bear, the fact that the raccoon had not accepted that and revealed everything to Champ, who rushed to speak to her friend.
Confidence Heart listened to everything with astonishment and a little fear. If they discovered the truth, perhaps their main mission, who was to prepare the bears and cousins of the Kingdom of Caring for the coming of their family, would be totally compromised. The fox had already noticed that tinkering in the past was more dangerous and troublesome than the arrival of eleven bears and cousins with magical powers, and that True Heart had much motives for not wanting to turn to the past.
- What shall we do now? - she asked after a few minutes of silence.
- I suggest we continue looking at the album for other photos that might help us discover the past, and be more careful about our attitudes so as not to arouse suspicion - replied the bear.
- I think you're right - agreed the fox, taking her last sip of milk and rising from her chair.
As she did so, she dropped a spoon on the floor, and instinctively bent to pick it up. Champ did the same, and their hands touched in this movement. In a thousandth of a second, they both felt the warmth of each other's body, the heartbeats, and something none of them had ever felt. As they lifted their heads, their eyes met, and something strange shone in their eyes.
- Sorry - said Champ, taking the spoon and handing it to Confidence, feeling his face turn red.
- I apologize - said the fox with the same feeling.
Quickly the fox went to the sink, where he washed the dishes he had used, while Champ sat at the table, watching his friend. Neither of them said anything, just kept thinking.
The bear thought of how his friend was beautiful, intelligent, and determined. Much like him. Besides being a great sportsman and competitor, she still knew very well what she wanted to do and did not give up easily. Her greenish eyes, which sometimes turned blue, were so beautiful and languid when she was struggling... Quickly he shook his head. Again he was thinking something he could not. His girlfriend at Cheer Bear, he loved her and that was what mattered. But at least Confidence did not feel obsessive jealousy, as well as not plotting to harm others.
Already the female fennec thought about how Champ was strong, bold, intelligent, and arrogant, what for her was a great quality. Even his faults could be forgiven, and he knew very well what he wanted, did not give up easily and was a great competitor. She loved it when he laughed, when he was happy and how much he was helping her to discover her past and become a new person... But in the same way she quickly pushed those thoughts out of her mind. Her boyfriend was Love Heart, and they loved each other. But he was far away, and Champ was close, and the former almost never looked upon her as an independent and self-confident young man, only like his helpless girlfriend, while the latter treated her equally, without showing superiority or other feelings that made her feel lowered from what she really was.
At that moment, they both felt lost, barely aware that they were entering a dangerous game that could cost them a lot.
*****
Frank walked up the street to Hector's school and was about a half block from the exit gate. The clock showed a few minutes for the midday. It was the old man's intention to know where the boy would go after school. Nibbling his lips, he did not stop staring at the dial one in a minute, anxious.
At last the gates opened and the exit signal rang. Dozens of children ran happily down the street, finally having finished one more day of classes. How to find one in the middle of so many? Luckily the old businessman soon saw the boy walk out to his house, with calm air and walk fast.
Following Hector at a safe distance, Frank watched as the boy reached the square in front of his house, but instead of entering the house he went to the other side, where he was apparently waiting.
- Heaven! Will I finally have my wish fulfilled? - Frank murmured to himself, sweating cold with nervousness and anxiety.
Hector was feeling something strange, but he could not tell what it was. Maybe it was anxiety about what was going to happen that afternoon. By a combination with his two special friends, the boy was waiting for them at the corner of the square in front of his house, where they would meet. This did not take long, because a few minutes later he heard the sound of the cloud car approaching, and Champ and Confidence coming on their mission.
Frank, hiding among the trees, his eyes widened as he saw the cloud car and its two occupants arrive, and almost fainted with joy, for it seemed as though your heart wanted to jump from his chest. Finally he found them! Finally they were there, only a few steps! The old man thought about going speak to them at that moment, but as he reflected, he realized that the two of them would not leave before completing their mission with Hector. So he decided to listen to what the three of them were talking about.
- How are you? - asked the boy excitedly.
- Fine, and you? - Confidence asked with a big smile, as she and Champ stepped out of the cloud car, the bear undoing the car instantly.
- I was anxious waiting for you - answered Hector - I could not wait you to come, for talk to my friends.
- And how did they treat you today, Hector? - asked the sportsman.
The boy lowered his head dejectedly.
- At least they did not offend me... - he blurted - I heard from one of the girls in the class they're going to play football on the pitch here near.
- It's a great opportunity to talk to them - Confidence said.
Champ nodded, adding,
- Confidence is right. C'mon, Hector.
And the three quickly made their way to the makeshift football field, which the children of that neighborhood had set up on a vacant lot to play ball. Frank, always hidden and respecting a good distance, went after them. He did not want to lose the bear and the fox at all, and he would still see what their system was like.
The field was not too far away. Turning to the other street and following two blocks, there was the place. It was between the railroad, protected by a fence installed by the rail workers, and the street, with another ground in the background and a house on the other side. There were six boys playing ball. All of them barefoot, with school bags and shoes on a corner of the ground.
One of the teams was with the ball, and one of the boys, tall and with blonde hair, ran dribbling one of the players of the opposing team, reaching the goal, which was nothing more than two rods with another branch tied over, signaling the soccer stand. With a shot, the boy sent the ball out, and it stopped at the feet of Champ, who stopped the match. Everyone then looked at the newcomer, who was accompanied by a beige fox and Hector.
When they realized that the captain of the team was there, everyone looked at him very annoyed, as if questioning what he was doing there, while approached. And the blond boy actually asked that question when he stopped in front of the trio.
- Que pensa que está fazendo aqui, Hector (What do you think you're doing here, Hector)? - he asked in Portuguese.
- Pedro, eu (Pedro, I)... - Hector stuttered - É que eu queria (I just wanted to)...
- Atrapalhar mais uma vez nosso jogo (Interrupt our game once more) - Pedro interrupted angrily - Já não basta ter perdido as partidas da escola, ainda quer acabar com nossa diversão? E ainda trás esses dois fantasiados aí (It's not enough to have missed the school games, do you still want to end our fun? And there are still these two costumed there)...
- Eles não estão fantasiados. Eles são reais. São Ursinhos Carinhosos (They're not costumed. They are real. Are Care Bears).
- Ah, tá bem. E eu sou um extraterrestre do planeta Zorg (Oh, okay. And I'm an alien from the planet Zorg) - replied the blond boy, not believing - Me dá essa bola aqui, seu pirralho (Now give me that ball here, you little brat)...
Despite not speaking Portuguese, Champ understood that the last sentence was addressed to him and with some offense.
- I know very well that you have English-language class at your school," said the bear in English, with a serious countenance and an angry voice - So you will understand what I am saying. And you, Pedro, called me what?
- Of little brat - replied Pedro, also in English - Today is it Halloween for you use a costume?
- Oh, so you think I'm not real, I'm just another little boy like you, costumed up and wanting a fight? - asked the bear - I'm not that. I'm Champ Bear, and this is Confidence Heart Fennec. We are Care Bears.
- I've heard of you - said another, dark-skinned boy, a little surprised - You help troubled children, do not you?
- That's right - said Confidence.
- And you believe them then, Diego? - asked Pedro.
- I believe. Not you?
Pedro turned to Champ and Confidence, looking at them intently.
- It's... It doesn't seem like costumes at all - he said at last - Okay, I believe you. Can you give us back the ball, Champ?
- Of course, sports fan - the bear replied with a smile - But first I wanted to know why you do not want to let Hector play on your team...
- Are you still asking us? - Diego asked in surprise - Has not he told you what he's done in the last few games?
- Lost a lot of balls, passes, two penalties, among other things - listed Pedro - Ah, not counting the goal against.
- And what did you do to help him improve his game again? - asked Champ maliciously.
All six boys looked at each other in silence, ashamed.
- I don't think we did much to help him, we just criticized - one of them said in a sad voice - We were so angry that we missed the last games that we took everything back to Hector.
- He was the captain of the team, he lost his motivation and also stopped motivating us, but we didn’t help him to become a good player again - Pedro said in a low voice.
- How about you give him another chance? - Confidence asked cheerfully.
- No charges, no complaints, just play for fun - Champ added - So you can help your friend to have confidence during the games, too. That's what real friends do...
The six boys looked at Hector, who had been silent all the time.
- You want to try, Hector? - asked Pedro with a frown.
- I've been waiting for it for weeks - said the team captain - I may not be the best player in the world, but I want to remain your friend, regardless of whether we win or lose the games.
Pedro gathered his friends in a circle and whispered for a few seconds. Confidence tried to hear what the boys were saying, but they talked in Portuguese, while Champ and Hector waited in anticipation. Then the blond boy turned to the three of them and said,
- All right, Hector, we'll give you a chance. But we are in seven, and one of us will have to leave...
- Don't need it; I come in to complete eight - Champ said enthusiastically.
- Great. So you can be our goalkeeper. What does Hector think?
The captain of the team laughed at that suggestion.
- I don't think Champ is the best choice for this position right now, and he will agree with me - the boy said, looking at his furry friend, who frowned, not liking that remark.
- Then I'll come in - Confidence said, a big defiant smile on his lips - Give me the ball, Champ.
The bear mumbled a little when he passed the ball to the fox, but deep down he knew she played that kind of football better than he did, and sat in a corner of the field to watch the game.
Hector took off his shoes, socks and backpack, throwing together them at the others who were there. Barefoot, the boy felt the land and the grass of the football field touching his soles, and deep down he liked it. Approaching the others, he saw that they were all hesitant to play or not.
- What's the problem? - he asked.
- It's that Confidence is a girl, and we... Well… - Pedro complained.
- Hey! - shouted the fennec, already on goal - I heard that! It's not because I'm a girl that I can't play with you!
- She's right - Hector said - And you not will regret, Pedro - the boy added to his friend with a blink of an eye.
Pedro and Diego agreed to take a chance, and took their positions. Everyone in the school played on the same team, but during the training they split into two teams. Thus, Hector stood before Osvaldo, another of his friends, who would start kicking the ball. Everyone got ready in their positions, while Champ just watched, lamenting for not being such a good player in that sport to participate along with the others.
Seconds later, Osvaldo kicked the ball, starting the match. With a good pass, handed the ball to Gustavo, another friend, who dribbled Pedro and ran to the goal, kicking from far away. But Confidence showed actually be a good goalkeeper, deflecting the ball out of the field. It was a corner kick. Gustavo charged, but Diego managed to divert and sent it towards Hector, who managed to leave the defense of Paulo, running to the goal of Julio and kicking.
- Goal!!! - Hector's team shouted, while Champ jumped in the side of the field.
Diego, Pedro and Confidence ran to the team captain and hugged him. He himself was happy to have scored that goal, and was not feeling the pressure of his friends to play well. That was how he played well, and so did all everyone.
*****
- Goal!!! - cried Paulo, when he managed to score a goal over Confidence.
The fox had managed to make good saves, although Hector and Pedro always tried to stop the ball from reaching her. But by a distraction of both, the other team's boy stood before her and kicked in a way that the young fennec could not get grabs the ball.
- You okay, Confidence? - Hector asked, seeing that her friend had not got off the ground.
- Of course not, I did not catch the ball! - she complained seriously, irritated with herself - I had to have caught...
- Oh, don't be like that, Confidence - Pedro said, moving closer - You're a good goalie, better than we thought.
- I know... But I still wanted that ball - concluded the female fennec, smiling with her characteristic stubbornness.
But that goal, the first of the team composed by Osvaldo, Paulo, Júlio and Gustavo, did not change much the result for the team of Hector, Pedro, Diego and Confidence. The captain had made two goals and helped Diego in another. Pedro had already marked one more. And the fox itself marked one from his position, surprising Júlio.
For a few more minutes the group kept playing, until they decided to end the game. After all, they had been there for over an hour, and since it was just a play they did not have to play the same time of an official football match. Hector took the ball and along with the others went to where they had left the shoes and the backpacks. As they put on their shoes, were observed by Confidence and Champ who wondered why the humans in the background were so complicated.
- And now? Do you think Hector can play in the team again with you? - asked the bear with a smile.
- Surely he can and should play football with us - answered Pedro.
- We were stupid in not to help him in this bad phase - Osvaldo said.
- Do you want to keep playing with us, Hector? - asked Gustavo.
- Of course yes! - replied the captain - That's what I want most...
- And you forgive us for not helping you? We promise we'll never do it again - Diego said.
- I forgive you all, after all, you're my friends, just like Champ and Confidence - Hector said, hugging his teammates.
The bear and the fox were thrilled by that scene, but they did not expect the seven boys to go where they were and hug them as well, thanking both of them for helping them get back to being friends, and for Confidence being a good goalie.
- Do you want to take my place? At least it's a better goalie than I... - Júlio questioned jokingly.
- I don't think they would accept me in the youth games, but if you want to train with me from time to time, I'm very happy - the female fennec said cheerfully.
Moments later, Hector, Champ, and Confidence were alone in the field, while the others said goodbye and followed each to their home.
Frank had stood all the time in a position that could see what was happening without being seen by the children and the Care Bears. In that place he could also hear almost everything they said, and soon he could understand what the mission of the bear and the fox was, and how they carried it through to a good solution. Although he had heard of how the Care Bear Family worked to help children and adults, it was the first time he saw with his eyes the techniques used by the colored beings. Frank was charmed and excited with all that. Breathing deeply to contain the emotion, and realizing that it was time to act, he left his hiding place and walked toward the trio.
- I don't know how to thank you for what you did - Hector said with a twinkle of happiness in his eyes.
- No need to thank us, sports fan - Champ said amiably - Seeing your happiness is already a great reward for us.
- And you can be sure you're always our friend - Confidence said with a big smile - Especially mine, because it changed a lot of things inside me.
- Oh, you're a nice girl, Confidence - Hector said, hugging her - I hope one day to see you again.
- Actually you're going to keep seeing us, because our mission is not over - said the bear - As far as our original mission of helping you with your friends is concerned, that's the end. But now we have an unexpected new mission together with you.
- You're certainly talking about my father - said the boy sadly.
- Yes, himself. We're going now...
Champ stopped talking as he saw an old man slowly approaching the trio, with his eyes wide and an expression of infinite happiness stamped on his face. In fact, it seemed he was in great excitement, for his face was flushed, his eyes moistened. Usually the Care Bears did their best not to be seen by adults or other humans other than those they were helping, to avoid problems or constraints.
The old man stopped a few feet from the trio, as if deciding what to say, until a tear trickled from his eyes, his voice did not come out and he dropped to his knees, so much the emotion he felt. Seeing this, Champ and Confidence ran to him and tried to calm him down.
- Sir, is you well? - asked the bear, putting his hand on the old man's shoulder - You seem to be very excited...
- Want something? A little bit of water? - Confidence asked in a sweet, polite voice - Take a deep breath and tell us what's going on.
The old man had to take three deep breaths before he could speak.
- You must think I'm crazy or sad about something - he gasped - But this is joy! Pure joy, as I did not feel for over fifty years. Extreme happiness can also kill...
- Certainly, sir - Hector said, helping the two friends to make the old man sit on the floor - We can help you with something? What's your name?
- My name is Frank Heartom, and everything you could do to help me is already done.
- Frank Heartom?!? - cried Champ with a surprised look - You own the B & H Company, one of the largest companies in the world!
- That's right, and also the happiest man in the world, today - Frank replied in a good mood - It was fifty years have been waiting for this moment, fifty long years thinking I'd never find them again.
- How so? - asked Confidence, interested - Do you know us?
- I can say that yes, I lived with you and I was very happy with that. For many years I've tried to find them, and now I got. Who are you two?
- I'm Champ Bear and she's Confidence Heart Fennec. But where do you know us from?
Frank smiled listening at those names. They still kept the old custom in giving names of feelings and qualities to their cubs.
- Many years ago, the bears and cousins lived on the same island where I lived - the old man replied with a smile - But you two were too young to remember anything that happened at that time...
- In my case, I was just a baby when I got to Care-a-Lot, which is where we live today - Champ said.
- And I didn't even go live there, I went to Canada also when I was a cub - Confidence agreed - Not to mention we do not know much about the island... Wait! You then know the truth, what happened to our parents! Say it!
Frank looked at that female fennec with a big smile on his lips, before thrusting his hand into the pocket of his waistcoat, pulling an old picture, already kneaded and yellowed by time, and handing it to the fighter. It was the same photo she'd seen the night before on the bear’s family album. Confidence widened his eyes, unable to speak, just looking at the picture and for Frank, feeling his lips tremble and his heart skip.
- So you... You're the human who... - she began.
Frank understood what she meant, and just nodded, with a smile full of tears. For a moment both the bear and the fennec were left speechless, surprised by the turnaround in things. Hector, who did not understand anything, just looked from one to the other.
- What's going on here? - asked the boy at last.
- You'll know soon enough - Frank said kindly, beginning to recover from his emotion - I can't describe my happiness, it's as if an elephant had been taken from my back!" Looking for someone for 50 years and finally finding them is very exciting. Especially you two, which I carried in my lap when you were born.
- Wait a minute! - Hector exclaimed in a surprised tone - How many years do you have, Champ?
- Time passes differently for bears and cousins, Hector - the sportsman replied with a smile - When I say I'm 17, I mean at the age of the Care Bears. But if it was human age, it would be about 52 years.
- Wow! - exclaimed the boy - I did not think you were so old!
- Hey! I'm not old, sport fan. Only time passes differently for Care Bears and humans, that's all.
Until that moment, Confidence had said nothing, just watched closely the photo that Frank had given her and Frank himself, trying to assimilate what was happening. Although she wanted to find the human in the photo to know more about his past, she did not had no hope that to happen. It was very shocking for her to find out that old man, who was pleasant in appearance, which was now in front of her, was the same man in that picture and had searched all those years the bears and cousins.
Usually the fox was demure and did not show his feelings, but what she was living in the last months was very strong. And the summit was at that moment, which for her could be the source of all the answers she had wanted to know all her life. Without hiding what she felt, she ran to Frank, and despite reaching only the waist of the human because of his short stature, she hugged him as tightly as she could, starting to weep copiously with happiness.
Frank was taken aback by this. He did not even know what to do. Champ and Hector also reacted the same way. The old man then pulled the fox away a little, crouched down, and looked into her eyes before smiling broadly.
- I think you have many questions you want to ask me, don't you? - he asked amiably - Well, I'll answer all I can, whether it's for you, Champ or Hector.
The bear then approached Frank and hugged him along with Confidence as Hector watched too excited. After a few minutes in that long embrace, the businessman stepped away, wiped Fennec's tears with his hands and patted the bear's shoulder and stood up.
- I want to tell you everything - he declared - All my life I kept this secret, just to say it in due course. Now, how about moving to a more reserved place to talk? Here in the middle of the street is a bit dangerous and attracts a lot of attention...
- So, that's your big secret, Mr. Frank Heartom? - a serious, firm voice was heard behind the four of them.
When they turned around, they found a well-dressed, tall boy with good bodybuilding, black hair, and a face of the one who feels betrayed. Frank winced as he recognized who he was.
- James! - exclaimed the businessman.
- Myself, Mr. Frank - the young business man replied, looking serious, before he relaxed his features and began to laugh - Oh my God, Frank! I could imagine everything: that you were a mobster, a drug dealer, a crazy, or a stranger, less than you had something to do with the so-called Care Bear Family.
- Well, since you're here, you'll hear my story as well - the old man said calmly, approaching his vice president - And take it as a last lesson to be the next president of B & H.
James's eyes flashed at that, before he, Champ, Confidence, and Hector accompanied Frank toward the inn, where he could calmly tell his whole story, as he had wanted to do for more than 50 years.","pools_count":1,"title":"The Care Bears - The Confidence Secret - Chapter 11","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"image/jpeg","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"0","rating_name":"General","ratings":[],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"f","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"0","views":"9","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}