The Girl and the Lions

2~Tigris

{Edited on 1/17/17, re-published on 1/17/17}

The driver then pulled up to the front of the zoo entrance and stopped to let everyone out, of course me being in the back all alone, I got out last. Mrs. Carmichael rolled down her window and smiled towards the group. "Stay safe and have fun girls!!" Allison rolled her eyes and sarcastically waved as her mother suddenly jumped out of the car. "I totally forgot dear! Don't y'all need a-" Allison was quick the step in front of her and cut her off. "No mom we'll be fine without a chaperone" She said with a smirk. Mrs. Carmichael awkwardly laughed and lightly nodded. "Oh, ok if you insist, j-just stay together!!" Her mom waved to us all as she walked solemnly back to the car.

I scoffed and crossed my arms as I walked behind the group, looking around in awe as we walked through the grand entrance of the big zoo. As soon as we passed through the gate, Allison quickly shot around and glared at me with a fake smile. "Ok!" She said as she clapped her hands together, "So Dawn, here's what we're going to do!" She said in a sickly sing songy voice "All my friends and I are going this way, and you and all yours- wait a second," she looked as she was contemplating something as her sickening smirk was still present, then she snapped as if she remembered what she was going to say, "oh yea I toootally forgot! you don't have friends!~" She spat in my face, I pretended to gag as I sarcastically laughed. "Haha very funny, I have friends." I stated, but once again she was quick to cut me off like she did with her mother, "Oh right! You're friends with the squirrels!" Her friends joined along with the teasing as they repeatedly called me 'Squirrel Girl.' I didn't really mind that name though, she was one of my favorite marvel heroes, but not like they'd know anything about comics. Allison quickly shoved by me and sternly whispered in my ear, "Have fun being alone, Tarzania." She laughed as she and her possy strut off towards a larger group of guys. I sighed and began to walk the opposite direction, searching for something to draw.

Of course, being my forgetful self, I ended up in front of the Tiger exhibit, not the Lions. I sighed and sat down in front of the glass, trying to see through the thick foliage that covered the fake habitat. I squinted and sighed, looking behind me I saw a few children running up, trying to find the tiger for themselves, giggling as they did. I was about to turn back, but instead ran into a small sign. Kneading down by it, I quietly read it to myself and smiled while doing so.
"This is the state of the art Habitat, gracefully donated to us by the Winston family, of Tigris, the Female tiger. She is 4' high but 6'5 when standing on her hind legs. She is very aggressive to our cast. Please do not tap or bang on the glass to anger or condemn the tiger. She is currently the only female tiger at our zoo, but she will soon be accompanied by a few cubs next summer! Thank You and we hope you enjoy our children's area!'
To the left side of the words was a beautiful photo of her. She indeed looked very big and strong, but it was just a photo, I'd have to see her in order to tell her true size.

I decided to sit in front of the picture, with my back to the glass, so I could make a quick sketch of her. It did suck that I couldn't see her for myself, but the small, high quality photo will do for now. I began my sketch and quietly hummed my little tune. I turned my head to the side to still see and hear the children playing with the rocks that stood around the exhibit, but then I heard them scream and run back to their waiting parents who stood a bit in front of me. I tilted my head to the side, seeing the fear present on their faces. "What's wrong? Did the kids find a bug or something?" I stifled as laugh as one of the young mothers shook her head and shakily pointed behind me. I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion and slowly turned around. In shock, I dropped my sketch book as my face instantly turned into a mix of fear and amazement. Staring straight in my eyes with her own, and her nose pressed up against the glass right in front of my eyes. If the glass was not present, our foreheads would be touching. I pressed a hand to the glass and I awed in amazement. But I gasped in shock as I noticed the golden eyes of Tigris staring straight into my own green eyes.