The Country Bears: The Girl Behind the Bears

Council for the Crybaby

Mari POV

Later that night, as we got closer to our destination, we were having a chill jam session. Me on my guitar, Zeb with his fiddle, Fred with his harmonica and my dad lightly hitting the steering wheel with his drum sticks. It was nice, it was like we had no worries at all. The rest of the world didn't matter outside of this bus for the moment. Henry and Beary were just swaying happily to our music. 

We stopped playing for a bit. Fred gave his harmonica a final blow and then looked happily at the instrument. 

"This is the harp my daddy gave me." He said with a chuckle. I looked at Beary, who had a distant look on his face. I wonder why he had that face when Fred mentioned his dad? I'd ask him later for sure. Henry then decided to question Zeb. 

"Hey, Zeb. Zeb." He said as Zeb turned to him. "I was wondering. What ever happened to Tennessee?" I perked up at the name. Now, I was close with all of the bears, but Tennessee and I were especially close, in fact, I was the only other female that he gave his full attention to other than Trixie. The others never understood how we got along so well, considering how different our personalities were. Tennessee was always the sensitive type, whereas I was quite blunt and outspoken, especially when I was a kid. But I was, and still am, quite compassionate when it comes to my friends and how they feel. I was always there for support for the guys, especially after Trixie had broke up with Tennessee. I remember I would sometimes find him crying over her backstage or somewhere in the hall. Now, at 8 years old, I couldn't exactly give advice on relationships, but I did the best I could by just offering him a hug, which he always gladly accepted. I never asked questions but I knew he just needed someone at times like that. I kept listening to their conversation.

"Saw him a few years ago." Zeb replied. "He's still the same heartbroke, mixed-up, psycho, basket case crybaby."  I couldn't help but giggle, that sounded just like Tennessee. 

"So what's he doing?"

"He's a marriage counselor."

"Hmm?"

"Say what!?" They all turned to looked me. "Pffft, hahaha." I couldn't help my laughter, not really believing what Zeb had said. Zeb started laughing too. 

"That was my reaction too when I found out." Zeb said as he caught his breath. "But, it's true. And from what I hear, he's pretty successful."

"Sorry," I said as I wiped a tear from my eye. "It's just that, I really didn't expect that, is all. I mean, we are talking about the same Tennessee O'Neal, right?"

"We are. But it's something you need to see to believe."

"Well, then we'll see for ourselves tomorrow. For now, it's time to get some shut eye."Henry said as he settled himself in his chair. I nodded as a yawn managed to slip out. I grabbed a blanket and settled by myself on the bench next to Zeb.

"You don't mind being a pillow for the night, do ya Zeb?" I asked as another yawn came from my lips. Zeb just laughed and pulled me into his side, letting my head rest on his shoulder. 

"Not at all. Anything for you, kiddo." He said and slipped his hat over his eyes. "Night, y'all."

"Night!"

Third POV

The next morning, they had arrived in the city that Tennessee was now living in. Mari woke up first and quickly changed into some clean cloths before the others woke up. She dug through her bag as the other stretched and woke up. As they neared the center of the city, Mari had given her dad the address from the letters that Tennessee had written her and sure enough, it brought them to an office building that held practices for therapists and counseling. They were real happy when they saw Tennessee's name on the list by the door. As they entered the building, Mari went up to the receptionist.

"Excuse me?" The woman looked up and smiled at her. 

"Yes? How can I help, dear?"

"Yes, well, my friends and I were wondering if Tennessee O'Neal was available right now?"

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Um, not exactly. It's kind of a family emergency." She motioned to others behind her. The woman gasped in surprise.

"You-You're the Country Bears!" Mari smiled as that pretty much guaranteed that they'll see him.  "W-Well, he's in a session right now, but he should done..." She stopped as a couple walked out, looking quite disturbed and the sound of crying coming from the back room. "Right about now. Go on in."

"Thanks!" The group made their way towards the office where the crying was coming. Mari felt her heart clench at the sound of her friend crying. 

'Guess he's having one of his episodes again. I can't believe he has any tears left in his system, especially if he's been crying about it for over ten years.'

As they reached the door, Henry knocked on it. 

"Come in." Came a sob filled voice. As they entered the office, Tennessee's back was to them. He got a grip on his crying before turning to face them, his face falling in shock. 

"Huh?" Mari stood behind Henry, next to Zeb, so Tennessee didn't see her right away. She wanted to surprise him. "Don't tell me you're getting the band back together?" Mari giggled.

"Tennessee, we're getting the band back together." She said.

"Henry? What happened to your voice? You sick or something?" Tennessee asked as he looked at Henry strangely. 

"That wasn't Henry." She said as she peeked around the older bear's shoulder. Tennessee's jaw dropped even more when he saw her. If it wasn't for her eyes, then he would never have recognized her at all. He took in everything from her height, to her clothes, to her face. No doubt she had changed a lot over the years, but he hadn't realized that it had been that long since he had seen her in person.

Mari too, took in the sight of her old friend. Like the others, he still looked very much the same, save for the hideous sweater he wore instead of the leather vest he sported back in the day. 

Tennessee felt tears come to his eyes again. Not from sadness, but because he was so happy to see the only other girl that he cared so much for after so many years. She was like the little sister the bears never had and Tennessee had always been very fond of her. He was always the one "brother" that she always wanted to be around majority of the time. He couldn't help but start sobbing all over again. The others chuckled as they knew what his different cries meant, and this one was his happy cry.

"Need a hug, Ten?" The youngest bear just nodded and stood up, accepting her hug. He squeezed her tight, though not enough to hurt her, but enough to where he could feel that it really was her and not just some figment of his imagination. It was a really emotional day for him.