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The camera flickered to life, and the familiar face of CJ, the peppy, charismatic beaver everyone had come to love, filled the screen. His yellow cap was tilted backward as usual, with his sunglasses on his forehead also as usual, and his bright eyes shone with the same enthusiasm that made his livestreams a hit among fans. He grinned widely, waving a paw at the camera.
"Yo, yo, yo, what’s up, anglers and fans of the big catch! It’s your boy CJ comin’ at ya live with. . . not another epic stream!" he began, his voice as lively as ever. "I know you’re all here for some fishin’ tips and maybe a few laughs, but today’s video is gonna be a little different, ya feel? I’ve got something real important to talk about, so hang tight, okay?"
His usual bright smile lingered for a moment, but it quickly faded as he shifted in his seat. His eyes darted to the side, a hint of something more serious clouding his usual carefree expression. CJ took a deep breath, leaning closer to the camera, as if trying to connect more personally with his viewers.
"So, uh, there’s been a lot of talk goin’ around lately," he started, his tone still upbeat but tinged with a growing unease. "Rumors, you know? Like, all this crazy stuff about my dad, Chip. Some of you probably know him; he used to run the Fishing Tourneys before I took over. Real old-school guy, loves a good fish fry. Or not fried, just straight up. He can chow down on a sea bass in a flash. But…well, some of the things I’ve been hearin’…they’re just not true."
CJ’s voice faltered slightly as he continued, his usual energy dimming. "Some people are sayin’ that Dad was, like, super harsh to me. Like, physically and emotionally abusive. That he kicked me outta the house ‘cause he didn’t approve of what I’m doin’ now, or even worse, that he’s got it out for my best bro Flick. They’re sayin’ he hates the guy, that he can’t stand that we’re partners. And…man, that’s just…"
He trailed off, his usual upbeat demeanor replaced by a simmering anger that was starting to show. His paw clenched into a fist, trembling slightly as he spoke again, his voice lower and more intense. "That’s just wrong. It’s not true. None of it’s true."
The camera shook slightly as CJ leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. The lighthearted tone was gone, replaced by something raw and real. "Look, I get it, okay? I know you guys care about me and Flick. You wanna have our backs, and that’s cool, that’s awesome even. But makin’ up stuff about my dad? That’s not the way to do it. My dad’s not some kind of monster, alright? He’s not some old crank who’s out to ruin my life. He’s…he’s my dad."
CJ’s breath hitched, his voice rising as his anger grew. "And for anyone out there spreadin’ those lies—stop. Just stop! You don’t know him like I do. You don’t know what it was like growin’ up with him! Yeah, he’s old school, yeah, he’s not into all this modern tech stuff, but he never, never treated me like that! And he sure as heck doesn’t hate Flick!"
The screen almost seemed to tremble with CJ’s frustration. His usual vibrant energy had turned into something fiercer, a rare glimpse at the depths beneath his usually easygoing surface.
"My dad was the one who supported me when I said I wanted to do livestreams! He didn’t get it, sure, but he never tried to stop me. He was there for me, even when he didn’t understand it all. And Flick? Dad’s been friends with Flick’s dad, Nat, for years! Our families go waaaaay back! We would hang out all the time! Flick and I practically grew up together, that's why we're so close now. And our dads? They hang out at The Roost all the time, sippin’ coffee and talkin’ about the good old days. You think he’d do that if he had some grudge against Flick? If he didn’t want us to be friends? Come on, that’s ridiculous!"
CJ’s shoulders heaved as he took a moment to calm himself down. The anger in his eyes softened as he sighed, shaking his head. "Look, I know you guys meant well. I know you’re just tryin’ to defend me and Flick, but you’ve gotta check the facts before you start believin’ and spreadin’ stuff like that. White knighting ain't cool. Especially when you don't got all the facts. There's nothing brave about typing mean comments trying to cancel someone you've never even met."
CJ scowled as he took out his Nook Phone and glanced at it. "Seriously, some of this social media posts are just. . . nasty. Like this one: 'Am I about to drop kick chip into the trash where he belongs? Yes I am'. Yeah. Sure. Go ahead a try it. Casting a rod a billion times make a guy pretty strong. I know from experience. Oh, here's a unique one: 'Press F to pay a good ol '#### You' to Chip because he doesn’t deserve ANY respect'. Oh, how original. Did you even come up with that one all by yourself? That's some galaxy brained trolling right there. And here's the olive on top of the sea-bass pie: 'i can’t even begin to explain how much I hate chip. I hope he rots in jail. He’s at the stage where he needs to be killed.'
CJ slapped his Nook Phone down on the desk and glared angrily, rage evident on his face. "Seriously!? Death threats? Is that where it's come to now? Well at least I know who to really call the cops on if anything happens! My dad’s not the villain here. He’s a good guy, and he’s always been there for me, even if we don’t see eye to eye on everything."
His tone grew gentler, more reflective, as he continued. "Dad’s always said that someone like Flick would be just what I needed to keep me grounded, to make sure I don’t get lost in all this online stuff. And he’s right. Flick’s the best partner I could ask for, and my dad knows that. He’s happy we’re close, and he’s glad I’ve got someone who keeps me from, you know, gettin’ too caught up in all this."
CJ managed a small smile, the anger in his voice fading as he addressed his followers directly. "I know not all of you are spreading this rumors about my dad or making death threats. I know most of you are just trying to support me and Flick. Fishionistas, I really appreciate all the support you guys give me, and I know you’re just tryin’ to look out for us. But please, spread the truth, not the lies. My dad’s not some heartless, bitter old beaver. He’s my dad, and he’s proud of it. And I, Chip Junior, am proud to be named after him."
He glanced away for a second, taking a deep breath before looking back into the camera, his voice softening even more. "And if you’re watchin’ this, Dad…I love you. Thanks for everything."
CJ’s usual bright smile returned, a little softer but just as genuine as ever. "Alright, guys, that’s all I wanted to say. Thanks for listenin’, and hey! Maybe I might make this type of video a regular thing. Not the whole lies and rumors and nasty posts stuff. No, I mean me talking to you guys about bits of life. I mean, hey, I got stories! Stories about my dad. Stories about Flick. Stories about me. This could be fun. A little relaxing break on the shore or the pier between fishing trips. Let me know in the comments if you'd like that. But for now, let’s get back to what we do best—fishin’! Until next time, keep those lines tight and those reels ready! CJ, signin’ off!"
With that, the video ended, leaving CJ’s heartfelt message lingering in the minds of his viewers.