Post by Amber on Feb 2, 2014 13:33:34 GMT -5
The day after my little episode, something occurred to me. For some reason, I had to go back to the farm where I grew up. Did I want to? Sure, why not. I got up and sniffed out the others. They were outside chatting like Songbirds but Flash seemed to be the only one that took note of my presence. I cleared my throat.
“Ok, I don’t know why, but we are going to take a little field trip to Winchester.”
“Oh boy, why are we going so early?” asked Streak
“Because we are going to the farm where I grew up.”
“Country girl.” Muttered Flash
I didn’t pay attention to him.
“If I remember correctly, it should take us about a day to get there. Let’s go! Pepper, tell Rune that we’ll be gone for a while.”
He nodded and went off to find the Doberman. A few minutes later, the little terrier came bounding back.
“Rune said it’s ok to go!” he piped.
I nodded.
“And, we’re off!”
The six of us, led by me, ran into the woods. Splashing through streams, jumping over logs and rocks, and avoiding low branches, followed my invisible path to the world I once knew. By dawn of the next day, I could see the outline of the barn where I grew up. I went up to the hole that I had dug under it two years ago and squeezed under the chain link fence. The others carefully followed. Flash scrunched up his nose.
“I wasn’t kidding when I said you were a country girl.”
“Flash, shut up.” I growled.
Streak and Bailey rushed into the open barn. Suddenly, I heard the bark of a Beagle.
Wait! A Beagle! Mum! I rushed in to see her in a corner; teeth bared at a stunned Bailey and Streak. I barged past them. She froze when she saw me.
“Winslow?” She tilted her head “Is that you?”
“Yes mum. It’s Rain. Remember?”
She smiled and licked me on the cheek. I wanted to pull away but I didn’t. I was so glad to see her! It was then that I noticed that grey hairs flecked her muzzle and face. Flash and Pepper walked in. When she saw them, her body tensed and a low growl came from her throat.
“It’s ok. They’re with me.”
Again, she relaxed.
“So are these two also with you?” she asked as she gestured to Streak and Bailey.
I nodded.
“Oh, excuse my rude behavior. I’m not used to visitors.”
“Its fine, ma’am.” Replied Flash.
“Let’s go outside. I want to have a look around.” I suggested.
“Of coarse! Oh Rain, so much has changed!”
She nudged me along like I was still a pup, and I let her. After our eyes adjusted to the light, I saw a sleek, tan Beagle staring at me. A huge grin on her face.
“Rain! It’s you! Your back!”
It took me a few seconds to recognize the dog.
“Skye! I told you we would meet again!”
We practically ran into each other. It would be great if Thunder were here as well. Just then, something tackled me. Thunder’s scent hit my nose.
“Thunder! Hi and get off!”
“Rainnnnnnn!”
I shoved him off. One question was bugging me like a Tick in my ear.
“Where’s Zeke?”
Belle smiled.
“He was sold to an elderly man with Down Syndrome.” She replied.
I nodded then turned to Skye and Thunder.
“What’s new?” I asked the two of them.
“I got sold to a young couple with an eight year-old girl who named me Kate.” Said Skye.
“And I got sold to a college boy who named me Rascal.” Thunder piped up.
“Your new pet names suit you both well.” I informed them.
I introduced my remaining family members to the group. Bailey and Streak were chatting with Thunder like crazy and Skye was talking to Flash and Pepper. I took note that Skye was a little too close to Flash for my comfort. I didn’t mean it, but I felt my fur sticking up. Without thinking, I rammed into her and sent the dog sailing into a woodpile. What have I just done? Alarmed, I sought refuge under a holly bush. I had just hurt my sibling and overall best friend. I heard heavy paw steps and Flash’s low rumble reached my ears.
“You’re a fighter after all, miss Rain.”
“Go away Flash. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now, especially you.”
“Why?”
“I just don’t. Go away!”
I heard him pad away and mumbling to himself. I better get out from underneath this bush and face my fears. I slowly crawled out and blinked as the setting sun shone on my face. I scanned the clearing for Skye. I found her limping towards me. Oh god, better prepare myself for a huge battle. I looked at her paw, her twisted and mangled paw.
“Look, Skye, I-I’m sorry I don’t know what happened, I-.”
“I know, I didn’t pay attention to your warning. I should be sorry. I shouldn’t have been flirting with your boyfriend.”
By the way she said ‘boyfriend’ I could tell that she was a bit angry. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I shook my head.
“Hey, look, it’s fine. Really. You didn’t know.”
“Nah, I should’ve known.”
“No one told you.”
“It would have done me better to talk to the Lab and the Golden Retriever.”
“Skye quit hating yourself! Your smart, pretty, and kind.”
“Yea, but I don’t like to get my paws dirty or go to new places like you do.”
I gave up. This dog was being difficult. Well, I’ll let her believe what she wants to believe. Then Thunder prodded me with a paw. I was so caught up in my argument with Skye that I forgot that he was there.
“Do you want to play hide and seek?” he asked
Despite being a fully-grown dog, he still had some puppy elements to him. What could I do? Say no? So, I did just the opposite.
“Sure.”
“Ok, you count to ten, and I’ll hide. Ready, GO!”
I sat down, closed my eyes, and started counting.
“One, two, three…”
I could feel Flash staring at me like I was nuts. Ah, whatever.
“Four, five, six…”
I remembered that conversation that I had long ago with my mum about my dad. Suddenly, bam! It hit me. I’ve got to find him.
“Seven, eight, nine, ten! Ready or not! Here I come!”
I got up and patrolled the barnyard and inside the barn itself. No Thunder. I was in the barn by a haystack when I heard a noise above my head.
“Thunder? Is that you up there?”
Before I could say anything, a great mass had fallen from the top of the hay pile and right onto me.
“Thunder! I’m supposed to find you! You’re not supposed to find me! I counted!”
“Well, you took too long!” he retorted
“I took like three minutes!”
“Pfft, more like three hours!”
That ticked me off big time. Using all of my weight, I knocked him to the ground and put my front paws on his chest. I put my snout just inches from his.
“Remember, I’m always the dominant one!”
“I thought Zeke was.”
“Shut up! Zeke’s not here. I’m taking his place!”
“Blah, blah, blah.”
I pressed down harder.
“Mock me one more time! Go on! I dare you!”
“I. Can’t. Breathe!”
I suddenly realized that I was pressing down a little too hard. I quickly got off and let him stagger to his paws. I was scared. Why was I being so hard on my siblings? My own weight and power surprised me. Suddenly afraid, I raced out of the musty old barn and ran to my mum like a scared little pup.
“Mum!” I wailed. “I hurt Skye and Thunder!”
“Aw, Rain.”
She walked over to me and pressed her nose to my cheek. Something that I have always loved.
“There, there, calm down. It’s all right.” She cooed
After she was sure that my little puppy moment had passed, she backed off and looked me in the eyes, the moonlight illuminating her face.
“Rain, you’re fully grown. As much as I love you, you need to solve problems on your own instead of running over to me for help.”
“Yes, mum.”
“That’s better! Got tell your siblings how you feel!”
Feeling confident, I sought out Thunder and Skye. I found them sitting by the old silo chatting. I knew it wasn’t right, but I decided to eavesdrop.
“What’s gotten into Rain?” Asked Thunder
“I don’t know, I bet it’s that Rottweiler. He probably plays a part in this.” Answered Skye
Flash? Nah. Thunder looked at Skye’s paw.
“What happened to your paw?”
“It’s Rain’s fault! She knocked me into the woodpile!”
She spat my name out like a stale treat. I hid in the shadows. My dignity has just left the building. I had to face them. I composed myself and approached them.
“Thunder, Skye?”
When they saw me, thunder switched to an overly happy mood and pretended like nothing was going on. Skye just, well, she just glared at me.
“What do you want mange pelt?” hissed Skye
I was shocked. Mange pelt? She has NEVER called me that before. Zeke, maybe, but me? Come on!
“Look, guys, I’m sorry.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Yea right.”
“I mean it!”
“Sure you do!”
“I swear to Star Pack, Skye that if you don’t stop being such a pain in the tail…”
Oh no, Here comes the battle.
“Then what?” she dared me.
“I’ll hurt your other paw! Much worse than the other one!”
That got her. Victory! Was it me or did I see her fold her ears back. Thunder stepped in.
“Look, Rain.” He began. “I know you have a boyfriend now and you’ve found a new pack, but we’re not a raid party.”
He was right.
“Thunder, you’re right. It’s just been so long.”
They both nodded. We were cool with each other once again.
“I’m sorry for calling you mange pelt. It was a reflex.” Skye said as she looked at her paws.
“It’s fine.” I told her.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Flash padding towards me. A sad look on his wide face.
“You better come with me.” He whispered. “Your mom’s gotten severely ill. I think she might be dying.”
I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening! Why now? I sighed and followed him into the barn. I saw my mum laying on an old horse blanket next to some hay bales, the predawn light shining on her. She looked so frail, so old. How come I was just now noticing the grey hairs that tipped her muzzle and covered her face? I gingerly walked over and placed my nose on her boney shoulder and whined. Flash got a distant look in his eyes.
“Mum, what’s wrong?” I whispered.
“I’m old and sick, dear. It’s time for me to join Star pack.” She croaked.
“Oh, mum.”
I stood there by her side.
“Winslow, remember what I taught you. Take care of your siblings.”
“Yes, mum. Don’t worry, I will.”
She managed a weak smile.
“About your dad, he was a Lab, much like your friend over there,” she gestured to Streak. “I don’t remember his name. I think it was Fernando something-or-another.”
“So, I’m not a purebred Beagle?”
“No, Rain. I’m so very sorry.”
I was shocked. I was part Labrador?
“It’s fine. I can deal with that.”
She coughed then looked at me, her eyes beginning to cloud over. I pressed my nose harder into her shoulder, tears beginning to stream down my face. I could hear her heart rate getting quicker and quicker as her breathing also grew more rapid. With her last breath, she spoke.
“See you in Star pack. I love you, Winslow. Take care.”
“Wait! No! Mum!”
It was too late. I stared at her now lifeless body, my heart torn to shreds. Why did she have to leave me? Heartbroken, I let out a long howl. Skye and Thunder came running. Once they saw her body, their cries soon joined in with mine. Once our songs ended, Flash gently pressed against me.
“I’m so sorry, Rain. I know what it’s like to lose a loved one.”
The others bowed their heads in deep respect. Laser lifted the now cold body onto Flash’s shoulders. Slowly, we walked out of the barn. I had grabbed the horse blanket that she was laying on. We carried her to a hole that Streak and Bailey had dug underneath the Oak. Flash sat down beside the grave, causing my mum’s body to slide into the hay-lined hole. I peered over the edge. She looked so peaceful, just laying there. It looked like she was just asleep, not dead.
“May Star Pack light your path.” I whispered down to her.
The others started shoving dirt into the hole. I couldn’t bare to watch, so I left. With the horse blanket still in my mouth, I squeezed under the chain link fence and dashed blindly back to London. Once I staggered back into the HQ, I passed Rune. He was about to say something, but, seeing the grief on my face, the words never escaped his maw. I went into one of the rooms, jumped up onto the daybed, laid out the horse blanket, which still smelled like mum, then curled up and went to sleep. I shut the whole world out. I didn’t even hear the others walk in…
“Ok, I don’t know why, but we are going to take a little field trip to Winchester.”
“Oh boy, why are we going so early?” asked Streak
“Because we are going to the farm where I grew up.”
“Country girl.” Muttered Flash
I didn’t pay attention to him.
“If I remember correctly, it should take us about a day to get there. Let’s go! Pepper, tell Rune that we’ll be gone for a while.”
He nodded and went off to find the Doberman. A few minutes later, the little terrier came bounding back.
“Rune said it’s ok to go!” he piped.
I nodded.
“And, we’re off!”
The six of us, led by me, ran into the woods. Splashing through streams, jumping over logs and rocks, and avoiding low branches, followed my invisible path to the world I once knew. By dawn of the next day, I could see the outline of the barn where I grew up. I went up to the hole that I had dug under it two years ago and squeezed under the chain link fence. The others carefully followed. Flash scrunched up his nose.
“I wasn’t kidding when I said you were a country girl.”
“Flash, shut up.” I growled.
Streak and Bailey rushed into the open barn. Suddenly, I heard the bark of a Beagle.
Wait! A Beagle! Mum! I rushed in to see her in a corner; teeth bared at a stunned Bailey and Streak. I barged past them. She froze when she saw me.
“Winslow?” She tilted her head “Is that you?”
“Yes mum. It’s Rain. Remember?”
She smiled and licked me on the cheek. I wanted to pull away but I didn’t. I was so glad to see her! It was then that I noticed that grey hairs flecked her muzzle and face. Flash and Pepper walked in. When she saw them, her body tensed and a low growl came from her throat.
“It’s ok. They’re with me.”
Again, she relaxed.
“So are these two also with you?” she asked as she gestured to Streak and Bailey.
I nodded.
“Oh, excuse my rude behavior. I’m not used to visitors.”
“Its fine, ma’am.” Replied Flash.
“Let’s go outside. I want to have a look around.” I suggested.
“Of coarse! Oh Rain, so much has changed!”
She nudged me along like I was still a pup, and I let her. After our eyes adjusted to the light, I saw a sleek, tan Beagle staring at me. A huge grin on her face.
“Rain! It’s you! Your back!”
It took me a few seconds to recognize the dog.
“Skye! I told you we would meet again!”
We practically ran into each other. It would be great if Thunder were here as well. Just then, something tackled me. Thunder’s scent hit my nose.
“Thunder! Hi and get off!”
“Rainnnnnnn!”
I shoved him off. One question was bugging me like a Tick in my ear.
“Where’s Zeke?”
Belle smiled.
“He was sold to an elderly man with Down Syndrome.” She replied.
I nodded then turned to Skye and Thunder.
“What’s new?” I asked the two of them.
“I got sold to a young couple with an eight year-old girl who named me Kate.” Said Skye.
“And I got sold to a college boy who named me Rascal.” Thunder piped up.
“Your new pet names suit you both well.” I informed them.
I introduced my remaining family members to the group. Bailey and Streak were chatting with Thunder like crazy and Skye was talking to Flash and Pepper. I took note that Skye was a little too close to Flash for my comfort. I didn’t mean it, but I felt my fur sticking up. Without thinking, I rammed into her and sent the dog sailing into a woodpile. What have I just done? Alarmed, I sought refuge under a holly bush. I had just hurt my sibling and overall best friend. I heard heavy paw steps and Flash’s low rumble reached my ears.
“You’re a fighter after all, miss Rain.”
“Go away Flash. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now, especially you.”
“Why?”
“I just don’t. Go away!”
I heard him pad away and mumbling to himself. I better get out from underneath this bush and face my fears. I slowly crawled out and blinked as the setting sun shone on my face. I scanned the clearing for Skye. I found her limping towards me. Oh god, better prepare myself for a huge battle. I looked at her paw, her twisted and mangled paw.
“Look, Skye, I-I’m sorry I don’t know what happened, I-.”
“I know, I didn’t pay attention to your warning. I should be sorry. I shouldn’t have been flirting with your boyfriend.”
By the way she said ‘boyfriend’ I could tell that she was a bit angry. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I shook my head.
“Hey, look, it’s fine. Really. You didn’t know.”
“Nah, I should’ve known.”
“No one told you.”
“It would have done me better to talk to the Lab and the Golden Retriever.”
“Skye quit hating yourself! Your smart, pretty, and kind.”
“Yea, but I don’t like to get my paws dirty or go to new places like you do.”
I gave up. This dog was being difficult. Well, I’ll let her believe what she wants to believe. Then Thunder prodded me with a paw. I was so caught up in my argument with Skye that I forgot that he was there.
“Do you want to play hide and seek?” he asked
Despite being a fully-grown dog, he still had some puppy elements to him. What could I do? Say no? So, I did just the opposite.
“Sure.”
“Ok, you count to ten, and I’ll hide. Ready, GO!”
I sat down, closed my eyes, and started counting.
“One, two, three…”
I could feel Flash staring at me like I was nuts. Ah, whatever.
“Four, five, six…”
I remembered that conversation that I had long ago with my mum about my dad. Suddenly, bam! It hit me. I’ve got to find him.
“Seven, eight, nine, ten! Ready or not! Here I come!”
I got up and patrolled the barnyard and inside the barn itself. No Thunder. I was in the barn by a haystack when I heard a noise above my head.
“Thunder? Is that you up there?”
Before I could say anything, a great mass had fallen from the top of the hay pile and right onto me.
“Thunder! I’m supposed to find you! You’re not supposed to find me! I counted!”
“Well, you took too long!” he retorted
“I took like three minutes!”
“Pfft, more like three hours!”
That ticked me off big time. Using all of my weight, I knocked him to the ground and put my front paws on his chest. I put my snout just inches from his.
“Remember, I’m always the dominant one!”
“I thought Zeke was.”
“Shut up! Zeke’s not here. I’m taking his place!”
“Blah, blah, blah.”
I pressed down harder.
“Mock me one more time! Go on! I dare you!”
“I. Can’t. Breathe!”
I suddenly realized that I was pressing down a little too hard. I quickly got off and let him stagger to his paws. I was scared. Why was I being so hard on my siblings? My own weight and power surprised me. Suddenly afraid, I raced out of the musty old barn and ran to my mum like a scared little pup.
“Mum!” I wailed. “I hurt Skye and Thunder!”
“Aw, Rain.”
She walked over to me and pressed her nose to my cheek. Something that I have always loved.
“There, there, calm down. It’s all right.” She cooed
After she was sure that my little puppy moment had passed, she backed off and looked me in the eyes, the moonlight illuminating her face.
“Rain, you’re fully grown. As much as I love you, you need to solve problems on your own instead of running over to me for help.”
“Yes, mum.”
“That’s better! Got tell your siblings how you feel!”
Feeling confident, I sought out Thunder and Skye. I found them sitting by the old silo chatting. I knew it wasn’t right, but I decided to eavesdrop.
“What’s gotten into Rain?” Asked Thunder
“I don’t know, I bet it’s that Rottweiler. He probably plays a part in this.” Answered Skye
Flash? Nah. Thunder looked at Skye’s paw.
“What happened to your paw?”
“It’s Rain’s fault! She knocked me into the woodpile!”
She spat my name out like a stale treat. I hid in the shadows. My dignity has just left the building. I had to face them. I composed myself and approached them.
“Thunder, Skye?”
When they saw me, thunder switched to an overly happy mood and pretended like nothing was going on. Skye just, well, she just glared at me.
“What do you want mange pelt?” hissed Skye
I was shocked. Mange pelt? She has NEVER called me that before. Zeke, maybe, but me? Come on!
“Look, guys, I’m sorry.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Yea right.”
“I mean it!”
“Sure you do!”
“I swear to Star Pack, Skye that if you don’t stop being such a pain in the tail…”
Oh no, Here comes the battle.
“Then what?” she dared me.
“I’ll hurt your other paw! Much worse than the other one!”
That got her. Victory! Was it me or did I see her fold her ears back. Thunder stepped in.
“Look, Rain.” He began. “I know you have a boyfriend now and you’ve found a new pack, but we’re not a raid party.”
He was right.
“Thunder, you’re right. It’s just been so long.”
They both nodded. We were cool with each other once again.
“I’m sorry for calling you mange pelt. It was a reflex.” Skye said as she looked at her paws.
“It’s fine.” I told her.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Flash padding towards me. A sad look on his wide face.
“You better come with me.” He whispered. “Your mom’s gotten severely ill. I think she might be dying.”
I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening! Why now? I sighed and followed him into the barn. I saw my mum laying on an old horse blanket next to some hay bales, the predawn light shining on her. She looked so frail, so old. How come I was just now noticing the grey hairs that tipped her muzzle and covered her face? I gingerly walked over and placed my nose on her boney shoulder and whined. Flash got a distant look in his eyes.
“Mum, what’s wrong?” I whispered.
“I’m old and sick, dear. It’s time for me to join Star pack.” She croaked.
“Oh, mum.”
I stood there by her side.
“Winslow, remember what I taught you. Take care of your siblings.”
“Yes, mum. Don’t worry, I will.”
She managed a weak smile.
“About your dad, he was a Lab, much like your friend over there,” she gestured to Streak. “I don’t remember his name. I think it was Fernando something-or-another.”
“So, I’m not a purebred Beagle?”
“No, Rain. I’m so very sorry.”
I was shocked. I was part Labrador?
“It’s fine. I can deal with that.”
She coughed then looked at me, her eyes beginning to cloud over. I pressed my nose harder into her shoulder, tears beginning to stream down my face. I could hear her heart rate getting quicker and quicker as her breathing also grew more rapid. With her last breath, she spoke.
“See you in Star pack. I love you, Winslow. Take care.”
“Wait! No! Mum!”
It was too late. I stared at her now lifeless body, my heart torn to shreds. Why did she have to leave me? Heartbroken, I let out a long howl. Skye and Thunder came running. Once they saw her body, their cries soon joined in with mine. Once our songs ended, Flash gently pressed against me.
“I’m so sorry, Rain. I know what it’s like to lose a loved one.”
The others bowed their heads in deep respect. Laser lifted the now cold body onto Flash’s shoulders. Slowly, we walked out of the barn. I had grabbed the horse blanket that she was laying on. We carried her to a hole that Streak and Bailey had dug underneath the Oak. Flash sat down beside the grave, causing my mum’s body to slide into the hay-lined hole. I peered over the edge. She looked so peaceful, just laying there. It looked like she was just asleep, not dead.
“May Star Pack light your path.” I whispered down to her.
The others started shoving dirt into the hole. I couldn’t bare to watch, so I left. With the horse blanket still in my mouth, I squeezed under the chain link fence and dashed blindly back to London. Once I staggered back into the HQ, I passed Rune. He was about to say something, but, seeing the grief on my face, the words never escaped his maw. I went into one of the rooms, jumped up onto the daybed, laid out the horse blanket, which still smelled like mum, then curled up and went to sleep. I shut the whole world out. I didn’t even hear the others walk in…
