Chasing the Sky

Chapter 7- A boy's best friend

Humphrey woke up in a hazy mist. The storm had passed, but left fog behind. The wagon wheels rolling along the uneven pavement rattled his head and jerked the cart with the mule's every step.

"Are we there yet?" Humphrey groaned.

Stan chuckled. "No, were at 'bout thirty-five miles. Thirty-five lef' to go. We've made pretty good progress for 12 hours, if I must say so myself. I think it's 'bout time we give Mulan a rest and get something to eat. I have some sandwiches."

While Humphrey ate his sandwich, Stan shared some oats with Mulan, his Mule. Then he returned to the driver's seat and yanked on the reins. The cart lurched forward, and once again, they were on their way.

Why you gotta be at Aspen, anyway?" Stan asked.

"Oh, I..." Humphrey stopped himself. He figured it'd be better not to tell anyone about the fortune that was there. "I'm meeting family there."

"Huh. Meeting your family in a forest. But I ain't gonn' ask questions." Stan winked at Humphrey.

Countless hours had passed. Humphrey played with his Amos and Andy taxi for a while, but became bored. Then, he tried to play solitaire, but the cards wouldn't stay put in place on such a bumpy ride.

Desperate for something to help him pass the time, Humphrey observed the photo that he had brought along. His family was gathered around the Christmas tree, all happy and smiling. This photo was the last time he could remember his family being happy. Mr. Carter was on the left, lifting Emily to place the star on top of the tree. Mable and Joseph were unwrapping gifts on the floor, and Mrs. Carter and Humphrey were sitting on the couch together.

Humphrey thought about what his family was doing right now. Were they on a search for him and Emily, or were they going about their days as normal?

"Look 'head, Humph'ee, we're here." Stan said.

Humphrey looked up, and saw a beautiful white church with a steeple that rose above the clouds. Next to the church was a playground squirming with schoolboys about Humphrey's age. He longed to go play with them, but fought the urge. Behind the beautiful town was a row of majestic mountains, standing fiercely and intimidating all below them.

"Just hike through them there mountains, and you'll find yourself in Aspen." Stan directed.

"Thanks, Stan!" Humphrey called over his shoulder as he climbed out of the Hoover Wagon.

"G'bye, Humph'ee! Good luck!" And with a snap of the reigns, Stan was gone.

Humphrey wandered on the unfamiliar roads, tempted by the playground. As he walked by, he heard the shouts of the boys.

"Hey, look at him! Look at the new boy!" Jeered one of them.

They all stopped and stared at Humphrey.

"What's your name?" Asked another.

Humphrey stood still and said nothing, not sure of how to react.

"He's not going to talk," joined a third, "so we gotta make him talk!"

"Get him!" They all yelled in unison.

Humphrey continued to stand still. His father had once told him to face things like a man, but provoking trouble only makes you look weaker. He watched the mob of children grow closer and closer to him, until they were within reach. The leader of the gang leapt at him, knocking him down onto the ground. His head made contact with the pavement with a painful smack. The others cheered the boy on. The boy raised his fist, and brought it down hard on Humphrey's jaw. Again, the fist rose into the air, and once more it was brought down. Except for this time, Humphrey jerked his next to the side, and the fist hit the pavement with a painful crunching noise. They boy groaned in pain, holding his injured hand.

Humphrey took the opportunity to execute an alligator death roll, and ended up in a reverse position. Now, the boy was under his control, but Humphrey still didn't fight back.

Through the jeers and the riot, a voice stood out from all the others. Except for it wasn't a human voice. It was a dog voice. It snarled at the children, and they all backed away in fear. The boy fighting Humphrey remained.

The dog's bark was like a boom, and it echoed out into space. The boy finally let go of Humphrey and sprinted away in terror, the others running behind him.

Humphrey opened his eyes, one of them half swollen. The dog was standing over him. He had a matted, grayish-brownish coat and had big friendly brown eyes and droopy ears. He was very tall and muscular and had a big, sloppy smile on his face. His fangs showed under his lips, but instead of attacking, he gave Humphrey a big wet kiss on the face.

Humphrey sat up and examined the dog. It had no collar or form of identification.

He held out a hand and stroked its back. Its fur was dry and brittle, but warm and comforting. The dog dropped to the ground and rolled over on its back, asking for a tummy rub. Humphrey was beginning to like the dog, and patted its stomach.

"I've got to get going," he told it, "but thanks for saving me."

Humphrey stood up. His back ached with pain from hitting the ground, and when he tried to walk, a pain shot up his leg. He limped along in circles for a while to get a feel for it, and noticed a strange shadow following him. It was the dog.

"Shoo!" He scolded. But the mutt just would not listen.

"We'll if you're going to be following me around, I probably should give you a name, shouldn't I? How about... Partner?" He liked that idea because he could live in the fantasy of a cowboy. Partner seemed to like it too, because he was wagging his tail passionately.

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HEY YA'LL!!!! What do you think about The new character, Partner? In case you were wondering what type of dog he is, he is an interbreed of Great Dane, German Shepard, and Terrior. More surprises in upcoming chapters so stay tuned! I know I posted this chapter a little earlier than expected, but unfortunately chapter 8 may be delayed for a while due to a lot of busy stuff. It won't be more than two days at most, but you never know, I may be able to make time tomorrow night! As always, comments and votes are greatly appreciated, but just seeing the views is so rewarding! My goal by chapter 9 is 200 views, until then
-Gean Parkins