Nimh's Dream

Chapter 3

Anna and Elizabeth got into a very large argument about going into the rat's rose bush.

"I'm going with you mom, Jesus we just faced an owl together and you think I'm not going to see the rats" Anna yelled.

"Johnathan and I decided long ago you wouldn't go there" Elizabeth said trying to calm her daughter.

"Why? What possible reason is there" Anna grumbled.

"He wouldn't tell me, he just said that you couldn't go. That it wasn't safe for you with all of them" Elizabeth sighed shaking her head.

"Mother I am an adult and I am going with you rather you like it or not. You forget we both know a rat. Justin lives in the Rose bush" Anna recalled trying to fight the smile making its way onto her face.

"That was years ago darling he probably doesn't remember us" Elizabeth reasoned shaking her head.

"Rather he's there or not I'm going with you. Dad is gone... whatever reason he had for me not going there is probably gone" Anna said quietly.

Elizabeth was quiet for a minute before she began furiously shaking her head. "I can't believe I'm gonna let you do this" she mumbled.

Anna smiled. "Really?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Now let's get some sleep" her mother shook her head taking her hand and leading her inside.

—-

The two girls were next to the Rose bush trying to find an entrance in when a night shirt walked over to them.

"Mrs. Briz! Briz!" The nightshirt said.

"Oh, excuse me, pardon me." The nightshirt revealed itself to be the crow Jeremy.

"Jeremy? What on earth?" Elizabeth scolded while Anna was rolling around giggling.

"I'm in disguise!" He said spookily.

"Jeremy, please, not now!" Elizabeth scowled turning away. "I'm trying to find the entrance, and these thorns are very dense."

"Here, let me help you..." Jeremy said tripping over himself.

"Will you be quiet?" Elizabeth begged. "They'll hear you! I've got to find this Nicodemus before the farmer gets that tractor fixed!"

"I'll keep a lookout!" Jeremy said as he once again stumbled over himself and Anna couldn't help but giggle again.

"Will you...! You're going to get us killed!" Elizabeth schooled looking at Anna then Jeremy.

"I don't see anybody coming" Jeremy said as he hung upside down.

"If you really wanted to help me, you'd go away" Elizabeth scowled harshly.

"Why that's very brave of you, Mrs. Briz" Jeremy nodded happily. "but I can't... I can't leave you here alone. Why, if anything were to happen, think... think of the children!"

"That's it!" Elizabeth cheered.

"huh? That's what?" Jeremy asked looking around.

"Jeremy" Elizabeth batted her eyelashes tapping his arm. "someone strong should be protecting my children. In case that tractor starts up again."

"Oh, in case the tra... Hey! How 'bout me?" Jeremy jumped in excitement.

"Oh, would you?" Elizabeth batted her eyelashes false swooning.

"Yeah, sure! That'd be terrific practice! Girls can't resist a guy who's good with kids, you know, domestic type. Play games, help out, domestic!" Jeremy cheered.