The White Wolf of Winter

Part Seven, Parties Over

Chapter Eleven,
    It took quite a a while before I could return to the dance floor.

    "Mary, I've been looking everywhere for you. Where have you been?"

    "Sorry Dan, I started feeling sick. I think I need to go home."

    "Where were you, Mary?"

    "I let her use my room to lie down until she felt better, Dan. I think the punch was too much for such a tiny lady to handle."

    "Oh, well thanks Joey, I wish you'd come out and let me know. Are you well enough to hold on for the ride home, Mary?"

    "Yes, Dan, I just want to go home."

    "Sure, let's go get our coats and we'll be out of here." We rode home in silence. Dan drove me to my door.

    "Thanks Dan, I'm sorry if I ruined the evening for you."
    "You didn't ruin anything for me. Do you need me to stay with you, Mary?"

    "No, Dan, I just want to take a shower and climb into bed. But thank you for offering. Goodnight, Dan."

    "Goodnight Mary."

    I stepped inside and unlocked the large doggy door I had installed, so the boys could come and go as they please and guard the property better. Then I took my shower and hopped into my bed.
I laid awake crying till I felt the boys jump onto my bed, one, two, three. Three? I turn and see the white Wolf cuddling to comfort me.

    "Oh Mr. Wolf you fit through the doggy door. I'm sure glad you're a nice wolf who doesn't eat people. I need all the comforting I can get tonight."
Jake and Sammy cuddled up on my other side and we all fell asleep.

In the morning Mr. Wolf was still here lying with the boys in front of the fire.

    "Good morning boys, let me make some coffee and then I'll get us all some breakfast. I assume you'll stay Mr. Wolf for breakfast? I'm making bacon!"

After breakfast we all went outside to play Frisbee. I brought out two this time. Mr. Wolf didn't seem interested but the boys totally enjoyed themselves. After a time, Mr. Wolf jumped the fence and took off through the woods. I assume he went back to his pack. If he has one. Maybe he stays in that tree house. I still have no idea who lives there. I guess I could go back sometime and find out. Maybe someday I will. But for now we needed to get back inside and warm up.

    Later that evening I hear a snow mobile pull up outside.

The boys dart out through the doggy door. I don't hear any barking so I assume it's a friend. I open the door and there stands Dan.

    "Dan, what are you doing here?"

    "I was concerned about how you are doing today."

    "Oh, I'm fine, come in."

    "You didn't look to good when I left you last night, Mary."

    "Oh well, I'm feeling much better today. Thanks for stopping by."

    " I worry about you."But I need you to be honest with me. Are you sure nothing happened with Joey?"

    "Danny, do you think his family is Mafia?"

    "I have no idea where they get all their money, Mary. Why do you ask?"

    "Oh, no reason, I was just curious."

    "Well, curiosity killed the cat, maybe it's best we don't know."

    "I'm sure you're right, Dan. Can you stay for dinner?"