Different Horizons-A Paw Patrol Story

Chapter Sixty-Seven

"Count us in," Ryder said. "It would be a fun experience."

"Excellent," Gabriel said. "The party starts tomorrow night at seven. Since the Thor City Town Hall is under construction, and all outdoor areas are occupied, we have secured a hall in Crystal Coast to host the event. We can leave today, so that tomorrow we can focus on getting our attire ready while they set up everything."

"Attire?" Chase asked. "What do you mean? Are we gonna buy more clothes?"

"It's a special event, Chase," Ainsley said. "We can't go in our everyday clothes. No, we get to go shopping for new dresses, suits, everything. First things first, I'll set up appointments at the city's finest salons. After that, we'll head to the mall, where we can . . ."

"Ainsley," Gabriel interrupted. "Sorry, everyone. Shopping is right up Ainsley's aisle. I'm sure we can do everything we need as we go."

"It's completely fine, Gabriel," Ryder said.

"Do we get to choose the color of the dresses?" Skye asked. "I like the color pink."

"Oh, yes," Ainsley replied. "You can choose this color, style, dimensions, everything. It's what makes it fun."

"How do you know what to wear?" Everest asked.

Ainsley's eyes lit up brighter with each question. "Where can I begin?" she asked rhetorically.

Gabriel raised his hand. "How about this? When we get to the mall, Ainsley goes with the girls, and I go with the boys."

"Oh my god, yes!" Ainsley exclaimed. She cleared her throat and sat up straight. "I mean, yes, that works." That caused them all to laugh.

"Works for me, too," Ryder said.

"Then we have a plan," Gabriel said as he stood. "Ainsley, ask Dave to bring the van around. We have to grab our stuff from the safehouse and make our way to Crystal Coast in an hour or so."

As everyone finished up their food, Dave pulled up to them. "Let's get a move on," he exclaimed from the driver's seat. "Much to do."

Everyone piled into the back of the van, though it was somewhat cramped. With Dave as the driver, Gabriel sat in the passenger seat. Ryder, Bruce, and Marshall sat in the second row, Skye, Everest, and Ainsley sat in the third, and Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble sat in the last row. Since Chase was the last one to get in, he had to sit on the floor next to the sliding door.

"Chase, you might be able to fit on this row," Ainsley commented as they moved over a bit.

Chase looked at them and noticed they would be too cramped to be comfortable. "Um, I think it's best if I stay here. It's not too bad, and I prefer sitting up. Plus, I can keep an eye on everything from here," he added, trying to sound casual.

Ainsley knit her eyebrows as if wondering how Chase wasn't uncomfortable on the ground. "Oh, ok," she said softly.

Dave put the van in drive, and they went off. The first stopped at the safehouse. They all got off to load all their clothes and stuff, then met downstairs. They brought their suitcases out to the driveway. Between the eight of them, there was a lot of luggage.

Zuma looked around. "I don't think it'll all fit in that van, dude."

Gabriel looked at the suitcases. "You might be right. I can have one of my guys follow us in a different truck. We'll arrive at the house after sunset, so we'll go shopping in the morning."

On the drive to the Crystal Coast, they watch Shrek and 12 Strong. By the end of the second movie, the sun had set, and everyone was asleep. Dave drove in silence until they reached Gabriel's home. David passed through the gates and parked in front of the front doors.