RHETT and LINK: A Fall of Rain

Chapter 4: New Friends and New Places

Chapter 4

"New Friends and New Places"

Mama and Papa were upset. They've been upset since we left the man with a funny haircut and his shorter friend. I like them. They were nice. I hoped to see them again. It's been a year since I last saw them. But on this day, they were more upset. They aren't even playing with me anymore. They seemed extra busy. Maybe I could cheer them up.

I grabbed my stuffed Randler and called on Swift to accompany me. Swift was my pet eagle. But I consider her more of a family member than a pet.

We walked up to Mama who sat on her chair, waiting for Papa to come out of the closed room. He was talking to Grampa about something. I don't really get it. But I had to talk to Mama.

"Mama?" I began.

"What is it, Katherine, sweetie?" Mama answered.

"Do you want to pl--"

Suddenly, the doors burst open and out came Papa, Grampa and his brother,Pop-pop. Mama stood up and asked them questions. I was small and no one seemed to notice me.

"Mama? Papa? Grampa! Pop!" I called. No one listened.

I kept on calling them as they had a pacy and panicked conversation. Soon, they took notice of my mere presence and started to get annoyed.

"Katherine!" Papa scolded.

I froze. Papa never yelled at me before. I backed away slowly, tears forming in my eyes. Papa and the others turned their attention on me and gave me an apologetic look. Swift took me under her wing where I hid. I was scared. This wasn't my family anymore. My family loved me and always had time to hang out with me. This was a group of chaos.

"Oh, Katherine. I'm sorry," Papa hugged.

He wrapped his arms around me as I cried on his shoulder. Mama rubbed my back to calm me down.

"I'm so sorry, honey. But we can't play today," Mama explained.

"We're very busy. Grampa and Pop-pop need our help," Papa added.

I sniffed. "Don't you love me anymore?"

"No, no. Of course, we love you. We always love you. But right now, we are needed and this is very very important,"

"So I'm going to be all alone?"

They all exchanged looks. I had a point. I was a kid. I shouldn't be alone. I need company. Mama perked up and had an idea.

"Not necessarily," she smiled.

...

Half an hour later, we were gathered in the garden, waiting. They didn't have much time to play. But we ate ice cream to help me feel better. I guess that was a close second.

A carriage trotted in. The horses halted in front of us. I knew that new people were coming. As to who they are, I had no clue. The door opened and the people started to exit. I hid behind Mama and Swift hid behind me.

"Swift,I'm afraid," I whispered.

"Don't worry, Katherine. I'll protect you," Swift chirped.

"I don't even know these people,"

"Let's just hope they're nice, okay?"

A man and a woman came out of the carriage. The woman called on somebody in there who refused to go out. After a little more convincing, that someone walked their way out to the carriage. They immediately hid behind the woman. They were about as small as me.

"Katherine,this is Reya," Mama introduced.

"Reya, go on and meet Katherine!" the woman insisted.

A black curly haired girl peeked from behind the woman who I assumed to be her mother. She waved at me shyly.

"Hi..." Reya mumbled.

I showed less of myself. Swift took this by note and protected me.

"Wow!Is that a Quipyr?! We don't have those in my place!" Reya beamed.

"Yes. And she doesn't really like me being scared," I warned.

"Katherine!" Mama whined.

"What's her name?" Reya stepped forward.

I paused. I still don't know if I should trust this girl. But she seemed nice. After a few moments, I stepped away from Mama a bit.

"Swift," I replied.

Reya extended her arm to Swift. She backed away uncomfortably. Eventually,Reya reached her and touched her beak. Swift immediately became fond of her. She started bouncing around playfully. If Swift trusts her,so can I.

"She says she likes you,"

"You can understand her?!"

"Yeah,"

"Wow! I never met a Sparseltongue before! Mom told me that it is very rare!" Reya gasped.

"Well, I am one," I shrugged.

Swift scurried around Reya and her family. Reya giggled at Swift's act.

"What is she saying?!" Reya's mom laughed.

"She wants us to play with Reya," I smiled.

"May I, Mom? May I? May I? Please... May I?" Reya begged.

"If Katherine agrees, I don't have a problem," her mother replied.

I looked at Mama for moral support. She nodded in agreement and pushed me towards them.

"Go on!"

Swift rushed to me and rubbed her head on my body. I laughed as her feathers tickled me. She begged me to play with Reya to which I submitted.

"Alright! I'll play!" I giggled.

"Yay!" Reya beamed.

Before I took another step, Reya extended her hand in front of me. I looked at her with confusion.

"Friends?" she smiled.

I stared down at her hand. I never had a friend before. Swift was the only one who really kept me company. I acquainted with the staff and servants and royal guests but they had their own business.

She continued to smile. She was so eager to have me as my friend. I guess that was a good start. I grabbed her hand and shook it.

"Friends," I grinned.

Little did I know that this girl was going to stick with me for the rest of my life.

~_H__~