He was Happy

Chapter Seven. Safe in your arms

Patrick dragged behind his fellow dwarves as they arrived at the mines. Doc was up ahead and Sneezy and he were whistling. Happy couldn't help but to smile. Whistling was something dwarves did since birth. They were hatched, so they were fully developed once they came into the world. They hatched in batches, so to speak, so those who hatched together were closer than any other group of dwarves.

The dwarves in front of him were the only family Happy had ever known. He missed them, but he couldn't get over Bossy and Stealthy's betrayal. Because of them, he'd never see Imee again. At least that's what he went on believing.

Happy went down a little further from the others to keep his distance. Watchy watched him with a frown, but he didn't stop him. It'd be useless anyway.

Happy raised his axe and struck the surface in front of him.

Whack after whack. Coal chipped away and a diamond was beginning to appear. Happy's strikes became more precise as he tried to free the jewel. He struck a few more times and it was loose enough for him to pull it out. He grabbed the rainbow colored jewel and rolled it in between his fingers before he placed it in his basket. The diamonds were made of fairy dust and they'd soon be on their way to be crushed.

He began to pick his axe again when he heard a noise to his right. He looked at his brothers, but they were chatting amongst themselves. He turned his head to the right and heard more sounds of movement. He made sure once more no one was looking before he walked towards the source of the commotion.

He turned a corner and that's when he saw her. It was Imee, but what was she doing here?

"Imee?" He whispered as he placed his axe down. Imee's eyes flew open at the sound of her name. She had been tossing because she was having a nightmare. Mere moments ago, she thought her father had found her and was about to drag her back home.

"Patrick," She gasped.

"What are you doing here?"

"It's...a long story." She smiled meekly.

"Are you okay, are you hurt?" He looked her over. He noticed the tear in her dress and instantly began thinking the worse.

"I'm fine. I just needed to find you. I arrived after you had left so I fell asleep back here last night."

"I don't understand. Why aren't you home?" Patrick shook his head as confusing thoughts began clouding his mind.

"I'll explain later. I promise. I only need to hide out here until your friends have left."

"Right, of course. I'll make sure no one finds you." He stated. It was a silent promise. One Patrick was sure to keep. Imee nodded her head in appreciation. Patrick told her he'd come back later and she watched him turn the corner to leave.

_

The day was nearly over and the dwarves were headed home.

"I forgot my axe; I'll catch up with you guys." Happy whispered to Watchy. It was unlike Happy to leave his axe behind, but Watchy nodded his head. Honestly, he was glad that his friend was speaking to him again. He missed talking to him and hoped that this meant he was slowly coming around.

Happy walked slowly back to the mines. Once he thought there was enough distance between them and him, he went back inside.

"Imee," He called out softly. His eyes weren't as good as hers in the dimly lit cave and the dwarves had taken the torch with them.

"Coming," she responded. She rose from her position and went out to meet him. She stopped just in time to avoid bumping into him.

"I'm right here." She slowly reached out and touched his arm. He jumped, but calmed down once he realized it was her.