A Sheep
Wolf's Clothing
II: Wolf-Friends
By
Bernard Cullen
A humorous parody of a good kid who joins a gang,
and the dire consequences that ensue.
All Rights Reserved
First Edition
Dedicated to Billie Cullen,
a loving mother and avid reader,
who built the dreams of her children.
September 16, 1931 - January 20, 2010
Books by this Author
A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing I: Meadow Mischief
A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing II: Wolf-Friends
A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing III: The Nature of Wolves
Wolf-Friends - Book II of A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing
"We are so accustomed to wearing a disguise before others
that eventually we are unable to recognize ourselves."
Francois De La Rochefoucauld
Prologue
Timothy Sheep disconsolately munched on the grass. It was not bad grass, but he really didn't care if it were straw. He stared out at the other sheep scattered across the Meadow. They were all more playful and carefree than they'd been in a long while. "Now that they all know there isn't a wolf prowling about," he told himself.
He'd been caught dressed in his wolf-skin by his father and several of the lead rams of the Flock. That ended his days of pretending to be a tough wolf and scaring sheep all over the Meadows. Busted, he was sheared of his freedoms and pretty much on restriction for the rest of his natural life.
He looked up as Johnny came limping up with a sour look on his face.
"What happened to you?" Timothy asked, more than a little worried about what was now his only friend.
"My dad got really mad about the wolf-thing. He hurt me pretty good." Johnny looked away trying to keep Timothy from seeing the tears he was fighting.
"Oh, Shepherd! I am so sorry Johnny." Johnny just looked away. "So, are you doing anything today?" Timothy asked to change the subject.
"He's not gonna beat me again," Johnny suddenly vowed with some force. "Or else..." He didn't finish.
"Wow, Johnny. You're angrier than I've ever seen you before," Timothy said. "Uh... I was hoping you'd show up eventually. My parents have restricted me for the rest of my natural life. I am going to rot in this one patch of grass. And the whole Flock hates me now." Conspiratorially he looked around and his voice sunk to a whisper, "But I'm going to run away, Johnny, for real's."
At first, Johnny stared at him with a kind of hunger in his eyes. Then he looked down again, "I don't want to play any more pretend games, Timothy. You can't really go."
"Sure I can." he wheedled his friend. "I can go, and I'm ready to go. Everyone hates me here now, especially Ewellen and Skipper. You're my only friend, Johnny. I need your help to get out of here."
"I don't know, Timmy. We can't be hanging out together for a while." Johnny looked around to see if other sheep were watching them. Timothy turned to where Johnny was looking. His parents were the only ones near, but he could see Mr. Ramsey was taking his turn watching from further away as well. Although they all tried hard not to look like it, they were clearly keeping wool-cleared eyes on him.
