The Able Sisters

Chapter 12

Snow fell down on the windshield of the bus as Label clutched her bag in her seat. Label glanced outside, watching snow drift in the headlights. Had she made the best decision?

It was too late to go back now. She'd been sitting on the bus for a few hours, awaiting her arrival into the city. Only a few others were on the bus, though most were asleep. Only the sound of tracks treading across the road and the driver's whistling brought sound to the atmosphere.

She quickly went through her wallet one last time, counting the number of bells she had. She had been saving up precisely for this moment. A few bells here and there. It was enough to afford her a bus ticket at least.

Her eyes became heavy, and suddenly, she felt she was back at home. Label's eyelids closed and when she next opened them, there was sunlight flooding through the windows of the bus.

The vehicle came to a jolt, and Label gasped, sitting upright. She turned her head, eyes widening as she saw the layout of the city in front of her. Buildings reached high into the air, light reflected off windows, and crowds filled the ground.

"City stop," grumbled the driver.

Label nervously grabbed her few belongings and inched off the bus. She shielded her eyes as she stepped into the sunlight then gasped in amazement. The first thing she noticed was how noisy it was. There was the sound of cars and horns, of chatter and laughter, of music and bells. 

"Excuse me," came a slightly annoyed voice. Label moved out of the way as a dog moved past her. Label spun around, realizing she was blocking the pathway.

She quickly rushed to the side, clutching her bag tightly to her. She rested against the back of a bench, watching as crowds moved around her. Her eyes peered forward, watching the lights glisten on shop signs.

She took a deep breath. It was all she had dreamed of, and though there was no doubt she was intimidated, there was no going back now. She stepped into the crowd, walking up steps until she came into a large plaza. A fountain stood in the center, gurgling fresh water.

She watched children throw coins into the fountain and laugh. Label cautiously approached and glanced at the pouring water. It was so different than the river that flowed through town. This was a work of beauty, and she wondered who had crafted it.

Label felt her bag for the sketchbook in it. Would she get to design someday as well? This could be her chance.

All the excitement of the new place made her forget all that she had left behind. How were Sable and Mabel reacting right now? She couldn't help but feel some guilt, but she couldn't stand that life anymore. Sable could care for Mabel on her own just fine. She'd send bells if she made enough.

I need a place to stay, she thought. At that moment, her stomach led out a large growl. And something to eat too. 

She purchased an apple from a nearby vendor, though she was shocked over the change in price. A simple piece of fruit had never cost so much at home. It could simply be picked from the trees.

Nevertheless, she bit into her snack and glanced around, unsure where to look first. Her eyes fell on a small gray building with an illuminated home situated at the top. She tossed her apple core into a nearby trashcan and shrugged. It was worth a shot.

She left the hustle of the city behind and entered into a small, quiet office. There was only one other animal in there, another pig, who was sitting at one of the waiting chairs. Label gazed forward to where a blue-colored article with square-framed glasses sat at the desk. He appeared to be frantically typing at his computer, letting out a groan now and then.

Label moved her feet over the floor, her footsteps echoing in the small building. She approached the front desk, awaiting to get the otter's attention, but his eyes were glued to the computer screen. She let out a small cough. Nothing.

"Excuse me," she spoke at last.

"Yeah, just a second," the otter grumbled.

Hmph. City folk, she thought.

"I just wanted to ask a few questions..."

The otter spun around, facing Label. "Oh, about the room in the back? Fantastic decorating, huh? It's got that bang, huh?"

"Oh, I actually haven't seen it--"

"Oh, you must! It's the winner this month. Really got that feng shui, huh?"

"I'm not here about the room," Label interjected.

"Ah, are you not a member yet? Want your room checked out too? It's got to correspond to the theme, you see. Anyhow, I'm Lyle, and this is the Happy Room Academy, but I, uh, also dabble a bit in insurance, if you know what I mean," he said, reaching his hand forward.

Label awkwardly shook it. "I'm Label."

"Hm...odd name. So, I'll just get the paperwork and you can join--"

"I don't have a house!"

Lyle paused, setting the papers back down. "Ah, well that's a problem, you see. To be eligible--"

"Do you know of any houses available?"

Lyle only let out a laugh. "Houses in the city? Ha! You'd be best off with an apartment."

"Do you know of any for rent?" Label wondered.

"Look, Lyle's busy right now. If you don't want to join, I can't do anything for you," he grumbled again, sitting back down at his desk.

"Oh, please!" Label begged. "I just left home, and I want to make it big out here, okay?"

"Doesn't everyone? Lyle sure knows that," he muttered.

"Please!"

Lyle let out a sigh. "Look, I don't have any of that information here. I only look at the rooms, I don't sell them. But you remind me of another fella I know around here. Why don't you head to the Marquee and look for Dr. Shrunk? He might be able to help you out."

"Where is the Marquee?" Label questioned.

"Out and to the left. It's dazzled with lights. Can't miss it," Lyle continued, his eyes still looking at the computer screen.

"Oh, thank you!" Label exclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah...Lyle doesn't get paid enough for this..."

Label spun around and headed outside the door. Perhaps adjusting to city life wouldn't be as hard as she expected.