The Country Bears: The Girl Behind the Bears

The Winning Fiddle

Mari POV

As the sun had started to set, we arrived in the small town of Nuttville. We pulled into the parking of roadside bar house called The Swarmin' Hive. Upon entering, the place was filled with people and bears alike, old rock music playing through out the building. This definitely seemed like the kind of place that Zeb would hang out in. 

"This way." Henry said as he led us to the bar counter. A woman was there serving drinks to the patrons. I thought she looked familiar, but I don't remember from where. "Excuse me, miss." Henry called to her.

"Yeah?"

"Uh, you wouldn't happen to know if there's a Zeb Zoober here?" Henry asked.

"Zeb Zoober? The Zeb Zoober that sleeps on my floor?" I almost burst out laughing at that. It actually didn't surprise me nearly as much as I thought, it sounded like classic Zeb. "The Zeb Zoober that owes me $500? The Zeb Zoober that wont stop calling me Cha-Cha?" As she said that, another voice called her.

"Set me up, Cha-cha!" I giggled as I recognized the voice, the others did as well. She scowled in that direction. 

"Sounds like him." Henry said as we walked to where his voice came from. As we got closer, the sight was very amusing. Zeb looked the same as ever. Ratty old vest and hat that hung over his eyes. He was currently unaware of our presence, as he was busy getting his back scratched by a machine that resembled a tree. 

"Hey there, Zeb." Henry said. Zeb lifted the brim of hat, he was a bit shaky but he managed to recognize us. 

"Henry? Fred? Is that you?" The machine soon cut off and Zeb was able to regain his composure. I peeked over Henry's shoulder to look at him.

"Hey there, honey bear." I laughed as I greeted him. His eyes went wide as he looked at me. It was like he couldn't believe he was actually seeing me. 

"Mari?" He said as he chuckled. "Well look at you! Roadie, you did a mighty fine job. She's as pretty as a peach, not like she already wasn't." My dad just laughed and nodded as I threw myself at Zeb. He gave me a classic bear hug, the smell of honey on his fur invaded my nose. Seems like he never could get away from it. 

After a bit, we sat down at a table. Henry was trying to convince Zeb to come with us. 

"Now, come on, Zeb. Whaddya say? You give up the honey and come with us, hmm?" Zeb just shook his head.

"Guys, even if I wanted to leave town, I couldn't. I owe Cha-cha over there a lot of money." I sighed as Fred asked if we wanted to split some food. I looked at Beary and he seemed like he was thinking. He then got up and went to talk to Cha-cha at the bar. Zeb watched him go, confused as to what he was doing. "What's that boy doing?"

"I don't know." Henry sighed. I was confused too, just what did Beary have in mind? He soon came back over after shaking hands with the woman. She walked out from behind the bar and made her way to the stage. 

"You're Zeb Zoober." Was all Beary said as he came back to the table. Just what did he do?

"Yeah, well, that may be true but, I-I...who is this guy?" Zeb asked Henry.

"Well, that's Beary."

Suddenly, Cha-Cha called everyones attention to the stage. Apparently, Beary made a deal with her that if Zeb could beat the house band in a music duel, then he could leave with out owing her anything, but if he lost, then she got to keep the tour bus. This did not sit well the rest of us. 

"Son, that bus is our only means of transportation!" Henry exclaimed. 

"Not to mention that's where I raised my kids." Dad said as he ruffled my hair. Technically he didn't raise me there, but I did spend a lot of time with him on the road in the bus. 

"Plus, I don't think you've all seen the house band." Zeb said, panic clear in his voice. Soon enough, the battle was underway.

Zeb had a rocky start at first, but I guess the motivation to save the bus kicked in and he came out on top. The whole place cheered as the legendary Zeb Zoober rose from the ashes after so many years. Zeb raised in hands in victory, tipping over in the process. I laughed as the others went to help him up. 

"Yep, same old Zeb."

The next morning we were back on the road and headed out. Of course, Zeb was insistent on picking up on my fiddle lessons, FROM 10 YEARS AGO!

"C'mon, Mari. You were just gettin' good and I bet you could get better too." I just laughed as I brushed it off. 

"Zeb, I haven't played the fiddle in years. I hardly even remember the few lessons you gave me. Sorry." I shrug as I strum by guitar.

"Ya say that now, but I bet I could have you playin almost as good as me in no time." I just playfully rolled my eyes and went back to strumming my guitar, knowing the next few hours would be just like this until I gave in.