By Kelly Barina
Author's note: Well, now onto the boring copyright junk. All of the Tiny Toon charaters are trademarks of Warner Brothers(except for Lisa, Elsa, Cassidy, Harley, Billy, Bob, who are all my own). All used without permission. Now let's get on with it!
A frightened rabbit dashed through the forest, searching frantically for
a hiding place. Her bundle shivered against her as she shoved it into an
opening in an old oak tree. Knowing her pursuer would be there at
any moment, she turned to leave.
"Mom?" the tiny bundle murmured. The mother glanced back. "I'm cold. Where
are we?"
"Shhh.
Don't be scared." She kissed her little baby goodbye. "I love you."
She took off into the night.
"Mom!"
the bunny cried. The bunny climbed out of the tree and rushed after his
mother. Suddenly, a gray wolf leaped in his path, teeth drawn. A shred
of his mom's clothing poked out of his mouth as the wolf considered what
was next on the menu.
"Mom! Help!" he cried. The wolf charged toward him threateningly. "Aaah!"
"Aaah!" I screamed.
My heart raced as I looked my bedroom over. Nothing. I checked myself over
to make sure I was still in one piece. Realizing that I was fine, I sighed
in relief.
Brrrrring>! The ring of my telephone startled me. I (being the lazy
person I was, and proud of it) reached over and tried to pick up the phone
without getting out of my comfortable bed. Unfortunately, my plan backfired
and I crashed onto the ground headfirst. What a way to start a morning.
I stretched out my arm and lifted the receiver groggily.
"H-hello?" I asked.
"Buster, where are you? You should've been here an hour ago!" Babs Bunny
yelled. I recognized the voice of my best friend even in my tired state.
"Babs?" Well,…pretty much.
"Yeah! Who'd ya think it was? Cleopatra? Now get your butt over here before
you get into trouble! It's rehearsal, remember?"
"You can't be serious! We can't be having graduation practice today, can
we?"
"Where have you been, Buster! Bugs has only been announcing it for…oh,
roughly, 2 weeks!!! Now get over here! And hurry!" Click>! Babs hung
up.
"Great! I picked the perfect day to get up late!" I exclaimed. I ran into
the shower and took a quick bath. Once I was finished, I pulled on my trademark
red sweater and glanced at myself in the mirror. My fur was a wreck. I
quickly combed it neatly. Then it puffed out. Frowning, I threw some gel
in.
"I guess it'll hafta do." I raced outside as I expertly maneuvered
my skateboard through the forest, picking up speed every chance I got.
As the Looniversity came into view, it dawned on me that I wouldn't be
able to hit the breaks in time! I wouldn't make it!
Well, no problem. After all, I am Buster Bunny, aren't I? There's
no problem too hard for me! Besides , Bugs was my buddy, my compadre, my
pal. He wouldn't be upset with me, his favorite student. I gulped.
I just hoped Bugs was in an especially forgiving mood. I slammed
into the curb and flew through the gym doors… and landed at Bugs' feet.
"Hello, Buster. So nice of you to grace us with your presence. Just
curious, but did you happen to pencil school into your busy schedule?"
Bugs asked sweetly.
"No, but I'll make it a point to do it," I replied, grinning sheepishly.
"Well, let's we talk about it in Detention Hall."
"Sorry, Professor Bugs, love to, but I'm kinda busy today and…"
"That's not a question, Buster," Bugs stated coldly. I cringed. Guess I
picked the wrong day to be late. Babs bit her lip as she watched
Bugs and me. How's that's supposed to help me? Somebody, help! SOS ! Warning!
Warning!
"Oh,…o-okay," I stuttered. Bugs look suddenly softened. It was working!
Bugs was always a sucker for the sad, angelic, puppy look I always gave
him.
"If you tink ya got me with dat sad, angelic puppy look, den you're wrong,
but keep up the good woik, kid. Ya almost got me," Bugs smiled.
"So does that mean detention's off?"
"Hmmm…" Bugs pondered. "Nope." Brrrrring>! The bell rang, signaling
the start of second period. "Dat's all, folks! Da last practice is tomorrow
night at 7pm so everybody better be dere on time." I felt Bugs' hostile
glare upon me.
"Seven o' clock sharp. Yep, gotcha," I acknowledged nervously, backing
away sheepishly.
"Late again?" Babs scowled. I leaped in fright as she tapped my shoulder.
"Oh, it's you," I breathed. "Yeah. I guess I need to set my alarm tonight."
I grinned.
"That would be a good idea," Babs smiled.
"Yeah…"A moment of silence passed between us. I glanced at Babs. I dunno
about Babs, but I hated to see us part. Graduation-whoever thought it up
should be drug out into the street and shot. All it does is causes pain.
And who wants to deal with that?
"Babs," I began. "I had the dream again."
"The one about Martin Short?"
"No!" I blushed. " The other dream."
"Oh. That dream," Babs smirked.
"I don't know why I'm letting it get to me. It's only a harmless dream."
"I dunno, Buster. Remember that troll movie?"
"I've blocked it out."
"Oh. So did I." Babs frowned. "Well, your dream might be telling you something."
"Like what? 'Get a life'?"
"Maybe it's predicting what'll happen in the future."
"Right," I mocked. "And I'm Steven Speilburg. Let's go, lil' Miss Pink."
" I could be right, ya know!" Babs protested.
"Sure, Babs. Whatever you say." Babs pulled out of my grip roughly.
"What if I am?" I smiled smugly at her and put my arm around her shoulders.
"Then the world is gonna end a little sooner than everyone may think."
"Ha ha. Very funny." The bell rang once again. Late for another class.
Perfect. "Time for 'Toon Physics'. What a drag! If I don't make it out,
I'll either be on the ground, splattered by the stampede of students or
part of a science experiment."
"See ya third period then." We smiled. One day. Only one more day to see
the face of my best friend. Why did graduation hafta come so soon? Why
couldn't it be another year away?
Suddenly a classroom door opened, disrupting my thoughts. Professor Wile
E. stood in the doorway, tapping his foot impatiently on the floor.
"My keeper is calling," Babs replied, almost regretfully. She followed
Wile E. into the classroom, obediently. "Lead on, teach."
"Bye, Babsie," I muttered wistfully.
"Did I see what I thought I saw?" Plucky questioned slyly.
"Where did you come from, Plucky? Were you listening to us?" I demanded.
"Oh, I was around. So I noticed you have a thing for Babs, hmm?"
"Me? Babs? No! You've got it all wrong, Plucky!" I blushed.
"Do I?" Plucky peered keenly at my face.
"Completely," I muttered, struggling to hide my embarrassment.
"I wouldn't keep denying it, pal."
"Why?"
"Graduation, Buster! She'll disappear," Plucky snapped his fingers to illustrate.
"Just like that."
"I know that!" I practically screamed at Plucky.
I paused for a moment as I cleared my throat and lowered my tone slightly.
"But there's nothing I can do about it, Plucky. I can't very well put her
on a leash and drag her through life with me." I managed a smile.
"Why not?" Plucky questioned.
"Plucky, be reasonable," I smirked. I wished I could so badly, but…hey,
that's not such a bad idea! Maybe I could…what was I saying??? Babs was
a bunny, not a dog! Even though at times she did resemble one.
"Tell her, Buster. Then maybe you ask Babs to put in a good word in for
me to Shirley." Plucky nudged me, grinning. I rolled my eyes. "Think about
it, buddy."
"About what? About telling Shirley?"
"No!" Plucky reddened. "You know what I mean. Now come on. We're already
20 minutes late for 'Class Clowning'."
"I'm comin'! I'm comin'!" I knew Plucky was right. For once. I got it bad
for her. Real bad. I just don't have the guts to tell her. I can't. We
did go out once or twice, but neither of us took it seriously. And If Babs
ever started to act like she had a crush on me, it was only for a good
laugh. That's Babs for ya.
"It would help if you moved your legs, you know."
"All right," I grumbled. "Let's go." Hmm…maybe during class I can figure
out how to put it…'Babs, I've loved you from afar, but…' nah. I need something
better… 'Hey, Babsie. Nice weather, huh? I just wanted to tell you I love
you.'…nope…'Do you think I'm the right guy for you? Cause I know you're
the one!'…definitely not. I think I'll just hold off on the romance for
a while. You probably want to get back to the story anyway.
*
*
*
*
* *
"The last day of school…," I mused. Excited toons rushed throughout Acme
Looniversity, cheering and shouting for their deliverance.
"Oh migosh, where are you going for college?" a female toon queried ecstatically.
"Cedarbrooke!" the other responded.
"Oh migosh! So am I!"
"Oh migosh!"
"Wow! This is, like, totally awesome! Migosh!"
"Well, at least they know where they're going," I replied. "I don't even
have the slightest clue."
"Hey, blue ears! Still moping around, complaining about how much your life
stinks?" Babs grinned.
"What else is new?" I smiled. "I just wish I was like everyone else."
"You wanna be stupid?"
"No. I wanna know where I'm going. Where I'll end up. Everyone else seems
so sure of themselves. Except me."
"Well, what do you wanna study?"
"Hmm…taxidermy?"
"Yeah, sure. Why not?" Babs rolled her eyes in sarcasm.
"I'm not sure of anything, Babs. My past, my future, nothing!" I was tempted
to say 'except you, Babsie'. But let's not ruin the moment.
"Do you remember anything?"
"I was seven," I answered dryly. "All I remember is that I was found on
the streets and they put me in an orphanage. Until I was 11, when I took
off again to live on my own."
"Do you at least remember where they found you? Did anyone tell you about
it?"
"Well,…yeah. It's far though. Very far. Very very far." Maybe too far.
I couldn't leave without telling her, could I?
"Great! Then let's start looking for a college!" Babs proposed as she grabbed
my hand and took off. Now I'd finally be able to find my family! I would
finally find out who I was and where I belonged, but…was it worth losing
my best friend?
*
*
*
*
* *
I stood nervously on the stage as all of the names of my friends were called.
Me and the Pluckster finally
got into a college, Notur Bucksworth to be exact. It's around my family's
home. I hope.
"Buster
Bunny," Bugs called.
"Huh?"
I asked.
"Er-hem>!"
Bugs held out the diploma invitingly.
"Oh!"
I quickly dashed to Bugs' side, smiling sheepishly.
"You really
desiove dis, kid," Bugs congratulated. I gratefully accepted it from my
mentor.
"Thanks,
Bugs." He stretched out his hand to me, but I ignored it and hugged Bugs
tightly. "Thanks for everything." Bugs pushed away roughly.
"Whoa, kid. No touching da merchandise," Bugs replied dusting himself off
briskly. When he saw my shocked and hurt expression, the smile reappeared
on his face. "Comere n' give me a hug." I returned the smile and again
hugged him as tight as possible.
"I can't believe you're leaving me so quickly. Well, better now than later,"
he joked. I smiled. That's why I admired him-he was so perfect. Ready to
handle every situation. Unlike me.
Bugs quickly spin-changed into a genuine imitation of Abe Lincoln.
"Four
score and 7 minutes ago, after the occurrence of these toony events, we
hold dese truths ta be self-evident. Esteemed friends, honored guests,…and
you too, Daffy," Daffy smirked arrogantly.
"I'd like
to thank you all for coming to see dis, but personally I tink da students
can do dat better. So now dat all of da kids have got their diplomas, get
outta my gym!" Bugs grinned.
I turned to face the crowd and they cheered madly. Behind me, I heard Babs
whistling for me, but I had no real family out there. None at all. And
I was the only one. I spotted Babs' mother, Plucky's dad, and Hampton's
mom, dad, and Uncle Stinky. He even took a shower before he came.
"I never
knew I could feel so…alone," I whispered.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Let's
go celebrate!" Plucky suggested.
"Great
idea! Let's party! Buster and Babs style!" Babs exclaimed as she leaned
against me playfully. I grinned half-heartedly.
"Yeah!
Bring it on!" I shouted. Last day…the last day…of everything. I didn't
care that we were going to eat. I didn't care about anything except being
with my friends the last time. The last time…
I was
too occupied with my thoughts to realize we had finally reached Weenie
Burger. All of my childhood friends surrounded me cheerfully as I lay on
the table, trying to pretend everything was all right. Apparently it didn't
work, because Babs would continue to give me weird stares throughout the
entire night. I can't hide anything from her.
"To, like, a
great future or some junk!" Shirley proposed. All of the toons lifted
their glasses in agreement.
"Hey, Shirl,
how bout' we blow this pop stand and have our own party, hmm?" Plucky hissed
suggestively.
"Like, get real,
Plucky."
"But this is
the last time we'll be together!" Plucky protested.
"I've, like,
been spared," she retorted.
"You know you
want me." Shirley rolled her eyes in response. I stared at my glass, oblivious
of the conversations around me. I was concentrating so hard on the glass
that I thought at any moment it would crack. I mean, why it didn't break
is…
"Buster?" Babs
asked in concern. I didn't move a muscle. Suddenly, I felt her warm paw
tap my shoulder lightly. I leaped in surprise. "Don't have a heart attack,
Buster! It's just me."
"Oh," I sighed
in relief.
"What were you
trying to do? Telepathically contact your aura or something?"
"Yeah. The line
was busy," I replied. Babs smirked.
"So are you
gonna continue to channel spirits or do you wanna join us?"
"I think I'm
gonna go outside. Maybe it's the reception." I stood and trudged out of
the restaurant. All of my friends watched me exit in concern.
"Will he be
okay, Babs? I mean, I 'm not worried or anything, but he's my traveling
buddy to college! Whose ears will I yak off on the 3 hour trip?" Plucky
questioned.
"I'm not
sure." She took off after me.
"I'll
be back, babe," Plucky responded to Shirley as he followed Babs curiously.
"Buster, what's wrong? I know you didn't come out here just to talk to
your ancestors."
"It's…well…everything. Graduation, my past, us," I answered.
"Us, Buster?" Babs queried slyly. "What about us?" I blushed. I couldn't
tell her now, could I?
"Well,…it's just the fact that we've been together…well, forever and now
because of college we're gonna be separated."
"Are you sure that's it?"
"Uh…" Did I have the guts? "…yeah." Apparently not.
"Oh," she muttered, somewhat upset. "I'll miss you too."
"Yeah."
"Uh-huh."
"Yep." Uncomfortable silence. What could I say? 'I love you'? 'Isn't the
sky pretty today?' 'Good bye'?
"Babs," I began. "Why don't you come with me? We'll finally be together!
I don't want to leave you." Babs glanced at me.
"I mean, we're best friends, right?" I added quickly. "I don't wanna ruin
that."
"Aw, Buster don't worry bout' that," she smiled. "We'll always be friends.
And you'd better come back to Acme Acres during vacation time or I'll come
after you."
"But wouldn't it be easier if you just came?"
"I can't, Buster. I hafta take care of my family. You know I want to, but…"
"Please, Babs? Do it for me?" I begged.
"You don't think I want to, Buster?" she practically screamed. "But I'm
needed at home! Look let's not worry about this now. Let's have fun while
we can together."
"Babs, what are you talking about? This is it! I leave in the morning!
It's over!" I yelled in anger and frustration.
"But, Buster…"
"So goodbye, Babsie. I hope you have a good life!" I tore myself away from
her shocked gaze and started to leave.
"Same to you! Go! See if I care! I never liked you anyway!" Her last statement
hit me like a brick. She never liked me…then it was settled. I could never
tell her. I could never return. Returning would only bring back memories
of her and the feelings I had.
"Neither did I!" I spat out. "Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!!"
"Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!!!" I concluded as I dashed off again. After I had gotten a good
distance away, I paused and listened silently, making sure of my victory.
Over the distance I could hear crickets chirping and frogs croaking, but
over all of the noise I could hear clearly Babs' quiet sorrowful, "Goodbye."
*
*
*
*
*
I swung aimlessly in the tire swing by my burrow, deep in thought. Was
I making the right choice? What if my family turned out to be the exact
opposite of what I expected? Then would it be worth sacrificing our friendship?
"Buster! Buster!" Plucky called as he caught up to me.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"What happened back there?"
"What did it look like? I was saying my goodbyes."
"Buster, I told you to tell her how you feel."
"I did. I told her that I hated her guts and I never wanna see her again."
Plucky stared at me in disbelief. "Plucky, you can go, ya know."
"I can? Gee, thanks!" Plucky replied as he began to walk away. Before he
left, he peered at me over his shoulder. "Sure you'll be all right?"
"Yeah." I shuffled my feet in the dirt.
"Great! See you in the morning, kay?" I stared at the ground. Wondering,
fearing, about what I would find. Would I ever be able to replace Babs?
"Buster?"
I paused momentarily then sighed deeply.
"Yeah."
*
*
*
*
* *
E-mail me with comments!