A Fresh Present from A Shattered Past
Part 2
Chapter 9
Life Marches On
Two years had passed since the two tragic deaths of Jenna and Alue and Balto was finally able to move on. A lot had changed in the two years following Balto's return from the Calcutta pack; Duke got a job flying the mail from Nome to White Mountain and Balto would soon have a litter of pups with his new mate Dusk.
They had met in town nine months before after Duke arrived in the bush plane, thus completing his mail run. Dusk had seen the plane land and was mesmerized by its majestic power. She couldn't help but let her curiosity control her actions and she began the hundred yard pad over to the post office. Duke landed in the snow and walked carelessly into the post office to collect his monthly paycheck with a bag of return mail slung over his shoulder. Dusk paused in an alley way that ran down the eastern side of the post office and gazed out at the machine before her. Balto jumped out from the cock pit in his normal way and landed lightly to the ground below. Balto shook himself loose then turned and caught site of the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes upon.
Dusk was a lean light grey husky with a bushy tail and long muzzle that became smaller and thinner until it came to a sharp black tip. As she approached Balto saw that she had one brown eye while the other was baby blue, white socks on her front paws and he couldn't help but notice that she had a slight bounce with every step she took. Balto couldn't help but stare and when she moved her eyes in his direction, he ducked around behind the plane in hopes that she didn't see him. Dusk reached the wing and sniffed it lightly. Balto peeked around and smiled. Balto rounded the front of the plane so her back faced him. There he stood for a few moments trying to gain his courage. He cleared his throat and the beautiful dog jumped in surprise.
"I'm sorry," Balto began, "I didn't mean to startle you."
The beautiful husky turned to face him.
"No, It's okay." Her voice was soft and had a flow and texture like smooth golden honey.
She smiled and Balto melted slightly. Dusk glanced to her left and took a long look at the machine that towered above them.
"It's like nothing you've ever experienced in your life," Balto said coolly and jerked his head to the plane, "When you're in the air, all of your troubles, your worries, they just disappear." Balto finished with a smile and realized with haste that he hadn't even introduced himself.
"I'm so sorry," Balto began, "My name is Balto; and the pilot, Duke is my owner."
"Balto… Hey! You're that dog in the papers. What you did was really incredible."
Balto knew that he was blushing beat red under his fur.
"I'm Dusk by the way. My humans and I just moved here from Anchorage."
"Well, I hope you like it here."
It's nice," Dusk began, "it's quiet and has beautiful scenery."
"Just wait," Balto began, "whenever Duke comes out I can show you it all from the air; that is, of course if you want to."
Would you do that for me? It's so hard to find dogs as polite and considerate as you."
Duke stepped out of the post office and walked slowly over to the plane. He saw Balto with Dusk and smiled.
"Well, well, Balto; looks like you found yourself a new friend."
Balto smiled and looked at Dusk then at the plane. Duke knew what he wanted.
"Of course," Duke replied with a smile.
Balto jumped up onto the wing and Dusk followed. He climbed up into the back seat and Dusk did so as well, though she was a little hesitant. She made it safely into the seat and squeezed in next to Balto. Duke at that time climbed onto the wing and took his seat.
"You nervous?" Balto asked in a joking tone.
Dusk only smiled.
"When Duke is ready to start it up you may want to cover your ears, this thing is louder than an angry grizzly that has been hit in the nose by a porcupine."
Dusk laughed and covered her ears with her paws. There was a grind and a shake then the plane erupted to life. Balto tapped Dusk on the shoulder and she dropped her paws down. Duke checked the controls and then began coaxing out of the town.
"Hold on tight," Balto said playfully as the plane slowly began to rise.
Dusk was completely blown away. It was just as Balto had said it would be; her troubles just melted away and as she craned her head over the side and saw the landscape rolling beneath them she found a tear come to her eye.
- The flight lasted for about fifteen minutes and once said time was finished, they landed and slid to a stop outside the post office.
"So, how was it," Balto asked playfully.
"You were right, that was probably the most fun I've had in my life," Dusk said still smiling from ear to ear.
She glanced back behind her and sighed.
"Well, I'd better be getting home," Dusk said in a saddened tone.
"Well, where do you live? I mean I don't want you getting lost or anything," Balto swept his paws nervously across the snow. "Maybe I could walk you home."
Dusk gave him a coy look.
"I'd like that very much."
Duke smiled and watched the pair as they walked side by side down the sidewalk.