Horton Hears the Who
The real story behind one of the biggest bands of all time.
(Note: I do not own any of the characters used in this story [real or fiction])
Chapter 4: Walk Through the Mirror Door
Horton decided that with this portal discovered that he and The Who should have a proper meeting. However, since The Who were now celebrities in Nool Horton was struggling to find a safe location.
"How bout you come to us?"
"To New York?"
"Or L.A. Whatever you're in the mood for."
"I guess New York could work. Are you guys safe there?"
"We're safe when we're in the apartment. Out there it's like a girl frenzie."
"So, I guess the album's doing well?"
"Well? It's exploded!" said Roger as the others band members chimed in with agreement.
"Yes! I knew you guys could do it!"
"We owe quite a bit of it to you, Horton."
"Did I really help that much?"
"Of course. You told us which songs to keep and which to trash, what to call certain songs, and what order to perform our songs in. You're a true friend Horton. You really are."
"Aside from the fact that that was super mushy, I agree with everything Keith said."
"Thanks guys." Horton responded to his clover, "I'm really touched."
"We definitely owe you one."
"Consider it a favor."
"No, we have to do something for you."
"Really guys. Just seeing you finally succeed after all your hard work is reward enough for me."
"That's a lie."
"I'm being serious."
"That's what everyone says when they want something but just want to be nice. Tell us something you want to come true."
"Anything?" Horton asked his musically gifted human friends.
"Anything.", Pete replied.
"I'd like to see my parents again."
"Done.", answered Roger.
"But don't you wanna hear more details first?"
"We'll find out more when you come and visit. See you soon, Horton!"
"See you soon." Horton responded as he slowly lowered his clover. He wasn't sure how the boys were going to make his biggest dream come true but he was excited to find out.
Horton arrived two days later in New York. Since he had already seen the boys in person he was less nervous than he would have been if this really was their first meeting however, Horton couldn't help but feel slightly apprehensive. The Who had promised to find his parents. Even Nool's top detectives couldn't find them. How could a few musicians be successful? As the taxi approached The Who's building Horton put on a brave face. His parents were not the main concern of this visit. This meeting was first and foremost designed to celebrate the great partnership that had been established. Horton wasn't about to let his nerves get in the way of that.
The members of The Who had put aside whatever was on their schedules to ensure that nothing would get in the way of their meeting. They hired someone to clean their apartment. Pete even shaved. Although the boys and Horton had already met this was an official meeting. As they had done with the record company the wanted to make a good impression. If anything went wrong Horton might never trust them again.
"I feel like I'm waiting for a blind date." Keith said as he attempted to adjust his tie.
"Just relax, he'll be here."
As soon as Roger spoke the doorbell rang. The entire band turned into statues. They had seen Horton, live and in the flesh. Why were they so nervous to open the door? Pete was the first to step forward. As he opened the door a huge smile appeared on Horton face. Suddenly, everyone's fears disappeared. It was as if the boys and Horton had known each other for years. All they were doing was reuniting.
Horton and the boys talked for what seemed like hours. The conversation seemed to flow effortlessly from one topic right into another. The elephant and the humans came to realize they had more in common besides music. From sports, to favorite foods, even political views it was hard to believe that members of two different species were so much alike. However, after many hours of food and fun conversation Horton couldn't help but bring up the topic he had been thinking about since he stepped into The Who's humble abode.
"Guys, remember how you said you would do anything for me?"
"W hat? You want to change your answer?"
"No, I was just wondering if you made any headway."
"Don't worry Horton. We have a private detective on the case."
"But you don't even know my parents names and what they look like."
"Well we assumed they looked a little like you."
"Keith, don't be smart."
"Sorry."
"What Keith means is that we gave him your info to start. If he hits a dead end we'll get more info from you."
"I appreciate this guys but other people have tried to track down my parents and they've been unsuccessful. I just don't want to be let down again."
"We'll come through for you Horton. We promise." Roger said as he put his arm around Horton's shoulder.
"Thanks guys."
"You know it probably wouldn't hurt to get some details on your folks."
"Yeah. What would you like to share with us, Horton?"
"Well, I guess I'd better start from the beginning." Horton took a deep breath, followed by a sip of water, and began to tell the story of his parents' disappearance.
"I've told you before how my parents helped establish Nool's first radio station, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, the radio station took off without a hitch. My parents were encouraged to establish a sister station in Gool, Nool's neighboring jungle. Since the opportunity would mean financial gain for our family my parents couldn't say no. So, they left me with my Grandma Willemena and left for Gool. Gool is only forty miles west of Nool. They were only hired to get the radio station set up. They were expected to return within a few weeks. But they never came back. My grandmother raised me until I was old enough to live on my own. However, my parents are still M.I.A.
"We're sorry, Horton."
"It's not your fault."
"Thanks for giving us more details. We now know where to look."
"Just out of curiosity, what were your parents' names?"
"George and Abigail."
"We'll let our private investigator know."
"Thanks guys for your help."
"Horton, not to be sap but you gave us our career. We'll do anything to give back to you."
"I'd suggest a hug but…"
"That's definitely going over the line."
"How about a toast then?"
"To?"
"Us. We're the weirdest group of friends you'll ever meet. But we couldn't be happier."
"Here, here!"
The gang clanged water glasses and beer bottles in celebration of the great bond that they had made. As dedicated as his friends were he still had doubts regarding their abilities to make his dreams come true.
Horton went back to Nool after spending two days hanging out with The Who. Things were quiet for a few days. He just assumed he band was too busy with gigs or press related things to talk to him. Almost a week went by before Horton heard anything. After five days (the longest time Horton had gone without speaking to his friends) Horton decided to take action. But before Horton could speak into the clover Roger's voice rang out.
"Horton are you there?"
"Yes. What happened? I haven't heard from you guys in forever. Did you have another press engagement?"
"Actually, we were busy meeting with our private investigator."
"Really?" Horton screeched as his gigantic ears perked up.
"Yes, Horton please tell me you're sitting down?"
"I am. Why? Is there good news?"
"Yes. We might have found your parents."
Horton could not believe the words that he was hearing. His parents, who had missed seeing him grow into the mature adult elephant he was today, were so close to being reunited with him. Horton was so excited and overjoyed he could barely speak. After what seemed like hours for Roger, Horton regained his ability to speak.
"Thank you." was all he was able to say.
"We told you already. It's the least we can do. But there is one more thing."
"Uh-oh. Buts in a conversation aren't normally good."
"The p.i. thought it'd be best if you went with him to retrieve your parents. However, considering that this will be an emotional experience for you we figured it'd be best if your greatest friends went with you. So, we've cleared our schedules. Horton, you, me and the rest of the band are taking an all expense paid trip to Nool!"
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