CHAPTER 7
Haunted Forestclass had been cut short. With Thatch and Mantha gone missing, and the raccoons attempting to swipe Frankengym teacher's shiny bolts, everyone was exhausted. The search effort was successful and everyone passed for their show of bravery. Surviving in the fleshie world, in the wild, was an impressive feat.
As equipment and gear were being loaded to the ship, Ra wanted to hear the story again about the big harry creature she and Thatch encountered.
"Well, and I'm not sure what surprised me the most: this creature I've never seen before or Thatch." Mantha shrugged. She looked happy still wearing the vampire's cape.
"Yeah, that's totally different of him." Ra smiled. "I wonder if he wants it back." He gestured over to the right where Thatch was alone, not having met up with his gang, and was just dusting off the last bit of sand and dirt from his white button shirt.
"I'll be right back." The zombie smiled and jogged off in his direction.
Thatch fixed his chain and preened a bit more until he saw Mantha approach.
"Hey, Thatch." Mantha spoke quietly. "I thought you might like this back." She started to untie the knot at the front, but Thatch held up a hand.
"No, you can keep it." He said.
"Why?" Then she said playfully. "Those zombie germs?"
"Yeah, something like that." He put his hands in his pockets and smiled with a shrug.
'What a smart alec.'
Mantha said nothing and only smiled while the vampire boy crossed his arms grinning mischievously. He was closing his eyes ready for well deserved yawn. Mantha noted his exhaustion. In that moment, Thatch felt something on his right cheek. He opened his eyes and looked down. Mantha had kissed him.
"Thank you." She whispered. She saw the look on his face. He was speechless.
Thatch put his hand on the cheek she kissed and watched her go.
Ra just stared. Casper hadn't noticed.
"Woah..." The mummy was shocked.
"What's wrong Ra?" Casper asked.
"Uh, nothing, uh," Ra smiled looking for an excuse. "Hey, look what time it is. We better find a seat."
"Hey guys wait up!" Mantha called. Catching up to her friends, black cape dazzling behind her, they made their way toward the great vessel that brought them all there.
'Wow. Does this mean she likes me?' Thatch looked down at his hand and watched Mantha climb the vessel's ramp. His first kiss!
"Hey you blood sucking squid!" The captain called out. "Get your skinny hind quarters up here before we leave ye behind!"
Not having anything witty to say back, Thatch proudly ascended the same path his zombie girl took.
