Hello all! Sorry for the delay. I had hoped the summer would give me more opportunities to write, but I've actually been busier. I'll try to update more often from now on, but I've gotten a job, so I can't guarantee anything. Anyway, I've split this chapter into two parts, both from Louis' point of view. Enjoy the story!
Louis POV
I stared after Toby, into the woods. My thoughts were a jumble of He kissed me He kissed me He kissed me.
I still wasn't sure how to feel about it. I mean, it was nice, but wasn't I in love with Peaches?
What am I doing? I questioned. I should be going after Toby!
I ran into the woods, staying above ground in case Toby left any prints.
"Toby!" I shouted, "Toby!" I ran as fast as my little legs would carry me.
I ran and ran, eventually resorting to digging to gain speed. I had to find Toby. I still didn't know how I felt about about kissing him, but he was one of my best friends. I couldn't lose him.
I kept going until my eyes could no longer peirce the dark. I shouted Toby's name until my voice grew hoarse, then turned and began my slow journey home.
Buck was the first to notice me as I walked toward the cave. The spark in his eyes changed to worry as he realized Toby wasn't with me.
"Where's Toby?" He asked drawing the attention of the rest of the group.
"He ran away..." I mumbled.
''What, why?" Exclaimed Manny.
"H-he... He kissed me." I admitted.
"What?" The whole group shouted.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Buck and Miles exchange a glance.
"But why did he run away?" Sid asked.
"I guess he thought that I... We would hate him." I said.
"Why's that?" Asked Crash.
"Yeah, he's pretty cool. We don't care if he likes dudes." Eddie added.
"We're all a little weird. What's a little more?" Manny said.
"We've gotta go find him!" I exclaimed, cutting through the chatter.
"It's to late tonight. We won't be able to see him." Ellie said."We should all get some rest and search in the morning."
I curled up underground, underneath the tree Peaches was hanging from. I still didn't know how to feel about Toby kissing me. I mean, I liked him, and I guessed he was attractive, but I wasn't sure if I liked him romantically. But I had kissed him, and I had liked it.
Ugh, I thought, why does this have to be so complicated?
I rolled over and tried to sleep. I still couldn't sleep after what I assumed was a few hours, so I got up and decided to go on a walk to try to clear my mind.
The starlight tricked through the trees as I walked through the dark forest.
"What am I going to do?" I whispered to no one in particular.
I heard a rustling behind me and saw the familiar shape of a teenage mammoth coming toward me.
"Louis, is that you?" Peaches' sleepy voice asked.
"Hey Peach..." I said.
"What're you doing out here?"
"Just thinking."
"About Toby?" She asked gently. I didn't reply.
"Thought so." She whispered. She sat down, picked me up in her trunk, and set me on her tusk.
"I'm so confused! I didn't expect this at all! I don't know how to deal with this!" I shouted, exasperated.
"Shhh..." Peaches stroked my spines with her trunk. I laughed sadly.
"We should get some sleep." Peaches said. "We've got a lot of searching to do."
"Yeah..." I sighed. "Thanks, Peaches."
"No problem."
I climbed up onto Peaches' back, buried my face in her fur, and quickly fell asleep.
