When the Cameras aren't Filming (Part 10)
Beep Beep the Roadrunner, Wile E Coyote, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn and the rest are not my creations nor do I claim any rights over them (at all), and are being used in acknowledgment of that. While the Roadrunner is a property of Warner Brothers, Beep Beep the Roadrunner is the property of Gold Key Comics (to the best of my knowledge and abilities).
...
After putting gas in the tank and reading the troubling newspaper headline, the three friends returned to Beep Beep's house. Matilda was waiting for them on the porch as they pulled in.
"Beep Beep," she said as soon as she thought her husband could hear, which translates as "Is it true, honey-bunch? Have you been fired?"
"Beep Beep," he replied calmly, which translates as "Calm yourself my love. It's just rumor. If it were true, we would have heard something officially from the Studio by now. I know its hard, but try not to lose any sleep over this until it's official."
She rushed to him and put her wings about his chest. He returned her embrace with his wings over her wings.
"Beep Beep," she moaned, which translates as "Oh honey, what about the baby girl we want? I can't stand the thought of bringing another life into our lives if we can't raise her the way she would deserve."
"Beep Beep," he replied seriously, which translates as "I swear upon my love for you that one way or another, I'll take care of you, the boys, and any additions to the family that might come down the line now or in the future."
The two put there heads together as a gesture of unity and love, and rubbed their beaks along side the others with tender grace. Her eyes were closed tight, and Bugs was sure that she was fighting the urge to cry.
Bugs leaned over to Wile E and said quietly, "I tinks dey gots some serious stuff ta talks about, an I thinks dey needs dere alone time. I'll help unload his stuff to da kitchen, and den I'll take my stuff home. Can ya help me?"
Wile E nodded.
By the time that Bugs and Wile E had placed Beep Beep's purchases in the kitchen and stowed the milk in the fridge, they returned to find that Matilda was crying and shaking against Beep Beep. Beep Beep just stood as he tried to remain calm and looked sadly at Bugs and Wile E.
"Come on doc," said Bugs, "I tink we's getting in dere way here."
So Wile E helped Bugs take in his stuff next. Once everything was out of the trunk, the Coyote closed the trunk quietly as to not bother the Roadrunners.
As he was going back to the front door of Bug's house, he glanced out the parlor window at the two Roadrunners, and then signed to Bugs, 'Please drive me home.'
"Without saying good-bye?" he asked.
'I've imposed too much already', he signed, and another sign, 'It's best if I go for now'.
"Sure thing doc," he said, "but don't you have anything to pack before you go?"
'No' was the simple reply.
So Bugs led Wile E to his garage where he was keeping his Maserati Sebring, and the two got it. Bugs opened the door with the garage remote just before starting the engine. They pulled out as Wile E looked towards the two Roadrunners. He wasn't sure if he could see him, so he waved good-bye just in case he was looking that way.
Once they turned onto the street, Bugs remotely closed the garage door.
As they drove away, the Coyote looked over his shoulder and saw that Beep Beep was taking his wife up to the front door.
…
It seemed like only a short while before Wile E was standing at the door to his old trailer, waving good-bye to Bugs as he drove away. The two said nothing to each other as they drove. There was only the soothing music from the car radio to pass the time. Bugs always had a thing for the classical music of ages gone past, like Bach.
Even if he didn't have to go to work, he knew he had to go to the Studio and find out the truth as soon as the next day. It was lucky he still had enough cash stashed away to cover bus tickets for his trip to the studio.
But that would be tomorrow. He turned to his trailer and used the key under the rock to let himself in.
The old and familiar smells hit him like a brick, and he knew he was back in his old filthy digs. He went to his tattered recliner and sat down heavily, causing the chair to creak and protest. With a slight reach to the right, he turned on his almost antique radio.
"Coming up in our next segment, we'll be playing a hot new song, 'Who do you love?' by the Yardbirds. But first, a news break for all of you cartoon fans, rumors continue to fly about the possible firing of Beep Beep the Roadrunner from Warner Brothers Studios. It's still unofficial and rumor, but most people are taking this news as fact at this point. There will be a massive protest outside the gates of the Studio tomorrow in support of the beloved feathered actor. Apparently there is still no comment from the beloved bird."
He switched off the radio and went back to his bed. The day seemed to weight down on him, and he felt ready to sleep and perchance to dream.