Chapter Two
Virginia was still shaking. She couldn't hold her tears anymore and started to cry. Lucy was cold as ice. She didn't bother herself by trying to calm Virginia. Instead she opened her wine bottle and started to drink.
- It is time.
- Time for what?- Asked Wolf, while he was trying to calm his wife.
- Time to get drunk. It's fullmoon tonight, remember?- Lucy replied with an angry tone.
- Cripes! What am I supposed to do? Virginia, do you have any suggestions for tonight?
Virginia looked into Wolf's eyes. She realized that she's in danger. She might gethurt or even die if these two half wolves feel hungry tonight.
- Wolf, Lucy said that she'll get drunk so she would sleep tonight. Why don't you do the same?
- You're afraid that we might eat you?- Wolf felt guilty.
- To tell the truth.. yes. If I get hurt what will happen to Mike? What would you do?
- Huff-puff. I won't touch you. I swear. (scratches his head) I will drink, too. I will sleep and you won't get hurt.
Virginia smiled. She loved her husband, and no matter how he would hurt her, she never complained about that. She looked into Wolf's eyes, and so did Wolf. The came closer and kissed eachother. Lucy noticed them. So, she changed her position so she wouldn't end up staring at them. Wolf came and sat near Lucy.
- May I have a drink too?
- Only if you say the magic word.- Lucy replied and continued drinking.
- The magic word? Huff-puff! I..oh I don't remember it Virginia! What was the magic word?
- Please.- Said Virginia with a sad voice.
- Oh, oh, yes. Please! May I drink too, please?
- sure you can, here.
Lucy gave him another bottle that she had in her bag.
- Thank you.
He started to drink. Looking at Virginia, who was sitting near the little fire that they made.
Lusy started to sing, she was drunk already. Wolf was nervous. he felt his body get warmer. He knew that he was getting drunk, too. Each one of them drank three bottles. he continues drinking. Virginia came close and took the bottle from his hand and started swallowing the wine like it was water.
- I want to sleep, too.
She gave the bottle to Wolf and went back to her place near the fire and tid to sleep. But she couldn't. Lucy's voice was sweet, but too loud. She didn't say anything, because no one would listen.
Now, it was Wolf's turn to join Lucy. They sang, drank. Suddenly Wolf noticed the moon. It was as bright as it could be. He howled. His eyes turned into yellow. He drank again, and the yellow color faded. Howled again and fell asleep.
Lucy was still singing. Suddenly she felt strange. Howled, looked around her and saw Virginia sleeping, and decided to have dinner. She took a knife out of her bag and went toward Virginia. She was close enough when she raised her hand to stab Virginia. At that moment Virginia opened her eyes, and saw Lucy's yellow eyes which were full of anger. She yelled as loud as she could.
- No! Wolf! Help!
Before Lucy could move her hand, she flew away from Virginia. Wolf pulled her from behind and threw her away. He was shaking.
- Are you all right?- He asked Virginia.
- yes, I am. Watch out!
Lucy came running from behind trying this time to stab her knife into Wolf's back. He turned and held her hands. Trying to force her to throw the knife away. His eyes were yellow again, his canines grew longer. He bit Lucy's wrist. She threw the knife. He pushed her away from him, but she attacked again. They fell on the ground, rolling over, trying to bite eachother. Virginia couldn't move. She was terrified of what was happening. Wolf was still trying to hold Lucy back. But, no success. So, he gathers all his power and push heras far as he could away from him, using his legs. He made it. Lucy was pushed away. She fell and hit her head to a rock. She lied there without any signs of life.
Wolf walked to her side. He was swinging. He stood beside her and tried to move her with his leg.
- She's over.- He said and fell on the ground.
- Oh my God! Is she dead?- Virginia ran toward Lucy. Checked her pulse and breath. She was alive. She checked on Wolf. he was sleeping.
She noticed a dark spot on the rock on which Lucy fell. The moon was bright enough to make Virginia recognize blood.
- Oh God. She's alive, but she would die if she keeps bleeding.
Virginia brought a towel that she kept in her bag. She covered Lucy's head with it, but she wasn't sure if the bleeding had stopped. And after aiding Lucy's bitten wrist, she pulled her near the fire, and managed to pull Wolf, too. Although he was heavy enough for her. Virginia didn't sleep all night. She was watching over Lucy, trying to keep the fire so she would feel warm.
At dawn Wolf woke up. Scratching his head and nose. He had an awful headache. He held his head with both of his hands.
- Cripes! How much did I drink?
- A lot!- Virginia's voice was full of anger.
Wolf noticed that now they had a patient, whose head was covered with a towel. He didn't recognize Lucy.
- Who's that? Where did he or she come from? And where's Lucy?
Virginia was surprised with these questions.
- Don't you remember anything?
- No, who's this?
- This is Lucy. She's wounded. You both had a fight last night.
- A fight? You must be kidding.
- No, I'm not.- Virginia's voice sounded like she didn't want to say it, but she had to.
- Huff-puff, but why?
- It was a full moon night. She tied to kill me, and you stopped her.- And Virginia told him what happened. He couldn't believe what he heared.
- Did I do that? Huff-puff! I feel terrible!
- I would have been dead if you wouldn't have been there.
- Cripes! Really? Are you O.K.? I don't remember anything at all!
- I'm all right. But she's not.
Lucy opened her eyes slowly. She was hurting. Virginia was cleaning her wounds on the wrist, head. But she didn't make a sound.
- She's hurting.- Said Wolf.- I can feel it.
- I know, but I have to do this, otherwise it would get infected.- Said Virginia, as she continued cleaning the wound.
Finally, she was finished. Lucy was awake now, but she didn't talk. Her tears were going down her cheek, but she didn't make a sound. She tryed to sit, but couldn't.
- No, Lucy, don't get up. Not now.- Said Virginia.
- I have a terrible headache. What happened?
- You had a fight with Wolf last night. Don't you remember?
- No. What for?
Virginia didn't want to tell the truth, so she wouldn't hurt her feelings. But Wolf jumped into the conversation:
- You tryed to eat my wife!
- What?!
She gathered all the power she almost had in her and managed to sit, holding her head:
- Eat Virginia? I couldn't! Why? How?
- You were drunk, and it was fullmoon.- Said Virginia in a low voice, without looking at her.
Wolf couldn't hold his anger:
- You said that you were drinking wine to sleep! But instead you jumped on my wife!
- I feel terrible.. Virginia I'm sorry. I really don't remember anything of that. I don't know what to say. I'm really sorry.
- It's O.K. Lucy. The important thing now is that you must get some rest.- She looked at Wolf and continued.- Wolf, stop complaining. I'm all right, she's the one who's hurt.
Wolf didn't say anything. He turned back and went to sit under a tree near them. He felt guilty about what he did to Lucy. But also he was glad that his wife wasn't hurt.
- Anthony, are you still sleeping?- Asked Wendell and entered Tony's room.
Tony was sitting near the window. He didn't sleep all night.
- I'm awake. I couldn't sleep. I feel that there's something wrong.
- Well, I couldn't sleep either.
- Really?
- Yes. I don't know why. I had a strange feeling as you did.
Wendell and Tony realized that this day is the end of it. There were two ways.
One: The queen would kill everyone and rule.
Two: Virginia and Wolf would beat her and return to the palace with Mike.
Both of them hoped that the second would be true. But the first was more typical for the queen. She wouldn't get defeated. Not this time.
Virginia started to pack the bags, Wolf was still sitting under the tree. She felt guilty somehow. So, she went toward him:
- Wolf, honey.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you.
- It's O.K. dear. That's not what I'm thinking about.
- Then, what is it?
- I'm thinking about this evening. What'll happen?
- I'm scareed to think about that. Look, we will plan something on the way to the lake, O.K.?
She sat infront of him, held his face with both of her hands and continued:
- I don't want to lose you, and I don't want to lose our son. I won't let that happen.
Finally Wolf smiled, hugged her, kissed her lips and said:
- Come on, let's get movin'.
- Let's go.
They helped Lucy to get up. She felt dizzy. Wolf helped her. He held her for a while, then she decided to walk alone.
- Wolf, I can walk by my self from here.
- Are you sure?
- yes.
On the half of the way to the lake, they stopped to have a rest. They sat under a giant tree. Suddenly they felt a strange movement behind them. The gorund under them and the tree were shaking. The tree started to talk:
- Who are you?- It said with a mysterical voice.
Virginia was frightened. They all were surprized.
- We..uh..we are.. uh..- Virginia couldn't continue.
- We are tourists!!- Said Wolf.
- Liars! You are not tourists. No one comes here to spend a vacation. Why are you here
Virginia gathered her thoughts and said:
- O.K., you're right. We're not tourists. We are going to the lake in the middle of the forest, to meet the queen. She has kidnapped our son.
- And she wants me.- Said Wolf.
- You know that you are in danger don't you? No one lives after reaching the lake.
- Huff-puff! why?!- Asked Wolf and scratched his head.
- Is the queen that we must be aware of?- Asked Lucy.
- It's the lake.- The tree replied.- I can give you two advices only. Don't drink the water, no matter how thirsty you are, and do not look into it.
- Cripes! I knew that something would come up!
Wolf scratches his head again and stands beside Virginia, and asks the tree:
- Uh, Mr. Tree, what should we do to return alive? All of us, including my baby.
- Do not drink the water, do not look into it.- Said the tree and it started to shake again. And the voice dissapeared.
- Great! Now what'll we do?!- Asked Wolf.
- We must plan something, so none of you would get hurt.- Said Lucy.
- But what should we do?- Asked Virginia, but she didn't get a reply. They started to think about how can they get Mike back and survive. After one hour they got up and continued to the lake.
Finally, they reached the lake. It wasn't sunset yet, but they didn't have much time either. Virginia felt thirsty, she walked toward the lake to get drink of water. When she got on her knees, Lucy shouted:
- Virginia! No! Don't drink that! Remember what the tree said?
At once, Virginia got up, rubbing her hands on her jeans to dry.
- Oh my God! What was I thinking? Thanks Lucy. You saved my life.
Menawhle Wolf was busy in searching for the place where the queen would show up. He walked around the shore for a while, then came back where Virginia and Lucy were.
- I don't know where would she be.- He said.
Virginia stood beside him, held his hand and said:
- Wolf, I don't want you to get hurt. I don't wanna lose you. If anything would happen to you, I won't live.
He looked into her eyes. He smiled so gently, held her face in his hands, his lips touching hers and said:
- My creamy girl, I won't let you lose me.
Then to ease the situation, he put his hands on his waist and said in a funny tone:
- Leave you alone so someone else would come and eat you? No, no, you're mine, and I'm the only one who is allowed to eat you.
He nodded his head, with a big smile on his face. Virginia smiled back, then she hugged him so strongly.
At that moment they noticed that Lucy wasn't talking or moving. She was sitting under a tree staring at one point in the woods. Virginia came near her and asked:
- Lucy, are you all right? What are you looking at? Lucy talk to me.- She shaked her a little.
- Virginia, I.. i..
- What is it?
Lucy's eyes were wide opened staring at one point.
- What's happening to her?- Asked Wolf.
- Lucy, you're scaring me. What's wrong? Tell me!- Asked Virginia.
- Virginia, I .. I can't..
- You can't what?- Virginia held Lucy's face in her hands.- What is it?
- I can't see! I can't see! It's black every where!
Virginia moved back. She was terrified. She looked at Wolf, whose face skin was pale, and looked back to Lucy.
- Lucy, you're joking, right?- She asked.
- No Virginia. I can't see anything. I'm scared.
Wolf just stood there. Didn't know what to do or what to say. He felt guilty., because he was the one who had a fight with Lucy last night and caused her to wound her head.
- What have I done! Cripes! Oh.. Cripes!- He screamed holding his head wit both of his hands.
he fastly came and got down on his knees in front of Lucy:
- Lucy can you see me? Huff-puff! Please say that you're joking.. Oh please.
- I.. I..
- Wolf, she really can't see.- Whispered Virginia.
- It's all my fault.
- No Wolf, don't blame yourself.- Said Lucy.- It's not your fault.
- The how did it happen?- he asked.
- I.. I.., I looked.. into.., I looked into the water.
- What?! You reminded me not to drink, and you forgot that? You looked into the water!! Oh Lucy! Why did you do that?- Virginia was anablr to control herself- Why did you do that?!
- Virginia, calm down!- Wolf tried to stop her from talking more. He succeeded.
- I just couldn't keep my eyes off the water. It was so pure, so blue. But suddenly it turned black. And everything turned black, and i couldn't see.- She started to cry.- I'm really sory, i'm trying to help you, but instead, I'm making more problems.
Wolf and Virginia tried to calm her, but she continued crying. Now she felt a pain. She held her head with both of her hands:
- My head.. it's painful.
- Oh my God, not this one. Wait, let me change the bandage.
Virginia brought a new bandage that she had in her bag. She took off the old one, and after cleaning the wound with some normal water that they had, she put the other bandage.
- Here it is. How do you feel now?- She asked.
- It's the same. I feel like my whole body is in pain.
- You must have some rest.- Said Wolf.- Just lie down, and try to sleep. We'll take care of you.
They went to a place which was away from the lake. They helped Lucy to lie down. She couldn't stop her tears . Her wounds were painful. But after a while, she fell asleep.
Finally, it was sunset. Virginia was getting more and more nervous. She was thinking about her husband's and son's destinies. What would happen to them, what will her "dead" mother do?
Wolf smelled something:
- It's her. She's here. But I don't see her.
- Are you sure?- Asked Virginia.
- I never miss a smell.- he replied.
- Wolf, I'm scared.
- Don't be scared my love. Just go and sit beside Lucy. I'll handle this.
He kissed her lips, hugged her, like he was saying don't wait for me. When he turned to go to the lake, Virginia, with tearful eyes, said:
- Wolf, please be careful.
- I will creamy girl.
- And please come back with Mike.
- I will. I promise. And no matter what, remember.. I love you.
- I love you too.
He left. Virginia sat under the tree, waiting for her husband to come. Hoping that he would return with their son. Both aive and unharmed.
Tony was walking in the corridors. He didn't know what to do, so he went out, to the garden. After a few minutes, Wendell joined him.
- Anthony, I see that you are concerned.
- I'm just tired of sitting, that's all.
- I don't think so. You have everything you need here. You never get tired or bored. Tell me what's concerning you. Is it Virginia?
- Yes. I don't know how is she doing out there, and I'm sitting here, like I don't care at all!
Wendell decided that it is time for them to go to the lake.
- Do you want to go there?
A smile raised on Tony's face.
- I thought you'ld never ask. Come on! Let's go!
- All right, just as soon as the servants prepare the horses.
- Horses? No way! I'm not riding a horse! Not even for a million dollars!
- O.K. then, we'll take the wagon.
Wendell called a servant, ordered him to prepare a wagon for them. After 20minutes king Wendell and Tony left the palace, heading to the lake.
Wolf stood alone at the shore. He was waiting for someone or something to show up. Suddenly, he felt the ground moving. The calm, blue lake turned into a black, wild, wavy one.
Wolf didn't move. He thought that he might get hurt if he did so. He saw a big hole in the middle of the lake. It grew bigger, and a huge rock appeared in it. It raised, andthen he saw her at last. Queen Christine. Standing like a rock herself. Wearing all black. When Wolf saw her he thought - "There she is. Huff-puff, she hasn't changed".
- Hello Wolf.- She called.- It's been a long time.
- Where's my son.- He replied, trying to appear as much confident as he could.
- Oh, he's fine. He's here.- (Pointing to a rock behind her)- So, where's your precious wife?
- here in the woods. Now, you wanted me. I'm here. Give me back my son.
An evil smile rose on her face. She picked the child, who didn't realize what was going on. he saw his father and suddenly said:
- Dada.
Wolf was surprised. That was Mike's first word ever.
- Huff-puff! He spoke!
Mike started to cry. The queen got closer to the water and dropped the child in it.
- No! What're you doing?!- Wolf jumped into the water, trying to save his son. While he was swimming toward him, he started to feel weak. he felt pai in ach muscle in his body. The queen stood there, on the huge rock in the middle of the lake, smiling and watchng how Wolf was dying, while he was trying to save his son.
- You'll die before you can get to him.- She said.
Finally, Wolf raeched to his son. He held him above the surface of the water. he was getting more weaker.
The smile on the queen's face dissapeared when she someone on the shore. She knew that person, but she didn't expect to see her.
Virginia was holding a little stone in her hand. Tears on her face. Her eyes were red. She has been crying all the time since Wolf left to the lake.
- You will not take my husband and son from me!- She said.
- Oh, I'm not taking them. I don't want them. But, the Magic Lake does. Look at your beloved husband. he's dying without realizing that.
- I hate you!- Shouted Virginia and throwedthe stone to the queen.
The little stone flew forward. It started to shone, and suddenly it turned into an arrow. Before she can move, she put her hand on her neck. She couldn't stop the bleeding. Virginia watched her mother dying for the second time. But this time it was forever. A big hole opened under the queen's feet. She turned into ash, and dissapeared. The hole was closed. The huge rock dissapeared. Wolf was getting closer to the shore. Virginia ran to him, took Mike from his hands and brought him out of the water.
- Stay here honey, I'll bring daddy and we'll be back, O.K.?
She ran into the water again. Wolf was floating on the surface, face down. She pulled him to the shore. His skin was pale. He wasn't breathing.
- Wolf, can you hear me?- She called, but there was no reply.
- Wolf! Oh my God, he's not breathing! Wolf! Please don't die, don't leave me! Not now!
Tony noticed that someone was sitting under a tree.
- Wendell, there's someone there. Looks like it's a woman.
- Yes, I see her. We'll ask her if she saw them.
Lucy was waiting for Virginia to come back. She was afraid to move. She couldn't see anything, so she was afraid to leave the place.
The wagon stopped. Tony and Wendell got off and came to her. Tony asked:
- Excuse me Miss. have you seen a couple who were trying to get to a lake?
- You mean Virginia and Wolf?- She turned her head toward the voice.- Who is this?
- I'm Virginia's father.- He noticed that she couldn't see him. he waved his hand in front of her eyes. No reaction.
- You can't see me, right? Oh.. How're we supposed to find them?
- Wolf went to the lake a while ago. Then Virginia followed him.- She replied.
- How do you know it was them, if you can't see?- Tony asked.
- Yesterday I was fine. I got blinded today. It's a long story.
Wendell was fascinated with her beauty. He was standing there, his mouth opened. Then he recalled himself and asked:
- Excuse me Miss. Could you please tell us how to find them?
- I know that voice! You're the king, right?
- yes he is.- Replied Toney.- Now can you tell us how to find them? Please!
- I can't tell on which direction they went, but I know that we aren't so far from the lake.
- O.K., thanks. Wendell, I'm going to find them.
- Go Anthony, I'll help this young lady here.
Tony left, trying to find the lake. It was so close, but they couldn't see it from where they were. When he finally gt to the lake he saw Virginia pulling Wolf out of the water and trying to bring him back to life.
- Wolf, please don't leave me!- She was trying to give him rescue breaths. But, no use.
- Wolf! No!- She shouted as she started to cry.
- Virginia, what happened?- Asked Tony.- What's wrong with him?
- Dad he's.. he's dead!
- Oh my God.- tony fell on his knees, knowing not what to do.
Virginia was mourning her husband's death. She was holding him tight in her arm. Suddenly his skin color got back to normal, he started to breath.
- You'll break my ribs.- He whispered with his eyes closed.
She looked at him surprised. She didn't believe what she heard.
- Wolf? You're alive?
- Maybe.- He said with a tired voice.
- Oh my God! Dad! he's alive!
She hugged him tight.
- Oh, Wolf, thank God! You're alive! Mikey, daddy's alive!
Mike walked to them and said:
- Dada.
- Yes son, I'm here.
- Wha.. Mike what did you just say?- She looked at her son, not believing what was going on.- You said dada?
Tony quickly came near to them.
- Wolf, are you O.K.?
- I'm all right Tony, I just feel tired.
- Dad, bring some blankets, they're with Lucy.
- Who's Lucy?
- She's a girl who helped us to get here. She's not so far from here.
- Is she the blind girl that we met?
- Oh, then you already know her. Yes she is blind now. But dad, this is not the time for that. Go and get some blankets!
- O.K., I'll be right back.
Tony ran back to where Lucy and Wendell were.
- Wendell, Lucy! I need some blankets, or towels!
- Anthony did you find them?- Asked Wendell.
- I did, come on hurry. I need a blanket!
- I have one here, take it.- Said Lucy.
- thanks.- Tony took the blanket and ran back.
- I must go after him.- Said Wendell. Miss, do you want to come?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- Come on, I'll help you.
- Thank you.
They followed Tony to the lake.
- Virginia, here, take it.
Tony gave the balnket to her and she put it around Wolf. Wendell and Lucy got there and Wendell saw what was going on.
- Wolf, Virginia, are you all right?- He asked.
- Yes, but Wolf is not. He was almost dead. Said Virginia.
- Virginia what happened?- Asked Lucy.
Virginia told themwhat happened. Suddenly Lucy decided to walk toward the water. She stepped into it and stood there.
- Lucy be careful please. Called Virginia.
- Don't worry Virginia, I'm O.K.- Lucy replied.
While everyone was busy with Wolf and Mike, Lucy bent to the water, and washed her face. She felt dizzy, and fell. Wedell noticed that and ran to help her.
- Are you all right Miss?
- I'm fine.- She said with her eyes closed.- I feel dizzy, that's all. Maybe it's because of the wound in my head.
When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see the king holding her and trying to help her to get up. She looked around and screamed:
- I can see! I can see! Oh my God! I can see!
Wendell was surprised to. Lucy ran toward Virginia and Wolf.
- againirginia I can see! Wolf, are you O.K.?
- I'm fine.- he replied.
- Lucy, how did that happen?- Asked Virginia.
- I just washed my face with the water of the lake. That's all.
- I'm so happy for you.- Said Virginia and hugged her.- That's wonderful.
- O.K. guys, we must leave this place.- Said Tony.- Come on, let's go and pack your stuff and go home.
Wendell and Tony helped Wolf to get up, Virginia carried Mike and after packing their bags, they sat in the wagon and went back to the palace.
On the way, Lucy wanted to get off and go to her house.
- I want to get off here. My house is not so far from here. I can go alone.
- Lucy, you can't stay alone at home with that wound on your head. It's dangerous.- Said Virginia.
- We'll go to the palace, and my doctor will check that wound. He will decide weather you are able to live alone or not.- Said Wendell.
- A doctor would decide if I can live alone or not? Come on, that's not fair! I want to go home, NOW!- Said Lucy. She wanted to go back to her warm place, where no one bothered her. But, Wendell insisted.
- You are comming to the palace with us, to be checked by the doctor. And that's an order!- He thought that an order from the king would close Lucy's mouth, but that didn't work.
- No one can order me!
- Lucy calm down.- Said Virginia.- Please, you must come with us. The doctor will just check the wound and then you will be able to go home.
- I don't want to be checked by a doctor! I hate doctors!
- And you think I love them?- Said Wolf.- Come on, just close your mouth and calm down. You will be checked by the doc. Like it or not.
- Oh, yeah? Well, I'm leaving this wagon now!- She got up and tried to jump out of the window, but before she could do that, she felt like her head was heavy, she couldn't hold herself and fell back on her seat.
She opened her eyes and saw that she was in a fine decorated room. She looked to her side and saw Wendell sleeping in his chair. She thought "What on earth is he doing here? Since when did the king start to personally care about everyone in the kingdom?"
She closed her eyes again, she felt a light headache. She wanted to howl but was afraid of that. But she couldn't stop the pain. She moved in the bed. Trying to ease the pain somehow, but her head was still hurting. Wendell woke up from her voice.
- Are you all right Miss?
- Could you please stop calling me Miss? My name is Lucy.
- I know your name.
- Then why are you calling me Miss all the time?
- I don't know. Maybe I'm trying to be polite?
- O.K., Your Majesty. You may call me Lucy.- She smiled. And tried to sit, but couldn't.
- You must stay in bed. That's what the doctor said. The wound in your head is so bad. You must stay in bed untill he tells you that you can get up.
- Uh.. the doctor again!- She complained.
- Yes, the doctor again.- Said Wendell, and smiled.- Now, I will leave you to rest. I'll be in my room.
He left, but he was thinking about her all the time.
At the same time. Virginia and Wolf were in their roon in the palace. Virginia was sitting near the bed, while Wolf was sleeping. She was holding Mike who was trying to get off and go near his father.
- Mike, you'll wake daddy. Let him sleep, he's tired.
- Dada!- He said, in a complaining voice.
-O.K., let's go to sleep, before you wake him up.
She took Mike to his little bed, which was in the same room.
- Now you be a nice boy and sleep. It's late now.
Mike started to make voices trying to get out of bed. But, Virginia didn't let him.
- Honey, go to sleep. Want me to tell you a story?
Mike looked at her like he wanted to tell her to for get about sleeping and play with him. But, Virginia held him and started to tell the story about Snow White and the seven dwarves. Mike sat in his bed listening to her, and his eyes started to close. He was trying not to fell asleep, but he couldn't. She put him in his bed and went slowly back to her bed. This time Wolf woke up.
- Virginia.
- Yes dear?
- I'm thirsty.
- Here's some water honey.
She gave hima glass of water which was put on a table in the room. He drank and said:
- Thanks. It felt like I haven't drank for a year!
Virginia smiled and took the glass from his hand and put it back on the table.
- How do you feel now?- She asked.
- Much better. But there is still still some pain in my body.
- You must sleep now. It's late. I'm sure you won't feel any pain in the morning.
She lied beside him, holding him in her arms.
In the morning she woke up, but Wolf was not in bed. She looked around and saw that he was playing with Mike.
- Wolf, you must stay in bed! You're not in a condition that allows you to get up.
- I'm fine honey. Besides, when there's a little cub in the same room with me, how can I stay in bed and not play with him?
Virginia sat in the bed and watched them playing. Wolf got up, and came near her.
- I'm so happy that we are together again.
- Me too.- said Virginia, and hugged him.- I'm so happy that I didn't lose you.
- I told you that I will be back. I promised, and a wolf always keeps his word. Come on get up, get dressed and let's see how's Lucy.
- Oh, I almost forgot about her.
She got up, chenged her night dress and they went to see how Lucy was.
Lucy's room was on the other side of the corridor. They heared voices comming out of there.
- Wolf, what's happening?
- I don't know honey. But, I think that Lucy is upset of something.
They hurried to the room. When they opened the door, they saw the doctor trying to give some medicine to Lucy, but she refused to take it. And she was angry.
- Get out of here! Right now!
- Miss Lucy, you must take this medicine, so you would get well faster.- Said the doctor.
- No! I don't need it! And I'm going home today!
The doctor's assistant was trying to keep Lucy in bed, but she was sruggeling to get up.
When Virginia entered the room, she said:
- What is going on here?
- She doesn't want to drink the medicine.- Said the doctor.- And she wants to get up, which is dangerous for her now.
- Doctor, I will make her drink it. Please leave us alone.
- All right. But please, do make her drink it.
- I will.
The doctor and his assistant left the room. Now Lucy was calm.
- I hate doctors.
- You are acting like a child.- Said Virginia.
- No I'm not! I don't trust them.- Lucy replied as she tried to get up. But Wolf stopped her:
- Now stay where you are, or you'll get another hole on head. This time I will do it on purpose.
- I want to go home.
- You will Lucy.- Said Virginia.- But first you must drink this medicine, and by the way, why are you on a hurry?
- I don't like causing more troubles here.
- And who said that you caused any trouble at all?- Asked Wolf.
- I said. Since I got out with you two, I've only been a trouble. First, trying to eat Virginia. Second, getting blind..
- And you think that you have been a trouble for us? We are so glad that we met you Lucy.- Said Virginia.- Please drink this and you'll feel better.
- No medicine can take the pain off.- She said complaining.
- Just drink it, and we'll see then.- Said Virginia, and gave her the cup.
Lucy drank it, but didn't like it's taste.
- Yuck! This tastes awful!
- And who said that medicine should taste like a lollipop?- Said Wolf.
- You're right.- Said Lucy and continued drinking. When she was finished she wanted to get up. - Now, I drank that lollipop poison, so, let me go home.
Virginia smiled and said:
- O.K., you will go home. but only when I see that you are all right.
- Uh! Here we go again. O.K., let it be as what you say. What am I suppose to do now? Sleep again? No way!
- Don't sleep if you don't want to. Can you get up?
- Sure I can!
- O.K. then, we'll go to the dining room to have breakfast. Want to come?
- I am starving! I'm comming with you.
Wolf decided to get out of the room with Mike.
- We will wait for you at the dining room. Don't be late.- He said.
- We won't honey. Now get out of here and let this girl get dressed.
- I'm gone. Come on Mikey, we are not welcomed here anymore.
They laughed and went out.
After Lucy got dressed, she and Virginia went to the dining room where Wendell, Tony, Wolf and Mike were waiting for them.
- Here they are, at last!- Said Wolf.- What took you so long? I'm starving here!
- Hey! remember I am still in bad condition?- Said Lucy.
- Yeah sure!- Said Wolf and smiled.
- Good morning dad, good morning Wendell.- Said Virginia.
- Good morning honey. Did you sleep well?- Said Tony.
- Yes. I was tired, so I slept deeply.
- How are you today Lucy?- Asked Wendell.
- I feel better. Thank you Your Majesty.
They sat and started to eat. Mike was playing with the plate in front of him. He had food all over him, although Virginia was feeding him. When she was finished she decided to take Mike to their room to change his cloths. Wolf went with her. Tony went out to the garden. Only Lucy and Wendell stayed at the table. They were finised eating, but Wendell wanted to talk to her, and Lucy knew that.
- O.K., I feel that you want to say something Your Majesty. So, go ahead. I'm all ears.
- Well, I was wondering if you still want to go home.
- More that you can imagine.- She said and continued.- I can't stay out of home for a long time. I don't know why, but whenever I go out, I come back as soon as I can.
- You love your house?
- It's not the house, in fact, it's everything there. My furniture, rooms, kitchen, garden, everything. I have good memories connected with that house.
- I see. Well, I think you can go back when the doctor says you can.
- Oh, no. Please, I want to go back there today.
- Today? You're not in good shape, you know.
- Maybe. But I want to go home Your Majesty. Please let me go. Don't make me run away like a little child.
- You would run away if I didn't let you?
- Try me.
- All right then. I don't want you to get hurt by running away. So, you're free to go, and to come back whenever you wish to.
- That's great! Aarooooooo!- She was so happy with what the King just said.- Thank you so much your Majesty. I really appreciate that.
- There's no need to thank me. You may go whenever you wish to. Now Excuse me, I have some work to do.
He got up and went to his office. He liked Lucy.He felt bad about letting her go. But, he thought that if he keeps her in the palace, she would feel like a hostage. He sat at his desk, trying to sign some papers, but he was thinking about her. Her beauty, her voice, her anger, her smile, and everything in her. Then he decided to go and ask for an advice from a person who had such times and at the end succeeded. He went to see Wolf.
Lucy got up of the table, walked slowly to the stairs, so she would go to her room to get her bag and leave. She felt dizzy again. She stopped near the stairs, but when she felt that she would fall, she sat down, holding her head in her hands. Virginia was comming, and she saw Lucy sitting at the bottom of the stairs, holding her head.
- Lucy are you all right?- She said and ran to her. Held Lucy's face and tryed to see what's wrong.- What is it Lucy? Are you O.K.?
- I'm fine Virginia, don't worry. I just felt dizzy, that's all. I'm O.K. now.
- You must stay in bed. You can't get out with this condition.
- I will stay in bed at my house. I am leaving today.
- What? Leaving? You can't!
- Oh, yes I can. the King allowed me to leave.
- He did?
- Yes, after all of you left the table.
- I see. But before you decide anything, you must have some rest. Come on, I'll take you to your room.
- Thanks, I think I can go alone.
She got up, and climbed the stairs slowly, Virginia was beside her. She went with Lucy to her room, and after making sure that she was in bed, she went out.
Wendell got to Wolf's room, knocked the door and entered before anyone could say "Enter".
- Wolf I need your help.- He said.
- My help? Since when?
- Since now. Let's go to somewhere where no one would bother us.
They went to Wendell's room. Wolf was wondering why Wendell needed his help. He never asked for help from anyone. When they entered the room, Wendell locked the door. Wolf was surprised, and he asked:
- What's going on here? What is it Wendell?
- I.. I.. I need your help.
- You never did before.
- I know, but this is different. It's about a girl.
- Huff-puff! Now I understand. Well, I am an expert when it comes to the ladies. I read all the books that..
- Yes, yes, I know. I remember. I was there with you, when you were reading them.- Wendell didn't let Wolf continue his sentence.- Now I need your advice about a girl that I really like.
Wendell was nervous, he walked in the room in circles. He told Wolf about the girl that he liked, but he wasn't sure if she liked him.
- So, who is this girl? Do I know her?
- Yes, you know her. She's Lucy.
- Lucy? The same Lucy that was with us all the three day?
- Yes.
- The same Lucy that almost got killed because of me?
- Yes. You tried to kill her?
- No, she tried to eat Virginia. But, are we talking about the same Lucy that is in the palace now? The same Lucy that was going to throw the doctor out of the window if he didn't stop telling her to drink the medicine?
- She did that? Well, yes. The same Lucy! Come on Wolf, I'm not joking here. I'm serious.
- Huff-puff, I'm serious too. O.K., what is it with her? What do you want me to do?
- How can I win her heart?
- Oh, umm, I don't know how to explain this. You have to be yourself. Don't pretend to be anyone else that you are not. And everything would happen on it's own.
- Do you think so?
- I didn't win Virginia's heart when I invited her to a dinner at Kissing Town.
- I remember that. But what else should I do? Do you still have those books that you read?
- No, I was throwing them away when I finished reading each one of them.
Wendell was upset with that, but he didn't know what to do. Wolf wasn't a perfect advisor. But he was trying to help. They discussed everything that concerned Wendell. At the end Wendell thanked Wolf for his help. Although, he didn't find the answer to his question. How to win Lucy's heart. He didn't know if he was in love or not. He just felt that he liked her.
Virginia was still shaking. She couldn't hold her tears anymore and started to cry. Lucy was cold as ice. She didn't bother herself by trying to calm Virginia. Instead she opened her wine bottle and started to drink.
- It is time.
- Time for what?- Asked Wolf, while he was trying to calm his wife.
- Time to get drunk. It's fullmoon tonight, remember?- Lucy replied with an angry tone.
- Cripes! What am I supposed to do? Virginia, do you have any suggestions for tonight?
Virginia looked into Wolf's eyes. She realized that she's in danger. She might gethurt or even die if these two half wolves feel hungry tonight.
- Wolf, Lucy said that she'll get drunk so she would sleep tonight. Why don't you do the same?
- You're afraid that we might eat you?- Wolf felt guilty.
- To tell the truth.. yes. If I get hurt what will happen to Mike? What would you do?
- Huff-puff. I won't touch you. I swear. (scratches his head) I will drink, too. I will sleep and you won't get hurt.
Virginia smiled. She loved her husband, and no matter how he would hurt her, she never complained about that. She looked into Wolf's eyes, and so did Wolf. The came closer and kissed eachother. Lucy noticed them. So, she changed her position so she wouldn't end up staring at them. Wolf came and sat near Lucy.
- May I have a drink too?
- Only if you say the magic word.- Lucy replied and continued drinking.
- The magic word? Huff-puff! I..oh I don't remember it Virginia! What was the magic word?
- Please.- Said Virginia with a sad voice.
- Oh, oh, yes. Please! May I drink too, please?
- sure you can, here.
Lucy gave him another bottle that she had in her bag.
- Thank you.
He started to drink. Looking at Virginia, who was sitting near the little fire that they made.
Lusy started to sing, she was drunk already. Wolf was nervous. he felt his body get warmer. He knew that he was getting drunk, too. Each one of them drank three bottles. he continues drinking. Virginia came close and took the bottle from his hand and started swallowing the wine like it was water.
- I want to sleep, too.
She gave the bottle to Wolf and went back to her place near the fire and tid to sleep. But she couldn't. Lucy's voice was sweet, but too loud. She didn't say anything, because no one would listen.
Now, it was Wolf's turn to join Lucy. They sang, drank. Suddenly Wolf noticed the moon. It was as bright as it could be. He howled. His eyes turned into yellow. He drank again, and the yellow color faded. Howled again and fell asleep.
Lucy was still singing. Suddenly she felt strange. Howled, looked around her and saw Virginia sleeping, and decided to have dinner. She took a knife out of her bag and went toward Virginia. She was close enough when she raised her hand to stab Virginia. At that moment Virginia opened her eyes, and saw Lucy's yellow eyes which were full of anger. She yelled as loud as she could.
- No! Wolf! Help!
Before Lucy could move her hand, she flew away from Virginia. Wolf pulled her from behind and threw her away. He was shaking.
- Are you all right?- He asked Virginia.
- yes, I am. Watch out!
Lucy came running from behind trying this time to stab her knife into Wolf's back. He turned and held her hands. Trying to force her to throw the knife away. His eyes were yellow again, his canines grew longer. He bit Lucy's wrist. She threw the knife. He pushed her away from him, but she attacked again. They fell on the ground, rolling over, trying to bite eachother. Virginia couldn't move. She was terrified of what was happening. Wolf was still trying to hold Lucy back. But, no success. So, he gathers all his power and push heras far as he could away from him, using his legs. He made it. Lucy was pushed away. She fell and hit her head to a rock. She lied there without any signs of life.
Wolf walked to her side. He was swinging. He stood beside her and tried to move her with his leg.
- She's over.- He said and fell on the ground.
- Oh my God! Is she dead?- Virginia ran toward Lucy. Checked her pulse and breath. She was alive. She checked on Wolf. he was sleeping.
She noticed a dark spot on the rock on which Lucy fell. The moon was bright enough to make Virginia recognize blood.
- Oh God. She's alive, but she would die if she keeps bleeding.
Virginia brought a towel that she kept in her bag. She covered Lucy's head with it, but she wasn't sure if the bleeding had stopped. And after aiding Lucy's bitten wrist, she pulled her near the fire, and managed to pull Wolf, too. Although he was heavy enough for her. Virginia didn't sleep all night. She was watching over Lucy, trying to keep the fire so she would feel warm.
At dawn Wolf woke up. Scratching his head and nose. He had an awful headache. He held his head with both of his hands.
- Cripes! How much did I drink?
- A lot!- Virginia's voice was full of anger.
Wolf noticed that now they had a patient, whose head was covered with a towel. He didn't recognize Lucy.
- Who's that? Where did he or she come from? And where's Lucy?
Virginia was surprised with these questions.
- Don't you remember anything?
- No, who's this?
- This is Lucy. She's wounded. You both had a fight last night.
- A fight? You must be kidding.
- No, I'm not.- Virginia's voice sounded like she didn't want to say it, but she had to.
- Huff-puff, but why?
- It was a full moon night. She tied to kill me, and you stopped her.- And Virginia told him what happened. He couldn't believe what he heared.
- Did I do that? Huff-puff! I feel terrible!
- I would have been dead if you wouldn't have been there.
- Cripes! Really? Are you O.K.? I don't remember anything at all!
- I'm all right. But she's not.
Lucy opened her eyes slowly. She was hurting. Virginia was cleaning her wounds on the wrist, head. But she didn't make a sound.
- She's hurting.- Said Wolf.- I can feel it.
- I know, but I have to do this, otherwise it would get infected.- Said Virginia, as she continued cleaning the wound.
Finally, she was finished. Lucy was awake now, but she didn't talk. Her tears were going down her cheek, but she didn't make a sound. She tryed to sit, but couldn't.
- No, Lucy, don't get up. Not now.- Said Virginia.
- I have a terrible headache. What happened?
- You had a fight with Wolf last night. Don't you remember?
- No. What for?
Virginia didn't want to tell the truth, so she wouldn't hurt her feelings. But Wolf jumped into the conversation:
- You tryed to eat my wife!
- What?!
She gathered all the power she almost had in her and managed to sit, holding her head:
- Eat Virginia? I couldn't! Why? How?
- You were drunk, and it was fullmoon.- Said Virginia in a low voice, without looking at her.
Wolf couldn't hold his anger:
- You said that you were drinking wine to sleep! But instead you jumped on my wife!
- I feel terrible.. Virginia I'm sorry. I really don't remember anything of that. I don't know what to say. I'm really sorry.
- It's O.K. Lucy. The important thing now is that you must get some rest.- She looked at Wolf and continued.- Wolf, stop complaining. I'm all right, she's the one who's hurt.
Wolf didn't say anything. He turned back and went to sit under a tree near them. He felt guilty about what he did to Lucy. But also he was glad that his wife wasn't hurt.
- Anthony, are you still sleeping?- Asked Wendell and entered Tony's room.
Tony was sitting near the window. He didn't sleep all night.
- I'm awake. I couldn't sleep. I feel that there's something wrong.
- Well, I couldn't sleep either.
- Really?
- Yes. I don't know why. I had a strange feeling as you did.
Wendell and Tony realized that this day is the end of it. There were two ways.
One: The queen would kill everyone and rule.
Two: Virginia and Wolf would beat her and return to the palace with Mike.
Both of them hoped that the second would be true. But the first was more typical for the queen. She wouldn't get defeated. Not this time.
Virginia started to pack the bags, Wolf was still sitting under the tree. She felt guilty somehow. So, she went toward him:
- Wolf, honey.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you.
- It's O.K. dear. That's not what I'm thinking about.
- Then, what is it?
- I'm thinking about this evening. What'll happen?
- I'm scareed to think about that. Look, we will plan something on the way to the lake, O.K.?
She sat infront of him, held his face with both of her hands and continued:
- I don't want to lose you, and I don't want to lose our son. I won't let that happen.
Finally Wolf smiled, hugged her, kissed her lips and said:
- Come on, let's get movin'.
- Let's go.
They helped Lucy to get up. She felt dizzy. Wolf helped her. He held her for a while, then she decided to walk alone.
- Wolf, I can walk by my self from here.
- Are you sure?
- yes.
On the half of the way to the lake, they stopped to have a rest. They sat under a giant tree. Suddenly they felt a strange movement behind them. The gorund under them and the tree were shaking. The tree started to talk:
- Who are you?- It said with a mysterical voice.
Virginia was frightened. They all were surprized.
- We..uh..we are.. uh..- Virginia couldn't continue.
- We are tourists!!- Said Wolf.
- Liars! You are not tourists. No one comes here to spend a vacation. Why are you here
Virginia gathered her thoughts and said:
- O.K., you're right. We're not tourists. We are going to the lake in the middle of the forest, to meet the queen. She has kidnapped our son.
- And she wants me.- Said Wolf.
- You know that you are in danger don't you? No one lives after reaching the lake.
- Huff-puff! why?!- Asked Wolf and scratched his head.
- Is the queen that we must be aware of?- Asked Lucy.
- It's the lake.- The tree replied.- I can give you two advices only. Don't drink the water, no matter how thirsty you are, and do not look into it.
- Cripes! I knew that something would come up!
Wolf scratches his head again and stands beside Virginia, and asks the tree:
- Uh, Mr. Tree, what should we do to return alive? All of us, including my baby.
- Do not drink the water, do not look into it.- Said the tree and it started to shake again. And the voice dissapeared.
- Great! Now what'll we do?!- Asked Wolf.
- We must plan something, so none of you would get hurt.- Said Lucy.
- But what should we do?- Asked Virginia, but she didn't get a reply. They started to think about how can they get Mike back and survive. After one hour they got up and continued to the lake.
Finally, they reached the lake. It wasn't sunset yet, but they didn't have much time either. Virginia felt thirsty, she walked toward the lake to get drink of water. When she got on her knees, Lucy shouted:
- Virginia! No! Don't drink that! Remember what the tree said?
At once, Virginia got up, rubbing her hands on her jeans to dry.
- Oh my God! What was I thinking? Thanks Lucy. You saved my life.
Menawhle Wolf was busy in searching for the place where the queen would show up. He walked around the shore for a while, then came back where Virginia and Lucy were.
- I don't know where would she be.- He said.
Virginia stood beside him, held his hand and said:
- Wolf, I don't want you to get hurt. I don't wanna lose you. If anything would happen to you, I won't live.
He looked into her eyes. He smiled so gently, held her face in his hands, his lips touching hers and said:
- My creamy girl, I won't let you lose me.
Then to ease the situation, he put his hands on his waist and said in a funny tone:
- Leave you alone so someone else would come and eat you? No, no, you're mine, and I'm the only one who is allowed to eat you.
He nodded his head, with a big smile on his face. Virginia smiled back, then she hugged him so strongly.
At that moment they noticed that Lucy wasn't talking or moving. She was sitting under a tree staring at one point in the woods. Virginia came near her and asked:
- Lucy, are you all right? What are you looking at? Lucy talk to me.- She shaked her a little.
- Virginia, I.. i..
- What is it?
Lucy's eyes were wide opened staring at one point.
- What's happening to her?- Asked Wolf.
- Lucy, you're scaring me. What's wrong? Tell me!- Asked Virginia.
- Virginia, I .. I can't..
- You can't what?- Virginia held Lucy's face in her hands.- What is it?
- I can't see! I can't see! It's black every where!
Virginia moved back. She was terrified. She looked at Wolf, whose face skin was pale, and looked back to Lucy.
- Lucy, you're joking, right?- She asked.
- No Virginia. I can't see anything. I'm scared.
Wolf just stood there. Didn't know what to do or what to say. He felt guilty., because he was the one who had a fight with Lucy last night and caused her to wound her head.
- What have I done! Cripes! Oh.. Cripes!- He screamed holding his head wit both of his hands.
he fastly came and got down on his knees in front of Lucy:
- Lucy can you see me? Huff-puff! Please say that you're joking.. Oh please.
- I.. I..
- Wolf, she really can't see.- Whispered Virginia.
- It's all my fault.
- No Wolf, don't blame yourself.- Said Lucy.- It's not your fault.
- The how did it happen?- he asked.
- I.. I.., I looked.. into.., I looked into the water.
- What?! You reminded me not to drink, and you forgot that? You looked into the water!! Oh Lucy! Why did you do that?- Virginia was anablr to control herself- Why did you do that?!
- Virginia, calm down!- Wolf tried to stop her from talking more. He succeeded.
- I just couldn't keep my eyes off the water. It was so pure, so blue. But suddenly it turned black. And everything turned black, and i couldn't see.- She started to cry.- I'm really sory, i'm trying to help you, but instead, I'm making more problems.
Wolf and Virginia tried to calm her, but she continued crying. Now she felt a pain. She held her head with both of her hands:
- My head.. it's painful.
- Oh my God, not this one. Wait, let me change the bandage.
Virginia brought a new bandage that she had in her bag. She took off the old one, and after cleaning the wound with some normal water that they had, she put the other bandage.
- Here it is. How do you feel now?- She asked.
- It's the same. I feel like my whole body is in pain.
- You must have some rest.- Said Wolf.- Just lie down, and try to sleep. We'll take care of you.
They went to a place which was away from the lake. They helped Lucy to lie down. She couldn't stop her tears . Her wounds were painful. But after a while, she fell asleep.
Finally, it was sunset. Virginia was getting more and more nervous. She was thinking about her husband's and son's destinies. What would happen to them, what will her "dead" mother do?
Wolf smelled something:
- It's her. She's here. But I don't see her.
- Are you sure?- Asked Virginia.
- I never miss a smell.- he replied.
- Wolf, I'm scared.
- Don't be scared my love. Just go and sit beside Lucy. I'll handle this.
He kissed her lips, hugged her, like he was saying don't wait for me. When he turned to go to the lake, Virginia, with tearful eyes, said:
- Wolf, please be careful.
- I will creamy girl.
- And please come back with Mike.
- I will. I promise. And no matter what, remember.. I love you.
- I love you too.
He left. Virginia sat under the tree, waiting for her husband to come. Hoping that he would return with their son. Both aive and unharmed.
Tony was walking in the corridors. He didn't know what to do, so he went out, to the garden. After a few minutes, Wendell joined him.
- Anthony, I see that you are concerned.
- I'm just tired of sitting, that's all.
- I don't think so. You have everything you need here. You never get tired or bored. Tell me what's concerning you. Is it Virginia?
- Yes. I don't know how is she doing out there, and I'm sitting here, like I don't care at all!
Wendell decided that it is time for them to go to the lake.
- Do you want to go there?
A smile raised on Tony's face.
- I thought you'ld never ask. Come on! Let's go!
- All right, just as soon as the servants prepare the horses.
- Horses? No way! I'm not riding a horse! Not even for a million dollars!
- O.K. then, we'll take the wagon.
Wendell called a servant, ordered him to prepare a wagon for them. After 20minutes king Wendell and Tony left the palace, heading to the lake.
Wolf stood alone at the shore. He was waiting for someone or something to show up. Suddenly, he felt the ground moving. The calm, blue lake turned into a black, wild, wavy one.
Wolf didn't move. He thought that he might get hurt if he did so. He saw a big hole in the middle of the lake. It grew bigger, and a huge rock appeared in it. It raised, andthen he saw her at last. Queen Christine. Standing like a rock herself. Wearing all black. When Wolf saw her he thought - "There she is. Huff-puff, she hasn't changed".
- Hello Wolf.- She called.- It's been a long time.
- Where's my son.- He replied, trying to appear as much confident as he could.
- Oh, he's fine. He's here.- (Pointing to a rock behind her)- So, where's your precious wife?
- here in the woods. Now, you wanted me. I'm here. Give me back my son.
An evil smile rose on her face. She picked the child, who didn't realize what was going on. he saw his father and suddenly said:
- Dada.
Wolf was surprised. That was Mike's first word ever.
- Huff-puff! He spoke!
Mike started to cry. The queen got closer to the water and dropped the child in it.
- No! What're you doing?!- Wolf jumped into the water, trying to save his son. While he was swimming toward him, he started to feel weak. he felt pai in ach muscle in his body. The queen stood there, on the huge rock in the middle of the lake, smiling and watchng how Wolf was dying, while he was trying to save his son.
- You'll die before you can get to him.- She said.
Finally, Wolf raeched to his son. He held him above the surface of the water. he was getting more weaker.
The smile on the queen's face dissapeared when she someone on the shore. She knew that person, but she didn't expect to see her.
Virginia was holding a little stone in her hand. Tears on her face. Her eyes were red. She has been crying all the time since Wolf left to the lake.
- You will not take my husband and son from me!- She said.
- Oh, I'm not taking them. I don't want them. But, the Magic Lake does. Look at your beloved husband. he's dying without realizing that.
- I hate you!- Shouted Virginia and throwedthe stone to the queen.
The little stone flew forward. It started to shone, and suddenly it turned into an arrow. Before she can move, she put her hand on her neck. She couldn't stop the bleeding. Virginia watched her mother dying for the second time. But this time it was forever. A big hole opened under the queen's feet. She turned into ash, and dissapeared. The hole was closed. The huge rock dissapeared. Wolf was getting closer to the shore. Virginia ran to him, took Mike from his hands and brought him out of the water.
- Stay here honey, I'll bring daddy and we'll be back, O.K.?
She ran into the water again. Wolf was floating on the surface, face down. She pulled him to the shore. His skin was pale. He wasn't breathing.
- Wolf, can you hear me?- She called, but there was no reply.
- Wolf! Oh my God, he's not breathing! Wolf! Please don't die, don't leave me! Not now!
Tony noticed that someone was sitting under a tree.
- Wendell, there's someone there. Looks like it's a woman.
- Yes, I see her. We'll ask her if she saw them.
Lucy was waiting for Virginia to come back. She was afraid to move. She couldn't see anything, so she was afraid to leave the place.
The wagon stopped. Tony and Wendell got off and came to her. Tony asked:
- Excuse me Miss. have you seen a couple who were trying to get to a lake?
- You mean Virginia and Wolf?- She turned her head toward the voice.- Who is this?
- I'm Virginia's father.- He noticed that she couldn't see him. he waved his hand in front of her eyes. No reaction.
- You can't see me, right? Oh.. How're we supposed to find them?
- Wolf went to the lake a while ago. Then Virginia followed him.- She replied.
- How do you know it was them, if you can't see?- Tony asked.
- Yesterday I was fine. I got blinded today. It's a long story.
Wendell was fascinated with her beauty. He was standing there, his mouth opened. Then he recalled himself and asked:
- Excuse me Miss. Could you please tell us how to find them?
- I know that voice! You're the king, right?
- yes he is.- Replied Toney.- Now can you tell us how to find them? Please!
- I can't tell on which direction they went, but I know that we aren't so far from the lake.
- O.K., thanks. Wendell, I'm going to find them.
- Go Anthony, I'll help this young lady here.
Tony left, trying to find the lake. It was so close, but they couldn't see it from where they were. When he finally gt to the lake he saw Virginia pulling Wolf out of the water and trying to bring him back to life.
- Wolf, please don't leave me!- She was trying to give him rescue breaths. But, no use.
- Wolf! No!- She shouted as she started to cry.
- Virginia, what happened?- Asked Tony.- What's wrong with him?
- Dad he's.. he's dead!
- Oh my God.- tony fell on his knees, knowing not what to do.
Virginia was mourning her husband's death. She was holding him tight in her arm. Suddenly his skin color got back to normal, he started to breath.
- You'll break my ribs.- He whispered with his eyes closed.
She looked at him surprised. She didn't believe what she heard.
- Wolf? You're alive?
- Maybe.- He said with a tired voice.
- Oh my God! Dad! he's alive!
She hugged him tight.
- Oh, Wolf, thank God! You're alive! Mikey, daddy's alive!
Mike walked to them and said:
- Dada.
- Yes son, I'm here.
- Wha.. Mike what did you just say?- She looked at her son, not believing what was going on.- You said dada?
Tony quickly came near to them.
- Wolf, are you O.K.?
- I'm all right Tony, I just feel tired.
- Dad, bring some blankets, they're with Lucy.
- Who's Lucy?
- She's a girl who helped us to get here. She's not so far from here.
- Is she the blind girl that we met?
- Oh, then you already know her. Yes she is blind now. But dad, this is not the time for that. Go and get some blankets!
- O.K., I'll be right back.
Tony ran back to where Lucy and Wendell were.
- Wendell, Lucy! I need some blankets, or towels!
- Anthony did you find them?- Asked Wendell.
- I did, come on hurry. I need a blanket!
- I have one here, take it.- Said Lucy.
- thanks.- Tony took the blanket and ran back.
- I must go after him.- Said Wendell. Miss, do you want to come?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- Come on, I'll help you.
- Thank you.
They followed Tony to the lake.
- Virginia, here, take it.
Tony gave the balnket to her and she put it around Wolf. Wendell and Lucy got there and Wendell saw what was going on.
- Wolf, Virginia, are you all right?- He asked.
- Yes, but Wolf is not. He was almost dead. Said Virginia.
- Virginia what happened?- Asked Lucy.
Virginia told themwhat happened. Suddenly Lucy decided to walk toward the water. She stepped into it and stood there.
- Lucy be careful please. Called Virginia.
- Don't worry Virginia, I'm O.K.- Lucy replied.
While everyone was busy with Wolf and Mike, Lucy bent to the water, and washed her face. She felt dizzy, and fell. Wedell noticed that and ran to help her.
- Are you all right Miss?
- I'm fine.- She said with her eyes closed.- I feel dizzy, that's all. Maybe it's because of the wound in my head.
When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see the king holding her and trying to help her to get up. She looked around and screamed:
- I can see! I can see! Oh my God! I can see!
Wendell was surprised to. Lucy ran toward Virginia and Wolf.
- againirginia I can see! Wolf, are you O.K.?
- I'm fine.- he replied.
- Lucy, how did that happen?- Asked Virginia.
- I just washed my face with the water of the lake. That's all.
- I'm so happy for you.- Said Virginia and hugged her.- That's wonderful.
- O.K. guys, we must leave this place.- Said Tony.- Come on, let's go and pack your stuff and go home.
Wendell and Tony helped Wolf to get up, Virginia carried Mike and after packing their bags, they sat in the wagon and went back to the palace.
On the way, Lucy wanted to get off and go to her house.
- I want to get off here. My house is not so far from here. I can go alone.
- Lucy, you can't stay alone at home with that wound on your head. It's dangerous.- Said Virginia.
- We'll go to the palace, and my doctor will check that wound. He will decide weather you are able to live alone or not.- Said Wendell.
- A doctor would decide if I can live alone or not? Come on, that's not fair! I want to go home, NOW!- Said Lucy. She wanted to go back to her warm place, where no one bothered her. But, Wendell insisted.
- You are comming to the palace with us, to be checked by the doctor. And that's an order!- He thought that an order from the king would close Lucy's mouth, but that didn't work.
- No one can order me!
- Lucy calm down.- Said Virginia.- Please, you must come with us. The doctor will just check the wound and then you will be able to go home.
- I don't want to be checked by a doctor! I hate doctors!
- And you think I love them?- Said Wolf.- Come on, just close your mouth and calm down. You will be checked by the doc. Like it or not.
- Oh, yeah? Well, I'm leaving this wagon now!- She got up and tried to jump out of the window, but before she could do that, she felt like her head was heavy, she couldn't hold herself and fell back on her seat.
She opened her eyes and saw that she was in a fine decorated room. She looked to her side and saw Wendell sleeping in his chair. She thought "What on earth is he doing here? Since when did the king start to personally care about everyone in the kingdom?"
She closed her eyes again, she felt a light headache. She wanted to howl but was afraid of that. But she couldn't stop the pain. She moved in the bed. Trying to ease the pain somehow, but her head was still hurting. Wendell woke up from her voice.
- Are you all right Miss?
- Could you please stop calling me Miss? My name is Lucy.
- I know your name.
- Then why are you calling me Miss all the time?
- I don't know. Maybe I'm trying to be polite?
- O.K., Your Majesty. You may call me Lucy.- She smiled. And tried to sit, but couldn't.
- You must stay in bed. That's what the doctor said. The wound in your head is so bad. You must stay in bed untill he tells you that you can get up.
- Uh.. the doctor again!- She complained.
- Yes, the doctor again.- Said Wendell, and smiled.- Now, I will leave you to rest. I'll be in my room.
He left, but he was thinking about her all the time.
At the same time. Virginia and Wolf were in their roon in the palace. Virginia was sitting near the bed, while Wolf was sleeping. She was holding Mike who was trying to get off and go near his father.
- Mike, you'll wake daddy. Let him sleep, he's tired.
- Dada!- He said, in a complaining voice.
-O.K., let's go to sleep, before you wake him up.
She took Mike to his little bed, which was in the same room.
- Now you be a nice boy and sleep. It's late now.
Mike started to make voices trying to get out of bed. But, Virginia didn't let him.
- Honey, go to sleep. Want me to tell you a story?
Mike looked at her like he wanted to tell her to for get about sleeping and play with him. But, Virginia held him and started to tell the story about Snow White and the seven dwarves. Mike sat in his bed listening to her, and his eyes started to close. He was trying not to fell asleep, but he couldn't. She put him in his bed and went slowly back to her bed. This time Wolf woke up.
- Virginia.
- Yes dear?
- I'm thirsty.
- Here's some water honey.
She gave hima glass of water which was put on a table in the room. He drank and said:
- Thanks. It felt like I haven't drank for a year!
Virginia smiled and took the glass from his hand and put it back on the table.
- How do you feel now?- She asked.
- Much better. But there is still still some pain in my body.
- You must sleep now. It's late. I'm sure you won't feel any pain in the morning.
She lied beside him, holding him in her arms.
In the morning she woke up, but Wolf was not in bed. She looked around and saw that he was playing with Mike.
- Wolf, you must stay in bed! You're not in a condition that allows you to get up.
- I'm fine honey. Besides, when there's a little cub in the same room with me, how can I stay in bed and not play with him?
Virginia sat in the bed and watched them playing. Wolf got up, and came near her.
- I'm so happy that we are together again.
- Me too.- said Virginia, and hugged him.- I'm so happy that I didn't lose you.
- I told you that I will be back. I promised, and a wolf always keeps his word. Come on get up, get dressed and let's see how's Lucy.
- Oh, I almost forgot about her.
She got up, chenged her night dress and they went to see how Lucy was.
Lucy's room was on the other side of the corridor. They heared voices comming out of there.
- Wolf, what's happening?
- I don't know honey. But, I think that Lucy is upset of something.
They hurried to the room. When they opened the door, they saw the doctor trying to give some medicine to Lucy, but she refused to take it. And she was angry.
- Get out of here! Right now!
- Miss Lucy, you must take this medicine, so you would get well faster.- Said the doctor.
- No! I don't need it! And I'm going home today!
The doctor's assistant was trying to keep Lucy in bed, but she was sruggeling to get up.
When Virginia entered the room, she said:
- What is going on here?
- She doesn't want to drink the medicine.- Said the doctor.- And she wants to get up, which is dangerous for her now.
- Doctor, I will make her drink it. Please leave us alone.
- All right. But please, do make her drink it.
- I will.
The doctor and his assistant left the room. Now Lucy was calm.
- I hate doctors.
- You are acting like a child.- Said Virginia.
- No I'm not! I don't trust them.- Lucy replied as she tried to get up. But Wolf stopped her:
- Now stay where you are, or you'll get another hole on head. This time I will do it on purpose.
- I want to go home.
- You will Lucy.- Said Virginia.- But first you must drink this medicine, and by the way, why are you on a hurry?
- I don't like causing more troubles here.
- And who said that you caused any trouble at all?- Asked Wolf.
- I said. Since I got out with you two, I've only been a trouble. First, trying to eat Virginia. Second, getting blind..
- And you think that you have been a trouble for us? We are so glad that we met you Lucy.- Said Virginia.- Please drink this and you'll feel better.
- No medicine can take the pain off.- She said complaining.
- Just drink it, and we'll see then.- Said Virginia, and gave her the cup.
Lucy drank it, but didn't like it's taste.
- Yuck! This tastes awful!
- And who said that medicine should taste like a lollipop?- Said Wolf.
- You're right.- Said Lucy and continued drinking. When she was finished she wanted to get up. - Now, I drank that lollipop poison, so, let me go home.
Virginia smiled and said:
- O.K., you will go home. but only when I see that you are all right.
- Uh! Here we go again. O.K., let it be as what you say. What am I suppose to do now? Sleep again? No way!
- Don't sleep if you don't want to. Can you get up?
- Sure I can!
- O.K. then, we'll go to the dining room to have breakfast. Want to come?
- I am starving! I'm comming with you.
Wolf decided to get out of the room with Mike.
- We will wait for you at the dining room. Don't be late.- He said.
- We won't honey. Now get out of here and let this girl get dressed.
- I'm gone. Come on Mikey, we are not welcomed here anymore.
They laughed and went out.
After Lucy got dressed, she and Virginia went to the dining room where Wendell, Tony, Wolf and Mike were waiting for them.
- Here they are, at last!- Said Wolf.- What took you so long? I'm starving here!
- Hey! remember I am still in bad condition?- Said Lucy.
- Yeah sure!- Said Wolf and smiled.
- Good morning dad, good morning Wendell.- Said Virginia.
- Good morning honey. Did you sleep well?- Said Tony.
- Yes. I was tired, so I slept deeply.
- How are you today Lucy?- Asked Wendell.
- I feel better. Thank you Your Majesty.
They sat and started to eat. Mike was playing with the plate in front of him. He had food all over him, although Virginia was feeding him. When she was finished she decided to take Mike to their room to change his cloths. Wolf went with her. Tony went out to the garden. Only Lucy and Wendell stayed at the table. They were finised eating, but Wendell wanted to talk to her, and Lucy knew that.
- O.K., I feel that you want to say something Your Majesty. So, go ahead. I'm all ears.
- Well, I was wondering if you still want to go home.
- More that you can imagine.- She said and continued.- I can't stay out of home for a long time. I don't know why, but whenever I go out, I come back as soon as I can.
- You love your house?
- It's not the house, in fact, it's everything there. My furniture, rooms, kitchen, garden, everything. I have good memories connected with that house.
- I see. Well, I think you can go back when the doctor says you can.
- Oh, no. Please, I want to go back there today.
- Today? You're not in good shape, you know.
- Maybe. But I want to go home Your Majesty. Please let me go. Don't make me run away like a little child.
- You would run away if I didn't let you?
- Try me.
- All right then. I don't want you to get hurt by running away. So, you're free to go, and to come back whenever you wish to.
- That's great! Aarooooooo!- She was so happy with what the King just said.- Thank you so much your Majesty. I really appreciate that.
- There's no need to thank me. You may go whenever you wish to. Now Excuse me, I have some work to do.
He got up and went to his office. He liked Lucy.He felt bad about letting her go. But, he thought that if he keeps her in the palace, she would feel like a hostage. He sat at his desk, trying to sign some papers, but he was thinking about her. Her beauty, her voice, her anger, her smile, and everything in her. Then he decided to go and ask for an advice from a person who had such times and at the end succeeded. He went to see Wolf.
Lucy got up of the table, walked slowly to the stairs, so she would go to her room to get her bag and leave. She felt dizzy again. She stopped near the stairs, but when she felt that she would fall, she sat down, holding her head in her hands. Virginia was comming, and she saw Lucy sitting at the bottom of the stairs, holding her head.
- Lucy are you all right?- She said and ran to her. Held Lucy's face and tryed to see what's wrong.- What is it Lucy? Are you O.K.?
- I'm fine Virginia, don't worry. I just felt dizzy, that's all. I'm O.K. now.
- You must stay in bed. You can't get out with this condition.
- I will stay in bed at my house. I am leaving today.
- What? Leaving? You can't!
- Oh, yes I can. the King allowed me to leave.
- He did?
- Yes, after all of you left the table.
- I see. But before you decide anything, you must have some rest. Come on, I'll take you to your room.
- Thanks, I think I can go alone.
She got up, and climbed the stairs slowly, Virginia was beside her. She went with Lucy to her room, and after making sure that she was in bed, she went out.
Wendell got to Wolf's room, knocked the door and entered before anyone could say "Enter".
- Wolf I need your help.- He said.
- My help? Since when?
- Since now. Let's go to somewhere where no one would bother us.
They went to Wendell's room. Wolf was wondering why Wendell needed his help. He never asked for help from anyone. When they entered the room, Wendell locked the door. Wolf was surprised, and he asked:
- What's going on here? What is it Wendell?
- I.. I.. I need your help.
- You never did before.
- I know, but this is different. It's about a girl.
- Huff-puff! Now I understand. Well, I am an expert when it comes to the ladies. I read all the books that..
- Yes, yes, I know. I remember. I was there with you, when you were reading them.- Wendell didn't let Wolf continue his sentence.- Now I need your advice about a girl that I really like.
Wendell was nervous, he walked in the room in circles. He told Wolf about the girl that he liked, but he wasn't sure if she liked him.
- So, who is this girl? Do I know her?
- Yes, you know her. She's Lucy.
- Lucy? The same Lucy that was with us all the three day?
- Yes.
- The same Lucy that almost got killed because of me?
- Yes. You tried to kill her?
- No, she tried to eat Virginia. But, are we talking about the same Lucy that is in the palace now? The same Lucy that was going to throw the doctor out of the window if he didn't stop telling her to drink the medicine?
- She did that? Well, yes. The same Lucy! Come on Wolf, I'm not joking here. I'm serious.
- Huff-puff, I'm serious too. O.K., what is it with her? What do you want me to do?
- How can I win her heart?
- Oh, umm, I don't know how to explain this. You have to be yourself. Don't pretend to be anyone else that you are not. And everything would happen on it's own.
- Do you think so?
- I didn't win Virginia's heart when I invited her to a dinner at Kissing Town.
- I remember that. But what else should I do? Do you still have those books that you read?
- No, I was throwing them away when I finished reading each one of them.
Wendell was upset with that, but he didn't know what to do. Wolf wasn't a perfect advisor. But he was trying to help. They discussed everything that concerned Wendell. At the end Wendell thanked Wolf for his help. Although, he didn't find the answer to his question. How to win Lucy's heart. He didn't know if he was in love or not. He just felt that he liked her.