Chapter 33: The Wheels on the Bus...

Julien let out a relieved sigh, "Now, that was a close one."

Rico wiped his brow.

"Good driving, Al," Marty complimented. The bus suddenly swerved from left to right. Marty laughed, "I guess it could use a bit of improvement."

"Hey, I'm trying," Alex answered.

Private asked, "Is everyone alright then?"

The others made noises of agreement. (With the exception of Melman who muttered, "Unacceptable")

"So where are we going now?" Gloria inquired.

"Explain, Kowalski," Rico ordered.

Kowalski saluted, "We are headed to Mombasa to hijack a ship and return to New York, sir!"

"Very good," Skipper acknowledged.

"How long is it going to take?" Melman asked with a complaining tone.

Skipper answered, "As long as it took when we first got dropped off. That was from Mombasa, remember?"

"So we're retracing our steps?" Melman asked.

Skipper nodded, "Basically. Though, we won't make a pit stop in our island paradise this time."

Julien rather liked the term "island paradise" for his home, revealing a faint smile on his face.

The relaxed mood was broken when Rico pointed ahead. The bus was headed towards a small two-lane road. A few cars passed by occasionally.

"Are we taking the roads?" Marty asked.

Skipper nodded, "Of course. It's the only way to get there."

"What about the people," Alex asked, "I think a bus full of animals, being driven by a lion with a lemur on his head might come off as a bit odd, wouldn't you think?"

The leader penguin took on a smug look, "You see, the people are proud creatures. They don't ever admit that their wrong. If they happen to see this odd spectacle of a bus, their minds will instantly tell them that this is impossible. Fearing that the impossible may be possible, they won't look back, having already ruled out what they saw."

"You think so?" Melman questioned.

Skipper nodded, "Oh, yes. The people will never know how much us animals are capable of. They will never understand that we are equal in intelligence, that we have distinguished personalities. Basically, they will never admit that we are as smart as them."

Alex felt a strange feeling. After a moment, he muttered quietly, "...maybe that can change..."

"What'd you say, Al?" Marty asked.

The lion shook his head, "Uh, nothing."

"Oh, ok," the zebra lacked the energy to prod this time.

"Alex," Skipper called, "Take a left on this road."

"You got it," Alex turned the wheel and the bus was soon on the right side of the road.

"Alex!" Skipper exclaimed.

Alex raised an eyebrow, "What? What did I do?"

"You're on the wrong side of the road!" the penguin shouted.

"What? No!" Alex protested, "I saw it all the time over the zoo gates. You drive on the right hand side."

"That's in New York. You are in Kenya. And in Kenya, they drive on the left side!" Skipper ordered.

"Fine, fine, I'm going!" Alex defended while shifting onto the left side of the road.

"Are you sure this will take us to the dock where we came?" Gloria added.

"I'm almost sure..." Skipper rubbed his chin. He finally opened a glove compartment and took out a map. "Ok...let's see..." he poured over the map. After a moment of study he finally asked, "Alex, read that sign. What's the first major city listed on it?"

Alex gazed at the passing sign, "That would be Miritini"

"Alright then," Skipper told them, "After Miritini we pass through Changamwe, Kipevu, and then we'll be in Mombasa. After that we head to Kilindini Harbour, steal a boat, and we're out of here."

Melman smiled, "For once, it sounds like you know what you're doing."

"Trust me," Skipper assured them, "After getting all the way back from the people's tent, and then having to find you, I had plenty of time to think this plan up."

"So what do we do if we drive by some people?" Marty asked.

Skipper answered, "If you're really that worried, then just duck when you see a car coming. But I'm telling you, they'll never take a second glance."

Alex put his confidence in the penguin, "Whatever you say, Skip."

Skipper allowed the nickname to pass this time.

And so, the following hour went by. They went through Miritini, Changamwe, and they were now in the middle of Kipevu. By this time, Alex had much improved on his driving.

The bus had been fairly quiet. Once or twice, Kowalski, Private and Rico attempted to start a chorus of "The Wheels on the Bus", but Skipper soon silenced them. Gloria and Melman, in the meantime whispered quietly to each other.

"So Melman," Gloria said, "What's up?"

"The usual," the giraffe replied, "Recovering from a traumatic experience."

Gloria nodded, "Halfway over a ravine wasn't exactly the calmest place to spend your time."

"I'm glad though," Melman answered, his eyes appearing sure for once.

Gloria was befuddled by this statement, "What?"

"Well..." Melman tried to explain, "I guess I think it's a good experience for me."

"Really?" Gloria retained her confusion.

"Yeah," the giraffe nodded, "I've always been so afraid of everything. Afraid of getting a disease. Afraid of spraining my ankles. Even afraid of getting a cold. But now, after I've been given things to really be afraid of, those other little things don't seem all that scary anymore." Melman continued, "Sure I'll be annoyed when they happen, and I'll probably still complain about them...but I'm not really afraid anymore. For once, I feel like I'm going to be alright."

Gloria smiled, understanding the statement. She answered back, "I'm glad for you."

Up in front Marty started a conversation with Alex. "How's it going up there?" Marty called from the front seat on the left side. He stuck his head out to the middle aisle to be better heard.

"I'm fine," Alex answered, "Hey buddy, come up here and talk to me."

Marty agreed, leaving his seat and beginning towards the front of the bus.

Suddenly, Alex held his arm out, "Hey! No going past the white line!"

The zebra halted in his place and gave Alex a mixed look.

The lion laughed, "Marty, I'm just joking. Come on. Take a seat on the steps and let's talk."

Marty smiled faintly at the joke and took a seat at Alex's side. "So," Marty started, "What's going on?"

"We better keep it down," he pointed to the top of his head, "The little fuzz-bucket's sleeping." As gestured, Julien was curled up on the top of Alex's head resting silently. Marty couldn't help but smile at his child-like innocence.

Marty asked with an indoor tone, "Did anyone see us in the bus?"

"Nope," Alex answered, "So far, Skipper's been right. No one took a second look."

"That's good," Marty accorded. His expression switched to curiosity, "So why did you want me to sit with you."

"Well, duh, I'm your friend," Alex answered.

Marty smiled and shook his head, "C'mon Alex, I know when you're trying to be tactful."

Alex's smiled softened and faded.

Marty asked softly, "What's going on, Al?"

"I kinda just realized that the whole reason I dragged you guys to the Pala pride and put you in all that danger," Alex told him quietly, "was because I just wanted to save myself..."

Marty rolled his eyes, "Really Alex, you know It's not like that. Do you think we'd rather you have some evil spirit taking control of your body?"

Alex answered, "Well, no, but-"

"Besides, we met some new friends and learned a lot," Marty answered, "And even more than that, you know I can only be happy when you're happy."

Alex nodded, "Ditto, buddy."

To change the scenery, the small road surrounded by savanna began to widen. After a minute or so, they then found themselves on a bridge.

"What's going on?" Private asked.

Skipper grinned, "No need to fret my young Private, we're still headed in the right direction. We've just gone onto the bridge. After we get off, we'll be in Mombasa."