Chapter Two- Remembering the Past

Calvin skipped the rest of the school day, and headed home. Knowing his mother would be there he retreated to the forest behind the house to hide. Calvin made his way to a small and old tree house, and looked up at it. He places his hands on the old worn ladder, and made his way up to the top, where he then sat on the wooden deck. Pulling off his packsack, he dropped it beside him, and leaned against the tree, sighing. Glancing around him he saw a familiar worn out sign. It read "G.R.O.S.S.". He chuckled at this.

"heh… Get Rid Of Slimy GirlS… the old club…" Slowly he ran his hand over the old wooden sign, with badly scribbled writing. "Dictator for Life Calvin… I haven't been around much lately have I…" He looked out through the forest and memories began to flood back to him.

"This meeting of Top-Secret Cub G.R.O.S.S. will come to order, Supreme Ruler and Dictator for Life Calvin Presiding!" young Calvin said proudly. His tiger companion Hobbes stood in front,clapping.

"Hear hear!" The tiger said; a grin on his face.

"President and First Tiger Hobbes will now provide us with an attendance report." Calvin saluted.

"All present and accounted for sir!" the tiger replied, returning the salute.

"Excellent! Now Club Secretary General Hobbes will review the minutes." Said the boy as he looked out over the treehouse.

"…it's 10:32" Hobbes replied, looking at the small watch on his arm.

"Thank you. At this time we'll have a field report from Top Scout Calvin!" Calvin said, waving his paper hat in the air. Hobbes grinned as he leaned against the ledge of the treehouse.

"You can tell this is a great Club because we have so many officers…"

Calvin stared at the sign for some time, as if to bore a hole in it with his eyes. Finally tearing himself away, he looked up at the sky.

"Damnit Hobbes… I'm sorry…" he clenched his eyes tightly as the next memories flooded his mind. He tried to force them out, but they replayed before him, clear as crystal.

The young seven year old slowly awoke and looked around his surroundings. He didn't recognize the room, but he felt awful. Attempting to move his arm, he let out a squeal as pain shot through his body. Tears streamed down his face as he looked around.

"Hobbes? Mom? Dad?" the boy tried to sit up, but again, pain shot through his tiny body.

"Calvin? Oh baby I'm here, I'm right here!" A soft voice called. Calvin turned his head, as his mother rushed into the room. "You're awake! Oh my poor little boy…" She leaned down and hugged him gently. Calvin looked up at her, fear, pain and confusion filled his bright eyes.

"Mom what happened? Where's dad? And Hobbes? Where's Hobbes?!" he attempted to sit up, but his mother pushed him down gently.

"Lie still dear… there… we… were in an accident." She looked at him sadly. He looked at her silent for a moment, as the words entered his mind.

"Dad…? Daddy!?" He looked at her wide eyed.

"He's alive dear it's alright!" she gently ran her hand over her child's cheek. "But he was badly hurt, he'll have to stay in the hospital for awhile…" Calvin didn't fight back the tears that welled in his eyes.

"And Hobbes? Where's Hobbes?!" he demanded. His mother looked at him.

"Son I'm sorry… but the car was totaled… we don't know where your stuffed tiger is." Calvin looked at her, like she was lying to his face.

"no… no where is he!? Where's Hobbes?! Where's Hobbes!?" He cried, fighting to get up. "I have to find Hobbes!"

"No dear you must rest! I'm sorry, I'll… I'll buy you another stuffed tiger dear I promise, just please lie down!" she tried to sooth her distraught son.

"NO! I WANT HOBBES! WHERE IS HOBBES?!" Calvin struggled, ignoring the pain in his body. All that was on his mind was finding his friend. His mother struggled to keep the injured boy still.

"Calvin lie still! You're hurt you need to rest, please!" Tears began to slide down her cheeks as she looked at her son.

"No! HOBBES! HOBBES! I said I hated him! Hobbes no! Where is he I have to find Hobbes! HOBBES!" Calvin thrashed and tried to force his mothers hand away. She turned and called for a nurse, who rushed into the room. Calvin cried and wailed, then yelped as a needle injected his arm. His mind began to swoon and spin, before he felt all energy drain from him. His fighting stopped and he fell asleep.

"Hobbes..."

Calvin opened his eyes, and then slammed his fist down in anger. Tears threatened to fall down his cheeks, but he forced them back.

"I'm sorry Hobbes… I never meant it… you were my best friend… my only friend… I'm sorry…"