I'd never been much of a girly-girl, that much was true. Therefore, I found it increasingly difficult to talk to Robin about my feelings and all that junk without making a fool out of myself. Robin seemed to understand that fact, for she took our conversation slowly and didn't use much of the modern slang that I couldn't keep up with.

"What's going on, Gerdy?" she asked curiously.

Great. A nickname. Now isn't that pleasant?

"I'm not sure how to explain it, Robin," I said. The truth was, I was afraid to confide in this bird that had never really shown herself as a friend to me.

"Oh, come on! There has to be something that you're not telling me!" she paused. "Listen, Gertrude, I'm not really like the other birds around here. I just got dragged into that clique'. You can trust me…I'd prefer to be your friend rather than theirs."

Well, that was enough for me. If it was a mistake, then it would just be another chapter in the story of my life.

"Alright," I grinned. "What do you want to know?"

We had been walking through the forest for about five minutes now, and Robin stopped and perched herself on a stone among ten others just like it. I took a spot on the rock next to her.

"Hmm," she mocked being in thought. "Well, I'd just like to ask…You like him, don't you?"

My face flushed in embarrassment.

"I-uh…yeah…"

"I thought as much… Well, what are you going to do about it?"

I froze as my muscles tensed. Robin stood up again and pulled me to my feet.

"Why should I do anything about it?" I inquired as we started walking again. "It's not like he'll ever really notice me."

Robin pondered on my statement for a few moments.

"He's not blind, Gerdy," she answered, using that nickname again. "He's just a typical male. There has to be something that we can do that would break through to him."

"But what?" I whispered, almost to the point of desperation now. We were at Robin's house. I walked in and sat down on the fluffy pink couch. Being comfortable around Robin was becoming more and more easy once I realized her true potential as a friend.

"I think it's time you changed," Robin stated matter-of-factly, taking her seat in the chair opposite me. My look was incredulous as I hesitantly spoke.

"I-in what way?" I asked her, my anxious eyes giving my calm features away.

Robin smiled comfortingly. "Perhaps your looks and your overall boldness to start with."

I groaned. Was she really going to go through with that? She pulled me up, placing me next in a chair settled in front of a vanity mirror. I guess the answer to my question would be yes…

"We're going to need some expert help with this makeover!" she squealed, suddenly enthusiastic. Great. I mentally sighed as she picked up a long, oddly shaped phone receiver.

She talked and nodded a few times. Robin hung up, and in a matter of minutes, the person she had called was at the door.

"Hello, ladies!" a familiar voice called as a figure stepped into my vision. I raised an eyebrow and immediately regretted ever going to Robin's house. For there stood the Cat, decked in a toupee', apron, and holding a red and white makeup bag, in the hallway.

I glared at Robin. She brought him here?! Geez, as if I hadn't seen enough of him! Before I could say a word, the two had begun to work on my feathers, face, and outfit.

I sighed in relief when, hours later, the job was done. I examined myself in the vanity mirror, contemplating the fact that I no longer looked like Gertrude McFuzz. The two messy knots of feathers on my head had been untangled and efficiently preened. In fact, all of my feathers had been preened. Makeup had been applied to all the sections of my face. It seemed slightly scary that I, Gertrude McFuzz, looked more like Mayzie LaBird!

"See, Gertrude," the Cat whispered in my ear. "You actually can be beautiful if you really try."

I looked at him doubtfully. Even with the phenomenal changes in my appearance, I still didn't consider myself to be in the same class as any of the other birds. I wasn't beautiful. No matter what anyone else said, I knew the truth. Seeing as I was already 21, I most likely would never be beautiful. Yet, my makeover would have to do. Horton might just mull over the fact that I had changed almost everything about me –almost everything; I glared at my tail-

just for him. …ALL for him. So there just might be hope.

I faked a large grin as I stood to hug Robin and the Cat. They both looked so pleased with themselves.

Idiots, I thought. They'll never be able to make me beautiful…no one will.

"Well," Robin grinned. "Go on. Go try your new look out!"

Eh, maybe this just might work…I don't know, I'm such an indecisive bird.

I sniffled as I sat in the shade of my house, Robin lurking in the corner. I could feel a small stream of tears trickle down my cheek.

"I'm sorry, Gerdy," Robin said into the silence, slowly shaking her head. "I really thought it would work… This is my entire fault…"

"No, it's my fault…," I whispered, looking down at my feet. "It's just me. It's me that he'll never notice… Just me."

It had been over a week since my little "makeover," and Horton had still failed to notice me…Even though I had built up the courage to stand next to him once, he had protectively stared at his clover. I had waved at him, and he hadn't even spared me a glance.

I ranted a little.

"Sure, he notices those little people on the clover, but does he notice me? No!"

"Gertrude," Robin stated hesitantly. "There are no people on that clover…"

"I believe him!" I suddenly shouted as my voice shot through an octave. Robin stared at me, eyes wide.

Robin gracefully strode over to me and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"…M-maybe you should go see Dr. Dake," she tried to comfortably state. "I hear he's not only a doctor, but a psychiatrist. I understand how much you love Horton, but if you think there are people on the clover too, then-"

I abruptly threw her hand off of me. She held it closely to her. I supposed I must have accidentally scraped her. Good.

"As a matter of fact, I do think there are people on that clover! For, unlike you, I believe in Horton! And personally, I have not the slightest idea why you don't believe him too!"

Robin stared at me incredulously.

"G-Gertrude…," she started. "I'm sorry, but I think you've lost it."

"I have not lost it!"

I was in her face now. Robin arched her back and leaned towards the floor a little so as to avoid direct contact.

"Gertrude!" she desperately cried. "I enjoyed helping you try to get him to notice you, because I like to play matchmaker, no matter who the people are…But in all truth, he is insane! He hears voices and actually talks back! Now I just want to save you from becoming a nutcase too."

I straightened my back, my head pounding.

"Robin…," I said. "I don't understand why you won't believe me! You are my friend, aren't you?"

Ooh, I had pulled that question on her. I made a mental note that this might get interesting.

"Of course I am!" Robin retorted. "I just… I just don't know how to believe you…"

She then stepped towards the door, opening it slightly.

"I hope you get this all straightened out, for I'm afraid I can't help you," Robin said. "Bye…" She gave me a smile that didn't quite reach her austere eyes. The door closed behind her retreating figure.

Great, I thought. Now she thinks I'm insane.

I felt myself sink into one of my fluffy chairs as I sat down. My head moved to rest in my hands. There I sat for about five minutes until I finally peeked out to my right, looking for something to console me. There, lying on the floor, was my small, turquoise ukulele. I loved to practice the small musical instrument, and I was surprised to know the fact that since I moved to the Jungle of Nool, I had written 436 love songs. I had never written songs, much less love songs, before, and all of the songs seemed to be based towards one person… I must say that they all failed miserably.

I stared at the instrument through my hands. It seemed to beckon me…No! Never again would I attempt to get his attention through song! The ukulele shone in the dim moonlight, seemingly saddened by my thoughts. It glimmered all the more, forcibly gaining my attention. The thing just wouldn't give up. I sighed.

Eh, one more try wouldn't hurt.