Chapter VII: What a doubtful word

Scene 35

After a week, Bambi and Ronno continued having fun together and watching the forest trails, it was still clear that interference of Faline, increasingly, drained time from them for their games, only Ronno realized that for some reason.

Then - Faline said curiously - where do we go now?

I think we have already covered the entire region of the forest - Bambi assured quiet - where do you want to go, Ronno?

Eh, ah! - Ronno was distracted watching some crows fly - I have a surprise for you two, just follow me.

They undertook a long way to where it used to be the home of Bambi, but they did not realize until they see certain stream that brought them so many memories.

Wow - Bambi said smiling - this really fills me with happiness.

Me too - Faline added politely - it is a very beautiful place.

No doubt - Ronno said slowly as he walked away from them - I am pleased that you two are being so cheerful.

His tone became distracted and losing his eyes in melancholy at the sky.

Ronno - Faline said heavily - I think you're right.

Not really - Ronno responded moving his ears up and down - I feel I have some unfinished business to solve but not; I am not sure.

Pretty soon you ... - Faline stopped his sentence to make a different one - Look there, that's Marena!

True - Bambi nodded - I wonder what she is doing here.

Great - Ronno said sarcastically - everyone ignores me.

It is not that - Bambi said cheerfully - Faline is just excited to see her again.

Behind a tree full of rich foliage, Marena expected scared because she initially did not recognize Faline silhouette running toward her.

What brings you here? - Marena asked to Faline.

Ah - Faline cried as she recalled - it was from Ronno the idea to come here, tell me, do you have been well?

Something like that - Marena answered selflessly - now I'm attracted to one of those mature deer marching across the meadows, I think this one can be very romantic.

A look of nostalgia was noted in Faline, Marena thought she knew what was happening.

I am still thinking in Gobo - Marena tried to comfort Faline - he was very young and optimistic.

That makes me feel better - Faline mentioned slightly depressed - but do not try to fool me, I prefer to forget my brother and go on with your life instead of make it look like a shadow of my yesterday.

Please do not fret - Marena implored - I can leave him behind though it hurts me.

Then Bambi and Ronno decided it was time to join the conversation and came to greet Marena.

Greetings - Bambi said shyly.

Hi Bambi - Marena said - and hello...

Her lips sealed a time when Ronno thought "perfect, another one that hates me", but she was finally able to structure her sentence.

Ronno - Marena exclaimed sadly - how unfair I was!

Did you say… what? - Ronno asked confused.

Yes - Marena nodded - it was too early to judge you when you risked your life in order to save Gobo, I owe you.

You do not know how relieved I am. - Ronno sighed.

It could be considered that Marena was nice but Ronno was not attracted to her more than friends, she might be a friend who he could tell things that Faline should not know or that Bambi could not answer.

Marena - Ronno said haltingly - can I ask you something in private?

Do not you trust in me? - Bambi shouted.

I trust you - Ronno said - I've told you many secrets but I need a second opinion, you should enjoy this view with Faline for a few minutes.

Thus Marena walked a long stretch and waited to see if Ronno followed her, she stared at the peculiar gait of this deer, but he realized he was being examined.

Do you notice I limp? - Ronno mentioned quietly.

A little - Marena said when she remembered the why of the wound of Ronno - I mean, no.

Ronno laughed, it was always nice to not give him a degrading treatment for his condition.

I don't know much, but - Ronno asked his question - do you think I will end lonely?

Of course not - Marena answered quickly - I think you're gentle and you will never lack friends.

It's not that - Ronno answered seriously - you know what I mean.

Oh - Marena was silent for a few seconds - it's true that you do not know much but rather than appearance or strength of a stag, we seek someone sympathetic and kindhearted, and what is yours, tell me how many may love both his mother and his friends like you?

My mother? - Ronno asked embarrassed - I'm sure that Faline told you that.

No - Marena aggravated the situation - most of the forest knows.

That made feel Ronno even more ashamed so he fell on the grass, sighing, his chance to find mates seemed nil. Marena sat near him to comfort him.

It's true, some people have mocked you for it - Marena explained patiently - but most of them would do anything to be as loving and brave as you. Also, one day I met an old doe who also said you were a prince, and it's true.

Wait another moment with me, please - Ronno begged sadly - I want rid of my problems.

Just then another doe came running without noticing the presence of Marena nor Ronno, until it was late.

Ronno? - Rolla asked anxiously - I thought I heard your voice.

Rolla? - Ronno exclaimed surprised.

The image of Ronno lying so close to Marena was enough to make Rolla go out. Ronno pursued as fast as he could despite his limp was so very evident.

Rolla, do not go! - Ronno shouted distressed - it's not what it seems.

Not what it seems - Rolla reflected - but I decided to believe you were different, unable to do so and I was wrong, again, I should not have listened to my mother!

But I, I ... - Ronno said tremulously.

You what? - Rolla questioned him.

I need you. - Ronno screamed.

So I'm a need? - Rolla interrupted - other ones would say "I love you", "I like you" or at least "I want you" but you decide not to use that word.

I don't want to miss you - Ronno said calmly - I don't know if I really love you, because I thought I loved someone else and it was not true, but you, you make me feel different, I missed you a lot these days.

Adequate - Rolla commented - give me one understandable reason to be with you.

It was what Ronno expected to hear; he approached Rolla cautiously and led a sweet lick in her face in a way equivalent to a real kiss.

It's the nicest thing you have said. - Rolla pronounced blushing.

By far, Marena, Bambi and Faline appreciated that, but Bambi felt especially glad because Ronno would be happier than ever.

Scene 36

Faline, Bambi and Ronno should go home but before they parted from Marena and Rolla, they decided to talk another time.

Then, Ronno - Rolla said slowly - tomorrow? Will you seek me here at dawn?

I don't know if I can - Ronno said crestfallen - at that time I have a "commitment".

Don't be worry - Bambi suggested - go with her, just a day.

Just one day? - Rolla shouted annoyed - not even a special day, I expected more.

There's always time - Ronno replied calmly - I'll think of something.

Sorry to interrupt, but - Marena spoke freely - could I go with you? It's I'm looking for a new place to sleep and be near to the prairie.

Absolutely - Faline supported the idea - so it will be easier to find your new home. Well I think it remains to say goodbye, Rolla.

Goodbye Faline, goodbye Marena - Rolla began to say goodbye again - goodbye Bambi, and Ronno, do not forget your commitment!

No, no - Ronno answered hastily - of course not.

After the comment, Rolla returned for her home while the others went in the opposite direction, Ronno approached Bambi to tell him something.

I'm regretting what I did - Ronno said nervous - I will take away my freedom, I was not ready for that.

You know that saying - Bambi said cheerfully - "How can someone be too young to love?"

The love is not what worries me - Ronno reflected - it's the commitment itself.

That made laugh Faline and Marena; Ronno always seemed sure of what he wanted, but ultimately ended with the thing he wanted the least.

Scene 37

When it was just about to dawn, Ronno was already in place that had agreed to Rolla; it seems to have awakened before everyone, yet his healthy legs were exhausted from a long way and the other leg tingled relentless. Unfortunately he had to wait there a long time; he began to notice that timeliness was not a quality of Rolla.

Sorry for the delay - Rolla said running towards Ronno - have you been here long?

No, but to be sure, have you got the winter? - Ronno asked mockingly, he did not even tried to hide his sarcasm.

I told you I'm sorry - Rolla said hasty - better let's hear the singing of birds.

Agreed - Ronno nodded - but then you have to let me invite you "special grass".

How do you say? - Rolla laughed - hurry or we'll be late.

Ronno's mind again felt the irony but he would not say anything for now. Rolla ran to be near a meadow of a few tree songbirds, Ronno came away doing his best attempt to minimize his limp, but it didn't work, Rolla noted it.

Fashion seems to be tilting a leg when walking. - Rolla joked.

Is really that severe? - Ronno said surprised.

No - Rolla replied laughing - but it's funny.

The funny thing is that every time someone makes fun of it, I feel a sharp pain in my hoof up through my chest, wait! That's with every step I do! - Ronno said sarcastically.

Sorry, I remember you like jokes - Rolla asked - or do you not like?

Of course I like "jokes" - Ronno said calmly - but almost nobody likes that appears each time a new joke about him or about his limp or his...

His what? - Rolla said mockingly – ah, his mom, of course, when I present you I can say "this is my boyfriend, but do not bother him or his mother will come to defend him."

Enough, Rolla - Ronno said starting to bother - I thought you'd be less childish and more focused.

If you're really upset you may need to sleep - Rolla joked again - would you speak to your mother so that you can be relaxed and cherished?

At least my mother is not an old doe. - Ronno replied angrily.

What did you say? - Rolla was surprised at such an insult.

I see you acquire her deafness at high speed. - Ronno replied without realizing what he was actually doing.

The discomfort of this commentary was evident in Rolla, she had already angered but not exactly for a simple reason.

This is not for me - Rolla said - she loves you as she remember your father, and you make fun of her old age and diseases.

I'm sorry - Ronno apologized - I think we were not yet ready for this situation.

So do I - Rolla reconsidered - I love you but we're a disaster as a couple.

I'll be back in a few days to make sure you're okay. - Ronno responded.

A kind of affectionate hug was used; at least now they know that everyone can love but only at the right time.