Chapter Six

I was with Sophie after Buck went off with the boys, and I'd sent Megan D off to do something so me and Soph could spy. I know, it was rotten, but we had to, we couldn't resist it! Come on, we all know it was her idea… well we were both thinking it, she just said it.

We watched them at the river, and Sophie laughed out loud when Buck through Suzan in the water, I wasn't amused. We maaaay have eves dropped a little, maybe. Okay, we did. You can't blame us, I mean, Sophie wanted to make sure they got together, and I wanted to keep an eye on that Buckminster. I sure as hell didn't trust him as far as I could throw him; Ben once told me it was because I was jealous that Suzan had a crush on him, that was a lie! I was just worried for Suzan is all. She was, and still is, a wonderful friend, and should be treated with respect. So it was my right to be protective. Anyways, we lost track of them after that, and Sophie said she was tired and wanted to go home. I left to go to my hollow after word.

After around an hour or two, the possums came to tell me that they were all at the river but Sophie, Buck, Suzan. I told them I'd find the rest of the gang, and Buck, and bring 'em to the river with me. I figured I'd drop in on the ol' herd's cave, see if they were there, but what I found was Buck holding a sleeping Suzy.

"Hey, what's up?" I half whispered, entering the cave.

He gave me a real sad look, "Sophie, Sophie's gone." he bowed his head.

"Oh my god, she's… dead?" I was sooo hoping that he was lying, or it was a mistake.

Buck nodded, "Suzan came running back in tears, yelling "She's dead, Sophie's dead." after that she fell asleep." he gestured to the unconscious female on his lap, as if I couldn't see. She had her arms around his neck, and her head resting on his shoulder.

"They're all at the river, we should go," Buck was about to get up, but… "I'll carry her if you want." it was more a command than an offer.

"No, she's already in my arms, I got her."

"You sure? It's a long way to the river." I kept on.

"Yeah I'm sure." he got up and started out the cave entrance.

"You know, she never cried in front of any of us before." I said, "She's a tough cookie. And she isn't as "Adventurous" shall we say, when you're not around."

Buck looked all surprised, "Really? She seems so, loosey goosey around me. I know she never cries though, she refused to cry, even when we talked about some really sad stuff." did he really just say 'loosey goosey'?

"Yep." I answered shortly. After that we walked silently to the river. I could sooo see that one scene from twilight in this. Only we were animals, not mythical creatures, but you get the gist.

"Buck!" the boys half yelled.

Buck shushed them and gestured with his head toward Suzan, they understood. Buck laid Suzan down next to Sid, and sat down right next to her.

"What's with the sleepy head?" Sid asked me.

I nodded my head toward Buck and said, "Ask the guy she fell asleep on."

Buck delivered the bad news, and all ya could see was sad faces, and the twins were bawling their eyes out.

(Author: Asia: It's my turn to tell it now!)

I woke up somewhere different than where I'd gone to sleep, at the river, a small fire was burning, and the boys were crying and blowing their noses on each other's tails.

"Dude that's disgusting!" Eddie half yelled at his twin.

Crash sniffed, "I'm sorry dude!"

"Please tell me I was dreaming." I said quietly, sitting up.

"'Fraid not Suzy cue," Buck said, putting an arm around me.

"Well, there is one upside." I leaned in and kissed him once again. "Too bad that's not the only real part." I said, resting my head on his shoulder.

"Ah ha! You two are dating!" from Diego.

"Now we are." I said. "Proud of it too."

"Um, hello? Ray still exists!" Ray said.

I waved at him, "We see you Ray." I almost laughed. "So, how did I get here?" I was still sooo puzzled about that.

"Buck carried you here." Manny explained.

"Yeah, you fell asleep, and Ray came to get us, I didn't wanna wake you up." Buck said.

I sighed, "Well, thanks."

"You guys want to stay here for the night?" Sid suggested.

We all agreed and took our sleeping positions. I prayed tonight, even though there was nobody to pray in unison with me, only Sophie knew our prayer by heart.

"Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the lord my soul to keep. If I shall die before I wake, I pray the lord my soul to take. God bless us all and make us good. God bless Buck, Ray, Sid, Manny, Ellie, Peaches, Diego, Crash and Eddie, Mama Rose, Zeke, my family with you, and your newest angel, Sophie."