Onc3l8rWagon thanks for the author favorite. Don't worry everyone about Chloe. She's sick, but she's not going to die. You didn't think I'd kill her off did you? Pardon if you get sickened from the mentions of vomiting from Chloe. Poor kid…it's a symptom. I have been pumped to do this chapter since…since I thought of an alternate story so I'm glad to have this done! Pumped, but also sad. Not a bad time to update with it being Father's Day and with what Once-ler does here. (Edited as of 09-05-13)
(The Lorax, and The Once-ler do not belong to me. They're Dr. Seuss' and Illumination's. Same goes for his family shown in the film. Marie and her growing girls are mine! P.S. Any names I use from other Seuss books aren't mine either; they'll always belong to Dr. Seuss.) Sadness alert! Emotion alert! Family feels alert!
Chapter 32
The Last Strike of Despair
"Natalie!"
The six-year-old looked up from the pool table where she had been moving the balls around and trying to balance on her sister's little skateboard.
"What?" she called.
Once-ler raced up to her, put the jar down and grabbed her hands. He looked ecstatic with nearly watered eyes.
"Natalie," he said. "Did you know you had this?"
Natalie looked at the jar and frowned for a second. Then she perked in remembrance.
"Oh that?" she said. "It was for a thing in Kindergarten. We had to collect 100 things and I had Chloe help me find seeds. We'd go out sometimes after school and find them before the axe hackers crushed them. I didn't take them though. Miss Thorndike's niece brought the same thing so I showed my box of 100 colored pencils instead."
Natalie bit her lip in irritation as she remembered how Miss Thorndike hugged and patted her niece's head, what was her name? Ava? Yeah, Ava had come in all perky with her collection and then she threw the seeds in a trash can outside the cafeteria. All for show.
"Little kiss-up," muttered Natalie.
"Natty if you're not going to use them then I'll take them," said Once-ler smiling brightly.
"Sure," said Natalie. "Do what you want it was a waste of time to get them."
"No," said Once-ler in soft bliss. "It wasn't. Everything's turning out alright."
"What is?" asked Natalie and she got off the skateboard.
Once-ler only hugged her and put the seeds in her arms. Natalie forgot how heavy the jar had been and actually wondered if there were billions inside instead.
"Promise me you'll look after them," he said with seriousness.
"Okay," said Natalie, but she didn't understand why.
Then Once-ler went back to the living room and found his speech to look over. After an hour of rehearsing to himself and Natalie sitting on her new big girl bike while watching the seeds on the floor, he went to fix a quick lunch. It felt nice to cook homely food again. So often he had strived to make delicacies for himself when at one point he got tired of finding cold food for him when he came late. Natalie was hungry again and eager to find that he had made good old fashioned PB&J for her. Grape jam of course; the only kind she liked.
"He remembered," she thought.
The last time Once-ler had made her lunch was a year ago when Marie had gotten sick and forgot thanks to her clouded mind. Once-ler was hesitant on making something for Chloe since she hadn't eaten and he didn't want to waste food, but he didn't want her to go hungry and have to eat hours' old pancakes. So he put together a sandwich of peanut butter and banana, something she asked for when he made them lunch that one time. Not much to his surprise Chloe hadn't touched her breakfast so thanks to his clever thinking, he had covered the plate with tin foil to keep it from drying.
"Hope you don't mind I eat these instead," he whispered to her as he switched the plates.
After kissing her he noticed she was still hot so he soaked her Thneed again, put it on her forehead and went back down to get some cold juice for her. After he did, he nibbled on her neglected breakfast. Why let food go to waste? He had to put her portion of soup in a Tupperware the night before.
"What does C have?" asked Natalie. "Is it con-conta-gee-ous?"
"Contagious," corrected Once-ler. "I don't think so, but she still has a fever."
"How long does it take for a fever to stop?" asked Natalie.
"It shouldn't be too long," said Once-ler. He didn't want Natalie afraid; one person being afraid for Chloe's health was enough.
When putting the plates away, Once-ler put some dry cereal out for his guests and The Lorax was left with a nap he was taking on the sofa. Edwin was on one of the shelves weaving his way around before he leaped onto Melvin's back. The mule only turned his head and then went back to eating a thick carrot Once-ler gave him. Then Edwin circled around three times and sunk down with his paws dangling.
"Nice to see them getting along," thought Once-ler after he opened a can of cat food for Marie's pet.
Seeing it was pressing on in the afternoon he decided he had to get going with the second thing. He doubled checked all the doors to make sure they were locked. Then he folded the paper up for his coat and adjusted his pocket watch. Natalie struggled to pick up a cue stick to attempt at pool when he began to head out.
"Natalie," he said. "I'm going to be right back. Don't go outside, don't use the stove and don't answer the phone!"
"Where are you going?" asked Natalie.
"To make things right," said Once-ler. He adjusted his tie and coat buttons before exiting. "Look after your sister and don't try waking her."
"Dad wait!" called Natalie. "Don't forget these!"
She held up his sunglasses and stovepipe hat. Once-ler knelt down and slowly took them, touched that she still took on that little job. However, before he did anything, he put them aside and hugged her tightly. Her small arms copied. Then after kissing her cheek he gathered his things. Natalie didn't wipe her freckled face like usual.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised. "If Mommy comes back tell her I'm fixing everything. Trust me on this."
Natalie nodded, but when he left she felt lonely. She knew the house was safe. Once-ler had always kept in mind that there was no way anyone could break in. The windows were double layered, locks couldn't be broken and of course with the ground level they were on, it was near impossible for anyone to use a ladder to peek in. Also all the windows were of stain glass and those were hard to look through unless on the inside. Only Isabella had a copy of the house's key.
Then she had a clever, but foolish idea. Natalie got a very clever, but foolish idea! She pulled a chair to the kitchen's telephone and dialed Isabella's home. She had learned dialing long before.
"Hello?" came an answer. "Oncie? Is that you?"
"Hey Isabella," said Natalie in a sing-song voice. "Dad's going to kick your butt and there's nothing you can do about it! We've got seeds to make things better! So eat that!"
Then she slammed it down and didn't bother answering it when it rang again for surely it was her grandmother trying to get back at her. Natalie did her best to get the last word.
"Dad said I couldn't answer the phone, but he said nothing about me calling," she thought smartly.
She retreated to the living room, feeling some comfort from the animals. To add extra company she turned on the television to a talk show which had topics that went over her head. Pipsqueak seated himself by her at a safe distance for he knew how cranky she could be. While the show progressed, some of the animals made themselves comfortable around the house. The Humming-Fish went in the pool again for another dip and some of the Swomee-Swans joined them. The others roosted on the shelves and all the Bar-ba-loots piled up together and lazily settled back. Melvin paraded back and forth with Edwin still on his back.
Then suddenly Natalie was started when she heard loud clopping. She jumped up to find Melvin trying to get upstairs! Edwin had jumped off with his fur standing on one end.
"Melvin no," commanded Natalie. She stumbled ahead of him and took the reins that Chloe had put on him for their ride. "You can't go up here! You're too big!"
Melvin snorted and Natalie jumped back in fear she'd get sneezed on next and covered in mule nasal cavaties. Melvin plodded up and then headed for her room.
"No!" yelled Natalie. "Don't ruin my room!"
Melvin wasn't ruining her room at all. It hadn't even crossed his mind as much as he disliked Natalie's attitude. He was at Chloe's side and gently nudged her. He nickered over her dark and wispy curls, feeling how damp they were from sweat.
"Get away from her!" snapped Natalie who felt protective of Chloe. "She doesn't want you now!"
Melvin nipped the air and Natalie ran to the other side. He pushed his nose under Chloe's hand until it looked like she was stroking him. He gazed sadly at her and bobbed his head a little as if to ask for her to wake up.
Edwin followed pursuit and curled up in the curve of Chloe's legs which were tucked up. Natalie shrugged and decided to change her pajamas. Once-ler didn't say at all that she had to change her clothes so she took it as a sign that he was letting them do what they wanted. She changed out of her pink striped nightgown and put on some silky long ones that had a monogram on the chest pocket. She admired the sophisticated calligraphy of the "N" and brushed her long hair. Then out of nowhere she heard a gagging.
"Oh no Chloe," cried Natalie.
Melvin waddled back and Edwin was alerted. Chloe coughed and hit her pillow after the spilling from her mouth. Natalie huffed and rubbed her face down. Then puffing out her chest with determination she strode over, flipped the duvet off, yanked the cuddle blanket out from under Chloe and then succeeded in dragging her out.
"You haven't worn these in a long time," said Natalie and she pulled out an old pair of pajamas that were silky pink with ruffles.
She slipped the old clothes off of Chloe and struggled to put them on her. It took a while because Natalie had to sit her back up sometimes. Oh, but at last Natalie managed to get her sister changed and took the spare bedspread for her. She didn't know how to put it on and left it for Chloe to wrap herself in like a cocoon. (Or chrysalis to be more precise.)
After Natalie tossed the ruined bedclothes and pajamas in the hamper, she was exhausted and plodded down with Melvin slowly following her. Edwin stayed upstairs with Chloe and when she turned over on her belly, he rested on her back. His purrs were almost like a massage to her achy body.
"Dad please come home," thought Natalie when she collapsed down on the sofa next to The Lorax.
"Humpf," he muttered and was wide awake from his nap. "What happened?"
"Nothing exciting," said Natalie and she took the remote back from the coffee table.
She changed the channel to find something else. All eyes were glued to the screen and Melvin began chewing on a vase of flowers. The channels became fuzzy with each quick switch. Then suddenly The Lorax spotted something.
"Wait!" he shouted. "Go back! Go back!"
Natalie flipped back to the next channel, seeing it was fourteen, she knew it would be a boring story about the news. Then it became not so boring! Once-ler was on the screen on a platform set up for him in the same circle he first tried selling his invention. All listened intently and Isabella was off on the side with a smug grin. Once-ler didn't look at the paper he had written and found his heart taking over like many times before.
"Thneedville, I am here to announce that there's new progress growing for this industry." Cheers erupted and people clapped. "I have decided that Thneeds Inc. will undergo serious changes for the better of all of us." Cheers again. "I've had enough time to think it over and I'm going to follow through. I have-I have been selfish of my company and now is the time to clear things up. I need to fix my mistakes."
"Marie I hope you're listening to this," Once-ler thought to himself before speaking again.
"Thneeds Inc. will…no longer produce Thneeds with chopping and new technology. Instead it will be safer for the environment. I will be halting all productions until further notice."
Now yells of anger rang out. Isabella's grin which had been in hopes of him turning back to her was released and she frowned. Things like "We want Thneeds now! You can't do this to us! You're a fool!" were spat at Once-ler. He kept his ground though and imagined that only Marie was standing there and listening to him.
"The trees are very few right now and if we save them now and let more grow then you can have your Thneeds. They'll cost more, but they shall be handmade. Nobody will lose their jobs! All who work for me can still stay."
"No! No! No!" the crowd yelled.
"Listen to me," ordered Once-ler. "Things can't go on like this! If-if none of you are willing to see the damage I've caused, then I might as well should shut down the whole company!"
"No! No you won't!" was the fiery reply.
Once-ler felt frustrated. Even the environmentalists in the crowd looked angry at him. They still held a grudge against him for being destructive in the first place. Now people were mad that he was quitting. Thneedville was so fickle! Once-ler had always known they were like that and he knew it from the moment they came to his cottage wanting Thneeds after ridiculing him.
"There are reasons I cannot share of why I've felt this way," said Once-ler sincerely. "My reasons though, I hope you understand, are only because my heart has been full of guilt."
"There's no guilt in a business!" yelled Isabella. "None!"
"Then I'm making it final," said Once-ler on that note. "If none of you are open to getting your Thneeds in a slower way and to protect your home, then I'm shutting it all down! I'll find you all new jobs, but now it's final! Thneeds Inc. is over!"
Then the crowd started chanting "Who cares for trees! Give us our Thneeds!" Isabella grabbed her son's arm once more to protest, but he yanked back and gave a terrible glare at her to not stop him. Then feeling proud of himself and free, he left to go back home. His little girls needed him. Little did he know that Isabella wasn't done yet. When he left in his Ferrari she took over with a most awful idea brewing under her blonde head.
"Everyone," she said aloud. "Do not be upset! I will make Thneeds for you all! If my Oncie won't then I will because I care for all of you more than he does! How selfish he is to not think of you all and your needs or…or mine!" She added a little sniffle of pity to earn sadness from the audience. "I though, will produce your Thneeds and they'll be even better than any he's ever produced! And I won't do any mistakes like he's made! I won't steal your money for my own good from the charities!"
A gasp filled the crowd with horror. Liz Billings who ran most of the charities in Thneedville looked like she'd faint. Isabella had a wicked gleam in her eye.
"Yes isn't it awful?" she raved. "I tried to make him stop, but he was too greedy! Oh the shame of it! What have I done for my son to be like that? I am so sorry to you all! I would never do such a thing to your money! I will give you better!"
Once-ler was only thinking about getting home while her tirade went on. He felt good. He really did and he felt like a great weight was off his shoulders. Thneeds didn't matter anymore and he felt his irrational optimism come back full force and he found himself singing nonsense. When he pulled back in the garage and went up he was whistling. Natalie, who hadn't seen the part of her grandmother's new plan and had changed the channel skipped out to him.
"You showed them," she giggled while the animals still celebrated to themselves with growls, squawks and hums with The Lorax in the living room.
"Nothing hard about telling them off," said Once-ler brightly and heaved her up for a hug. "No sir!"
"Are we really going to be alright?" asked Natalie when he went to check on Chloe.
"Yeah," he said. "We're going to make it. We're going to plant those seeds, let them grow and then protect the valley. Then those trees will have more seeds and there'll be more trees! Besides, you know I have millions hiding around here so there's no way we'll be poor Sweetie."
"We're really going to be alright," said Natalie and she was reassured. "You're staying with us too?"
Once-ler put her down next to Chloe and knelt before her, hands over her small cheeks.
"I'll never leave you three again," he said. "Nothing will take me away from you."
Then it was Natalie's turn to jump up and hug him. Once-ler returned it and squeezed Chloe's limp hand in the process. Then to his relief, though her eyes were still closed, she squeezed back. A real comfort that she was aware of her surroundings made the day feel better.
For the rest of the day, Once-ler kept Chloe out of her bed and in his secure arms. He stayed in the living room with all the animals and The Lorax who had gone back to sleep. The television was off and Natalie came in with some books.
"I'll read this one," she said and took the notebook of the story Marie and Once-ler had written. She read slowly and most of the time had it memorized with each word until she stumbled. "Once there was a kingdom under water and it was ruled by a duke and duchess. They lived in a big house of pink cor-all and had many serv-ants."
Once-ler didn't correct her on "coral" or "servants" because he was too pleased to hear his child read. She had been considered advanced in Kindergarten, but Marie wouldn't let Natalie go ahead a grade so Chloe wouldn't be alone.
"They had a…Dad what's this word?" she asked when she couldn't figure it out.
"Daughter," he said.
"They had a daughter who had hair like gold, a tail of silver and eh-eyes as blue as the sea," she read on. "She was called Marina." The name she knew how to pronounce because she knew it sounded like her mom's name.
When Once-ler noticed that Natalie was getting winded from reading he took the notebook and continued. She coiled up next to him to listen.
"She saw the young merchant on his aging steed and the parcels tied with brown paper and string. Curious of the human she rested on a rock to watch him. She found herself growing lost, looking at his eyes which reminded her of the clear sky and his hair as dark as caverns underwater. Marina could've sworn she had never seen such a wonderful human."
The story kept going which followed with what became a friendship and then a forbidden romance between the merchant and mermaid. The duke and duchess forbade Marina to visit the merchant, Wilhelm, but they still met and fell deeply in love as years passed. Then having it all end happily when the mermaid became human after trying to sacrifice herself to protect Wilhelm from her evil parents and he fought back at them until he almost drowned.
"How about another Beanpole?" asked The Lorax who had awoken towards the end.
"Do you want one about trees?" asked Once-ler dryly.
"Nah," said The Lorax shaking his head. "Any stories fine; how about that one you just finished?"
Once-ler rolled his eyes, but did read it again. He didn't bother showing the little drawings he had made of the merchant and mermaid. When he was done reading, he dozed off like his girls had and The Lorax left the three humans to rest while he tried playing Canasta.
The sleeping habits were thrown off for the whole day and not once did Once-ler hear his office phone ringing or any phone for that matter. It was around eight at night when he woke up and found Natalie watching a sci-fi program about grass growing. Chloe was limp and still hot. Any degree higher and she'd be hospitalized.
"Poor Butterfly," he said to himself. Then aloud he asked for Natalie. "Hey Sweetheart can you please get something for Chloe drink while I take her upstairs?"
"Sure," said Natalie who was being his little helper.
Chloe was back in her cool bed with less covers and her twin brought her a tall glass of water with a straw. When brought to her lips, she stuck her small tongue out and let it pull the straw in. Her mouth closed and she slowly sipped. Her eyes remained half opened, but seeing her drink was positive since she had refused to eat.
"Good girl Sweetie," said Once-ler when she stopped.
"Will that stop her from being hot?" asked Natalie.
"I think so," said Once-ler. "I bet she'll feel better by tomorrow and she'll be starving for pancakes."
"We should let her go to a place with chickens," said Natalie.
"Why?" chuckled Once-ler who found it the most random thing Natalie had ever said.
"So she can get chickenpox," said Natalie. "That way I can see what a person looks like with spots on their face."
"Chickenpox doesn't come from chickens," said Once-ler.
"Then why are they called that?"
"I…I don't know."
Chloe would've been upset hearing that her sister wanted her to get chickenpox, but she wasn't too aware of what was being said. She felt too sleepy to be conscience. When she finished drinking she wobbled back and thumped against her pillow. Feeling a little better that she had kept something down, Once-ler went to make a late dinner. Much later on, when he started running the dishwasher, Natalie tugged at his sleeve for a question.
"Dad, can you promise me something?"
"Anything," he said and meant it.
"Well," began Natalie. "Little Ladies Brigade has a dad and daughter dance and…we missed it this year and the year before. So can you try coming next year? I mean, if we don't have to hide anymore?"
"Natty," said Once-ler empathetically. He felt guilty. "I'll do what I can." He hoped he could. He didn't like hiding the girls and avoiding usual things fathers did with their children.
"Good," said Natalie with bob of her head. "I want to try dancing sometime."
"Really?" thought Once-ler. "Is that so?"
Natalie gave herself a bath and changed. While she combed out her hair she sat with Chloe. Edwin nuzzled his chin and jaws against her shoulder. Then he rolled over and licked his paw. Natalie wondered what would make Chloe give some attention. Then she brightened up and crawled under Chloe's bed. Sure enough underneath was one of her stuffed animals that Chloe had hidden to avoid going into the washing machine.
"Hey C," she said cheerfully. "Look who it is! It's Nutmeg the Squirrel!" She yanked out and shook a little auburn colored squirrel.
Chloe only turned around. Natalie gave a frustrated sigh and put Nutmeg along the border of her bed. She rolled her eyes at the miniature zoo Chloe had along her daybed's frame. Everything from her swan and dog was around her.
"Dumb animals," thought Natalie. Real or stuffed she disliked them, except for Kitten.
"Naaammm," mumbled Chloe. She clutched her stomach more.
Natalie was too wound up for the night to sleep, but with it past her bedtime and not wanting to disappoint Marie anymore Once-ler put Natalie in her bed. That had only earned him a struggle from a highly energetic Natalie.
"Why can't I stay up?" she whined. "Whhhy?"
"Mommy will kill me if you're not in bed right now," said Once-ler firmly. He had to lift her up from the tea party she had started with her dolls. "Just stay in your bed until you fall asleep."
She grouched about it and tossed back and forth when the lights went out. It wasn't just that she felt cranky; she didn't feel safe with Once-ler out of their room. The previous night had been nicer with him in the rocking chair. So she got out at midnight and pried at Chloe.
"Come on C," she said. "Let's get going."
Chloe was pulled at the waist and then she rolled to the floor with a thump. Around her body came her tangled blanket. Natalie dragged Chloe at around the chest until they were in the master bedroom.
"Dad's a deep sleeper," thought Natalie. "Mom's said so." She felt Chloe's head slip in her arms and then hitched her up again.
Once-ler was half asleep in the center of the bed. His mind weaved in and out of reality. Not to mention, the large bed felt too empty without Marie there. He yawned for what seemed the fortieth time that night and hugged his pillow tighter. His suit would be the wrinkly from sleeping by morning, but he didn't care. Then suddenly he felt a weight on the edge. The weight was followed by a grunt of someone lifting something. He craned his neck around to see Chloe getting pushed up. Then Natalie heaved herself up and crawled over him.
"Natalie?" he started. "What now?"
She didn't say anything except that she stretched out on her back and went into sleep mode. Chloe was curled up on Once-ler's other side. He looked back and forth at his daughters. Feeling tired from the day he decided to not send them back. Instead he copied Natalie's position, one he had done for as long as he could remember, and felt his eyes and mind wander. As Natalie, who had calmed down in a safe presence, snored away, Once-ler recalled too many nostalgic moments.
Once-ler found himself recalling all his memories of Marie. As far back as to when they first met to milestones of falling in love. Everything from buying Melvin at the fair with her that one Fall to their first honeymoon night as husband and wife which had been engaged in a shyness, but sweet love. The tearful joy of discovering they were having two girls and to the moment they held them together. Their first secret wedding and their vow renewal. Their first worse fight and the last one they had. That part was the worst of his recalling.
He was going to make things right, both his family and the trees. He wouldn't let anything come between them again. Sleep took over and he wandered far from the destroyed valley to his past. The last thing that he thought was all the words he had said with her.
"You like me as in dating like? Why didn't you tell me earlier Once?"
"It's kind of hard to tell your best friend you've fallen for her, especially if she has a boyfriend. I couldn't…I was worried."
"I've been worrying too. So we've both…"
"Fallen for each other. Is that bad?"
…
"Have you had your first kiss yet? I mean three boyfriends and all. I know I haven't."
"I've never had my first kiss. I never did it because I didn't feel comfortable with it. I think it's because I didn't know my boyfriends for half of my life. Like I know you."
…
"I hated today. It was too long, too tiring, I missed you too much."
"I missed you too. I missed you a lot…Beautiful."
…
"Congratulations Handsome."
"I only thought of you when I was talking."
"I loved how you mentioned me. I didn't know I meant that much to you."
"You do. You do because I love you."
…
"You don't love me anymore?"
"No, no, no! That's not it! I love you! You're my favorite person!"
"Then why have you been taking a vow of silence lately? I love you and I can hardly get a word out of you!"
"Because I've been wanting to… I love you so much Marie. You mean a lot to me. I would do anything for you and you've always been there for me. I've known you all my life and I wouldn't change any of it. I want to spend the rest of it with you. I need to spend the rest of it with you. Marie…Marie I love you…will you marry me?"
"Yes."
…
It was half past noon when Once-ler awoke. He was on his side and could feel the kicking of Chloe against his shin. He stretched and yawned knowing it was time to get up.
"Morning Butterfly," said Once-ler warmly. He gently shook her to see if she was awake. "You think you can keep some breakfast down?"
Used to not hear her speak by now, he took her. He thought he smelled something in the kitchen and his senses were correct when he realized it was pancakes.
"Marie is that you?" he called as he passed the last stair. Then the questioning became a panicking shock. "Natalie!" he yelled.
She was standing on a chair, using the spatula with two hands and her apron tied in a knot that she learned from her scout group. She had changed into white lacey pajamas and had given herself a bath early that morning. She had two pancakes on a platter and one in the frying pan. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail and flour was on her arms.
"What?" she asked as if there was no danger.
"Get down from there," yelled Once-ler as he lifted her off the chair with his free arm. "I've told you to never touch the stove!"
"I've done it before," said Natalie. "I did it one morning while you were on a trip. Mom was surprised!"
Once-ler had never expected that one of his childish habits, making pancakes on a chair, would ever be repeated. He had done that since he was left home alone as a toddler. The counter had measuring cups, spoons, the bag of flour, an empty carton of milk and egg shells on a saucer.
"You're turning into me," said Once-ler almost to himself.
"I am?" said Natalie who felt pleased. "So I can take on whatever business you do next?" She watched with pride as he examined what she made.
"You made these?" Once-ler felt impressed even if they were a little blackened.
"Yeah," said Natalie. "I've seen Mom to do a lot so I know what to do and she's showed me which cups and spoons to use."
"No wonder she's been suggested to move up a grade," thought Once-ler. "She's smarter than I was."
"C you'll love these," said Natalie to her twin. "I made them!"
Once-ler didn't know whether to scold or hug Natalie for making breakfast, but he was too hungry to decide. So while he and Natalie ate, Chloe yawned and snuffled in her seat. Natalie didn't mind that Once-ler got up to make some more for them and she cut a forkful on Chloe's blue plate.
"Here," she coaxed. She held the fork inches from Chloe's mouth. "It's yummy just like you like it."
Clanrrring! The fork was smacked away and it hit the tile. Chloe's one sense came alive and she had flicked the fork away. The smell of the breakfast was too strong for her and made her tummy ache. Natalie didn't like being provoked and took the spoon from the jam jar to try again. Clanrrring went the spoon in a lower pitch!
"Stop that!" commanded Natalie.
"Hey," said Once-ler firmly. "Settle down!"
Then Natalie scooted her chair to a corner and faced the wall. She sat as if she had been glued down until Once-ler noticed.
"What are you doing?" he asked as he served seconds.
"I'm in timeout," said Natalie. "I'll say sorry in a minute. Let me know when time's up."
Ever since they were at an age to be disciplined, the rule was if either girl did something wrong they sat in time out for five minutes and had to apologize. A hug was optional too. First time they used the rule was when Natalie whacked Chloe on the shoulder at lunch while they lived in the Lerkim. She had screamed in rage over it, but after Natalie apologized and embraced Chloe she got a taste of her own medicine. Chloe turned the tables and smacked Natalie on the shoulder so she got in time out too.
Once-ler didn't think it was too necessary for a time out, but let it go. Neither seemed to be in real trouble. Natalie eventually let herself out and hugged Chloe. Once-ler cleaned up the kitchen's mess and then went to find the jar of seeds. Natalie had turned on the radio to classical music while she had cooked so by then a sweeping piano piece rang out. Once-ler put the jar on the coffee table and sat to look at it. He felt a smile come on and rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"Beautiful huh?" said The Lorax who had been sitting on top of the television. "Just seeds, but they're special."
"You're still here?" asked Once-ler.
"Do I make you uncomfortable?" asked The Lorax.
"Not anymore," said Once-ler with a tongue click. "Why haven't you gone back out?"
"Eh," shrugged The Lorax. "Brook's not a bad cook and-I'm just supportin' Creek. She's as sweet as butterfly milk. Is she any better?"
"No," sighed Once-ler. "All she's kept down is water; water that I've filtered for this factory while everyone else lives in glop."
The Lorax hopped down. He poked a finger at the jar and smiled too. He had gotten through to Beanpole at last and there was a promise that things would improve. It'd take a long time, but it'd be worth it.
"Brook's interestin'," he said randomly. "She's like a Truffula Fruit; tart and sour, but bite in deeper and it's soft. She's goin' to be like you Beanpole. Just don't let her chop trees!"
"She's my oldest," sighed Once-ler as he recalled holding her first at her birth.
"She and Creek are like saplings, but they mean a lot. Kinda like seeds that'll become trees. These are not just more than seeds, any more than their just kids."
"Hey Dad," said Natalie coming in and holding her left arm. She looked nervously at her father. "There's something I need to tell you. Chloe's sick because it's my fault."
"Sweetie it's nobody's fault," said Once-ler gently. "Except mine," he thought. To an extent of sadness, Natalie shook her head deep in melancholy and then crawled on the sofa next to him.
"She fell in before," admitted Natalie. She kept her eyes down to avoid Once-ler and The Lorax's concerned glances. "She was too scared to tell anyone and begged for me to not tell."
"When did...this happen?" asked Once-ler with horror creeping into his heart.
"About five days ago," said Natalie and she lowered her voice. "She was playing on the bridge thing and she fell. She got out and then went inside. I helped her wash it off, but I wanted to tell Mom. She told me to not tell so I didn't. Now she's getting sicker and sicker. I should've told. I'm sorry."
"Why didn't she want us to know?" asked Once-ler feeling choked. He felt a knot in his stomach upon hearing Chloe had fallen in the pollution before.
"She was scared she'd get in trouble. That was a bad secret to keep wasn't it?"
"It's-I know what it means to keep secrets," said Once-ler gently and side hugged her. "Sometimes though you have to tell if someone's in danger. I would know."
"Mom said something like that," said Natalie to herself.
"About secrets?"
"No. Mom said there's a lot you know. Chloe's not going to…leave is she?" She didn't want to say the word "die."
"She won't," said Once-ler who figured Chloe was slowly healing. After all, she had drunk some water and that was good. The thought was followed by a long pause.
"Oh Beanpole," asked The Lorax as he tapped on the glass and heard the seeds rattle. "Did Waterfall come back yet? I saw her go blowin' a fit."
"No she didn't," said Once-ler. "She hasn't-wait!" He fixated on The Lorax. "Did you see where she went?"
"Maybe down to the city," shrugged The Lorax. "She was ragin'."
"Where?" said Once-ler half to himself. Then after a pause his oldest spoke up.
"Isabella yelled at me," she said who felt more honest after revealing her secret. Once-ler's eyes went to her in interest. "She was saying you don't have time for us because…you prefer working than seeing us."
"What?" he said and held his anger at Isabella down.
"So I got mad," she continued. "I yelled at her. Then she yelled for Grizelda to take care of me. So she tried slapping me, but I got away. I wanted to runaway. I fell off the bridge when it rained and that's all. I say it's her fault. You can punish me all you want, but I still think she's bad." She rubbed her arm that had the bruise.
"Who said I'm punishing you?" asked Once-ler. He took up the jar. "As for Mom, I'm going to take care of her."
"How?"
Once-ler didn't say except that he went back to find Chloe slumped on the table. She was out again like a light. Not tired of picking up either of his girls, Once-ler put her on the sofa for a change.
"Poor Creek," said The Lorax compassionately.
It seemed that the room became twice as depressing with Chloe. Natalie seemed even more sad after her confession. Then Once-ler got an idea with the music still playing. He lifted Natalie up on his feet and moved around. She was astonished by the sudden movement.
"I thought I'd give you a dancing lesson," said Once-ler. "So you'll be ready for that brigade dance."
Natalie smiled and let her father twist and turn her around. She giggled when he lifted her for a dip. It felt reminiscent of the vow renewal dancing back when she was only two! The Lorax chuckled and sat with Chloe. Then Natalie jumped off his feet and spun, her ponytail became loose. Then she hit the sofa with a laugh.
"We'll keep practicing," chuckled Once-ler. "I taught your mom and I can teach you."
Natalie just beamed. She adjusted one of the sofa's pillows under Chloe's head and then searched for the television's remote. When she found it she clicked it on and searched for a show Chloe liked. While that happened Once-ler went down to his office. He decided to get some blueprint paper and try to sketch new ideas for a greenhouse for the precious seeds they had found. Pipsqueak had followed him out while the rest of the creatures had retreated to the pool room. The cub crawled up into his lap and watched the pencil strokes form. Once-ler liked the company and even dug into one of his desk drawers for some marshmallows to spare. After several minutes of the peace and quiet, especially since nobody had come to the factory, Once-ler's small telephone rang.
"Hello?" he answered and half expected it to be an angry worker of Thneeds Inc. with complaints.
"Hey there you crazy man," said Mr. McPherson. "You've got moxie for what you did yesterday!"
"Uh, thanks," said Once-ler. He was perplexed by the friendly call.
"But you're stupid," added Mr. McPherson. Then again, it wasn't friendly.
"Really?" said Once-ler sarcastically.
"What kind of fool are you to suddenly give up all the success you've had? You've come a lot farther then most and now you're throwing it away! No wonder your mom is taking over!"
"Taking over?" said Once-ler in puzzlement. Pipsqueak sat up to hear. "What are you saying?"
"Didn't you hear?" asked Mr. McPherson. "After your little conference yesterday, your mother said she'd give what the people want while you selfishly let it go."
"No!" shouted Once-ler. "She can't do that!"
Then disturbingly right on cue, he heard the sound of gears grinding. He dropped the receiver in horror. Pipsqueak jumped down and Once-ler ran to the factory's insides to see the machinery moving. Workers were back and gave him furrowed eyes. Brett was down below at the loom as pink thread was stretched.
"Brett!" yelled Once-ler. "What are you doing?"
"Working little brother," Brett called back. "Mom told us to get to work!"
"Mom?" Once-ler was in disbelief. "I said no more Thneeds!"
"Yeah well," said Chet from behind with a tool box. "Ma said she's taking over if you won't do it. She also mentioned that charity stunt we did. Boy people are mad."
"Charity stunt," said Once-ler and felt panic. He was going to get pelted with garbage again no matter what he did now.
"Yeah so Ma's making Thneeds today with just us," said Chet.
Once-ler stormed out and back to his home. In the living room, The Lorax and Natalie were sitting there with eyes widened. The station was talking about Thneeds Inc. being taken up by Isabella.
"I didn't know you let her do that," said Natalie when Once-ler came in.
"Somethin' tells me you didn't Beanpole," said The Lorax to him.
Once-ler swallowed and slumped against the wall. This couldn't be happening! It couldn't! Things were just getting better and…they still could!
"Natalie," he said. "I need you to protect the seeds."
"Me?" she questioned when he dodged out and hurried back with them.
"I'm going to compromise with Mom," he said. "You hold on to these since she doesn't know about them."
"Uh," said Natalie haltingly. "What if she does know?"
"What do you mean?" said Once-ler and felt his soul coil in fear.
"I called her saying you were going to kick her butt with the seeds," admitted Natalie.
Once-ler groaned in frustration. Natalie definitely knew where she got her habit of the hands-to-face-and-groan-in-annoyance gesture seeing her dad do it. She started thinking that it had been a crummy idea to blab about the plan.
"Take it easy Beanpole," said The Lorax and he jumped off the sofa. "As long as your mom doesn't get the seeds it can work out."
"Oncie!" came a drawling voice.
"Aw great," thought Once-ler. He gathered his hat to show his authority and tugged at his gloves since they had loosened.
Natalie felt terrible about her actions and then ran around to find a place to hide the jar. The Lorax rounded up the animals to get out of the house in case more danger was threatened to them. Pipsqueak reluctantly obeyed the forest guardian.
Once-ler was burning inside to see his mother sitting at his desk and filing her nails. He didn't want to get mad at Natalie for what happened and would face his mother himself. He should've done it long before and all the chaos would've been avoided.
"So there you are," said Isabella wryly. "Playing hooky from work are you? Did my grandbabies rope you into playing House?"
"No," said Once-ler firmly. "If you have a problem with me quitting then you ought to tell me instead of this sneak attack."
"Sneak attack?" said Isabella dramatically. "Don't be silly! You want to quit all that I've supported you in, then it's your problem! I'm not cleaning up your messes."
"Messes!" Once-ler's fists clenched up. "What messes? I've done nothing but take care of yours and everyone else's! I missed Chloe's first ice skating recital because of you! I missed everything because of you!"
"Now that's not true," said Isabella. "You didn't miss anything important. Ice skating is silly anyway. The girls won't be scarred for life."
"That's why I quit," shouted Once-ler. "I don't want them to be! They need me!"
"You're so funny Oncie," chuckled Isabella. "You and your brothers have come farther along than any with a father. The girls don't need you; doesn't Maggie have it all under control?"
"Marie!" Once-ler's voice rose and he slapped his hands down to the desk. "Say her name right Mom! Say it! It's Marie and it's not funny! It's-it's unfunny! I've been neglecting them! All three of them!"
Then Isabella frowned. Her beady eyes bore into him and she stood. If she was going to use height to scare him, she had many inches to grow to do that! She tapped her foot against the carpet.
"You don't deserve them," she said coldly.
"What do mean I don't deserve them?"
"Why is it that you get two little girls Oncie?" said Isabella. "I bet you didn't even want them until that girl spoke up! Hmm? She popped two buns in the oven! I wanted a daughter more than you did! I should've gotten one, but look what I got instead…you."
Once-ler thought his breath was getting sucked out him when he heard her. He couldn't believe that his mother had just said in a way that she didn't want him. Then it all came together as quick as blinking. His mother really didn't love him. All that time he thought that despite all the jeering she had done in his life to him, he always thought that deep down she loved him. All mothers loved their kids…unless it was Marie's and now his.
"I didn't plan on two girls," he said after clearing his throat. "I didn't even expect twins, but that's not my fault or Marie's. It's nobody's fault you didn't get a daughter either." He jabbed a finger at her face and she stuck her nose up with a sneer.
"I may have not planned on what happened," said Once-ler using fury to hide the hurt. "But I love Natalie and Chloe! I will never call them failures! I will never use them for my greedy gain! If they were in danger I would save them! You Mom? I'm seeing that you wouldn't!"
"You really think that I loved you?" said Isabella with an evilness in her eyes. By now the four Once-ler family members had peeked in. "That I wished you all the best? I never did Oncie. When you gained notice with that Thneed I decided to trust you. I thought for a moment you were nothing like your father. He had failed me by not giving me what I wanted. Then here I go hoping that you would do better when that stupid invention of yours got noticed! I should've known you'd fail me like he did! You are supposed to give me what I want, that's the way love works. You have to always make me happy, don't you?"
"Not that way," said Once-ler with his pain building up. "Not when you hurt someone and why are you bringing up Dad now? You've never let us ask questions about him!"
"Because now I see how much you are like him," she said with her arms folded. "I thought if I left him you'd boys would never act like him! Looks like I was wrong with you!"
"Ma," said Brett hesitantly. He came in looking anxious. "Are Chet and I like Dad?"
"No," said Isabella with a head shake. "You're not that bright, but I prefer that!"
"I like Dad," said Chet and his words ran like a speeding train. "He used to play with us and cook! He was smart! Oh and he had lots of stories when he was here to visit…"
Chet froze to realize he had exposed the long time secret of Will's arrival. Once-ler looked at him with a face that would be imprinted in his mind for ages. Ubb took off his hat and wrung it.
"He was here?" asked Once-ler.
"Uh," stuttered Chet. "Maybe?"
"He was," said Ubb softly. "Isabella made him leave."
"Before you blame me," said Isabella coolly. "You ought to know that your little Hot Cakes lied about it. Didn't you get mad at her when she didn't tell you about another baby?"
"Oncie," said Ubb with his hat at his chest. "Don't be mad at Sweet Cheeks. She was told to not tell by your dad. He didn't want to upset you. I bet she was really torn about it. I think she wrote it down in that diary of hers too."
"Good riddance," said Grizelda. "I never liked Will. He was a lazy, good for nothing slacker."
Once-ler went around to his desk and sunk down. He felt his heart pounding in his ribcage and his face screw up like one did to stop tears. Then he hovered down and closed his eyes.
"Now Oncie," said Isabella in her faux sweet tone. "I know what could make this all better. If you just let me take over the Thneeds. Seeing me happy will make you happy right?"
"How could you?" screamed Once-ler and making her flinch. "How could you do all of this to me?!" He shot up with his misty eyes flaring. "I've done all this to make you happy for no reason! I should've never even called you!"
"Not for no reason," said Isabella. "All for me like a good son should."
"You were happy with just me gone!" answered Once-ler. "I was out of your life and I should've kept you out of mine! You've kept me away from my family on purpose so I would pay attention to you and that's not fair! It's not fair that my little Hummingbird and Butterfly nearly drowned in the river two nights ago and you didn't care!"
"Not fair," scoffed Isabella. "A lot of things are not fair, like having a third child. I would've prevented you if I could do it again. Like I told your father, I'm only making that mistake once."
Brett reached out to touch his little brother's shoulder, but Once-ler shrugged him off. The Lorax sat outside on the railing and hearing everything. Beanpole didn't deserve that human for a mother; she was a monster. Then he spotted someone from the office doors who had heard it all too. Natalie had come to tell Once-ler she had hid the seeds, but was burdened with the conversation. Chet noticed her and gave her a side hug.
"It's okay Sprinkles," he said to comfort her.
Isabella spied her granddaughter and brewed another idea. Once-ler though pushed past his relatives and snatched Natalie away from her uncle. Then to get the last say, he yelled back to his mother.
"Get out of here and don't come back!" Then he retreated away with Natalie who had better parents than his own.
"I guess we're leaving," said Grizelda when he was gone. "I knew this was pointless."
"No," said Isabella slyly. "We're not leaving just yet."
Once-ler retreated back home and hoped Natalie wouldn't ask anything about what she heard. She didn't because she was sadly surprised. She had never seen him so sad. Chloe still slept and Once-ler turned the television off. He didn't want to hear anything. He just wanted to stay in the quiet company of his girls.
"Marie," he thought longingly. "I have to find her."
He would. He'd find her and if she was still mad he would do anything to prove he had changed. Little did he know, she was just waking up from a night of grief. Both had been hurt. The first one from a loss of a beloved one and the other one from a painful truth.
"Dad?" asked Natalie. "Did you want to know where the seeds are?"
"Huh? Oh sure," he said and cleared his throat. He still held her hand. "Show me the way."
Natalie went up with Once-ler slowly trudging. She led him to his room and in the closet. She pointed to a drawer which was partly opened.
"It's stuck," she said proudly. "But I hid it! Isabella won't come in here!"
The jar was crammed in, bulging among some old baby clothes. Once-ler knelt down to try fixing it and with spending time with Natalie he was feeling a little better. All in all, it was a good idea. Little dresses he had made and knitted booties were shuffled around. He pulled some more old clothes out and barely acknowledged them. Natalie, who liked dressing up and had considered getting out of her pajamas, examined each piece.
"Was this mine?" she asked and held up a little blue dress.
"Yep," said Once-ler with a smile. "I made that for you one Christmas. Your first one actually and Chloe's got a red one just like it."
"And this?"
What Natalie held made Once-ler feel warm. She had his old vest. Marie had put the clothes in the corner when her new courage hit.
"That's mine," he said and felt nostalgia. He crawled over to see what else there was. "All these are mine."
The cotton shirt, vest and pants were a vast contrast to what he wore at that moment, more humble and comfortable. He never forgot how Marie had given him two different shades of jeans for his sixteenth birthday and he remade them as trousers to fit his long legs.
"Marie gave me the stuff to make these," he chuckled as he held them up.
"Dad," said Natalie with a cocked eyebrow. "Those are weird."
"They are not," laughed Once-ler. He felt his heart being lifted and shoved his mother's words away. "Your mom has always thought I looked hot in these."
"You would be," said Natalie who didn't understand the adjective's alternate meaning. "I'd hate wearing those in the summer."
Once-ler still laughed and refolded them for later. He put them under his pillow and bolster. Then he went back to fixing the drawer to hide the jar. After stuffing it far in the back, he went down with Natalie for a late lunch. Just when Once-ler had gotten plates out, he heard knocking from far away. It was The Lorax in the secret entrance and the second he jumped in he looked frazzled.
"There's only four left," he said. "Thanks to your mom it's gotten worse!"
"Four?" said Once-ler. The day was just getting worse.
"You've got those seeds safe?" asked The Lorax sharply.
"Where Mom will never find them," said Once-ler with confidence.
"Good," said The Lorax.
"She's not going to stop me," thought Once-ler. "Nothing will."
"Waterfall's still not back?" The Lorax walked with him to the kitchen and hoping for a bite for all his friends. "She must really be on the move!"
"I'm going to get her," said Once-ler though part of him told him she'd be home in due time. "I'm really missing her right now Mustache."
"Me too," agreed The Lorax. "She'll help you with trees."
"I know she will." Once-ler started looking for some bread in the fridge when he heard a click. "Marie?" he called.
Isabella strutted in without a word or stares and went to the living room. She had unlocked the door with her spare key. Once-ler braced himself for anything she'd do except for the fact there was complete silence. He carefully creeped out of the kitchen when he felt a hand, likely Brett's, at his shoulder and tensed up. He whirled around to see him with a guilty expression.
"Um your office phone was ringing so I told him you'd answer it," he said.
"Who?" said Once-ler gruffly.
"Mr. Drake," said Brett with a shrug. "He said it's important."
"Don't bother the girls," ordered Once-ler. Then he paced down the hall.
Oddly, for the first time since he had come down the hall of red carpet and shiny lamps, he had just noticed the Thneed counter was slowly ticking, much slower than usual. It wouldn't matter. It would stop soon.
"Yes Dake," he said when he held the receiver. Brett had mispronounced his name!
"You're an idiot," said Mr. Dake from his elegant office. "Why did you let your business go Kid? You're at the top of the world!"
"None of your business," said Once-ler for he was tired of people's questions. Then just like that he hung up.
He slumped back in his seat. How much more of himself would he have to hear until sunset? Once-ler wasn't even aware anymore of what hour it was.
"Oncie," said Isabella. She came in with a sad expression. "I'm leaving right now with my family." If she was trying to get a second chance, there wasn't one anyway.
"Bye," said Once-ler without any emotion. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
"You sure you don't want to say goodbye to anyone?" asked Isabella.
"No," said Once-ler. "Just go."
"Fine then" said Isabella. She was about to turn when she looked back at him. "However, I do recall hearing something about seeds from one of your little crossbreeds. Would you like to compromise the seeds with something I offer?"
"Not a chance," muttered Once-ler. "I don't want anything from you." He scooted his chair around to the window.
"Alright," she said. "We're off." She was gone as quietly as a breeze.
Once-ler waited until he was sure she was out of the factory before he returned to Once-ler Hideaway. It was just him and the girls. Them and The Lorax too.
As for The Lorax he had gotten a rude awakening. The moment Once-ler was about to push the sliding door open of his home, The Lorax was smacked against the floor. Once-ler cringed at his friend's hit from the open door. Open door? The front door to the factory was opened?
"I guess nobody has the decency to shut it," he thought sarcastically.
"Quit standing there Beanpole!" The Lorax yelled while he rubbed his sore face. "Get out there!"
"Aunt Grizelda won't fling you again," said Once-ler. "It's not worth it. She's going."
"No!" The Lorax yelled even louder. "They've got them! They've got Brook and Creek!"
It was right there that Once-ler first noticed the hall carpet was twisted at one corner like from a struggle. The noticing was followed by a scream from a child. Then he looked outside from his door and he could see the back of the RV. Then he bolted out faster than he had ever run.
"Mom!" he roared as he galloped down the many steps.
With a temper so terribly alit and a face that could char all the marshmallows in the world, Once-ler sailed to the RV. Natalie was being held by Brett. Though he wasn't holding her roughly she was squirming. He seemed to be attempting to calm her. Chet had Chloe who was numb and wrapped safely up in a blanket. Grizelda was flinging her huge purse into the front. Isabella sat in the driver's seat with a terrible smile.
"Get your hands off them," growled Once-ler and pried Natalie and Chloe from his brothers. "I said don't bother them!"
"Ma said they're coming with us," said Chet innocently. "And why is Monkey sick?" He pointed to Chloe with concern.
"Without their own luggage?" said Once-ler steely.
"Mom said-" began Brett, but he was ignored.
"Mom!" snapped Once-ler. "What are you doing?!"
"I said we could compromise," said Isabella as she checked her compact. "You didn't want to so…"
"You were going to take them?!" Once-ler felt Natalie hug him even tighter. "They're not yours! If you think for one minute that their yours-"
"They are my grandbabies," said Isabella. "Everyone else get in the RV!"
"Why would you care for them? If you did you'd let me spend time with them or visit Chloe who's sick!"
"What was she going to do?" asked Natalie timidly.
"Oh," said Isabella sweetly and she got out. "My favorite grandbaby, I was going to take you with me and raise you. Daddy hasn't done a good job." She pinched Natalie's cheeks and gave a pitiful frown to Once-ler. "I want what's best for you Natalia."
"Natalie," said her son and granddaughter together.
"Oh whatever," said Isabella with a chuckle. "Close enough."
"You're not taking them," thundered Once-ler. "That's final!" He was about to march off, when Isabella struck up her bargain.
"You can keep them…if you give me those seeds. That's my only offer Oncie. Or do you want me to tell the newspapers that you and your curly top have done child neglect so the child services will send the girls with me?"
Ubb and his nephews looked in horror at Isabella while Grizelda raised an eyebrow. The Lorax watched from the entrance and he knew very well what Beanpole would choose. He left the building and went off to round up the animals to warn them. Once-ler felt Natalie clutch tighter to his neck and was sure he felt a tear fall from one of her dark blue eyes. She was silently begging for him to not let her go to that awful woman. The only one not disturbed was Chloe. Once-ler went back in and minutes later, he slowly came back out. Isabella's plan was working like she knew it would!
"Very good Oncie," said Isabella. "I knew you'd come around."
Once-ler looked up to see that the sky was getting darker and all the light left was a faint glow. What a fitting scenery; gloomy with hope fading fast. Grimly, he dropped the sturdy jar to the ground and then pushed it off with his foot. Isabella strutted up and dusted it off.
"Thank you Oncie. I'll take care of these and when they grow I'll have my own Thneed business while you have nothing. Tell Molly I wish her the best."
"Say her name!" ordered Once-ler. "Say it!"
"If I do will you feel better?" chided Isabella. "Fine then. Her name is Marie the Miserable because that's what she'll be when she sees all this damage you've made. Hmmm…that does make your father seem like a better man after all."
"Just get out!" spat Once-ler. He stalked up to her. "Get your face out of here and never come back! I don't ever want to see you in this land again!"
Isabella turned on her heel and strutted to the RV with her new prize. She slammed her side's door and then the transportation started. Once-ler didn't even wait for it to vanish to Thneedville for their last minute packing. He marched back inside where his children were, safe and sound in his room.
"Dad!" cried Natalie when he returned. She grabbed his sleeve in despair. "Why didn't you just give her some buttons in a jar or something?"
Once-ler sighed and mussed her hair. Natalie looked furious. Her face was red and her fists clenched up. She started stammering and then she rushed out with fitful screams. She was so confused. She was confused about everything that had happened for it was beyond her understanding. Once-ler looked out the French doors and felt one last chance was available. Holding to his hat, he started running out, but was halted by Chloe's whimper.
"Oh," he said and quickly took her. "I've got you."
He went past a thundering Natalie who had gone into a tantrum in her room. She picked up Chloe's stuffed animals and flung them around. In those moments it was best to let her cool off then discipline. Once-ler went to his office and safely put Chloe in his chair. Then he mentally kicked himself for not using the intercom sooner and started it up.
"All of you!" he raged into the microphone. "Shut it all down! Now!"
The machinery still chugged on. Nobody regarded him anymore. They didn't notice any of the turmoil that had happened during the last couple of hours. Not even when Natalie who held down some shrieks came into the office. Once-ler slammed a door open and ran down the concrete stairs.
"You all," he yelled at the top of his lungs at the nearest Super-Axe-Hacker. "Production's over! Stop the machines!"
They didn't hear him. The Lorax came around the corner with a downhearted face. Once-ler stopped yelling and bit his lip. The mood changed. He prepared for a nagging and a lecture. The Lorax only walked up to him and nodded his head.
"She couldn't take them," he said.
That was all. He understood and had predicted what would happen. At least Beanpole was a better parent than his mother. Once-ler felt that he should still defend what he did. He was about to say something when they heard it.
A horrible and clanging loud whack! A Truffula Tree creaked, barely with a sway, and then it fell down with a smack. It seemed like it echoed in the empty valley. The smoky wind whipped, giving the only sound. The tree lay lifeless.
"Well that's it," said The Lorax solemnly. "The very last one."
Once-ler looked all around after he stared. He had hoped it was only a nightmare. Yet no matter how long he had stared it didn't change anything. The view was nothing, but rolling hills covered in stumps. His actions stared back at him. The lone tree on the ground gave the only color to the desolation under the sky, all bad smelling. He felt his feet shuffle backwards and feeling a weight so heavy on his soul he treaded back up.
"What was that?" asked Natalie quietly. She was sitting under his desk with her knees against her chest. "A tree?"
Once-ler nodded then he sunk down. Eye level with Natalie he took her hands. He squeezed them a little to make sure one good thing still existed.
"Don't ever think that I don't care for you," he only said. Then he slowly walked for the hallway.
He looked at the Thneed counter. It would stop the moment the last Thneed from the last tree was formed. Then he stood there like a statue and watched for the numbers to stop. They did and then he heard the sound of workers leaving. He knew they'd be tearing down his billboards and spread news about him like wildfire. He couldn't do anything to change it. He had made a choice that any good parent would do; he gave up those seeds to protect and keep his children with him. The Lorax wouldn't harp at him for that for he wasn't without morals.
After standing there for a long time he went back to his office. Natalie was standing out on the railing. Chloe, Once-ler was actually grateful she wasn't aware of the trees, for certainly if she knew she'd be bawling and he wouldn't be able to calm her until she stopped on her own. She barely moved and unknown to her father, her temperature began to skyrocket. At a snail's pace he went back out, right where he had stood when the last one toppled. Natalie watched him for a long while. He stared at the ground and held back an urge to shed tears. He didn't want to cry in concern it'd scare the girls.
Natalie came down at last with the grickle-grass rough under her feet. She leaned her head against Once-ler's hip. Then he put an arm around her and remembered that precious first day he had found the place. It felt so hauntingly different to think the most beautiful he had seen was history.
"Now what?" asked Natalie after a pause.
"I don't know Hummingbird," swallowed Once-ler. He really didn't know.
Natalie let her toes curl over the dry grass and wished she had some shoes on. She was saddened about how nature looked for the first time of her life. Then suddenly they heard the sound of a car rumbling. The blasted RV pulled up and Natalie buried her face in her father's coat. She didn't want to see them again! Once-ler sadly looked up, feeling his shame overwhelm him. Isabella rolled down the window with a pompous expression.
"Son," she said for another blow. "You have let me down. Brett!" Her twins were alerted. "You are now my favorite child."
She gave a grin and a wave while Natalie grinded her teeth and thought dark things about her grandmother. Brett and Chet looked shocked and also guilty. Once-ler felt another blow to him though he knew in the deepest corners of his mind that he had expected it after the confrontation of the day. Then the RV's engine was revved up and it zoomed away kicking up dust. Once-ler and Natalie watched it become smaller and smaller until it was out of sight.
Then Natalie saw The Lorax stand on a pile of stones and the animals behind him. She gasped and then ran up to the balcony. Once-ler was reminded of how when he first showed up he had been confronted before by the animals after tossing his things out of the wagon in jubilation. It was an eerie mirror of the first and last day.
"Hey look," he said raising his hands a little. "I don't want any trouble because I didn't mean this to happen."
"You won't get any," said The Lorax. "Not from us. There's nothing even if you tried to help. They can't live here anymore. So I'm sending them off."
Then the animals made a line starting with a mother Bar-ba-loot carrying her cub and steadily, but wearily marched. Natalie gripped the iron in her little hands and actually felt sympathy seeing them go. It seemed so disheartening to think the little creatures had to leave their homeland.
"Where are they going?" she whispered to herself.
"Hopefully they'll find a better place," said the Lorax as if to answer Natalie's and Once-ler's questions.
The line kept going from the factory, past the stump with a ring of rocks from Once-ler's first tree, all the way to the steep mountains. Once-ler was very sad to see them go and wished he could at least turn back time so they could all have ninth helpings of pancakes in that cottage. If Chloe had watched, she would've cried even harder when Melvin joined the line.
"Melvin?" said Once-ler in disbelief.
The mule paused, but didn't turn around. Once-ler realized he would go with them. It wasn't fair that he should get apples and oats while the rest starved. Not only that, Melvin used to eat the grass and fruit. Now it was all gone. Melvin gave a bob of his head as if to bid good-bye. Once-ler hurried over to at least give him one last pet. With one stroke to Melvin's muzzle Once-ler allowed his one loyal steed to depart. It was difficult to believe that he had once been a year old foal sold at a fair and he had paid twenty dollars for him. Melvin had always been cranky, but he had always been there for Once-ler be it for the wagon or for one-sided talks.
Then out of nowhere, Once-ler felt something very soft rubbing against his ankles and he saw it was Edwin. The tuxedo cat nudged his chin one more time and then trotted to Melvin. He halted ahead of him, crouched, wiggled his tail and then leaped up on the mule's back. He rested on his haunches and didn't look back. Even the cat was taking off! All Once-ler could think about then was what poor Marie would say when she found out her precious birthday cat was gone.
"Hey," said Once-ler halfheartedly seeing an old friend of his. "Pipsqueak?"
The cub ended his pace and saw Once-ler pull a marshmallow out of his pocket. Pipsqueak came back, but not for the marshmallow. He pawed Once-ler's leg with a sad smile, his eyes huge. Once-ler still held the treat out for him.
"Hey," he repeated softly with a hopeful smile.
Pipsqueak gave one last pawing and then returned to his group. Once-ler really was at a loss for words that Pipsqueak had rejected a marshmallow. The little cub he had nearly lost his life with slowly wandered away and blended with the Bar-ba-loots. No more assistance with pancakes or cuddles like the old days. No more tea parties with the little girls who would dress him up. No more.
"I regret this," thought Once-ler when he glanced back at the factory. He was losing friends left and right.
On the Swomee-Swans, Humming-Fish and Bar-ba-loots went. Their trail curving around into the distance so Truffula Valley's inhabitants became nothing but specks. Melvin and Edwin stood out until the line was out of view. Then Once-ler, with his heart sinking far down into fathoms of misery turned around to see it was only The Lorax and him.
The Lorax didn't speak and neither did Once-ler. The part time friends and rivals stood alone. Once-ler removed his hat out of respect to The Lorax. He wanted to say something, but his words were caught in this throat. Words to maybe apologize or ask for advice on what to do could've been said. Yet there was nothing except a long glance from them both. The Lorax only shook his head.
"Will I ever see you again?" Once-ler thought.
The Lorax thought the same and with a sad glance prepared for his exit. A light beamed down to him and he lifted himself by the seat of his pants and slowly rose up over his friend. Once-ler held out a hand as if to say good-bye or perhaps to beg for him to stay, but he watched as The Lorax was lifted away and disappeared through a hole in the sky. Natalie looked just as amazed as Once-ler and both of their eyes watched him leave. She never felt as sad as to see someone go and bit her lips. She wished she could've said a farewell at least.
A light in Once-ler's eyes faded and the bad smelling sky was dimmed again with dank greys and purplish hues. He heavily sighed and his shoulders slumped. An exodus of the valley had happened because of him and there was nothing promising that things would work out. He was at the lowest low of his life.
Then he felt something familiar around him. Arms. Marie's arms went around his chest and she pressed her head into his back. She held back a sob and swallowed for she had seen the last of The Lorax. She had come back when all had left.
"Are you going to leave me?" whispered Once-ler. He felt doubt drown him that she still hated him and even more.
"I could never leave you," said Marie tenderly and she held him tighter as his free hand caressed hers.