All feels alert coming up!

Author's Note: First off, thank you Guest reviewers and iiToni (let me know when you make that profile!) for the amazing words! However, for all of you, I have semesters full of writing courses and programs which take up my time so please understand if I can't update. Also, I like to change ideas if I don't feel confident about them. I feel awful enough for the lack of update and changed it a minute after uploading. If you're new here, I do that a lot!

Now…Lupe Rouge and UmiNight Angel Neko thanks for the alert and fave! LightToYourDarkness, TGirl15, Raven Winter and L-Lover thanks for the fave! GeorgyannWayson, you lovely writer, thank you for the faves! Mircosedy, you cinder-ler shipper, thank you for the author alert and fave! BeatriceDen, OS and Badluckcat, I miss you and still keep you in my thoughts.

(The Lorax, and The Once-ler do not belong to me. They're Dr. Seuss' and Illumination's. Same goes for his family or other characters or Seuss names from the books or shown in the film or even lines said in the film. Marie and her brave girls are mine!)

Chapter 36

Biggering and Lessening

The silence had become a friend for the past months. The only sounds would be slow wind, caws of crows and storms. Rarely did he hear doorbells or knocking anymore. He didn't know whether to find that relieving or terrible. Often he could hear familiar voices in his head and The Lorax's was one of them. It was bitterly sad to remember him. Then other voices would come as his mother and leaving him in sleepless nights.

He liked remembering the voices he loved most. Some included that charming bar-ba-loot cub he went downriver with. The rest would change with their ages; a baby's squeals to a child. As he knelt there staring at the rocks, one voice seemed extremely clear. It was so clear that it was real. Too real. Then his head tilted up and his half-closed eyes snapped open.

"Chloe?" he whispered to himself.

He craned his neck to see a familiar face run up. His jaw dropped in astonishment to see his youngest child run towards him and he wondered for a split second if he was dreaming. He twisted around with his knees dragging in dirt to witness the possible vision.

"Chloe!" he nearly yelled in shock.

It was reality though and he started to stand. However, Chloe collapsed into his arms and hugged him tightly. He felt her curls under his chin and just knew he wasn't dreaming. She hadn't changed save for an inch taller.

After Once-ler was awakened by reality, Chloe looked up at her father who held her tightly back. He looked so different. He had dark circles under his eyelids. His once silky hair was an inch longer and greasy. Once-ler's lips were more dry and chapped than before and his smooth jaw, freckled cheeks and upper lip was bristled with growing facial hair.

"Chloe!" he said with short breathes. "What are you doing out here?! Where's-"

The poor girl only looked at him and suddenly from within her chest she let out a choking sob. It struggled up again as she tried to hold it back. Yet after those months away from the home she always knew and not seeing her father, her strength was waning. Her optimism had been murdered. She couldn't do it any longer and finally exploded into huge tears and cries.

"Chloe-Ch-Chloe what's wrong? What happened?" Once-ler desperately asked her as she continued to weep.

"I-I hate that-" she blubbered and sobbed harder. "I don't-"

Once-ler cupped her freckled face to look at her, but she shook her head out of his soft grip. She clung to his arms and nearly smothered herself into his coat. Apparently, between Marie and her husband, they both handled their children's outbursts differently. She always seemed to be calm when they were afraid. (Save for the past months of exposure.) In this case, Marie's spouse was a worried wreck.

"Sweetie what's wrong?" pleaded Once-ler taking his child's hands. "Tell me!"

Chloe couldn't answer as she cried and she barely understood why she was feeling terrible. She thought when she saw Once-ler she'd be happy, but instead she was sad. She shook and hyperventilated. Not knowing what else to do, Once-ler just held her. Soon he had a pool growing on his silky coat from tears.

That wasn't his only concern; Once-ler got up with his child close and walked down to the fence. He peered beyond it for anyone else. No Marie. No Natalie. Why was Chloe alone? She wouldn't dare to leave her mother or sister's side. How she came troubled him deeply. Unsure of many things, Once-ler went upstairs to his office. He nestled down in his red chair and let Chloe release her feelings. It broke him to feel her shake violently, sob hysterically and gasp for air.

"Breathe Chloe," he said gently as she coughed. He stroked her hair and kissed it.

It might've seemed silly to just sit there with her weeping, but it slowly seemed to help. After a really long time, Chloe stopped and she closed her eyes. Her breathing became even, her little body no longer trembled and her voice settled. Her eyes were red while her face was tear-stained and hot. For another while, it was quiet. It took a moment for Once-ler to realize that she had dozed off. Relieved she wasn't crying anymore, he carried her into the hidden house. Down the hall he went just like with Natalie after she nearly drowned and leaving the meeting. He placed Chloe on the loveseat in his room. Then quietly, he yanked the comforter off the big bed and covered her up.

"Sleep well Butterfly," he whispered and kissed her head.

While sitting in Marie's feminine desk he pondered over his daughter's arrival. After Chloe's meltdown, he was very concerned about what happened. He had been suspicious when Marie didn't answer the phone every night. He had tried not to panic and told himself that maybe December was just too full of festivities and last minute school work. He knew from experience. Yet after hearing Chloe's grieving he knew something else went wrong. He'd wait for now. Chloe would tell him when ready and she was in a peaceful sleep. After he twisted around in the chair he watched his youngest sleep for a minute. Before he knew it, he felt sleep overcome him too and slipped onto the bed with his head at the footboard so he could be sure Chloe was still there as his eyes drooped. The last thing he remembered was seeing her turn and drape her arm over the side.

Meanwhile in the condo, Natalie had sat by the door for a long time with fear bubbling in her soul. Her mouth had been panting and with sweat staining her clothes. She was too afraid to go back, but she knew she had to protect Chloe.

"I have to-" she mumbled with courage.

So with caution, she unlocked the door and tiptoed out. Nobody was there except the familiar rumble of a car. Natalie saw her mother's car screech and zoom into its spot. The little girl ran down the path to the parking space.

"Mom," cried Natalie. "Mom!" She noticed the relief in her mother's eyes as she slammed the door and ran towards her.

"Natalie Viola," cried Marie when she scooped her up. "Oh mercy! There you are! I couldn't find you! Why weren't you at the school? I told you not come home alone-"

"No," shook Natalie. "We got chased by the bullies! They yanked our bags, dropped me in dirt and ch-chased us." Her eyes began to water.

That explained why Natalie's backside had dirt all the way down to her ankles. Marie squeezed her tightly and ran inside. She slammed the door while calling for Chloe and put Natalie down on the couch.

"Chloe?" she called. "Chloe come here!" There was no answer. "Where's your sister Natty? Chloe!"

"She's not here," swallowed Natalie. "I lost her!"

Marie's face, which had enough stress, on it from the past weeks, increased with fright. She clicked on the phone's buttons with shaky hands, but only the dial tone answered. She might've had a panic attack had she not remembered real friends.

She had an idea of who could help with a search and quickly bundled Natalie up for the cold night. In the warmth of the car they went to another part of Thneedville for assistance. Natalie stayed inside as she watched her mother jump out for her friend's home.

"Arabella?" Marie called as she raced up the steps of the tall house. "I need your help. Please! Have you seen Chloe?" She rapidly tapped the brass knocker.

Arabella opened the door slowly and only revealed herself in the shadow. Her face was an odd blend of emotions; one of betrayal and sorrow which made Marie uncomfortable.

"Arabella I need your help to find Chloe," she asked while catching for breath.

"Why?" Arabella asked bitterly after a pause.

"She's missing," said Marie desperately. "Arabella, I know neither of us has talked in a while, but please! You're a mother. If Peggy was missing I would help you-why are you looking at me like that?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Arabella bit her lower lip. "Why didn't you tell me about him?" Her hazel eyes bore into her friend.

"Arabella," sighed Marie as she wrung her hands. "I'm sorry if you're upset about the newspapers, but…Once-ler and I kept it secret to protect the girls from the public. You've seen what they can do to Once-ler lately, that's why we did it. It was secret from everyone save for family even those who I saw as my family."

The pang of loss hit Marie as she thought of Rufus and Betsy. She missed their voices and hugs. She thought of how nice it would be to sit down with some cocoa and sit with Edwin purring on her lap.

"I wouldn't have told," said Arabella grimly.

"I'm sure, but we couldn't take any risks," added Marie. "Now please…I still see you as my friend. Please help me find Chloe."

"I can't…"

"Why not? No…" Marie felt her eyes water. "Please don't tell me you hate me too?"

"I'm leaving tonight," said Arabella lowly. "We're moving away. My parents are angry enough at finding out who you are; being my boss and boss's wife. If they caught me helping you it would be worse." She looked down. "I'm sorry Miss Marie."

"Hold it," said Marie before she could close the door. "You mean you're leaving with them?" When Arabella nodded, Marie became upset. "You've said so yourself that they don't care for you! If they really treat you this way then you should stand up for yourself!"

"It doesn't matter-" began Arabella.

"It does matter!" shouted Marie. "Arabella Diller you're stronger than you give yourself credit for! You can't run away from your fears! If I had known that sooner I would have had a better peace of mind years ago! There comes a time that you have to go a different path! If they truly loved you, you would go with them, but here-"

"Then it's not now," hissed Arabella. "Why should I trust you? How do I know if you really are married to him or not? You could just be playing pretend about this marriage! I told you all my feelings about him and you must've been laughing at me inside!" Her eyes now watered.

"I wouldn't laugh at you," said Marie gently after a silent moment. She almost reached her hand out to the young woman when an interruption pursued.

"Arabella?" called Mrs. Diller from the back. "Who's at the door?"

"You better go Ms. Finnegan," said Arabella miserably. Then she closed the door softly.

"Arabella," called Marie. "Listen to me! Why do you think Once-ler wanted to help you? Maybe he understood how a pregnancy was for a woman! Why? Because he's seen me go through it! Why don't you go ask him yourself?!"

She heard footsteps descend. Finally, Marie could no longer take it. She exploded.

"Arabella! Go ask him for proof! I'm still missing my daughter! Please don't shut me out! Arabella!"

She kept repeating her message with her fist pounding on the door. She could've left a dent! They almost did until she heard the wailing of a siren. Marie turned to see the red and blue lights of a cop car and Natalie peered out the window. Her mother sighed in frustration.

"Just peachy," Marie thought. "What a Tuesday this has been!"

Then down the steps she wobbled to surrender, but she was slammed against the car and cuffed. Natalie screamed and jumped out from her seat.

"Don't hurt my mom!" she screeched. An officer took her hand as she nearly stumbled.

"C'mon my dear," he said. "We're just making sure you're safe."

"No!" Natalie screamed. "Mom! Help me!" She tugged away, only to be scooped up. The officer patted her back reassuringly and placed her next to Marie.

They were driven to the police station and Marie was booked. It was past dinner as they both sat on a bench. Natalie shook and drew her knees up. Marie completely understood how Once-ler felt with his arrest. How embarrassed and terrified she felt when the cuffs were clasped over her frostbitten wrists.

After a short wait, Marie's purse was taken from her and Natalie was picked up by the same officer. His name plate said Goldie. She screamed and flayed around. Marie gasped and struggled against her cuffs.

"What are you doing?" she yelled.

"It's alright," said Goldie. "We have a lady who wants to ask your child some questions. We'll bring her back when you're both done."

"You both better be nice," ordered Marie as she was led away by another cop.

"Alright kiddo," said Goldie kindly to Natalie. His doe-brown eyes were compassionate. "We'll get you a snack and have a talk. We'll bring you back to your ma soon."

He was so gentle to Natalie that Marie actually felt a little better. It was obvious he was good with kids because Natalie actually quieted down. That was the last Marie saw her child within the hour.

After ten minutes of waiting, she was in the windowed room. She only saw her reflection in the window and knew they would look at her. They'd probably think how "chubby" she was and how her hair had become tangled from her struggle. She rubbed her eyes in stress. She noticed the rings of ink on her fingerprint; she hadn't taken a clean wipe after her booking. A man came in and put down his mug of coffee.

"Well, well, well," he said. "I should've known the leech had a mate and they were breeding under a rock."

Marie sat upright at her victor. She wondered why he appeared familiar; the pale blue eyes and rusty colored hair. His mustache was neatly trimmed and suit crisply ironed. Then she knew!

"You," she thought darkly.

"So you're the lady The Once-ler bought," he said.

"Bought?" asked Marie.

"Rumor we've heard," he smirked. "I'm Captain Booth."

"I've seen you before," hissed Marie. "You arrested Once-ler. Also, he didn't buy me!"

"Rumors are rumors. Now, I have to ask you as to why you were disturbing a civilian and…other things." Booth sipped his coffee and then sat back. "Thneedville is trying to be safe from all who threaten us."

"Who is your threat?" Marie frowned sourly. "Me? Once-ler?"

"I'll ask the questions! Furthermore, we have lived under the danger of The Once-ler with his factory and smoke."

"Didn't you want his Thneeds?" Marie snapped and stood up. "You got mad when he suggested trying another way and helping the environment!"

"Sit back down," said Booth. "Now why were you pounding on the Diller's house?"

Marie sat down. She sighed and crossed her legs.

"My daughter, Chloe, is missing. I was hoping my friends could help me."

"You didn't call us?" sneered the man. "Seems like that'd be more logical, reasonable and smarter!"

Marie bit her lip. That had been foolish. She had feared the cops since Once-ler's arrest. She only nodded.

"What happened to your kid?" asked Booth.

"She and Natalie-the one you took to away-have been bullied," Marie continued meekly. "They got tossed in the dirt, backpacks torn off and they were chased. We've gone through pain since my husband was taken."

"You're kids are just bastard children aren't they?" chuckled Booth. "You were mooching up to that man since he became famous?"

"Bastards?" snapped Marie. "They're-No!" She had enough of this nonsense! "I've been married to Once-ler for seven years! Why would I be some prostitute if my children are six-and-a-half and The Once-ler had been famous for five years!? Didn't you think about that? Anyone?"

Booth actually looked surprised. He shifted his eyes to the window where his partners were watching and listening. Marie thrummed her fingers as she stared at him.

"I guess not one person in this stinking city thought of this!" added Marie.

"Ooh, well I suppose that concludes half of the things I wanted to ask you," Booth mumbled. He tapped on his mug awkwardly before sipping again. "I still have to interrogate you though. So you might want to get comfy."

Anyone could tell it was going to be a long night. Marie had a feeling she wouldn't get that phone call soon and would be in the cell. She was, but she was put in a nice and clean one that was near the exit. For good reason too, because the other cells had real criminals. Most of them ignored her, but at least two men wolf whistled and gave cat calls.

The stars sparkled behind the clouds as the night progressed. There was nothing interesting in Marie's interrogation when Booth asked her about the mad knocking. The pale lights had pained her eyes. Then she waited for Natalie to come.

That Tuesday night slowly passed into a dreary Wednesday morning. Chloe woke up yawned like a kitten. She crawled down the sofa and peeked her head out from the bed cover. She was at home. Finally, she was home. Then she scrambled out and raced downstairs.

She found a plate of pancakes on the kitchen table covered with a dishtowel. She carefully lifted it up with the lone fork set out. Eagerly she shoveled a clump into her mouth. Oh! Soft, warm, splash of vanilla, and real! She had missed these breakfasts!

"You up?" called a familiar voice.

Chloe hurried out to the living room to find Once-ler splayed on the couch. His boots were kicked off and his arm flung over his head. His ice blue eyes were half open. He looked sad, but his little butterfly didn't seem to notice.

"Daddy," said Chloe cheerfully as she heaved herself over the couch's arm. "What's the towel for?" She swung her feet as she propped herself with her elbows.

"That's to keep breakfast warm," said Once-ler with his eyes rolling towards her. "Old trick. Couldn't find foil in the house." He caressed her curly head with a gloveless hand and small smile.

"Are those all for me?" she asked.

"Yeah," said Once-ler. "Then I work."

"More digging?"

"More digging."

"I'll help. I'll help you shave too." Chloe pointed to his face with a grin.

Once-ler sat up on his arm in surprise. "What's wrong with how I look?"

"You look messy," giggled Chloe.

"I've been busy," answered Once-ler. "Now you go eat and we'll talk later." He sat up and wedged a boot on. It wasn't only that he'd been busy. He couldn't look at his reflection after his banishment. He felt too much guilt from everything that had happened.

Chloe obeyed and eagerly finished her pancakes. By then Once-ler felt more awake. He stared out one window and decided which direction to head. His youngest daughter seemed ecstatic to be with him as she skipped at his side for the bare land.

"Do we need shovels?" she asked.

"No, just use your hands," said Once-ler. He ignored the fact that his bare hands had gotten dirt under the nails over time. "We're going further out."

"I'm glad I'm here," said Chloe. "I hate it in Thneedville. It's not fun."

"I'm sorry it's not," her father said solemnly. "So Chloe what…"

Until that point he had been seeking out the path, but as he looked at her he felt choked. She was just following him with her identical smile of his shape with Marie's lips. Her pretty eyes were beaming and she was vastly cheerful compared to yesterday.

"What?" she asked. She took his hand.

"Never mind," he answered.

He couldn't ask her yet because he just couldn't let her go. He didn't want to say good-bye. He'd keep Chloe for now and find out later. Selfish? Perhaps, but anyone who adored their children would likely follow suit. She was so happy that he didn't want to break her heart. They went past a hill among stumps and Once-ler felt confident they were in an unexplored area.

"No seeds yet?" asked Chloe.

"No seeds yet," said Once-ler with a headshake. He knelt in the dirt and dug. "Don't dig too deep."

Chloe was amazed by the prospect of digging and immediately started. She buried her hands down and scooped up the best a child could. After waiting for school to let out for winter break, which was later than usual, she was more than happy to play outside. She dove so deep in the grainy dirt that the coolness tumbled upon her skin until it was under her fingernails. Within minutes, she had a mound of earth at her knees.

While she dug like a puppy, she kept glancing at Once-ler. It started off as happiness and he'd smile back at her, but she noticed over time something wasn't right. He still seemed sad. She couldn't remember a time she saw her father appear so messy either. All the dust on his nice suit, the bristly hairs, the dark circles under his eyes, his hair an inch longer than usual and his lips terribly chapped. Chloe didn't like it. Yet on she went with searching for seeds.

After an hour of searching she felt bored. By then she started tracing in the dust. That led to her crawling around and tumbling. Once-ler paused his searching to dig another hole and watched Chloe for a moment. The bleak land and happy child were an odd contrast. She was doing summersaults, attempts at cartwheels and spinning on her tiptoes (beautifully done thanks to ice skating.)

After the searching, which was becoming futile, Once-ler stood. He brushed the dirt off and gasped to find Chloe making a snow angel. Actually, it was more of a dirt angel.

"Your mom is going to kill me," he said bending over her.

"She won't Daddy," said Chloe. "She loves you too much."

She sprung up and revealed she was coated in dirt from her curls to her anklets. Hands were clasped and soon the two walked away from their digging spot. Chloe kicked the ground and dirt clouds formed. It was fun after living in Thneedville.

"Can I stay here for Christmas?" she sweetly pleaded. She started bouncing along. "Please Daddy? Can I? Please!"

"Is that the only thing you want?" chuckled Once-ler.

Chloe rapidly nodded. Once-ler twirled her and smiled. He really didn't want her to go back. She was making the horrible desolation a little nicer. She piped up again.

"Maybe Natty can come too? She misses you. Mommy misses you."

If she made a sad, puppy face then Once-ler would bring his family back and forget the unhealthy land. She didn't. She only grinned at him.

"If you tell me what happened yesterday, then I'll consider it," he offered.

Chloe chewed nervously on her upper lip. She didn't answer, but stopped to hug him. Once-ler tried tilting her head up to look her in the eye-maybe that would show how serious he was-but she clung tightly to his shirt. After several minutes of walking, with Chloe dragging along and not loosening her grip, he was getting tired.

"Chloe," he sighed. "Stop clinging like a monkey and please talk to me. Why were you so upset?"

"I can't go back," she finally said. "I won't go back! I shan't go back!"

"Why not?"

"Because!"

"Because why?"

"Because, because, because! That's why!"

Once-ler frowned and rolled his eyes when she lifted his coat over her face. With her height, she looked like she was hiding behind a long curtain of green. She wasn't acting like the Chloe he knew since birth, or at least since she developed a personality as a toddler. Sure she would be afraid and retreat to him or Marie, but this was ridiculous! Alright, he didn't do this often with her, but it was time for the tough love.

"Chloe Eleri," he said firmly. He gently grasped her shoulders and lifted her up. Eye to eye and nearly nose to nose, he asked again. "Why were you upset yesterday?"

Chloe looked timid. Once-ler felt sorry to be tough and use his "scary" voice and mad face, but her meltdown couldn't be ignored. He couldn't get answers for everything, but she could give some.

"I was scared," she said meekly.

"Of what?" Once-ler calmed his tone down.

"Mean kids," she said. "They would get me in trouble and I made my second best friend Ellie leave. Oh and Natalie is my first best friend."

Once-ler was sad to hear "mean kids." He had his share. He was confused on how Chloe made a friend leave.

"Those mean kids scare me," continued Chloe. A lump grew in her throat. "They make fun of me and Natty. One said my hair was ugly like a mop. Then they chased me and I got lost so I came home."

She might've cried if Once-ler hadn't pulled her closer. He wanted to hear more, but seeing she was on the verge of more tears he decided to stop.

"I'm sorry," he said gently. "Okay, look. When you feel better, promise me you'll tell me exactly what happened?"

Chloe nodded. Once-ler thought his parenting skills were awful, but she nestled against his neck and breathed evenly. At least he knew something about why she had come. Not feeling like searching, he slowly walked around. He kept a watchful eye for visitors, maybe even the cops. Who knew if they'd blame him for some "kidnapping?"

"Daddy?" Chloe whispered after the long walk. "I'm hungry. Can we have lunch soon?"

That part of old Chloe hadn't changed. Not to mention how much she unconditionally loved her daddy despite his flaws.

If anyone was especially hungry on Wednesday morning it was Natalie. Her evening had been irritating. When Officer Goldie took her away, he put her in a room of creamy colored paint. He invited her to sit down and offered her a milk carton. She frowned at the soupy liquid that tasted like dairy.

"Now Miss Bicklebaum is going to ask you some questions," said Goldie. He smiled warmly and put down some activities for Natalie. "So you can color or play while you talk."

Natalie's dark blue eyes rolled up. Her little arched eyebrows creased. If he wanted her to like him, he had to get rid of the jelly food, stop the bullies who were big and small. Then of all things, bring her dad back!

Goldie waited for a minute until a slim lady came in. She was dressed in a blue dress suit with white pumps. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled up in a tight bun. She sat across from Natalie and smiled.

"How do you do Natalie?" she asked. She held her hand out.

"Fine," Natalie said cynically. She wasn't shaking some stranger's hand. "What do you want?"

"I'd just like to ask you some questions," said Miss Bicklebaum. "First off, could you draw me something?"

Natalie shrugged and swung her feet. Those crayons did look tempting.

"Would you please draw me a picture of your family?" asked Miss Bicklebaum.

Natalie nodded and took one of the spare sheets. Easily picking the green crayon, she started her work.

"Natalie?" Miss Bicklebaum asked again. "Can you tell me about your mom?"

"Like what?" muttered Natalie. She was too focused on drawing a green dress.

"Like what does she do?"

"She used to make dresses and work for a Thneed store. She loves painting with watercolors. She used to make good food."

Used to?" questioned Miss Bicklebaum. She was writing in a notepad.

"Yeah," said Natalie. "Then the stupid jelly food came and we're all hungry!"

"What do you do?"

"School and take care of my twin sister." Natalie shifted her eyes in guilt over losing her that day.

"Do you get along?" Miss Bicklebaum crossed a lean leg over the other.

Natalie yawned. This was going to be a boring talk. Still she answered each question. She didn't think anything was so special. Miss Bicklebaum was very patient and kind. She even picked up a lost crayon for her and commented that she thought pink was a nice color.

"Now about your dad," said Miss Bicklebaum. "Has he ever yelled at you?"

"No," said Natalie bluntly. She knew he yelled when he found out Grizelda had bruised her, but she didn't think he was mad at her. So she didn't think it counted as yelling.

"Has he ever hit you?"

"No." Natalie finally eyed the lady with suspicion.

"Punched you?"

One could imagine what else was asked, but Natalie hated the questions. Every answer was the same response. When she finished her picture, Miss Bicklebaum asked to take it and Goldie took her back. Of course, she was brought to her mother who was in a cell.

"Oh Natalie," breathed Marie. The little girl scrambled for her arms. "I'm so glad you're alright."

"Everything's fine ma'am," said Goldie. "We just talked with her and she drew a picture. We'll be back for you later."

"Why did you need her?" demanded Marie. She reached out for his blue sleeve.

"We're just concerned for kids in general," said Goldie. "We got calls about a ma who was treating her child like a punching bag. Ma's in prison, little girl is away with grandparents. We just wanted to be sure."

If Marie had given it deeper thought, she would've realized that the little girl was Chloe's friend Ellie. The mother had actually been Once-ler's first visitor and gave the first payment of the snail shell, nail and money. Poor Chloe had been mocked by her teacher that it was her fault because her friend was gone...

The only thing Marie thought was that they seriously thought that she and Once-ler had abused their children!

"That lady was odd," was all Natalie could say. "She was very odd."

The door was locked. Marie just held her baby and sat in the farthest corner of the cell. She shielded Natalie away from all eyes. The sleep had been uncomfortable. Dreams had been frightening. It was a relief when morning came. With it being a school day, Natalie was partially happy of not going, but she wanted to go home.

Before the two Once-lers were fetched, Miss Bicklebaum sat with Captain Booth. His office was dim with closed blinds and messy with letters from city officials. She flipped over her notepad and shrugged.

"I don't think this family is wrong," she said. "Are they controversial with Thneeds? Yes. With the kids? I don't see anything wrong. From how Natalie spoke it seems like her parents take care of her. There isn't any evidence about Mr. Once-ler being abusive and the mother sounds legitimate. I really think those papers were lying about them being bastard children. Is that what we stand for?"

"Why does it matter?" asked Booth. He lit a cigar and sat back in his chair. "You know the city hates them and the more they do the better! We need hypocrites like them out of our hometown!"

"I understand," said Miss Bicklebaum firmly. "However, Captain, I should remind you I take my job seriously of helping children. Natalie seemed genuinely sad about her father being gone. I asked many questions. I sincerely think she just misses him and it's not because of pain he's caused." She unfolded the picture Nature drew and put it on the desk.

"See? She this person must be her dad and then this big circle-"

"I can see it ma'am," said the captain annoyingly.

The picture had a big circle with three people, two girls and a tall lady, in it and a tall man outside of it. All four of them looked sad and there were arrows with names pointing at the two small girls. Natalie hadn't finished the names and even draw blue dots in the tall lady's eyes. Miss Bicklebaum could tell that the family wasn't happy with being apart.

"Anything else?" Booth paused.

"I just feel like we have better things to do than investigate the girl or even her sister." Miss Bicklebaum had been just as upset about the Thneeds, but she didn't blame the children. "It seems like anything or anyone connected to Mr. Once-ler is deemed evil. You're all really going to say that young child and woman are too at fault?"

"Everything about The Once-ler is being destroyed," said Booth. He got up and nudged a wastebasket under his desk. "To live in a happy society, we must purge all sources against us. We don't need trees anymore. We have air from that O'Hare kid and he's filthy rich. We have ten shops making his product. We'll be better off."

"What about the family?" asked Miss Bicklebaum. She rolled her pencil on her knee.

"The family who's connected to that Greed-ler?" huffed Booth. "They can walk free. They'll have enough punishment though. Everyone hates them. That woman was just an object for pleasure. That girl has lied about her age. That's what everyone will know."

"In fact Miss Bicklebaum, Thneedville's highest people are planning on getting rid of that family. They'll plant something on them to force them out. They can join their patriarch and suffer in their destruction."

"You wouldn't do that!" cried Miss Bicklebaum jumping up.

"I'm not," reassured Booth. He tapped his cigar to loosen the ash. "It will be an order from the whole city and even O'Hare will do it if he has to. He's gaining more fame and power with how everyone kisses the ground he walks on. I wouldn't be surprised if this city will be under his control one day!"

There was nothing that Miss Bicklebaum or even Officer Goldie could do. Even worse, they would be arrested and who knew what else could happen? Thneedville was under tight control and sealed with a thick layer of peace. The bright colored place would be safe and better off. Everyone wanted it and O'Hare, city council or anyone else who agreed with them would fulfill it.

At last Marie and Natalie were let out of the cell. A bail had been set and finally a call allowed! The room was stale with a scent of coffee. The other noises were dimmed as Marie only heard the dial tone. She carefully started pushing the first buttons until Goldie hollered.

"Booth? Someone's here for the Once-ler clan!"

"I thought Miss Bicklebaum was going to talk some more," said Boone. He chewed on a unsatisfying rubbery pastry.

"Sir, she said she couldn't find anything wrong with the family!" Goldie was talking as low as possible. "The little girl didn't seem abused in any way save for some school bullies."

Booth grumbled, but waved a hand. Marie didn't like him because the police seemed too peculiar for a usual force. Her thoughts were confirmed when Booth spoke one more time. He got up and eyed her darkly.

"You better watch yourself," he said to her. "We'll do all we can so people won't remember the horrors of Thneeds and your "hubby."

"You live in a depraved dystopia!" whispered Marie harshly.

After being guided out of the white and grey tones of the office, there was joy! Dr. Helms, that lovely lady who delivered those babies and kept their secret, was standing there. She was bundled up in a trench coat over her work clothes.

"Looks like you needed some help," she said brightly.

Marie wanted to hug her so much, but she clung to Natalie's hand. Goldie didn't leave until they were at Dr. Helms' bright yellow colored van.

"I apologize for all the trouble," he said kindly. "I wouldn't be happy if my someone took my kids away." The whole time Natalie was held by Miss Bicklebaum, he thought of his teenagers Theo and Norma.

"I understand," answered Marie. "Thank you for being gracious to us."

Officer Goldie smiled and waved goodbye. His pudgy figure went back inside after being radioed about a speeding motorcyclist, likely his daughter's annoying boyfriend, who had unbeknownst to them had showed Natalie kindness by rescuing her necklace.

"Dr. Helms you are a life saver," said Marie tearfully as they drove away. "I didn't know if anyone would come!"

"You've got friends in hiding place around here," said the doctor. She adjusted her glasses at the stop light. "Arabella Diller still had my number from her prenatal care and said you were in danger."

"Arabella did?" Marie said half to herself. She smiled to herself. The young lady had cared after all despite her anger.

"Do you think we can talk later at the courthouse with Judge Fitzgerald?" asked Dr. Helms. "He and I are worried for you all."

"After I get Natalie home and we rest," promised Marie as she remembered the judge who remarried her and Once-ler. "I've been worried too. By the way, my phone has been worthless and I haven't been able to get assistance for it."

"My office closes at six so I can swing by to pick you up," suggested Dr. Helms.

Natalie stared out the window. She hadn't paid attention to the talk, but she was thinking hard. She had more than enough of this city and if Chloe had gotten out, then she had another choice.

After Dr. Helms had dropped them off and gave Marie a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Natalie hurried for her room. She dove under her covers for sleep. Her mother though, pulled an early Christmas present from the closet. She was going to save it for the girls, but thought maybe it was deserved after that jail experience.

"I'm sure Once-ler would do the same," she thought. She lightly knocked on the door.

"Natalie?" she called and quietly opened her bedroom door. "Sweetie?"

The little girl was snoring and wrapped up in her sheets. Marie sighed and pulled in a red wagon. It was a bright cherry red with shiny black wheels. She knelt down and kissed her child's head. The past months had been so hard for a little girl and she wished she could change it.

"I'm sorry for all that's happened Sweetie," she whispered. "I-I wish we were with your dad right now. I know you miss him very much…and so do I."

Marie's breath had caught and she carefully got up. She would cry herself to sleep. Natalie knew she would. She sometimes had gotten up late at night and heard her half of the time. She didn't like it; she hated it.

It was almost ten with the sun barely shining. The awful clouds still remained and the wall was still in good shape. Natalie waited and carefully checked on Marie. Indeed, her mother was asleep with a tear stained face.

The child went back into her room and folded her clothes (the best she could at her age.) She slid out the two suitcases in her closet and jammed every piece of clothing she could fit. It wasn't all of her clothes because she was packing Chloe's too. She might've packed more, but she had to bring the toothpaste and toothbrushes.

"I don't care what Mom says," she said to herself. "I don't care what Dad says. I'm not staying here anymore.

Maybe it was the wagon gift that sparked it, but wagon or no wagon, Natalie was going home.

Marie had slept longer than she intended. It was nearly five in the evening when she awoke. She was embarrassed by her long nap and expected two followings. Either Natalie was still sleeping or she was drawing at the kitchen table.

"Natty?" she called out. She sleepily stumbled out her room. "Are you hungry?"

Silence.

"Natty where are you at?"

Marie checked the girls' room. The bed was empty, the closet half emptied and the new wagon gone! Her eyes widened. In panic, she ran throughout the condo and since it was small she ran outside.

"Natalie!" Marie called out. "Natalie!"

She didn't know where her car was, but she wasn't going to stop searching! She gathered her purse and went down a route Natalie could take. She stopped at the crosswalk and anxiously waited for the go. Her eyes were become blurry.

"I can't lose our babies!" she whimpered. "They're all I have left as of now!"

She raced across the street in blinding fear. She ran around yelling for Natalie and passing people. Just like before they eyed her.

"Trollop!" an elderly lady hollered.

Marie's patience held on tightly. She didn't care what she was called. She needed to find her two daughters. She soon called for Chloe.

"Natalie! Chloe! Girls!" she cried until her voice was hoarse.

The air was smoky and car exhaust loomed. The sky became dark and the wind grew chilly. Marie ran with her shoes smacking the asphalt. She gripped her coat at the collar and shivered.

"Girls please!" she cried out one more time.

She kneeled on the sidewalk and felt trash scatter around. Food cups and wrappers! Forgotten coupons and plastic straws! Then that scrap of newspaper slapped her thigh. Marie pinched it and almost crumpled it up. Then she saw the article.

Exclusive! Juicy Details about The Tree Killing Billionaire and Voluptuous Commoner Marie Finnegan's Sultry Rendezvous'!

"Do I look like a hooker?!" yelled Marie in rage. "Does he look like he would want one?! What is with this fascination about…about everything?!" She smacked the paper down and sobbed.

In despair she looked up at the blustery sky. She thought of The Lorax. She wished he could just appear in front of her. She knew he couldn't have predicted this. She envied him. She wanted to just leave Thneedville and go wherever The Lorax was! She wanted to hold her children again! She wanted to kiss Once-ler again! She never wanted to live in Thneedville for another day!

Natalie hadn't entirely considered her mom's disappointment. Instead she packed up the two suitcases, loaded them on the wagon and wheeled off. Chloe's stuffed sea lion and donkey were tied to a suitcase handle with jump rope. Natalie's old plush Kitten was nicely perched on the wagon's front.

She half ran and skipped towards the park. She understood that to go home she had to pass it. It didn't help her concentration with one of her mother's friends, Hilda, passed her with some groceries and snorted.

"Fooled us all," she replied.

Natalie knew those women and their families didn't like her, Marie or Chloe anymore. She bit her lip, gripped another hand behind on the wagon handle and pulled. She furrowed her eyes and puckered her lips determinedly. What a funny sight she was in day-old clothes, lips out, arms sticking backwards and her sides wiggling with a hurry!

She was past the park and didn't focus on the time. If it took all week she'd get back home! Indeed, irrationality was genetic for she was too stubborn on leaving Thneedville despite what could happen. Natalie finally passed the workers among the wall. A couple of them looked down at her and called out.

"Hey kid!" "I wouldn't go out there if I were you Little Missy!" "Better go home Once-ler Girl!"

Natalie ignored their warnings. She wasn't afraid of some land her grandmother's encouragement mainly caused. She didn't care if her dad had done something bad, especially at the cost to provide for his children. At least they were nice enough to warn her.

Down the curvy path of cement, past the installed pipes and faucets the wagon rolled. At that point, Natalie had to stop and wipe her hands on her skirt. She swiped the handle too with her jacket.

"Dumb sweat," she muttered. "I can't hold it!"

She didn't like how she felt cold and hot altogether! She gripped it again and started walking backwards. She kept glancing over her shoulder for her path. The trek led her to the outskirts and she didn't pause to stare like Chloe. Natalie didn't even look at the Thneedville sign or entrance back inside. The concrete wall curved around from her view and stretched to the other side.

Getting to Thneedville or Greenville as it once was, had taken an hour's walk for Once-ler and Marie. For a child? It took twice as long. Natalie pulled her shirt over her nose at the air. It had gotten worse since August. December's freeze only made it more unpleasant. Strangely there wasn't a snowflake on the ground.

"Dad better make me some pancakes when I get home," Natalie said. "I'll die if I have another stupid jelly pancake!"

Then the journey became awful. Natalie's shoes became scuffed from the loose rocks. She kept losing her hold on the wagon. A wheel would hit a bump and lose a baggage! With her temper rising, Natalie would readjust her transportation and huff. The more grouchy she became, the more she thought of how this was Thneedville's fault! It was its fault that she was out there and she had to walk forever back home!

"I'm never coming back!" she repeated. "I'll never go back to Thneedville again! Ever!"

Chloe's journey back to the factory had been scary, but hopeful. Natalie's was cantankerous and impatient! She tried running, but the wagon would cease her strength. Her arms felt limper than spaghetti after each pull. Her legs were sore and her feet ached. Her attitude became sourer when she thought she was close. Oh no, there would be another hill on that paved road for the Thneed trucks.

The most annoying of all was the jungle of Super-Axe-Hackers. Natalie paused at the tangled mess of metal. The clouds had grown thicker and billowed above her. The grey-purple palette dimmed thanks to the rusty yellow-orange contraptions. After staring for a whole minute, Natalie stamped her foot, emitted a tight growl and yanked the wagon around the whole junkyard.

Growing more impatient she kept kicking pebbles. They clacked away as if they feared her. They did distract her from wondering how long it was taking, so Natalie kept kicking them. It became a game to see if she could get oen farther off. Each time she did it rattled away the silence. It became familiar until…

Clang!

Natalie looked up to see a post of signs. Beyond the post was a welcoming sight; the factory. Drenched in sweat from her hairline to her arms, she smiled. The wagon's handle dropped with an echoing ring.

"Home," said Natalie breathlessly. "I'm back home."

She sniffed and rubbed an eye. She wasn't even inside and already she felt cheered up. Feeling exhausted she pushed the wagon up the hill and left it at the factory's steps. She could see the red drapes drawn at her father's office. She dragged the luggage up one at a time. She caught her breath and found the door locked.

"Wait," she said. She twisted the doorknob and shook it. "Come on! Open up! Open!"

Feeling frantic, she pounded on the glass and screamed for assistance.

"Hey Dad! Dad! Let me in! Dad!"

There was no answer and Natalie sat down on the step. She didn't cry, but allowed two large tears to fall from her eyelids. All that walking and nobody came for her. Whatever spunk she had to run away had died. Now she was tired, overwhelmed and could've fainted. More than anything she wanted Once-ler to take care of it just like he always did.

"Dad, come get me," she pleaded quietly. "Please… I don't know what else to do."

She fell onto her back and stared at the emptiness. Everything became dark and her eyes closed before she could understand what was going on. Alone on the stairs, she passed out.

While Natalie had packed up for her trip, the digging for Once-ler and Chloe had continued. After having a lunch break of sandwiches, Chloe had an upgrade in attire. Back in the dirt, she tugged on the blue scarf around her mouth.

"I don't like this thing," she complained. "Its bad."

"Well sorry that I want you to breath," said Once-ler crossly. He readjusted his Thneed around his mouth. "Mommy will kill me that I didn't do this enough and imagine what she'd say seeing you without one."

Chloe yanked at the scarf and twisted her head. She didn't dig and tried adjusting it. Once-ler sighed and brushed his pants. He stood and took a few steps.

"Let's find a new place Butterfly," he said.

Chloe didn't follow. She was too busy untying the scarf and wiping her nose. Once-ler paced down a hill and found a heap of rocks. He carefully stepped on them and skidded down. The rocks were bigger and pushed together.

"Daddy I really hate this scarf!" called Chloe. She shuffled her feet down the hill.

"Keep it on," answered Once-ler. He climbed over another rock. "Let's check here."

Chloe kept up and stood on a huge one. She saw the rock field push on for another yard. She jumped onto another rock and smiled. This rocking-hopping was fun. She tried again and landed on a smaller stone. She climbed on another and slid down it. Once-ler had seated himself on a rock that looked similar to the one The Lorax saved him with from the waterfall. Chloe scrambled upon it and rocked on her tiptoes.

"Can't we play for now?" she asked. She placed her chin on her father's head. "I'm taller than you now!" She hugged his neck and grinned. She had to make up for all those hugs she didn't give him since he left.

Once-ler focused on the Truffula Valley without its trees. He didn't know what else to do and slumped his shoulders. He squeezed Chloe's arms affectionately. Then something tiny caught his eyes.

No...it couldn't be...

Once-ler reached down and picked the tiny thing up.

"Its..." he gasped. He slipped down the rock and landed on the hard ground.

"Daddy?" asked Chloe. She slid down and knelt in front of him. "What's that?"

"A seed," said Once-ler in wonder. He ran his free hand in his hair. "We-we finally found one!"

Chloe stared at the brown and swirly patterned seed. It looked a bit familiar.

"I thought Natty was collecting those for a show-and-tell thing," she said.

"I can't believe it," breathed Once-ler. "After all those months there is one!" He cupped it in his palm.

"Where's it going to be planted?" asked Chloe innocently.

Once-ler was about to answer. His ideas of making the factory a greenhouse now seemed pathetic. It seemed impossible for the seed to grow out in the filth. He sadly sighed and looked at his child.

"In Thneedville," he nearly whispered.

"Why?" asked Chloe. She looked very confused.

"Can you do a favor for me?" Once-ler managed to say. Chloe eagerly nodded and he took a deep breath. "I want you take this seed back home and plant it for me."

That little girl made a face that nearly tore him apart. It was scared and begging for another option.

"No," whimpered Chloe with a headshake. "I'm not going back. I'm staying with you." She flung herself into his arms.

"Yeah well, what about Mommy or Natty?" Once-ler reasoned. "They need you and this seed will help."

"You need us too!" Chloe buried her face into his shirt. "The seed can't do anything! It's just a seed. That's all it ever will be."

"It's not…" Then Once-ler understood what The Lorax had said and perhaps always wanted him to know. He pulled Chloe back so he could see her face and put it in her hand.

"This seed is not about what it is. It's what it will become."

She held the seed in her fingers, the same fingers that had tightened around her father's when she was born. Chloe still seemed confused so Once-ler sat on his knees and took both of her hands together so she clutched the little Truffula Seed.

"I know it seems small and can't do much, but someday it will. When this grows into a tree it will do more. Butterfly, I need you to go back for me. I need you to plant this seed and make the town believe again. I know you can do it and when you do we'll all be together again quicker. It doesn't have to be today, but soon." He brushed a tear that dripped from Chloe's right eye. "At least try Sweetie."

Still holding the seed, Chloe put a hand over her heart and the other up.

"I'll try," she said softly.