Chapter 3

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Dr. Larue was not much immediate help, which secretly elated Horton. Although he wasn't sure he wanted to stay in Whoville forever, the chance to learn more about their society was something he wouldn't miss for anything. In addition, he was excited to think of having time to really get to know Ned McDodd.

Horton hadn't fit into Dr. Larue's office or classroom, so she had kindly moved her things into the gymnasium. After she had examined Horton with several instruments, and muttered abundantly to herself, Dr. Larue announced that she would need more time to see the problem from every angle.

"How much time?" Ned asked, wringing his hands.

"I can't shay yet, Mr. Mayor," she answered, gathering her gizmos up into a cart. "It could be hoursh or weeksh at thish point. I'll contact you when I know more."

As she wheeled her cart out of the gym, Ned walked with Horton out the double cargo doors and out into the bright sunlight. "I'm so sorry, Horton," the Mayor said. "I know you must want to get back to the jungle as quickly as possible."

"Nah, this is great!I can't wait to find out all about you Who's!"

Ned grinned up at him, and as Horton smiled back, he felt a strange swooping sensation in his stomach, something he'd never felt before. He felt it intensify as he looked at his friend's fuzzy face, expanding and making his own cheeks flush. It was good, he thought, but new and scary, something to examine later when he had some time alone.

Then all thought ceased as he was confronted with six fairly drab and serious-looking Who's, all in somber gray suits. He looked down at them, eyebrows rising to the top of his forehead. "Oh. Hello! ...Who are you?"

The tallest, thinnest Who stepped forward, a sly smile in his face. "Hello, Horton," he drawled, "I'm the Chairman of the Whoville City Counsel. I believe we've spoken before. I'd have been here to meet you sooner, but the *mayor*..." Here, the Chairman paused and scowled at Mayor McDodd, then continued, "...neglected to inform us of your arrival."

"Heh, heh..." Ned looked a little embarrassed. "Sorry... I guess I forgot in all the excitement..."

"Yes, well, now that we have arrived, you can get back to your office and let us handle everything from here." He turned to Horton, effectively blocking Ned out, and the other members followed suit. "Now, which part of Whoville would you like to see first? There's a lovely garden on the outskirts, or perhaps..."

Horton was very confused. He was glad to be treated so nicely by everyone, but the Chairman was being very rude to the mayor. The Who's words trailed away from his hearing as he looked from the Chairman to Ned,watching the mayor's features fall before he slumped and turned to walk away.

"Now wait just a second," Horton interrupted. The council all looked affronted as Ned turned back to look, but Horton continued, undeterred. "Your mayor helped save your whole world! He deserves some respect! He's my friend, and I want him to help show me around." Horton sat down and crossed his arms. "And I won't move a muscle unless he's with me!"

He ignored the mutterings and stern looks from the councilmen, taking in only the joyous glow that seemed to emanate from his friend as he drew himself up and strode back to Horton's side. Looking proud, Ned turned to Horton and said, "How would you like to see the campus here at Who U first?"

"Gladly," Horton said. Getting back up to all fours, he scowled at the distinguished group of men and lumbered further out into the sunlight with his friend.

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Ned pointed out several structures as they passed, talking to fill the silence, as Horton was strangely quiet. After a few moments, the elephant turned to him and said, "Why do you let them treat you that way?"

This startled Ned. "What do mean?"

"You obviously don't like it. You said they called you a boob... I thought, when I sort of yelled at the Chairman, he would back off, you know?" Horton laughed a little. "Not that you need me to protect you or anything. I'm sure you'd do fine on your own with a little confidence."

"It's still just hard to stand up to them, you know?" Ned rubbed the back of his neck. "They're so intimidating. Chairman Bath has been in office since my father was mayor, and he was the same way with him."

Horton nodded. "Sounds like he just likes pushing people around. Why are you afraid of him? Can he have you replaced?"

"I guess technically, he could," Ned answered, "but it would be *very* difficult. They'd have to have some proof of mental instability, and then the five councilmen would have to agree to impeach me. And then 95% of the citizens would have to vote that I'm unfit for service, which would be difficult for him to acheive..."

"Well, there you go! No reason to be afraid!" Horton smiled brightly. "You're worth ten of those guys, buddy."

Ned smiled, then stepped back as he noticed many figures heading their way. He stood aside as Horton was fawned over by many college aged Who-girls and Who-boys who patted his trunk and ears, and he gave them rides on his back four at a time. Soon, he was swinging one over his head, and everyone was laughing.

The mayor was still smiling and felt like he had never stopped. There was something about Horton that made him feel good about himself, made him feel appreciated, and defended from the slights of the Chairman. His smile only faded when he realized he didn't know how long he would have the elephant's encouragement to look forward to.

As the sun was setting, and the college kids were heading to their cafeteria, Ned watched Horton trundling back to him in the vermillion light, his hefty shadow lengthening. "Having fun?", he queried, looking up from his seat in the grass.

"I've never been happier." he answered. He flopped onto the ground and used his trunk to drag Ned into an overwhelming hug.

He relaxed into Horton's warm bulk and sighed, allowing himself to enjoy the feeling of being enveloped in the warm, soft embrace. He was surprised to find that Horton smelled, rather than musky and earthy like an animal, more sweet, like some wild jungle flower. Leaning in, Ned breathed, "Me, too."

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Horton stroked the Who's furry back with his trunk, the funny feeling in his stomach returning. He briefly pondered what it could be; it was a happy feeling, but not the same happy feeling he got when he saw or hugged his other friends, whether it was Vlad, the kids, or even Morton, his closest friend. He felt the mayor shift and looked down to find his large, shining blue eyes looking up at him.

Was Ned feeling the same way? Horton cupped the bottom of his foot around the back of his friend's head, feeling foolish as his breath came faster. He stammered quietly, "Mister... Mr. Mayor?"

It was as if the use of his title brought him back to himself. Horton watched in confusion as Ned ducked out of his arms, stood, and fidgeted uncomfortably. "I'm sorry, Horton," he said, voice muted.

Horton continued to sit dumbfoundedly on the grass. "Sorry? Sorry for what?"

"For... You know..." Ned gestured feebly.

"For the hug?", the elephant said. "Why would you be sorry about that? I love hugs!"

The mayor looked slightly less concerned, smiling slightly. "I do, too, Horton. Come on, let's go home."

"Oh, right! To meet your family!" Horton hopped up excitedly.

"Right. My family." Horton couldn't fathom why the mayor looked so down as they walked down the street.

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To Be Continued