Book 3: Breaking the Ice
Me: Hola, everyone! I'm extremely sorry for the very long wait. I can't tell you how bad I feel for keeping ya'll waiting so long. I've been busy with school and trying to find things to inspire me for the upcoming chapters. This chapter's going to be a little short so bear with me. Enjoy!
Chapter 19: Possible Feelings for Lars?
Jenna slowly sat up, sleep no longer with her. How could she sleep, knowing that Buck was still hurt? She felt as if everything that has happened was her fault, even Buck's stab wound. She would never forgive herself for putting everyone's lives in jeopardy.
The light blue-eyed female let a sigh inaudibly escape her lips. Jenna's gaze drifted from oblivion to the sleeping male by her side. His faint snoring amused the she-weasel somewhat, a smile tugging at her lips. His snoring was a comfort to Jenna. It reassured her that the male was alive and was getting the much needed sleep he deserved.
Next, her gaze loomed over at Buck's sides. She had made a concoction that would heal Buck's abrasion, hopefully in two days, and poured it onto a medium-large leaf. After many months of living in this "utopia" with her new family, Jenna knew which plants, herbs, and substances to use to create cures for almost any injury, thanks to Buck, who has lived down here much longer than she has. While she wrapped the leaf around him, Buck was trying hard not to wince once she had it around him and was making sure it was secure around his waist.
Tears stung at Jenna's eyes like wasps at the memory. Jenna got on her knees beside Buck, letting her paws leave her sides. Her left paw tenderly rested on Buck's forehead while her other one held the male's paw in hers. She suppressed a gasp when she felt Buck squeeze her paw in response.
Did he know she was awake? To find out, Jenna quietly spoke, "Buck, are you still asleep?" No answer. That was good. She didn't have to fret about him awakening to check on her like he did nearly every night back at the cave.
Before she went to sleep, Jenna removed the paw that was on Buck's forehead and replaced it with an affectionate kiss then went over to where Celine slept to do the same thing she did to the one-eyed weasel. Once she returned to her mate's side, she let her heavy eyelids close as she strained to get more sleep, which was going to be very hard for her.
Her body jolted when a pair of arms wrapped around her carefully due to her pregnancy. She then felt someone rub her stomach. When she realized it was only Buck, Jenna let herself fall back into her slumber, a content smile slowly working its way across her lips.
Buck opened his one eye to gaze at the sleeping female in his arms. Her baby blue eyes were lightly clamped shut and her light brown fur faintly glowed in the moonlight. Buck exhaled softly. He knew he had to take her and Celine home as to not get them in any more danger like they already were. With Jenna pregnant with his unborn miracles, he definitely had to take her home, but he also had to help Chloe.
I'll try calling for Mommy dinosaur. If she doesn't find us, I might have to take them home myself. Buck carefully sat up, hissing in pain quietly while doing so, and looked up at the den's ceiling in wonder.
Celine opened her emerald eyes again once her foster mother went back to sleep. After everything that had happened tonight, she couldn't let herself fall asleep, afraid something else was going to happen. Not even the sounds of grasshoppers chirping, the cicadas crying into the night, and the serenity of the outside world could soothe her enough to return to her slumber. The kit decided to give up and rolled over to where she was lying on her back, her gaze fixed on the den's ceiling.
"Hey, are you all right, sweetie?" A feminine voice startled Celine. At first, she thought it was her foster mother checking on her, but it was Chloe. The ferret wore a concerned look on her face. I think she's still traumatized by what happened tonight. Poor thing had to see her foster father get stabbed and Ben commit suicide right in front of us. Actually, she didn't get to see that due to my paws covering her eyes. Still.
Chloe soon got the girl's response. "I'm okay. I just don't feel like sleeping." That was a lie and the ferret knew it. She also knew that Celine was trying to be courageous and strong, pretending nothing was wrong, just to keep Buck and Jenna from being worried about her. In reality, the kit was scared. She didn't know why all of this was happening right before her very eyes.
A child was supposed to live their lives happily and grow up, but Celine was one of the unlucky ones, Chloe thought. She had to experience something almost as worse as what other children had to experience. She had been tied up by her paws near a tree until she and Buck came along during the earthquake to rescue her and she had been caught in the middle of Ben's plan until he killed himself, just like he did tonight. Chloe's thoughts melted away when a pair of dark green eyes met her sky blue ones.
The ferret looked into them and saw the sadness, pain, and uncertainty that Celine refused to show. While the kit was giving her a reassuring grin, wanting Chloe to nod and go to sleep, her forest green eyes were smiling despondently. It nearly broke Chloe's heart. Exhaling through her nose, the ferret whispered, "You know you can talk to me, right?"
"I know, but I am fine. Honest. Now, go to sleep." Celine gave Chloe an annoyed glare before letting her eyes close tightly, convincing the ferret to let the kit have some time to think.
Maybe she's right. I should get some sleep. I'll make sure she's okay tomorrow. Rather late to be up. Before Chloe decided to sleep the remainder of the night, she saw Buck sitting up, the back of his head facing her. Why was he awake at this hour? She then reminded herself that he keeps watch overnight and convinced herself to sleep.
The next morning, Buck had set off to get some food, leaving Jenna, Celine, and Chloe alone until he returned. Jenna was the only one awake since Buck woke her up to tell her where he was going and that he would be back shortly. She stood at the den's entrance where the calm winds caressed her face and lifted her silky brunette strands of hair from her shoulders. Her eyelids slowly closed as she breathed in the fresh air, feeling content and serene.
Celine was standing slightly behind her, doing the same thing as her. It was only by the time Jenna turned around that she noticed the kit's presence. "Oh! Good morning. Did you sleep well?" The female said rather quickly, for she was startled by Celine's sudden appearance.
No, I did not sleep well. Chloe kept me up because of her concern over me. Celine told her foster mother mentally. The kit checked her expression to see she was frowning. Dark green eyes widening, she swiftly put on a saccharine smile and replied, "Yes! I can sleep peacefully, now that you're here."
Jenna, though she knew that Celine was lying, played along and smiled her genuine smile at the kit. "Well, I'm glad. I really missed you, Celine." She said sincerely, taking her adoptive daughter in her arms in a gentle embrace. The kit nuzzled against Jenna's shoulder in reply.
"Morning, Jenna. Morning, Celine." The two weasels turned at the sound of Chloe's distant yawn. The ferret's left paw rubbed her eyes while her other one raked through her short, messy red hair. By the look of Chloe's half-lidded eyes, Celine knew she didn't get enough sleep, probably still worried about the kit. Perhaps, she thought of her as a little sister, just like Rosalina and Roxanne did.
"Morning, Chloe. Buck went out to fetch some food. He should be back soon, or maybe shortly." Jenna told the confused Chloe. Celine felt her foster mother's arms loosen around her shoulders as she released the kit from their hug.
"Oh, all right." Chloe nodded slightly. She then felt the need to start a conversation with the pregnant she-weasel. "So, how does it feel, now that you and Buck are expecting children of your own?" Jenna grinned nervously with a light blush and began telling the teen how excited and anxious she was and that she still treasured Rosalina, Roxanne, and Celine so much.
While the two females continued chatting and softly laughing, Celine went outside to visit Ben's grave. Jenna and Chloe had buried him last night after patching Buck's wound. She stared at the patch of dirt that hid the deceased male's body. Finally, she spoke, "Ben, you had the guts to ask for forgiveness. You were lucky my mother is a forgiving person. I don't know if I should forgive you for taking my foster mom away from us, holding me captive, tying me to a tree, and hurting my foster dad."
The kit's gentle forest green eyes darkened with anger and disgust. She wanted to spit on the grave, but thought she would have sinned if she did so. Instead, she growled, "I hope you know that once Rosy and Roxanne find out about you're suicide, they're going to be very heartbroken, especially Rosalina. She'll probably kill herself over a pusillanimous, sick, and evil being that was her father." With that, she went back inside the den, still thinking about what she had said to Ben.
Remorse hit Celine hard. Never had she talked so coldly to anybody. She wanted to slap herself for saying something so cruel. Not wanting to think about it anymore, she put on her sweet smile and walked over to where Jenna and Chloe stood.
Rosalina lazily let her eyes open as she awoke. She couldn't sleep at all last night. She kept thinking about how concerned and sweet Jason was to her. The way he hugged her while the others were asleep made her feel warm inside. The female shook her head. She shouldn't be thinking about Jason this way, and she knew it. With Maryanne around, she knew it wasn't safe for her to interact with the male in any way.
A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she turned to face her twin and the others, who were waiting for her to say something. Her cerulean eyes gazed at everyone before nodding her head, signaling that she was ready. Roxanne nodded in reply and led Leah, Rico, Jason, and Lars out of the den.
"Hey, Rosalina, how many more days until we get home?" Lars asked Roxanne's twin, breaking the silence among the group. Roxanne felt a strange pang of hurt and disappointment hit her when she heard this. Her mind said she couldn't wait to watch the male leave, but deep in her heart, she was pleading him not to leave her. Frightened, Roxanne quickly shook her head.
No! She didn't want to fall in love with a perverted and annoying male like Lars. Who would want a female that already lost her innocence by force a long time ago? The damage was done. She felt as if she couldn't trust any other male but Buck. He'd never touch her where she didn't want to be touched. He wasn't like him.
Tim had corrupted her, raped her, damaged her, took away her innocence, and now she was scarred. Who would want her? Realizing her tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, Roxanne blinked and exhaled softly. Finally, she heard her twin answer the male.
"Maybe one more day or two and then you should be right where you entered. The Canyon of Your Worst Nightmare is the last place to go through. Buck told me that some new dinos lurked in there, which is why I advise you to stay close to me and Roxanne. And, whatever you do, do not look at the silhouettes the fog and mist make. You'll found out why when we get there." Rosalina huffed to regain the breath she lost while explaining this to the group.
Thank goodness. Maybe once they're gone, I can stop thinking about Lars. I don't love him nor do I like him. He's the pain in my neck and the most annoying guy I've ever met! Roxanne realized Lars and Leah were staring at her angry expression. "What are you looking at?" She snapped.
Not wanting to anger Roxanne, Leah turned her head swiftly, but Lars kept looking at her. "Hey, what's wrong with you?" Roxanne's anger rose at the sound of his voice. She placed her paws on her hips, a death glare in the female's hazel eyes.
"Nothing is wrong with me! How about you mind your own business and leave me alone!" Rosalina was startled by her twin's yelling. Sure, there were times where she would get up on the wrong side of the bed and be cranky, but there had to be another reason why she was acting like this. Suddenly, a conclusion came to her mind. A smirk slowly made its way across her face. Her sister was in love with Lars.
Ha! Now, I have the upper hand…erm…paw. However, I shouldn't anger her right now. She's crabby enough as it is. Rosalina's smile soon faded when she heard high-pitched, obnoxious laughter coming from behind her. Her eyes rolled when she realized that it was Maryanne. By the sound of her laughter, the blonde was getting a kick out of the drama. Why am I not surprised? Rosalina thought plainly.
The blue-eyed female's attention soon went back to her sister. Roxanne's face was flustered with anger and her paws never left her hips as well as her menacing scowl that was on her face. Before Roxanne could throw swear words at Lars, Rosalina's calm voice interrupted their quarrel.
"Hey, come on. Please, don't fight. I don't want anybody to get hurt." Roxanne felt her body's tension loosen and her harsh glare softened. She hated that her sister had that effect on her whenever she was mad. Her twin's voice would almost always ease her, sometimes making her forget why she was mad to begin with.
Hazel eyes met cerulean ones as Roxanne stared at Rosalina. She could see how her blue-eyed sister's eyes pleaded her silently. Knowing it was not the time to start another fight with Lars, Roxanne sighed in defeat. She muttered softly, "Let's go."
Buck had returned to the den with food and almost everyone was finished. Jenna was the only one still eating, and she knew that her cravings were kicking in. Buck and Chloe watched Jenna in amusement. The male was usually used to seeing the female eat half of what she eats, but since she was pregnant, she couldn't help it.
Once Jenna felt full, for now, she looked up to meet Buck and the ferret's friendly faces. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks, embarrassed. The one-eyed weasel chuckled at her before asking, "Are you ready now?" Jenna slightly nodded, still embarrassed that she had kept them waiting.
Celine followed slowly behind the two weasels and ferret once they were ready to walk out of the den. She was disappointed that she and Jenna had to tag along with Momma. She didn't hate Momma dinosaur. No, not at all. She was really hoping to see Rosalina and Roxanne again, but she knew it would be no use begging Buck to let her go with him after all that has happened.
He strictly told her and Jenna that he was going to call Momma to take them to their abode while he helped Chloe reunite with the twins. Celine's thought clouds disappeared when she heard Buck call for the tyrannosaurus rex. "Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?"
The kit turned her head to see Jenna staring back at her with concern written all over her face. There was no use lying to her, the girl knew. With a small exhale escaping her nose, Celine sighed, "I was hoping I would be able to go with dad and Chloe so that I could see the twins again. I miss them."
Jenna's heart melted at this. She missed Rosalina and Roxanne as well, but she knew they would return to her and Buck with their mates. Smiling sadly, Jenna replied, "I miss them, too, honey. I know you want to go with them, but Buck wants us to be safe because we've been in too much danger these past few days. Besides, Rosalina and Roxanne will come back eventually. Just be patient."
Unbeknownst to the pregnant she-weasel and Celine, Buck had heard everything Jenna told the kit. His ears pressed against his skull and his gaze went to the ground. He knew that Celine and Jenna missed the twins just as much as he did. Rosalina, Roxanne, and the adoptive kit got along so well that the two teens thought of Celine as their little sister.
Once again, his head began to fill up with precious, heart-warming memories of the twins. Buck heaved a sad sigh. He longed to have them in his arms again. It just wasn't the same without them. He then remembered what Celine said to Jenna about wanting to go with him to help Chloe find Rosalina and Roxanne.
Of course, he knew it would be a really bad idea to let her tag along. No! Celine's already been in enough danger. I don't want the lass to get hurt or killed. Buck told himself mentally before bumping into something. His single blue eye looked up slowly to see Momma towering over him and the females. A small, kind smile lightened his face.
"Mummy Dinosaur, will you take care of Jennifer and Celine? I need ta' help this ferret reunite with my girls." Chloe let out a small squeak in fear and gave the T-Rex a timid wave. Buck reassured her that Momma, Egbert, Shelly, and Yoko were harmless, only easing half of her nervousness.
Momma nodded at Chloe's little wave then lowered her head to the ground, waiting for Celine and Jenna to get on. Before they got on, Jenna gave Buck a brief hug, planted a tender kiss to his lips, and then went to Chloe to give her a hug as well.
"Dad, when you find Rosalina and Roxanne, tell them I love them and I miss them so much." Celine requested after hugging Buck. She was still upset that she couldn't go with him to find the twins, but she knew they would come back –Rosalina and Roxanne. Part of her wanted to beg the male in spite of herself, but she chose not to.
Buck smiled softly at her and replied, "I will do that. I promise." He lifted Celine off her feet and placed her on Momma's snout, quickly giving her a kiss on the forehead when Momma lifted her head once Celine and Jenna were aboard. They waved goodbye and told them they wished them luck.
Chloe waved until the dinosaurs and the two she-weasels were out of her sight. She turned her head toward Buck's direction when he asked where she thought the twins would be at by now. "Well, we passed the Lake of Death, or as I like to call it, Tentacle Pond. I'm not so sure where they are now because I ran away. Considering how fast Rosalina and Roxanne are, I think they might be one step closer to getting the others home."
Buck thought for a moment. He remembered going through the path with the Tentacle Pond being the first destination, Chasm of Death being second, and the Canyon of Your Worst Nightmare being last. It was before he met the twins, Jenna, and Celine. He was out exploring, hoping to find new areas, and he happened to run into the same path the twins were taking.
After a long moment of silence, the male turned to Chloe, his eye telling her that he may know where Rosalina and Roxanne were at. "Follow me, lass, and hurry! The cave isn't that far. It's just fifty miles west." Buck grabbed the ferret's paw, giving her no warning that he was going to run fast and causing her to trip several times.
Chloe's sky blue eyes widened as Buck dragged her through the Jurassic jungle. Large leaves and a few branches constantly hit her face and limbs. Finding her voice, Chloe panted, "Why do we have to hurry?" It was hard for her to speak, for she was panting so much. Maryanne was right, I am out of shape. She thought glumly.
"I want ta' get there befo' they do and surprise Rosy and Roxanne at the exit of the cave. Come on, lass. Keep running!" The one-eyed weasel answered loudly. Chloe thought she was going die of exhaustion and dehydration if they didn't slow down soon. However, that didn't stop her from catching up to Buck.
Me: I know. Crappy chapter. Should have gave you a warning about how crappy this chapter is. I've been brain dead on this one, too. Anyway, very sorry for the long wait.
Oh! And has anybody seen the second part for Scrat's Continental Crack-Up? It's awesome! I have a little more confidence in Ice Age 4 now. Let's all hope it's epic like the third movie. Well, until next time! Bye!
Sweethalo90 :)