Chapter 3: Lola Learns What A Family Means

 Lola was so scared she could barely think. She just knew she was going to die. She was shivering so hard she was afraid she would shake herself right into the water. Why oh why did I dream about the New World? I should just have been happy with the life I was living. I was told to be careful what I wish for. I was safe and sound at the palace even though I was penned up. I was fed, and had fresh water. There were servants that took me for walks. Oh how I wish I was safe and sound now!

Lola had carefully walked down the bank to the water like the big dog had told her to. Gus! That was his name. He said he would be back. I hope he brings back some nice humans. I still see some flames in the distance. I think he would be a good friend like Marco was. He is big and strong and I think he would help and protect me. She peeked through the tall weeds that grew by the river bank. She could still see flames, but they were a long ways away. She knew enough about fire to know that if the wind blew away from her she would be safe. She couldn't feel any wind, but now to wait for Gus. She decided to relax a little bit. The shivering stopped. She looked down at the water. It was clear. She took a taste. Oh it was so cold and so good. She drank some more and decided she would be alright until Gus came to get her, or some humans came. He did promise...

Suddenly she was picked up by a pair of gentle hands. "There there now. You are safe, little one. Yes, you are safe. I am going to take you home with me. Gus tugged and tugged on my hand. Yes, he did. He led me right to you, so you two must be best friends. just like Gus and I are. You know what, I might have a special toy for you at my house. We can all snuggle together in my living room. Butter Cup will love you."

Lola hummed happily in the young man's arms. She couldn't wait to have a real home again. It had been such a long long time. "I wonder who Butter Cup is."

Lola didn't care. She just knew her new home was going to be wonderful. Gus kept his promise. "Now I wonder what the future holds for me. Whatever it is, I am never going to wish for something better. Never, ever!"

There was something strange in the air. She sniffed and couldn't tell what the new smell was. The clouds were swirling in the sky and it seemed like she was flying through the air. "Oh no! What is happening? Am I going to die after all? I thought I was rescued! I wish I was safe and sound!" Suddenly she flew out of the young man's arms with a huge thump!

The grass was green. There were strange shelter looking things that looked like flat palaces. They were bigger than the cottages she had seen. There were lots of flowers. The roads were black and hard. Some of the roads were full of rocks and uncomfortable to walk on. 

The young man picked her up and said, "Here we are, little one. Mom will think you are cute. Gus already likes you, now we need to see what Butter Cup thinks of you. That might be a bit of a problem.

Lola instantly saw that Butter Cup was a cat! She jumped out of the young man's arms and took off after that cat! She was not going to add misery to mystery to her day. The one thing she knew was that she did not like cats. In an instant she felt herself being swooped up and in the arms of a nice lady. "Whoa, there, little one. We are all friends here. Butter Cup is a nice cat. She chases and catches mice for me. Gus gets along just fine with her. So if you want to stay here with us you have to be nice to her too."

"What a day this has been. I have to be nice to cats in this strange land. I know I can do it for awhile until I get to the New World. Maybe in this land I can find myself  someone whom will help me. I know I shouldn't wish again, but how I do wish I could go on the ship to the New World."

The young man said, "Here you go little one. This is the toy I promised you. Gus will sit here by me and Butter Cup will sit on my lap. There now supper will be in a little while. I think you will like your new home. You are now part of our family."