Lola and Louie Chapter 1: Sink or Swim

Saying good-bye to Marco was the saddest thing that Lola had ever done. He had been not only a best friend, but a protector and and life saver to say the least. Now all she had was this mouse, who says his name is Louie. Well, in this land most all mice had the same name; Louie. She sure was glad her name was a pretty one. However, he was willing to take her to the ship that was headed to the New World. At least, that's what he said. She had to give up eating meat to please him. Berries and cheese were okay, but a nice juicy bone to chew on would be a wonderful treat. 

 As they floated down stream she heard more and different noises. Her little nose seemed to twitch at every turn. The smells were so much different than in the city. It was so much different than she was used to she was a little, no a lot frightened. She found herself curled up in the bottom of the little boat and hoping that Louie knew where he was going. She so wanted to get on board a ship that was going to The New World. She could just imagine what it was like. Oh it was going to be beautiful with lots of trees and beautiful flowers. She closed her eyes and could just see the birds with their red and blue and even yellow feathers. They were singing her song. She couldn't wait!

 Ouch! She let out a little yip. "What happened? Is the boat alright?" Louis just wiggled his nose and ignored her. He wasn't a bit happy about doing this favor for Marco. He was used to doing and going whatever and wherever he wanted to. He also liked to go when and where he wanted to. Now he had to make sure this silly little ball of fluff got on the ship. She'd be lucky not only to get on the ship without being seen, but what did she think she was going to eat? Did she even know it was going to take almost two years to get there? At least that's what he had heard some of his rat friends say. They were thinking about getting on one of the ships to go to the New World as well, but when they heard it was going to be such a long trip they decided to think about it awhile. They wondered if the sailors would eventually run out of food. They couldn't imagine a life without people scraps to eat, especially Italia had the best food ever. Who knew what those sailors would be eating. Plus he heard them say that the rats were the last ones to jump off the ship if it started to sink. 

Lola knew something wasn't right. "Oh no! There is water getting in this boat. I just knew we had hit something. There it is; a hole! We are going to sink! I wish Marco was here. He would have saved me from this horrible mouse and his sinking boat. What am I going to do now? No little mouse is going to save me. "Help! Help! I'm not sure if I can swim. Please help me!"

Louie's end of the boat had not taken on any water so he couldn't imagine what in the world his passenger was barking about. She was shaking like a leaf and had jumped up on some of the nuts he had gathered. They made good trade with the squirrels. They loved them.. He crawled over to where she was looking. "Well, this isn't good. Must have hit a rock back there. Hmm, well I'll have to row the boat to the shore. I guess easy traveling is over with for now. We are going to have to walk until we can hitch a ride with someone. Preferably someone with food. Oh cheese cake, I believe I might have to swim to shore. This thing is sinking fast. I don't know if I can swim!"

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Gus had the day off. A day off all to himself only happened once in a great while. He was a support dog whose master needed and wanted him by his side most all of the time. He liked the boy, but laying here on the river bank was just like Heaven. Oh this sunshine is so nice and warm. The water makes little noises as it runs by. I just might take a dip after I take a snooze. Just then his whole day off went  sideways. "The neighbor dogs would have to ruin my day. If ever there was a yapper that's a yapper and that big old Lab? Nobody could out bark him. I swear if a leaf blows he has to bark at it. Wonder what they are up to. Guess it wouldn't hurt me to be friendly...