Balto's Sister Ch.3: Concerned
As I walk through the snow covered streets of the town I hear the paw steps of Steele as he follows behind me, still in a slight daze of what I revealed to him not too many seconds ago. Looking forward past where the buildings end and into the horizon, I see the place where Balto resides, and a feeling of guilt washed over me. I realize that Balto needs me right now, and even though I may be conflicted over what to do with my predicament, I need to be there for my brother.
I slowed down gradually to a halt, Steele looking up and stopping next to me, looking down at me slightly due to his taller stature, but I was happy to see annoyance wasn't his expression, instead his eyes glistened with curiosity as to why I stopped walking.
Looking down at my black paws coated in powdery snow I attempt to quickly find a way to tell Steele I need to check on my brother without angering him. I know he's supposed to be my enemy, but I rather enjoy his company, when it's just us since he acts much more civil and not like a brainless brute.
"What is it princess?" Steele's question rings sharp through the crisp, cold air of winter. My ears fold down slightly as I look up at Steele.
"I do enjoy your company Steele, and I hope that we continue to get along, but I should be on my way to check on Balto." I state hesitantly, my voice softer than normal.
His eyes show in jealousy, he features hardening slightly as he hears Balto's name.
"Why are you always hanging around that mongrel? Does he have something I don't!" He quickly voices, a growl emitting from his throat as he glares at me slightly, awaiting an answer.
"No, no, there's nothing like that going on between me and Balto, I'm just really good friends with him is all. I know you and him don't get along at all, but I really must be checking on him, a lot of things have happened to him today, and being the friend I am, I should be there for him!" I state in exasperation, not wanting to argue with Steele over this.
Steele still doesn't seem very happy, he's growling at me slightly. "Fine then! Go to your mongrel and comfort him, but remember Princess, you are mine." His tone lowers intimidatingly as his words are final, but me being me, I always challenge authority.
"You'll have to prove yourself worthy before I become yours, now if you don't mind, I have a friend to console." I state promptly, walking away, not forgetting to lightly trace my fluffy tail against his jaw as I leave.
I hear him growl slightly, not aggressively, but more in the sense of a purr, causing me to form a slight smirk.
Once out of the town, I bound over to the boat where Balto and Borris have decided to be their residence. As I hop up to the deck seeing Balto and Borris conversing, Borris mopping the floor as Balto does most of the talking.
"Ah Luko how nice of you to finally arrive." Borris states sarcastically as he finally noticed my presence.
"Well you know me, I'm always fashionably late" I stated as I let out a slight crackle, gearing Balto slightly chuckle as well.
"We were talking about the bird migration." Balto states, a smirk withholding itself upon his face. I soon smirk as well, as I realize what he is hinting at. I decided to humor him, lifting my nose and sniffing the air lightly.
"Hmm, I smell herring." I smirk at Balto. Him smirking back.
"Say, it must be Muk and Luk." Balto voices as he walks over to Borris, a smile on his face as he watches the goose continue to mop. Borris begins to say something until a high pitch yell is heard.
"Uncle Borris!! Uncle Borris!!!"
"Oh no." Is all Borris says, holding the mop in his hands as if it will make him invisible.
I love these guys, but I really can't deal with Muk and Luk right now. My confusing conversation with Steele has my mind all jumbled up, and I really just want to rest.
I say my goodbyes to Borris and Balto before pouncing out of the boat, walking back to the town to find a place to sleep for the night.
As I arrive in the town I notice immediately that the doctor is quite busy, but what really got my attention was Jenna. She was standing outside the building, concern etched into her facial features and body language as she helplessly looked through the window, even releasing a bark in the hopes of gaining the people's attention.
I slowly walk up to her, concern evident in my eyes.
"Jenna? What are you doing outside the hospital." I question, concern dripping from my words as I hope the answer isn't what I think it is. I am soon confirmed however when I see Rosie bounding out of the hospital to see Jenna, attempting to play and run around with her, but immediately having to stop to release a coughing fit of the sort.
Jenna looks concerned and nudges Rosie slightly in the hopes she'll be alright. Rosie's father soon rushes outside calling her name, ushering her back into the building and out of the cold snow.
Jenna and I didn't talk about it, but I understood now why she was looking into the building.
"Jenna, I'm going to go now, but if you want to talk about it or anything, just bark my name." I say slowly, Jenna only nodding in response as her eyes never leave the window. I let out a slight sigh before going to find a place to sleep, walking around the building in hopes of finding a place close to where I am.
I happen to be in luck, I forgot all about the boiler room here. It hasn't been locked yet, so I pick the dirt open slightly before shutting it to trap the warmth. I curl up on the opposite side of the room, blending in with the shadows, slowly allowing myself to drift away into a tense slumber.