Unhappily Ever After by Eric Hobbs

Author:Eric Hobbs
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Literary, School, Young Adult, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Bullying, Boys, Friendship
ISBN: 9780692743126
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2016-07-09T04:00:00+00:00

***

“Okay!” Taylor shouted. “All together! Pull!”

The Tin Man's joints whined as he heaved on a rope tied to the overturned wagon in the town's square. A dozen boys worked with him. Each had a rope of his own, and all were red-in-the-face as they pulled.

At first, it didn’t look like the wagon would budge. But then, it slowly began to rise out of the mud. Once it was teetering on edge, momentum took over and the wagon fell back onto its wheels where it belonged.

Taylor applauded. “You guys rock!”

A few kids had been pulling so hard they fell backwards into the mud when the wagon finally gave way. They looked at one another and laughed, their worries briefly forgotten in their moment of success.

Wesley watched Taylor go to help them up and smiled. Even he could appreciate the moment of levity as he and Hope walked toward the general store to collect supplies.

“Wes,” Hope began, “why are you letting this happen?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why are we going with the Tin Man?”

“Taylor wants to help him find the Munchkin maiden.”

“I know that much. Why are we listening? This whole mess started because you brought those two together. Now we're gonna do it all over again? We don't even know where we're going? Taylor's gonna put these kids in danger so she can feel good about herself.” Hope pointed to the kids in the square.

“That's bull! They wanna go. So would I. So would you.” Wesley led her through the doorway into the store. “And stop talking about Tay like that. You don't know her.”

“But I heard her. She has to kill the Witch. Really? Since when? She's acting like you aren't even here.”

“Do you have a better plan?”

“What happens if we run across someone who decides they want that pretty necklace hanging around your neck?” Hope shook her head. “I can't say much, Wesley, but I think The Librarian has plans for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“He wouldn’t have given you the amulet, otherwise. But he gave it to you because he thought you would protect it. The longer we're playing Kumbaya – it's at risk. Do I need to remind you it’s our only way home?”

Wesley looked down at the metal bookmark that was draped over his chest then tucked it safely beneath his shirt.

“Tay always knows the right thing to do.”

Hope ducked behind the store's counter and found a wicker basket to fill with food. “Says who? Tay? I've known girls like Taylor, Wes. I like her – really, I do – but she wants all the glory.” She started down one of the aisles. “You're here to save Oz, Taylor's here to play hero.”

Wesley shook his head in frustration when she dipped around the corner.

He moved his gaze to the window. Outside, the kids were laughing. Taylor was right in the middle of the action – smiling and playing in the street like she didn't have a care in the world. Initially, Wes thought Taylor was only working to lighten their mood.

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