African Wolf

Chapter 2

Cassie

I couldn’t stop staring out of the window as we flew over the open plains of Gauteng.  There were herds of elephants, rhino’s, giraffes and zebras, their movements and colours mesmerizing me.  I had never been to the bush before, my parents never really had money to take us anywhere, this was the first time I was seeing these animals in their habitat. The only animals I had ever seen were in the zoo, and I am sure that most of them look sedated.  These animals looked superb, our small plane was flying quite low, I must admit something in me stirred, it was like an awakening, like an inner calling.  It was as if I was meant to be here my entire life.  I looked over at Josh, he was staring as intently as me.  

“They’re beautiful,” I whispered.  

“They are,” he replied softly.  “I am not sure Cassie, I have this strange feeling inside, it’s like this is where we are meant to be, as if these animals are calling us.”

“I know, I feel the same way.” My voice was small, but he heard me.  We both sat in silence the rest of the trip, each in our own thoughts.  

The plane landed with a thump, I had never been in a small plane before, and although the flying part was exhilarating, the landing was quite the opposite.  

Our pilot announced our landing with a big deep laugh, although I was not that impressed I couldn’t help but get caught up in his laughter.  It was one of those that came from deep in the tummy allowing his entire body to shake.  

I looked out my window and could see Hettie and Chris waiting for us on the strip.  It was a private strip used for the few reserves in the area.  We grabbed our bags and made our way out of the plane towards the waiting car.  I could see Chris move behind him mom, my heart melted, he must be so scared of anyone trying to teach him.  From what Hettie said the teachers were really unkind.  As we got near them I went onto my knees.  

“Hey there buddy….” I smiled and held my hand in a fist. “A fist pump for me?” I tried to use my most gentle voice.  Slowly a small smile appeared on his mouth while he gave me a small pump.

“I’m Cassie, your mom has told me so much about you.  I’ve heard that you are super smart, and know all the animals by name on the reserve.”  I see his little eyes widen, and his head begin to nod.  

“Well..,” I continue, “you are much cleverer than me, I hardly know anything about the bush…, I was hoping that someone might be able to teach me?”  I look at him, a small smile on my face.  

“Yyyooou,” He stuttered out, “you want me to tttteach.. You?” his voice was small, almost inaudible.  

“Yes definitely!” I chuckled.  “Let’s make a deal, I will teach you all about reading, writing and maths, but when it comes to biology, learning about the natural world, you are going to teach me?”

“Rrreally?” His voice still quiet but getting slighting stronger. 

“Absolutely, I am so excited!!” I finished.  

Chris still looked in shock but by this stage he was standing in front of his mom, starting to realise I was being serious.  

“Pinky swear,” he held out his little finger for me.  

“Pinky swear,” I responded.  

He grabbed my hand and suddenly I was being pulled towards the car.  “We can start ooonnn the wway home. Iff we aare lucky we mmmight ssee a lion.”  

“A Lion!!” I squealed.  Chris burst out laughing, “aaffrraid of aa lion?”

“Yes,” I responded,”definitely afraid”  everyone started to laugh including Josh.