Chapter 11

Buzz's POV

 As Jessie clings to my body while we're on Bullseye's back, my mind is racing with a million thoughts. Thoughts about her, thoughts about us, how everyone is going to react to our arrival back home, etc. "Jessie, how are you feeling doll?" "I'm doing okay Buzz. How are you?" I smile tiredly. "I'm hanging in there. Bullseye is too but I can tell that he's getting tired. We should stop soon and call it a night. There's a rest area in five miles. Would that work?" "That's fine Buzz. I'm quite tired myself." 

Five miles later...

  We indeed call it a night at the rest area I spotted on a sign near the highway. The rest area is quite big and has eight restaurants in it as well as a convenience store. We casually slip inside, go over to one of the dining tables hidden in the corner, and get settled in for the night. It's about to rain out too so we got here just in time. No one will notice us back here. We'll simply slip back out in the morning and continue the trek back home. The floor is surprisingly clean for a rest area. There's no food crumbs, pee, etc on the floor. I'm impressed.  

    Bullseye plops down onto the floor and immediately falls asleep. I rub his head gently. The poor guy is all tuckered out. He objected to us walking on foot today, which meant that we rode horseback all day long. He smiles in his sleep and it warms my heart. Jessie smiles at the both of us. "Bullseye has grown quite attached to you in Woody's absence. I think you're helping fill that void for him. Thank you Buzz." I blush. "It's no problem. He's a sweet creature and a good friend. I'm happy to be a friend to him as well." Jessie leans her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes, sighing in content. Soon enough, she falls asleep. I kiss her on the forehead and cheek before dozing off myself. I do wake up every couple of hours to make sure that no one has spotted us. 

      We manage to get through the night and head out early in the morning before anyone can spot us. We're cautious of cars on near the highway but continue onward. According to our current pace, we should be home in two days. We're making good timing though. Bullseye hasn't given us too much grief on spending most of today walking on foot. He's still sore from yesterday and needs a little time to recover before we jump on his back again. It's actually pleasant riding through the countryside though, seeing new territory we've never seen before. Jessie and I even play I-Spy several times throughout the day. 

      I'm just glad to see Jessie in good spirits again. Every time she's in pain, I'm in pain too. I don't like seeing my precious girl depressed, I REALLY don't. 

Hope that you guys liked this chapter! :) -Mary