Chapter 17

Dolly's POV

 As my crew and I hike up the mountains to our toy cabins, we're in absolute awe. None of us have ever climbed up mountains before, let alone taken in the beauty of them in person. It's like a whole new world up here (see what I did there). Each of us gets our own cabin but they're all next to each other so we can visit each other whenever we want. I think I'm really going to enjoy the weekend up here. The toy cabins are close enough to the main cabins that children can play with us if they choose to but far enough where we don't have to fret for our safety. 

    I get first choice of my cabin then allow the rest of the group to choose theirs. We all take our time getting settled in and relaxing after a long hike to get up here. We're all going to meet up in the hot springs later to unwind and socialize. As I tour my own cabin, I'm impressed by the size of it. Considering that I'm a toy and not a person, this cabin is huge. It has all the amenities that a human's cabin would have. Even a toilet, which most of us toys don't use unless we somehow manage to get sick. Getting sick is a rarity for our folk. 

      I plop down on my bed and giggle when it bounces. That's when it dawns on me that I'll be sleeping on a water bed. I jump up and down out of excitement. Water beds are so fun! I've heard a lot about them on TV and have always wanted to try one out. Now's my chance so cheers! I bet we all have water beds. I don't know what will be more fun, bouncing on it or sleeping in it. I nearly fall off of the bed twice but my joy prevents me from getting upset about that. 

That evening...

 I meet everyone down at the hot springs. Everyone has the purest smile on their face, it's beautiful to see. Even Mr. Prickle Pants who usually has his nickers in a twist is more relaxed than any of us have ever seen him before. He's even the first one to greet me. "Dolly, about time you joined us. I heard from my cabin next door. I didn't know one could get so excited over a water bed." I blush out of embarrassment. "Sorry about that. I'm just so happy to be here." He swats my concern away. "Don't worry about it. Actually, your excitement was rather cute." I blush even more and Trixie gives me a questioning look. 

     She pulls me into the hot springs quickly, practically into her lap. "What just happened? Did the most grumpy toy in our gang just complement you, let alone tell you that your excitement is cute?" I groan. "Can you say it any louder Trixie?" She rolls her eyes. "I'm being serious. I don't think that toy has ever complimented anyone besides himself before." She then smirks at me. "He definitely likes you." I glance over at him and meet his eyes for a moment before looking away. "No he doesn't. We're just friends." "I saw the way he just looked at you and vice versa. Dolly, you've been alone for a long time. Even though Mr. Prickle Pants can be a grump, you seem to bring out the good qualities in him. Don't be afraid of love forever." 

       I sigh. "I'm sorry, you're right. Please don't say anything to embarrass me though. I want to take things slow and go with the flow. Can you respect that?" She nods. "Definitely girl." The subject is dropped for the rest of the evening, but Mr. Prickle Pants and I do exchange a few more looks at one another. I hate to admit that Trixie's right... but she is. There's definitely some chemistry between us that needs to be explored further. Well, it looks like this weekend just became even more eventful.

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