A Helping Hand

     I wiped the sweat from my brow, eyes sweeping across the field. It was haying season and we’d done some good work, evidenced by the haystacks scattered across the field. We had more work ahead of us, but we were making progress. For today, at least, it was quitting time. It was then that my eyes caught on something black sticking out of one of the haystacks.

     “I’m going to check something out in the stacks. I’ll be back,” I told Ernest, one of my fellow workers.

     The Chia waved a hand to show he’d heard, and I strode off across the field, Elfie, my Christmas Mazzew, keeping pace beside me. As I drew closer, I could make out the shape of a hoof. I raised my eyebrows at this. Soon enough, I rounded the haystack and came to a surprised stop as I took in the figure before me.

      I at first took it for a scarecrow but then I saw the figure breathe. Having been raised in the Meridell countryside, I was familiar with scarecrows, but I had no idea how one could be alive. For indeed, it was an Ixi made of burlap, and he was sound asleep in the haystack. Whoever and whatever he was, he was clearly in a bad way. His burlap was worn and dirty, straw poking out of tears and along his seams.

      Before I could do anything, a scruffy Doglefox rounded the haystack and barked at me and Elfie though there was no heat to his bark. He looked as rough as the Ixi: dirty and underfed with one ear bent. His bark also alerted the sleeper in the hay, who startled awake.

     Skip

      I awoke to the sound of Wesley’s warning bark and looked up into the face of a Red Kyrii and a Petpet I didn’t recognize. I reflexively shied away, expecting a reprimand for being caught in a place I shouldn’t be. But the blows and harsh words never came. Instead, the Red Kyrii looked at me with concern.

      “Why are you sleeping out here?” the Kyrii asked.

      “We have nowhere else to go,” I answered.

      “You’re made of burlap but you’re somehow alive. How is that?”

      I shrugged my shoulders. “I was created to be a scarecrow, but my owner released me from my duty so now I’m here.”

      “How long have you been on your own?”

      “I dunno. I haven’t really kept track. A few weeks, maybe a month, maybe longer.”

      “You and your Doglefox look like you could do with some help, and I will do my best to do that, if you’ll let me.”

      My eyes had been roving, looking for an escape but this offer quickly drew my gaze to the Kyrii’s face. “You want to help me? Why?”

      “Because you need it and if I can help in some way then I’m not about to walk away,” the Kyrii explained as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

      “And what do you want in return?” I asked warily, unwilling to place myself in someone else’s debt so quickly after gaining my freedom, unexpected as that had been.

      The Kyrii shook his head. “Nothing. Once you’re better, you can go on your merry way.”

      I exchanged a glance with Wesley. He wagged his tail and panted happily between us. He had already proved he would follow my lead whatever I decided.

      That was good enough for me.

      I rose to my hooves, to discover we were similar in height. “Alright, let’s go.”

      “My name is Russulle, but everyone calls me Russ. This is my Petpet, Elfie,” Russ introduced himself and his Petpet.

      “You shortened your name?” I asked with some surprise.

      “I have a nickname, yeah.”

      I didn’t know that was an option!

      “My name is Skiplin, but you can call me Skip. This is my Doglefox, Wesley but call him Wes.”

      “Good to meet you both.”

      Russ started walking and I fell into step beside him. “What kind of Petpet is Elfie? I’ve never seen one like her before.”

      “She’s a Mazzew but she’s painted Christmas. Mazzew come from Tyrannia so they’re not common here in Meridell.”

      “Tyrannia?” I echoed. “Is that where you’re from?”

      “No, I’m from Meridell. Elfie came here with her previous owner. We became friends and when her owner became an apprentice blacksmith and no longer had time for her, he gave Elfie to me.” Russ nodded at me. “What about you and Wes? Been together long?”

      I shook my head. “No, actually. We met a couple weeks back. He saved me from a flock of Crokabek and he hasn’t left my side since.” I smiled fondly down at Wes, and he wagged his tail in response.

      We walked in companionable silence, and I marveled at this simple fact. I’d never had a conversation with another Neopet before. Never felt comfortable to walk beside one as an equal rather than a tool. Before I could get too used to this arrangement I saw where we were headed: a group of strange ‘pets. My step faltered and I felt a rush of unease.

      “Who are they?” I asked, my voice tight.

      “It’s haying season. We’ve been working this area for the past week with more weeks to go before we’re done.” Russ paused beside me. “None of them will hurt you or Wes. I won’t do anything like that to you, I promise.”

      I had only just met Russ, but I could feel his sincerity. I was still afraid, but I trusted him.

      Russ kept walking and I walked with him.

      The other workers were grouped together, talking amongst themselves but as they caught sight of us or rather me, they stopped and stared, not one of them friendly. There were mixed emotions, but surprise and suspicion were chief among them.

      “What is this?” one of them, a Speckled Zafara, asked.

      I wanted to run and hide but it was too late.

      “This is Skip and his Petpet, Wes. They’ve fallen on hard times and need a helping hand. So, I’m taking them home with me,” Russ explained.

      “You sure that’s a good idea?”

      “Yes.”

      “Alright.”

      A hefty Brown Uni arrived hauling a wagon.

      “Hop in, we’re going home,” Russ told me and Wes.

      I scrambled in first, Wes on my heels. We sat in the corner closest to the Uni. Russ sat on my other side, a much-needed buffer from the other labourers. We started moving with a soft jolt and the others fell once more into comfortable conversation. They mostly ignored me now though some still gave me suspicious glances. Little by little, the others got off as they reached their destinations until it was just me, Russ and our Petpets left.

      “Last stop,” the Uni announced.

      “Come on, this is us,” Russ said, nudging me lightly in the side.

      The Red Kyrii hopped over the edge of the wagon, and I followed, Wes on my heels. We followed a dirt track for a short distance before a farmhouse came into view.

      It was a red clapboard house with white trim. It had a wraparound porch with lots of windows. It was clean and looked warm and welcoming, just like Russ. Far better than the rundown house my previous owner had lived in! I almost couldn’t believe that this was going to be home, for now.

     Russ

      I looked at Skip anxiously as he took in the farmhouse. Having worked hard for the past several years, I had saved enough to buy a small fixer upper. I’d only lived there for the past few months when I turned eighteen. Working alone, I’d made decent progress but there was a bit more that needed doing. I hoped he wasn’t regretting accepting my help.

      “You live here?” he asked me, incredulous.

      “Yes, I know it’s not much but-” I began.

      “It’s plenty!” he assured, voice ringing with sincerity.

      I felt a flicker of relief at his words. “Then come on, let’s go inside.”

      “I’ve never been inside before,” Skip admitted softly.

      From what I had seen, this didn’t surprise me. “Then find out what you’re missing,” I said, opening my front door and allowing my companions to walk past me.

      My front room was sparsely furnished since I lived alone and didn’t have company over. I wanted the farmhouse to be ‘ready’ before that happened. Skip and Wes were the first guests I’d had, and I had invited them to stay indefinitely. This was when it hit me that I was woefully unprepared. Thankfully, neither seemed to realize that.

      “I’m going to prepare something to eat first and then I’ll give you a tour of the house. After that, depending on what sort of time we have, we’ll work on cleaning you up,” I explained.

      “I’m made up of burlap and straw. I don’t eat food, but Wes does,” Skip explained.

      “I figured,” I said though I kept the rest of my thought to myself that Wes didn’t look like he had much of that either.

      I got started on a casserole and some garlic bread before preparing food for Elfie and Wes. That’s when the trouble started. Wes jumped up, gaze intent on the bowls I held. I expertly turned, keeping the bowls out of reach. I had expected as much; Wes was starving, and I knew he didn’t have any training either.

      That was going to change on both counts starting right now.

      I waited Wes out as he hopped around, trying to get at the food I held. As soon as all four paws hit the ground I placed the bowl down in front of him. He practically inhaled his share while I had only just set Elfie’s meal down. He glanced longingly at her bowl but didn’t try to take her share. Smart boy.

      In the remaining few minutes it took for my own meal to finish baking, I studied Skip thoughtfully.

      The Burlap Ixi shifted uncomfortably. “Is everything alright?”

      “Just trying to figure out how to get you cleaned up and repaired. I’m a farm boy, Skip. I know how to clean and repair burlap, but I’ve never had to do that on a living creature before. The last thing I want to do is hurt you when I’m trying to help you.”

     Skip

      I had stood there in Russ’ kitchen, watching his patience, kindness and gentleness in action. He didn’t yell at Wes even when he tried to snatch food out of his hands or drooled on the floor. There was only one chair at his table but instead of taking it, he leaned against the counter. He was calm and in control but didn’t throw his weight around. I was deeply touched by his consideration and the care he put into everything he did.

      “Yes, like I said, I’m made up of burlap and straw but it's sturdier than the fabric you’re used to. My burlap acts more like skin than cloth for the most part. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I do have tears but that’s from tougher stuff than soap and water. As for needle and thread, it doesn’t hurt but feels more like I imagine a firm brush may feel to you. My straw does need to be replaced if lost, though.”

      “Well, that’s good to know,” Russ said with a nod. “In that case, we should work in replenishing your straw and repairing your seams and tears before cleaning you up.”

      The Red Kyrii didn’t say more as his food finished baking. He served himself and once more had to deal with Wes trying to get a share. Instead of showing frustration, he repeated his earlier method of getting Wes to cooperate.

      “Alright, we’re going to work on no Petpets in the kitchen from now on, at least during meals since Wes clearly can’t handle it,” Russ said lightly as he got Wes to sit just outside the kitchen entrance.

      My Doglefox whined and begged with big brown eyes, trembling with the need to be close to the food. He seemed to understand what Russ was asking of him. Every time the temptation got the better of him and he stepped a paw into the kitchen, Russ would correct him with a firm word. When he stepped back out, Russ would praise him and give him a Petpet treat. It seemed like a lot of work, but Russ remained ever patient, unperturbed by the process.

      After Russ finally finished his meal and cleaned up, he gave me a tour of the farmhouse, walking me through the dining, laundry and the two bedrooms.

      “This’ll be your room. We’ll get it furnished how you like,” Russ explained as he showed me an empty room.

      “This is a lot for work for you,” I observed, confused by his generosity.

      Russ shrugged. “It has to be done anyway.” He jerked his head to beckon me on. “Come on. Let’s go out to the barn and get you fixed up.”

      We headed out to the barn, a simple but well-built structure. Inside was airy and fresh with bales of hay stacked in the center.

      “Alright, Skip. I know how to make and repair a scarecrow but is this something you prefer to do on your own? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” Russ said.

      “If you give me some needle and thread, I can manage on my own,” I said.

      Russ left me alone in the quiet barn with the items I requested, along with clean old clothes and a pair of scissors to patch myself up as needed. I carefully removed the old, stinky straw and refilled my open seams with the clean, fresh straw. Once my burlap was filled out to its correct shape, I began to sew up my seams. Lastly, I cut up the cloth and patched myself in the places where my burlap had worn through. It was a process I had gone through many times before but never was I so well equipped or thorough. Always before I had only repaired small tears with whatever I could get my hands on, with the constant fear that I would be punished for the mere act of taking care of myself.

      But I didn’t have to worry about that here.

      Something I couldn’t help but marvel at. I almost couldn’t believe it. Finally finished, I rose to my hooves and Wes trotted over. He’d stayed in the barn with me, sniffing around and checking in with me periodically. We exited the barn to find Russ waiting.

      “Well, how do I look?” I asked, feeling almost silly for asking but hoping that my efforts would please this ‘pet who had done so much for me in such a short time.

     Russ

      It took almost an hour for Skip to finish in the barn but that didn’t surprise me given the shape he had been in. I let him take his time and busied myself with filling the trough next to the barn with water and gathering the supplies I’d need to bathe Wes. By the time I was finished, I heard the creak of the barn door as it opened. I looked up to see a brand-new Skip.

      “Well, how do I look?” Skip asked.

      The Burlap Ixi standing before me no longer looked like he was falling apart. He now looked filled out and put together. Fresh straw peeked out as a tuft on his forehead, chest and tail. I recognized the green plaid patches that now dotted his burlap in a handful of places as one of my old shirts. His burlap was still stained in places, but we would fix that soon enough. Most important of all, I could sense a change in the Ixi as if he was finally beginning to accept that things were looking up for him.

      I smiled. “You look like a brand new Ixi!”

      Skip smiled back. “Yeah?”

      I nodded, my gaze turning to Wes. “Now it’s your turn!” I looked back at Skip. “Do you know if Wes likes water?”

      Skip shrugged. “No idea.”

      “Well, I guess we’re gonna find out.”

      I walked over to Wes, casual as anything. Up to this point I hadn’t really handled him much and took a moment to introduce myself to him properly. Sensing he was receptive to it, I gently scratched his ears, feeling the dirt cake under my hand. Wes seemed to realize something was up but by the time he realized it it was too late. I had scooped him up into my arms. I could feel every bone in his body, and he felt light as a feather in my arms. To his credit, he remained still, except to turn and lick me across the face. His tail also wagged a mile a minute.

      I laughed. “You’re a good boy, Wes but you need to be cleaned up.”

      I walked over to the trough and carefully set Wes into the water. I was prepared for him to panic and bolt but he didn’t. He looked up at me with the most pitiful face and his wagging tail never faltered, reflecting his uncertainty. This was clearly a new experience for him.

      “Help me out, Skip,” I said over my shoulder.

      Skip came to my side. “What do you want me to do?”

      “I’ll soap him up and you begin scrubbing. With just how dirty he is, it’ll take both of us to manage and Wes knows you better than he knows me. Your presence will be a comfort to him.”

      “Okay.”

      Working together, we made sure Wes was good and soapy before rinsing him off. The water was black by the time we finished. Wes hopped out of the trough and shook himself off, soaking me and Skip for good measure. Then, he proceeded to roll in the nearest patch of grass he could find. I let him, content with what we had accomplished.

      Wes’ transformation was not nearly as dramatic as Skip’s. He was a darker brown than the average Doglefox and the white patches were in fact a dirty grey. His canines peeked out even when his mouth was closed. He clearly wasn’t a regular Doglefox. Though, I knew even less about his origins than I did of Skip and since he had been a stray for Skarl only knew how long, it was doubtful we ever would.

      But I would continue to help both for however long they chose to stay.

     Three Months Later

      The end of summer had arrived. Skip and Wes were still living with me and Elfie. It had taken some adjusting from everyone as we learned each other’s personalities and preferences, but they had settled into country life. Skip and Wes were doing well. They looked and acted far differently than they had at the beginning of summer.

      Skip had proven to be lazy, far more than I had ever expected. Of course, when we met he had been sleeping in a haystack and it was one of his favourite things to do. He loved to sneak off and nap. It hadn’t won him any friends besides me in Meridell where hard work and dedication were the bedrock of the community, but I hadn’t given up hope, yet. I had to know he could manage on his own before seeing him and Wes on their way.

     Three (More) Months Later

      It had been half a year and Skip and Wes were still around and still undeniably themselves. Yet, I had to admit I had grown used to their company. I couldn’t imagine life without them now. Would my life be easier without them? Yes, but it would also be all work and no play like my life had been before they’d come into it.

      So yes, I worked more but I also smiled and laughed more. I had something to work for other than the fact that the work needed to be done and the bills paid. They had given me friendship and made the farmhouse feel like a home. I wasn’t about to give that up. While it may have looked like I had helped them that day in early summer they had helped me, too. More than words could ever say.

     The End.