Emma Noelle and Her Stinkertongue (continued)

The next day, Emma was up early. Bert was asleep on the mattress. It was 6:00 a.m. Emma went to her bag and took out the cookies. She decided to eat them for breakfast. The camper was parked in a Utah pit stop area. Emma didn't like the place. It gave her an uncertain feeling. She looked out the window. There he was. Stinkertongue was following them all night. He was sleeping near a tree on the side of the road. He was covered in leaves to prevent suspicion. Emma changed, grabbed her bag, and went outside to talk to him.

“Wake up,” she shook him a little. He opened an eye.

“Yes?”

“Why are you following us?”

“Because you keep me safe.”

“What?” Emma didn't know what Stinkertongue was talking about. She was cold.

“You have saved me from the Taster.”

“The wha-” Emma was cut short. A figure the shape of a snake with legs was slowly making it's way to the area where Emma was standing. It came closer and closer. Then, it ran. It ran straight towards a tree. It ran up the tree into the branches.

“It's coming,” said Stinkertongue. “We need to get away from here.”

“Why? It's not even after me. Whatever this Taster thing is, it's after you. You need to get away from here. I can stay!”

“Foolish girl. You are the one it is after. Only by eliminating you, can it get to me.”

“What are you saying?” The thing was crawling out of the tree, holding a long something in it's mouth. It was stalking it's way to them.

“No time to argue, come on!” Stinkertongue grabbed Emma with his tail and put her on her back. They ran. Without knowing where they were going, or what they were doing, they ran. And Emma felt good. The wind blowing in her face and the warmth of Stinkertongues body felt good. She felt like an adventurer. Then, it hit her.

“What about Bert?” she yelled.

“We will see him again, don't worry. The taster is only after me. And you, of course.”

“But what if we never find him. We don't know where we're going or if he'll look for us!” Emma was worried. She didn't even remember which way the Camper was.

“Don't worry girl.” The Taster was coming closer.

“It's gaining,” Emma said. It was only a few meters away. Suddenly, it sprang, throwing Emma off Stinkertongue. She lay there, the Taster on top of her. She could see its horrible face.