Tap, Tap, Tap, the noise echoed down the tunnel and into the bedroom where it woke Mrs. Badger.
Tap, Tap, Tap. All right, we are coming she called as she slowly stretched herself.
Time to get up, my dear she said to her husband, Mr. Badger. The birds are here.
Already? he asked as he yawned and opened a sleepy eye.
"Yes, I think they must have found something really good" she answered as the tapping noise continued."I'll get the children up and washed if you answer the door and she hurried away calling "Come along, little Honey Badgers, time to wake up."
Billy and Baara jumped out of bed.
Oh, Im so hungry Billy said as he caught hold of his sister's tail and gave it a tug.
Ouch! she yelled and lifted her paw to swipe him.
Now then you two said Mrs. Badger sternly. Theres no time for that, cant you hear the birds tapping?
Yes, they woke me up Baara said, still trying to catch hold of Billy.
Are we all ready? asked Mr. Badger peering into the bedroom.
Just finished answered Mrs. Badger giving Billys face a final rub. There now, we are all nice and clean, come along children and she followed Mr. Badger along the tunnel towards the front door.
Billy and Baara walked behind her still pushing and pulling at each other and giggling.
Mr. Badger opened the door Good evening, Honey Birds, you are early tonight.
Yes, we have found such a large bees nest, there should be plenty of honey for all of us.
Wonderful said Mr. Badger.
Well done, Honey Guides added Mrs. Badger, and Hurrah! said Billy, We are off to the nest of the wild honey bees and he almost danced in his excitement.
Baara gave him a hard push and as he tumbled over they all laughed, Billy most of all as he loved a game of tumble.
Lead the way, then, Honey Guides called Mr. Badger, and they all trotted after the birds who led them to the edge of a large garden at the foot of a mountain.
And it WAS a large nest, a very large one full of delicious honey. It didnt take Mr. and Mrs. Badger long to open the nest with their strong claws and soon they were all sitting enjoying their meal.
Thank you, Honey Birds said Mr. Badger as he wiped his sticky mouth with his paws. That was lovely.
A pleasure the Honey Birds replied. See you tomorrow, about the same time and off they flew.
Im going to explore announced Billy as he stood up.
Me too decided Baara. Im coming with you.
Billy groaned, but before he could say anything, Mrs. Badger said Good idea, go together, but dont go too far.
We wont they agreed, and they trotted deeper into the garden. It looked quite beautiful to the two little Badgers as the moonlight shone on the olive trees. It was so peaceful and quiet that they nearly jumped out of their skins when they heard a loud snore.
Ooh! squealed Baara in fright, and she clung on to her brother. What was that?
Someone snoring Billy answered, surprise written all over his face.
It cant be Baara said. People dont sleep in gardens, they have houses, like we do.
Well someone is definitely snoring said Billy feeling a little braver now. Im going to see.
They began to walk slowly and carefully towards the sound, and sure enough there were three men all lying fast asleep on the grass. As they stood there under a tree another man came towards them and stood looking down on the three sleeping men.
Couldnt you even stay awake with me for ONE hour? he asked sadly. Then he walked away.
Billy and Baara looked at each other - That was Jesus Baara said.
Yes agreed Billy, And He looked so sad.
Look, He is praying said Baara and she pointed to where Jesus was kneeling a little way off.
Without another word they tiptoed towards Jesus. Father, I will do whatever you want me to do they heard Him say, and they saw the tears on His face as He spoke.
The tears then came to Baaras eyes. He is so upset she said with a sob in her voice. What can we do to help?
Billy was upset too as he saw how Jesus was suffering. Lets ask Mum and Dad he said, and they ran back as quickly as they could.
Whatever is the matter? cried Mrs. Badger as she saw the tears on Baaras face.
Its Jesus Billy told her. He is so upset, how can we help Him?
Mr. and Mrs. Badger looked at each other. Show us where He is said Mr. Badger.
Quietly they walked through the garden, each of them longing to help Jesus.
There He is whispered Baara pointing to where Jesus was still praying. Im going to Him. And before anyone could stop her she ran towards Jesus, quickly followed by Billy who shouted Wait for me.
As they reached Jesus they stopped, then slowly, a little at a time, they snuggled up to him. They so wanted to comfort Him, and He had no-one else, no friends were near Him.
After a while Jesus raised His head, sighed deeply, then looked down at Billy and Baara. He stroked them. How kind of you to keep me company He said. My friends are fast asleep.
We know said Billy. We saw them.
They are tired Jesus said. But I must wake them now, I hear the crowd coming.
Then everything seemed to happen at once - a huge crowd; noise; lights; flashing swords; men shouting Kill Him; Kill Him and Judas, the man who had come to betray Jesus stepped forward.
Billy and Baara watched, horrified, as some of the crowd grabbed hold of Jesus and began to pull Him away.
Hey! shouted Billy. Stop that, leave Him alone.
One of Jesus disciples then drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the men who was pulling at Jesus.
Ill fight too cried Billy Ill bite them all.
Baara yelped as someone trod on her paw. And Ill help she sobbed. We wont let them take you Jesus.
But above all the noise and pushing and pulling, one Voice was clearly heard - the Voice of Jesus - Put away your swords He said. Let no one fight.
The crowd became silent, and in the silence Jesus looked down at Billy and Baara, and as they looked up into His eyes, so full of love, their anger melted away, and tears began to flow. Dont worry, dont be upset Jesus whispered as the crowd again pulled at Him and led Him away.
Billy and Baara put their paws round each other and their heads together, and they sobbed and sobbed.
They are going to kill our Jesus gulped Baara.
We could have helped said Billy.
No, children said a voice beside them. It was Mr. Badger who put his paws round Billy. No, son he said. That is not what Jesus wanted.
Mrs. Badger hugged Baara closely to her. You heard what Jesus said, didnt you?
The children only sniffled.
Mr. Badger chuckled. You dont really think our Heavenly Father will forget His Beloved Son, do you?
No they admitted.
But He is going to die added Billy angrily. And I wanted to fight for Him.
I know said Mrs. Badger gently. But that isnt Jesus way.
And He WILL come alive again - just you wait and see Mr. Badger smiled at them.
He will? the children asked in astonishment.
Yes, He will Mr. and Mrs. Badger said together.
By now the garden was peaceful and quiet. The noisy angry crowd had gone, and in the quietness, hope and joy came into the hearts of Billy and Baara.
Will we ever see Jesus again? whispered Baara.
Yes. I promise you, you will said a smiling Mrs. Badger.
And the wonderful part of this story is that they did! Exactly one week later they saw their beloved Jesus alive and well and radiantly happy. And Billy and Baara were happy too.
Elizabeth Aynsley ©