The Forgotten mate

now (10)

‘Are you still asleep, it's nearly midday.’ Norma chided as she rolled her wheelchair into my room, yanking the blinds open.

‘It's 9am.’ I groaned as I pushed myself up to sitting .

‘Exactly the days wasting you should have been up hours ago.’

‘Why ,’ I yawned, ‘It's Saturday. You only open in the afternoon and anyway, and I was sick last night.’

‘Well you're not sick now and anyway, we've had a delivery, so I need you to get up, ‘ Norma motioned, and I squeaked in surprise as a young, very uncomfortable-looking guy strode into my bedroom.

‘Hi.’ he said awkwardly, looking anywhere but at me. I rubbed my face and tried to sit in a more dignified position, as if I wasn't sitting in my bed.

‘Hello.’ I croaked, looking at Norma, who just nodded at him. I only now noticed he was holding a large cardboard box.

‘Well um… you have our number if you need anything.’ he said, awkwardly putting the box gently on my bed, ‘

‘Umm.’ I said blankly.’ Norma smiled brightly at the young man,

‘Could you.’

‘Oh of course.’ he said quickly, opening the box he reached inside, and I heard some little squeaks before he lifted out a small puppy. He held him to his chest for a few moments, stroking him gently as he made soothing sounds, and then I was floored as he passed him to me. I am human, so my arms responded instinctively. Someone holds out a puppy you are going to take them,

‘He’s a little boy twelve weeks old. He was the last one in his litter to find his forever home actually. Norma says it was proof he was waiting for you guys. He’s a purebred Beagle.’

‘Sorry what's going on.’ I said, stroking the dog gently as he sniffed my skin.

‘He’s yours’ Norma said, as though this was as normal as bringing me a cup of tea.

‘You got me a puppy?’

‘Yes.’

‘Why?’

‘You needed one.’ she said simply,

‘No i don't.’

‘You do.’

‘You hate dogs.’

‘He’s not mine. He’s yours.’

‘Do you not think you should have asked me?’

‘No, because you would have said no.’

‘And yet you still got me one.’

‘Fine.’ Norma said, folding her arms, seeming to loom over me despite her being seated in her wheelchair. ‘Then give him back,’ I looked down at the little puppy who was looking up at me curiously.

‘What's his name?’ I asked the guy, who was honestly looking like he wanted to run from the room.

‘He doesn't really have one.’ he admitted as I lifted the puppy up to look at him.

‘We just call him blue.’

‘Blue eyes.’ I said gently,

‘ No his collar.’ he said, pointing at the puppy. We gave them coloured collars to help tell them apart.’

‘Right.’ I said feeling stupid as I gently kissed the top of his head, ‘ thank you.’ I said softly as he nodded and gave a small smile and walked out quickly. I can't blame the poor guy. He was probably more than a little confused.

‘I'm going to go and make some tea. Norma said simply,

‘Norma, don't we need to talk ?’

‘About what?’ I lifted the puppy, giving her a significant look. ‘I fail to see any reason to discuss the dog. I told you that you could return him. You decided to keep him.’

‘But why did you get me a puppy?’ I asked, placing him down on my bed.

‘You needed one,’ she repeated, ‘you need to get up. The shop is open at twelve, and you need to put a wash on before you leave ,

‘What ?’

‘The dogs just peed on your bed.