by Rachel Wells
We sat on the back doormat, trying to shake the water off us. Before long Claire appeared, and did a double take.
‘What on earth have you two been up to? Stay there, don’t move a paw and I’ll be back.’
Pickles glanced over at me, and I nodded. We should definitely do as we’re told when Claire has that tone of voice on her. She returned with some towels and began drying us off in turn. I had managed to stay relatively clean, but was wet, whereas Pickles had black patches of earth all over his fur.
‘Right, Alfie, you find somewhere warm to dry off, but this one is coming to have a bath.’ She rubbed me in the towel a bit more, before she wrapped Pickles up in the other one and carried him off.
Yet again I was in trouble for something that I was trying to put right. Goodness knows what she’d say when she saw the rose bush.
I made sure I was properly dry before I went into the living room. Claire brought Pickles down, all clean and put him in his bed.
‘Stay in that bed,’ she commanded. ‘I’m going to get the kids but due to this awful rain I’m going to drive.’ She set off.
‘Are you alright?’ I asked, as Pickles sat up in his bed and panted, excitedly.
‘I might dig in the garden again another day,’ he said.
‘Pickles, why would you do that, you just got into trouble?’
‘It doesn’t feel like trouble, because I had a bath and I really like baths.’
I had no words.
Thankfully, he settled down for another nap, although I didn’t dare take my eyes off him in case he headed out into the garden again. Just as I felt that my eyes would explode, or more likely close by themselves, the front door opened and in bounded the children.
Henry and Martha ran up to Pickles and rudely woke him up by grabbing him. Toby and Summer hovered behind, wanting their turn. Then I was delighted to see Marcus carrying George in his arms. He put him on the floor, and Marcus followed Claire into the kitchen.
‘Everything alright,’ I asked George.
‘Never better, Dad, come into the kitchen, I want to hear what Marcus says.’ We both ran in.
‘I can’t believe you took George to the hospital,’ Claire said, she sounded more surprised than angry though.
‘He didn’t give me much choice. He followed me out this morning, and he also kept standing on my feet. I tried to get him to come home but he just yowled at me and then stuck to me like glue. I was going to phone you but I was running late, so I just took him with me.’
‘What did they say at the hospital?’
‘Luckily it was Jay in charge of the ward today, so I explained how much Dad was missing him and he said it was on me, and he’d turn a blind eye if I promised he’d behave. Dad was over the moon, he had tears in his eyes. Then he got me to do the rounds with George, so he could visit other patients. Claire, you wouldn’t believe how happy George made everyone. Dad gave me a lecture on how lonely some of the patients are and how much of a difference a cuddle from George can make.’
‘That’s amazing, and I guess my cats have always known how to cheer people up.’ Claire sounded quite emotional. ‘Alfie always did when he first came here to me as a kitten. I’ve been worrying about how much Harold has told us about the lonely people for a while actually. Can I help in any way?’
‘Ah, I’m so glad you asked.’ Marcus smiled. Marcus was tall, and he had glasses and sometimes he could look serious, but he had the kindest smile. ‘I was going to ask if you’d be my partner in crime and take George into the hospital with you when you visit Dad. I know it’s asking a lot, because you’re breaking goodness knows how many rules but …’
‘Of course I will. We can draw up a roster if you like, but I draw the line at taking Alfie and Pickles too.’
‘Meow,’ I objected, hopping onto Claire’s lap. ‘But then seeing the state the pair of them were in this afternoon, it might be safer.’
‘What did they do?’
Just then the doorbell rang, and we all followed Claire to answer it. Pickles was there first, wiggling his bottom excitedly. Sylvie stood on the doorstep. She didn’t look good. Her hair was soaking wet and sticking to her head, and she looked as if she’d been crying.
‘Oh you’re wet through, come in,’ Claire said.
‘No, no, I won’t,’ Sylvie snapped. Pickles lost interest and went back to the living room to play with the children. Sylvie looked angry now and Claire alarmed. I went to get Marcus.
‘What is it, Alfie?’ he said.
‘Yowl,’ I replied, come with me. Just then Claire called him, and he finally got the message. We walked to the front door, and he stopped short when he saw Sylvie.
‘What on earth?’
‘I should have known you’d be here,’ Sylvie snapped.
‘Well funny story, George—’
‘There’s nothing funny about this, actually,’ Sylvie said. ‘I knew you two are always together these days but do you think I’m stupid?’ she snapped.
I had seen this side of Sylvie before, the one who was so upset about her divorce that she was angry with everyone. It wasn’t my favourite Sylvie and I had no idea what was going on.
‘Sylvie, what are you talking about?’ Claire asked.
‘My best friend, not to mention next door neighbour having an affair with my boyfriend,’ she spat.
‘What’s an affair?’ Summer asked, having appeared suddenly. Claire’s eyes widened in horror as did mine and Marcus’s. George looked confused. ‘And what’s for tea, I’m hungry?’ Summer added.
Even Sylvie looked a little shamefaced as Marcus shrugged at Claire and then went outside, gently taking Sylvie by the arm and shutting our door behind them. Just what on earth was going on?
‘Finally, we’re on our own,’ I said to George. It had been a long evening. Claire was so upset about what Sylvie said, which still made no sense.
But that would have to wait, because I wanted to hear from George himself about his hospital visit.
‘I loved going to see Harold,’ George said. ‘He was so pleased to see me, and so was everyone else, it is so good to be doing my job again.’
‘And by the sound of it, you’ll be doing it without any risk now as Claire and Marcus are both going to take you to see Harold. So it’s a great outcome.’
‘Yes, but he’s not going to be in hospital much longer. He’s coming out soon, they said.’
‘Really? Marcus didn’t mention that, but then he got interrupted by Sylvie.’
‘Yes, she seemed a bit crazy,’ he said.
‘We shouldn’t say crazy, George,’ I chastised. ‘But she was upset about something and although we know that Marcus and Claire are just friends, something must have triggered it.’
‘Well Harold is coming home, I think in a couple of weeks. And then it’s going to be nearly Christmas,’ he said. ‘Then I’ll be unemployed.’
‘It is.’ We weren’t in December yet, but November was underway. ‘Although, George, you will have a job visiting Harold at home and making sure he’s OK.’
‘I know, but after Harold comes out of hospital, I think we should find a way to help lonely people still,’ George said.
‘You are the most wonderful kitten a cat could ever ask for,’ I said, meaning it.
‘I’m not a kitten anymore,’ George said, leaning over and swiping me with his paw.
‘You’ll always be my kitten,’ I finished.
I settled George into bed, and then went to Claire’s room where she and Jonathan were getting ready for bed.
‘It’s crazy, but Marcus phoned me after and said that Sylvie had calmed down, and that he or she would explain everything tomorrow.’
‘What brought that on? I mean I don’t have to worry about you and Marcus do I?’ Jonathan laughed, showing that he was joking.
‘Darling, of course you don’t, I’m too busy looking after your children, your pets and other people to do anything, and you know how much I love you anyway.’
�
��And you’re a saint to put up with me,’ Jonathan said, giving her a hug. ‘But the good news is that my deputy is fully in place, and he’s so ambitious that he’s snapping at my heels, if he wants to try to get my job he might actually do a lot of my work.’ He laughed.
‘So not worried about him actually taking your job then?’ Claire raised an eyebrow. ‘Only you could see him as an asset rather than a rival!’
‘No, it’s fine, we’re both on the same page, he has a bit to learn but he’s keen and hard-working. I’ve said that I will be home for bath and bedtime for the kids every night unless it’s pre-arranged and I think now things are settling down we should make sure we have our date nights as well. I know I haven’t been the best husband and father the last few months but I will put that right now.’
‘Oh Jon, I do love you.’
I left with a grin on my face, and took myself to bed. I curled up, and thought about the day. So much had happened, it had been ridiculously busy, a mixture of good and bad. And as I prepared to drift into sleep I hoped that it would be a calmer day tomorrow.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It was lunchtime before the mystery of Sylvie’s outburst was finally solved. George, Pickles and I were tucking into our food when we heard.
Claire had been to the supermarket in the morning, and then she popped in to see Harold, but without George as she went straight from the supermarket. George, Pickles and I had spent a lazy morning at home, and even Pickles failed to get into trouble. George, still on a high from having been to hospital the previous day, was happy to entertain Pickles and I was happy to sit back and relax for once. We heard the letter box flap on the door and Pickles scooted as fast as he could to the door. He barked his little bark, constantly, and sat with his back to the door as a shower of letters landed on his head. It was one of his favourite pastimes. George laughed, as did I. Shortly after, the door opened, Claire walked in with Sylvie, who looked nice and normal again. Claire picked up the post, Sylvie picked up Pickles and we made our way to the kitchen.
‘Are you sure you don’t mind me coming in?’ Sylvie asked. Her hair was neat, pulled back off her face and she had make-up on.
‘Come in, apart from anything else I want to know what on earth was going on yesterday?’ Claire said. She didn’t sound cold, but she didn’t sound as warm as normal either as she put our food down and we all tucked in.
‘You know I went to the doctor the other day?’ Sylvie asked. Claire nodded. ‘They did some tests and yesterday I got the results. It freaked me out a bit.’
‘Oh no, nothing serious, I hope?’ Claire gestured for Sylvie to sit down. ‘Coffee?’
‘No, I better not. And as for serious, it depends on your point of view. Claire, I’m pregnant.’
Now, I definitely hadn’t seen that coming. I didn’t know how old Sylvie was exactly but she seemed about the same age as Claire.
A massive smile appeared on Claire’s face. ‘Oh my goodness, Sylvie, you’re pregnant! I can’t believe it.’
‘Neither can I! I’m in my forties and Connie’s fifteen for goodness’ sake. And when I found out yesterday I freaked out. I had all these thoughts running wild in my head. What if Marcus was angry with me? I mean we never thought children were on the cards, never discussed it. I thought that I was going through the menopause for goodness’ sake. And then I worried about what Connie would think, her father has just had another baby, so what if it felt as if we were both replacing her. I felt totally out of control, terrified and confused and then when I couldn’t get hold of Marcus and then found out he was at your house, I just lost it.’
‘You certainly did, but, Sylvie, it’s a big deal, I just wish you’d said something.’
‘I told Marcus on your doorstep and he was so happy that any fears I had immediately melted away and then I felt like a total fool. And then he persuaded me to tell Connie straight away and she hugged me and said that she was so happy because it meant she would worry about me less, if that made sense, and also that she would be a great big sister. I cried so much, I didn’t have any tears left. And tonight we’re going to the hospital, Marcus and I, to tell Harold. You must think I’m such a fool.’ Sylvie wiped tears from her cheeks.
‘No, I think you’re amazing, and lucky. Imagine when I first met you you felt as if you’d lost everything but Connie and Hana, and you were pretty miserable. But then we all got our friendship back and you met Marcus and you have barely stopped smiling since. I think it’s amazing and you know we will all help out.’
‘That explains why I was so up and down lately, it was hormones, just not in the way I thought it was! But you know I am excited. I’m scared, there could be all sorts of issues, but Marcus and I talked well into the night and the thing is I know he’s committed to me and to Connie and the baby. In fact he made me book a scan first thing, because he said that the sooner I have a scan the sooner my mind might be at rest, he really is thoughtful.’
‘I can’t believe it, my head is spinning,’ Claire laughed and then she grabbed Sylvie and hugged her.
‘I am so happy, Claire. I mean I know I accused you of having an affair with Marcus yesterday and I am so sorry but, as I said, I wasn’t quite in my right mind.’
‘Will Marcus finally move into your house now?’ Claire asked.
‘Yes, we talked about that. I need him but then that leaves Harold on his own, so we need to figure that out. Harold values his independence as you know so I don’t think he’d move in with us but we have to sort something out.’
‘Of course, there’ll be so many plans to make,’ Claire said, beaming.
‘I would crack open the champagne but you know, I can’t drink …’
‘I’ll have a glass tonight for both of us.’ The two women hugged again.
I told George to go and see Hana, after all she needed to be congratulated too, she was going to have a new human soon.
Claire took Pickles out for a walk, while George went next door, and I decided to have forty, well-deserved winks.
When George came back, he asked if I would take a walk with him.
‘Sure, where do you want to go?’ I asked.
‘To see our other friends, since my job I’ve hardly had any time with them.’ I knew how he felt, since I had been put in charge of Pickles I had seen less of my friends than usual. Both the Edgar Road cats and dear Dustbin. However, we had a meal at Franceska and Tomasz’s restaurant on Sunday, for family day so I would see plenty of Dustbin then.
‘They’ll be so pleased to see you,’ I agreed.
‘Oh my goodness, it’s so long since we’ve seen you together,’ Nellie said, gleefully greeting us with a nuzzle.
‘And it’s great that you’re all here,’ I said as I greeted Elvis and Rocky.
‘The gang is back together,’ Elvis said. ‘Right, can you please fill us in on all the news,’ he added.
We told them the latest hospital news, and of course about the baby, and then Rocky and George went off to climb George’s favourite tree.
‘You’re forgiven now then?’ Nellie asked.
‘Thankfully, yes, I hated it when he wasn’t talking to me, but it’s been so hectic lately I haven’t had much time to really process anything.’
‘Are you alright though, Alfie?’ Elvis asked.
‘I’m getting there,’ I replied, honestly. Oliver joined us. ‘Hi,’ I said, greeting him warmly.
‘I really love it here, although I’ll love it more in the summer,’ Oliver said.
‘I hear you,’ Nellie said.
‘George,’ I shouted as I saw him and Rocky near the bottom of the tree. ‘Come here.’
‘Oh, we haven’t met have we?’ George said as he approached.
‘No, but I’ve heard all about you,’ Oliver said. ‘And I am very delighted to meet you.’
‘And I’m happy to meet you. How are you settling in?’ George asked, he was so sweet, my heart was bursting with pride for my boy.
‘Pretty well. I know yo
u know my house very well, and I hope you don’t find it too hard me being there,’ Oliver asked.
‘No, because Tiger mum taught me how to be kind and being kind means that you want everyone to be happy. The Barkers were very lonely without a cat.’
‘Yes, they said that to me when they got me, that a home isn’t a home without a cat. And I am grateful for a loving home, it doesn’t happen for every cat.’
‘So, basically the Barkers aren’t lonely anymore and neither are you,’ George said.
‘Exactly right,’ Oliver replied.
‘But you know we are all so lucky to have each other,’ I said, suddenly. ‘We are all good friends and with Oliver, a new friend, and we’ll never be lonely with each other either.’
‘Friendship makes the world go round,’ Rocky said.
‘I thought that was love.’ Nellie looked confused.
‘They are pretty much the same thing I think,’ Elvis finished. And I looked at my friends, old and new, and I knew it was time to count my blessings again. I was so lucky I didn’t need to worry about loneliness and it was a real shame that anyone in the whole wide world had to feel it.
‘Dad, I’ve got the answer,’ George said suddenly.
‘To what?’ I asked.
‘Harold, when he comes home from hospital and Marcus moves in with Sylvie, I worry that he might be lonely.’
‘But, George, he’s got all of us and our families, we’ll see him all the time.’
‘Yes, but when he goes to sleep, he won’t have anyone else in the house with him. And when he wakes up. He’ll be all alone then. And I can’t move in with him because Toby needs me …’
‘Yes, George, but from what I’ve heard he wants to live in his own house.’
‘So we need to make sure he’s not alone,’ George stated, pulling himself up to his full height and looking quite pleased with himself. ‘Harold needs a cat of his own.’
As we walked home, we discussed the idea some more.
‘But, George, won’t you be jealous, after all you and Harold have a special bond and you would have to share him.’