Alfie All Alone

by Holly Webb

  Chapter Three

  One night, Alfie was curled up snugly in a nest of duvet on top of Evie’s toes. He was twitching happily in his sleep, dreaming of breakfast, when he was woken by the sound of Evie’s parents talking. He sat up and listened carefully – it wasn’t something he expected to hear in the middle of the night. Something interesting was going on. He padded up to the top of the bed, and licked Evie’s ear.

  “Grrmmpf!” Evie wriggled and wiped the lick off her face. “Alfie! It’s the middle of the night, silly, what are you doing?” She yawned, and gave a little stretch. “Go back to sleep. It’s ages till we have to get up.” Then she turned over and snuggled her face back into her pillow.

  Alfie huffed through his nose irritably. Why wouldn’t Evie listen? Couldn’t she tell that something exciting was happening? He took hold of Evie’s pyjama sleeve with his teeth, very, very gently, and pulled.

  “OK, Alfie, what is it?” she asked sleepily. “Do you need a wee? Because if you think I’m taking you all round the garden to find a good place at this time of night you can think again!”

  Alfie yapped sharply, and tugged at Evie’s sleeve again. Then he dropped the sleeve and stood silently, his ears pricked up.

  Evie listened, and at last she understood why Alfie was behaving so strangely. Her parents weren’t just talking now, they were moving around too. Doors were opening and shutting quietly, and she could hear her dad on the phone to someone, sounding anxious. The baby was coming! It had to be that. Evie pulled her pillow up and leaned back against it, whispering to Alfie to come and sit with her. He burrowed in under her arm and they listened together in the dark. Someone was arriving downstairs.

  “That’ll be Gran, I bet,” Evie murmured. “They said they’d ask her to come and stay with me when they had to go to the hospital.”

  Alfie grunted in agreement. He liked Gran. She had dog chocolates in her handbag.

  A few minutes later, the front door banged, and they heard someone coming back up the stairs. At last Evie’s bedroom door eased open, and Gran popped her head around.

  “Hi, Gran!” Evie whispered.

  “Hello, darling! I thought you might have woken up, with all the coming and going. I just came to check on you.”

  “Alfie woke me up. Is Mum having the baby now?” Evie sounded anxious.

  Gran perched herself on the end of Evie’s bed, and stroked Alfie’s nose.

  “Clever Alfie. Yes, they think so. Don’t get too excited though – these things can take a while.” She smiled down at Evie, still cuddling the little dog, and decided that she’d been wrong to worry. Evie loved him so much, and a dog would be just what her granddaughter needed to keep her company over the next few weeks.

  The next day Evie’s parents brought baby Sam home. Evie’s mum and Sam were both doing really well, and they didn’t need to stay in hospital. Mum said the noise of all the other babies in the ward was driving her mad, and she wanted to be home in her own bed.

  Even though they were coming home as soon as they possibly could, the wait still seemed like ages to Evie. It was a Saturday, so she was at home, with Alfie and Gran. The day really dragged, even though as a treat they all walked to the fish and chip shop to get lunch. Gran stood outside with Alfie, who was blissfully breathing in the smell of chips, and Evie went in to get their food. When they got back, both Evie and Gran naughtily fed Alfie the odd chip under the table, so he was soon full and fast asleep.

  Evie couldn’t help listening out for the car – Dad had rung to say they’d be home sometime that afternoon, they just had to wait for a doctor to give Mum one last check. Their road was pretty quiet, but Evie ran to the window to look at least ten times before she finally spotted their car pulling up.

  “They’re here!” she squeaked. Gran came hurrying over to join Evie. Evie’s dad was trying to get the new baby seat out of the car and all they could see of her new brother was a little bit of blue blanket trailing out of the seat.

  Alfie couldn’t tell what Evie was thinking, which was odd, because usually he had a good idea. Was she happy about this strange new thing that was happening? He licked her hand, and made a questioning little “wuff?” noise.

  “That’s the baby, Alfie. My brother Sam. Let’s go and see.” Evie scrambled down from the window sill, and Alfie trotted after her out into the hallway. Gran had opened the door, and Evie’s parents were just bringing the baby in.

  “Evie!” Mum hugged her tightly. “I missed you. Were you and Gran OK?”

  “Of course. Can I see him, Mum?” Evie crouched down next to the baby seat and peered in. Sam seemed tiny inside – just a small hand clenched tightly round the blanket, and a pale little face half-covered by a hat.

  “Let’s get him in and unwrap him, then you can see him properly. It’s a bit chilly outside so he had to be covered up,” Mum explained.

  Alfie followed interestedly as the family went into the kitchen. The baby smelled new and different, and he wanted to investigate.

  Gran and Evie watched as Mum undid Sam’s little jacket, with Dad’s help. At last she stood up, and carried him over. “Do you want to sit down, Evie?” she asked. “Then you can have a cuddle.”

  Evie whisked over to a chair and sat down, eagerly holding out her arms.

  Mum kissed Sam’s nose, and handed him very carefully to Evie. “Sam, this is your big sister!”

  Evie sat holding Sam, a look of amazement on her face. “He’s smaller than some of my old dolls,” she whispered, looking worriedly up at Mum. “Is he all right?”

  Dad laughed. “He’ll grow. You were littler than that.”

  Evie gazed down at Sam, watching as his eyes gradually opened. “He’s looking straight at me!” she squealed, beaming in delight.

  Mum laughed. “I think he is! They say new babies can’t really see much, but he’s definitely staring at you.”

  “You know, he looks quite like Evie,” Dad put in.

  “Yes, I see what you mean,” Gran agreed.

  Alfie watched as they all chattered excitedly. He was feeling confused. No one had introduced him to the new baby. Evie was his person, and she was ignoring him. He gave a sharp little yap, and everyone jumped. The tiny creature on Evie’s lap gasped and let out a shuddering wail that made Alfie back away. What was it?

  “Alfie!” Evie said crossly. “What did you have to do that for? Look, you’ve made Sam cry.”

  Alfie backed away still further, his tail tucking between his legs. Now Evie was cross with him. He wasn’t sure he liked this baby thing at all.

  Over the next few days, Evie fell in love with her new little brother. Sam didn’t do much, except lie in a Moses basket and wail occasionally, but he was very cute. Evie’s dad had some time off work to help out, so Evie had tried arguing that she ought to have time off school too, but apparently it didn’t work that way. She had to go back to school on Monday morning. Dad dropped her off in the car.

  “You will bring Sam to pick me up, won’t you?” she begged her mum. “I want everyone to see him. He’s so much nicer than anyone else’s little brothers and sisters.”

  The trip to pick up Evie from school was the first time Mum had taken Sam out in his new pushchair. Alfie watched as Dad wrestled with the pushchair. It would be nice to have a walk. He’d been let out in the garden over the weekend, but no one had taken him for a proper run, and he was keen to be out smelling some good smells. Alfie went to fetch his lead – it hung over a hook in the hall, and he could tug it down. He trotted back with it in his mouth just as Mum was manoeuvring the pushchair over the front step.

  “You’re sure you don’t want me to come?” Dad asked again.

  “No, you start making the tea, we’ll be fine.” And she closed the door behind her. Without Alfie!

  Alfie barked to remind Mum she’d left him behind – it wasn’t like her to forget, but perhaps that baby had distracted her.

  “Not today, Alfie.” Dad shook his head. “Sorry, boy, but it’s a bit mu
ch to have you and the pushchair.” He patted Alfie’s head and went back into the kitchen, leaving Alfie in the hall, his lead still trailing out of his mouth.

  Alfie stared at the door, confused. He always went to pick Evie up from school. Was Evie’s mum really not coming back for him?

  “Alfie! Biscuit!”

  Evie’s dad was calling. Alfie gave the door one last hopeful look. Ah well. He supposed a biscuit was better than nothing…

  When Mum and Evie got back from school they were both looking a bit frazzled. Sam had snoozed most of the way, and then woken up just in time for everyone to say how cute he was, but now he was hungry, and cross, and a thin wailing noise was coming from his nest of blankets.

  Mum sat on the sofa to feed him, and Evie curled up next to her to watch – she’d really missed seeing Sam while she was at school. Alfie jumped up too – he thought they were going to watch television together, like they usually did. But Evie squeaked in horror and pushed him off. “Alfie, no! You might squash Sam!”

  Alfie’s tail drooped, and he slunk miserably into the kitchen. The baby was going to watch all his favourite programmes with Evie instead. It wasn’t fair.

  All the next week, people kept popping round with presents for the new baby, and quite often one for Evie too. Everyone seemed to think Sam was very special, and he got fussed over all the time. Alfie wasn’t quite sure why. Sam didn’t do a lot, and he certainly couldn’t do tricks like a dog could. Alfie couldn’t help wishing that things would go back to normal, and everyone would fuss over him instead, but he had a feeling it wasn’t going to happen.

  But at least Alfie had been able to reclaim his place on the sofa, as Mum said she thought it was OK for Alfie to sit there when she was feeding Sam, as long as Evie was careful not to let Alfie lick him.

  “Alfie’s used to sitting there with you, Evie,” she pointed out. “It isn’t fair if he’s not allowed to any more. Just keep an eye on him.” She sat Sam up to get him to burp, and smiled. “Look, Sam’s watching Alfie’s tail wag. I should think he’ll love having Alfie for company.”

  Evie scratched Alfie behind the ears, and he settled down on her lap, keeping a watchful eye on the baby. He supposed he didn’t mind sharing the sofa.

  Chapter Four

  “Evie! Evie! You’re going to be late for school!” Mum was calling up the stairs, sounding cross. She had Sam tucked under one arm, and he was grizzling too. “You won’t have time for breakfast!”

  Evie stomped down the stairs looking very gloomy. “I don’t want any. And I don’t want to go to school either. I don’t feel very well. I’m really tired.”

  Evie’s mum took a deep breath and counted to five. “I know. We all are. But it’s Friday, you can sleep in over the weekend.”

  “If Sam doesn’t keep me awake all night, like he did last night,” Evie growled.

  “It’s not his fault, Evie, he doesn’t understand the difference between night and day yet.” Mum was sounding really strained.

  “Well, can’t you teach him?” Evie looked up at her mum and suddenly grinned. “Oh, all right. I suppose not. But I am really, really tired.” She sighed and hooked her finger into Sam’s tiny hand. “Don’t you dare nap all afternoon, Sam. Stay up and then you’ll sleep tonight!”

  It hadn’t been a good week. Evie’s dad was back at work now, and it was harder to get everything done without the extra help. Sam was gorgeous, but he wasn’t sleeping well, and when he was awake he was loud. Everyone’s temper was fraying.

  Alfie was trying his best to keep out of the way, but he never managed to be in the right place. Most days Evie’s mum walked into him about three times just doing the washing-up. When she got back from taking Evie to school that Friday, she tripped over Alfie while she was carrying a basket of washing, and trod on his paw, but she didn’t seem to be sorry. He held it up and whined, but all she did was snap, “Alfie! Not again! Get out of the way, you silly dog!” Alfie limped out of the kitchen, feeling very hard done by.

  He sat in the hallway, thoughtfully chewing on a small teddy bear he’d found on the stairs. He just couldn’t seem to do anything right any more. Things had been much nicer before.

  At that moment, Sam started crying upstairs and Mum dashed past to go and fetch him – and saw the small pile of shredded fur that had once been a teddy. “Alfie!” she wailed, and Alfie gazed up at her. He didn’t know why she was cross – furry toys were there to be chewed, and he didn’t see what the fuss was about. But it looked like Mum didn’t agree, judging by the way she snatched up what was left of the teddy and glared at him.

  Alfie was still in disgrace when Gran popped round that afternoon, and he was delighted to see her. At last someone who actually had time to sit and scratch him behind the ears properly! He leaned against Gran’s leg affectionately. For a moment he almost wished that she would take him back to her house. Then he shook his head and snorted. No! He was Evie’s dog. He was sure that she would get over the baby thing soon, and then maybe they could go back to proper walks and more cuddling.

  “You look exhausted!” Gran was saying to Mum. “Why don’t you pop upstairs and have a nap? I’ll look after Sam for you.”

  Mum sighed. “I’d love to, but he’s being so grumpy today. He wouldn’t even go to his dad this morning – every time I put him down he howls. I just don’t know what’s the matter with him. Anyway, I’ve got to go and fetch Evie in a minute.”

  Gran stood up firmly. “There you are then. Put him in the pushchair and I’ll take him with me and get Evie for you. You go and have a rest. Sam will probably sleep too.”

  “If you’re sure…” Mum tucked Sam in, and set off upstairs, looking grateful.

  Me too! Me too! Alfie whined hopefully, bouncing round Gran’s ankles as she headed for the door. He was still desperate for more walks.

  “Sorry, Alfie, I’d love to take you, but I’m not used to this pushchair and I can’t manage both of you.” She looked down at the little dog thoughtfully. “I’d better talk to Evie about you. I don’t think she’s exercising you enough.”

  Alfie yelped in agreement, and she nodded to herself.

  Unfortunately, Gran’s master plan for settling Sam didn’t work. At five o’clock, when she had to leave to go and get Tigger and Ben their tea, Sam was still wailing. And when Evie’s dad walked in at six, he was greeted by a howling baby, a frazzled wife and a cross daughter.

  “Looks like we’re in for a fun weekend,” he joked, but nobody else thought it was funny.

  Alfie watched Dad hopefully. Mum and Evie had been so stressed by Sam’s crying that they had forgotten to feed him. He nosed eagerly at his food bowl, and looked up at Dad. He wasn’t watching. Alfie sighed and trailed back to his basket, where he curled up with his back to the rest of the family. Maybe he’d better just have a sleep and try again in a bit.

  A couple of hours later, Alfie was convinced he was going to starve if he didn’t get fed soon. He trotted into the living room, where Mum and Dad were taking turns to walk Sam up and down. Evie was just getting ready to go up to bed. Alfie was horrified. If Evie went to bed, they’d never remember to feed him! Desperate measures were needed. He nipped back to the kitchen.

  “Oh, thank goodness,” Mum murmured, watching as Sam slumped slightly on his dad’s shoulder. “He’s going off to sleep. No, don’t stop!”

  Dad nodded grimly, and resumed his trek up and down the room. “I think he’s fallen asleep,” he sighed, a couple of minutes later. “Can we risk laying him down, do you—”

  It was at that moment that Alfie trotted back in, carrying his metal food bowl in his teeth. He dropped it hard on the wooden floor, and barked.

  Sam shot upright and let out a blood-curdling wail.

  “Alfie! You bad dog!” Mum groaned. “That’s it. Kitchen! Now! In your basket!” And she shooed him out, flapping her hands crossly.

  Alfie was banished. It was the first night he’d ever spent in the kitchen, instead of curled up on the end of E
vie’s bed. He was so confused. He’d only wanted his tea! Everyone else had had theirs, and he was starving.

  For the next hour, Alfie and Sam howled together. Then Sam suddenly decided not to bother any more and fell blissfully asleep; but Alfie lay in his basket, and stared at the dark kitchen. Why didn’t Evie want him upstairs? What had he done?

  Didn’t she love him any more?

  Chapter Five

  The next morning was Saturday, and the family was having breakfast. It was always a really nice time – the beginning of the weekend, when they all had a chance to relax. They usually had something extra-nice for breakfast too. Today, not even croissants could cheer everyone up.

  At least Sam seemed to be in a better mood. He was lying in his bouncy chair in the living room.

  “He’s fine,” Dad reported back after a quick check. “Seems to be enjoying himself actually – I think he’s learning to bat at that dangly toy you bought him, Evie.” He gave a long, slow sigh of relief, sat down and poured himself a large cup of coffee.