Genevieve and the Two Scotties by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Chapter 18

Virtually right in the middle of this wild and natural, but flattened land was a brick structure; and a chain linked fence, which was taller than it, and enclosed the tiny structure within a seemingly small amount of land. The gate was held in place by a padlock on a thick chain. It seemed to be a suitable place for those little, green, multi-headed aliens from Saturn, the planet Greeks thought representative of agriculture and harvest, to go un-noticed during an earthly vacation spree. Or it could have been an outpost to protect and shelter something miniaturized and technologically advanced, which might be used to manage the level of the Boggy Cleave River. Or it could have been the remnant of one of those Depression era, WPA, make work projects; whose only purpose was to provide jobs to the needy. However, it seemed as if it was better maintained than something neglected for close to a century. Or, or, or ....... Billy and Jack.

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Tiny,fenced brick house ; property of the author.

There were no signs of any current activity. Genevieve and Pablo walked the perimeter, hoping that nothing menacing would suddenly jump out at them. The only sounds were that of the Arundo; both underfoot and seeking to make impressions on each other during the slightest of breezes. The duo’s intense observation resulted in their sighting of a thin, single aerial projection, which emanated from the brick house’s roof. They nervously considered the possibilities that it was either a poor excuse for a space piercing rocket, an indication of technology’s inability to miniaturize E.T.’s damaged phone line,

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E.T.; property of the author.

or the final resting place of a bent coat hanger. They would soon find out that they were wrong on all counts; as it actually was an antenna which picked up police calls. Behind them, a gruff voice said; “What is your business here?”

After elevating a foot each while simultaneously surviving an un-announced, surprise heart test, Genevieve and Pablo turned around to see Billy and Jack, accompanied by another dog they did not know.

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Rufus, Billy, and Jack; property of the author Genevieve said; “I ....... we just wanted to thank you for your help. ........... We ........ I was under the impression that you were with the Rapidtown Police. But they said no, and

...... And here we are. .......... Thank you.” All fear now dissipated, she rushed over to Billy and Jack, giving each a big hug. She hesitated a second and then hugged their companion too.

Billy and Jack chuckled for a moment. Billy said; “You’re quite welcome. You must be the most inquisitive pooch in all of Poochville.”

Genevieve said; “Well, I have some company. You know Pablo; don’t you?”

Jack said; “We know one tense and unseemly Pacific Laner named Pablo. But, he doesn’t look anything like this guy.”

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Pablo was glad that his “new” appearance was once again confirmed; but also embarrassed that he had apparently acted unseemly with the neighborhood’s protectors. He stumbled out a thank you and something not fully decipherable about being misinterpreted or being misunderstood, or something. He ended by asking; “Who is your new friend?”

Billy said; “This is Rufus. He’s still a bit shy. We just got him out of a very bad, abusive situation in Rapidtown.”

Genevieve said; “Hi, Rufus. Pleased to meet you. ......

Again.” She smiled at him.

Pablo said; “No more worries; new friend. Nothing bad ever happens in Poochville.”

Rufus cautiously extended his paw and Genevieve and Pablo eagerly shook it. Rufus bashfully murmured; “Hi. Ummnnn. I’m glad ...... I forgot ......... Hi.” He smiled warmly.

Jack said; “He’s going to need a place to stay. Know of any vacancies on Pacific Lane?”

Pablo excitedly said; “Yes. Sure. I have one. Like to read, Rufus?”

Rufus said; “A little. I’m not all that good at it.”

Pablo had another thought. He recalled his fantasy of housing some kittens and teaching them to read. He said; “Rufus, are you okay with kittens and cats? I’ll soon have some around, and .............. “

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Rufus’ mental image of a bookcase kitten; the kind courtesy of Pexels.com under their CC0

license.

Rufus said an emphatic; “NOOO. Gee. The cats in Rapidtown were better friends to me than the dogs.”

Pablo said; “Great! Let me just get a hold of another bed, rearrange a little bit, and I’ll be right back for you. Rufus can stay here a few hours. Right?”

Jack said; “Right. If it takes longer than that we’ll come and get you.”

Pablo said; “No worries.”

Genevieve said to Rufus; “Hmmpphh. I suppose that means that you’d prefer Pablo’s house to mine.”

Rufus didn’t know what to say. He was thankful to all of his benefactors and didn’t want to offend any. He stumbled over his words, saying; “No, it’s not that. ...... It’s just that

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....... you know. ...... It’s hard to pick between two good options. ........ especially when you’re not used to it.” When he saw everyone else smiling, Rufus got quiet and did too.

Rufus; property of the author.

Billy said; “Rufus; what kind of dog are you anyway?”

Rufus said; “I don’t know. A funny looking, lucky one I guess.”

For the first time the others saw Rufus’ eyes. They were no longer hidden. They were bright, alive and hopeful; and this time everybody smiled in unison.

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After some friendly chit-chat about the current condition of the Boggy Cleave, Pablo nudged Genevieve, motioning with his head that he’d like to get moving, as he had some preparation to do. Everyone said; “Goodbye,” and Genevieve and Pablo started back.

Rufus whispered to Billy; “Will Pablo really come back for me?”

Billy whispered back; “Yes, sir. You’re in Poochville now.

There won’t be any more of that Rapidtown nonsense.”

Genevieve and Pablo walked home together very happy; too happy to ruin the mood with words. They went the same way they had come and went through Genevieve’s house.

At the front door Pablo said; “Don’t I get a hug, too?”

Genevieve answered; “Not two. ........ Three.”

The End

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