Chapter Twenty-Two
Once home, I gave Bess a guided tour.
The inside of the house made no obvious impression upon her. However, once outside, she broke into a trot. Nose down, tail up. She sniffed and snuffled in various places before finally dropping a curtsey alongside the Rowan tree. I could almost hear Greg protesting in dismay.
There goes my lawn.
‘Never mind,’ I said aloud. ‘It’s only a bit of wee.’
Leaving Bess to it, I went back inside, and put the kettle on. While waiting for the water to boil, I texted the children. We had a family group chat, and I was keen to tell the kids my exciting news:
Bess is home!
One by one they replied with messages of congratulation. Tim said he couldn’t wait to meet my new daughter. Ruby suggested we all get together on Sunday for dinner at mine, so that Bess got to know everyone in one hit. Ella seconded that idea.
I dithered. Might it be overwhelming for Bess? But then I decided it would be fine.
Don’t invite Auntie Freya and Uncle Vernon. This from Tim. She’ll only pour a bucket of cold water on your joy.
She’s already done that, I replied. We spoke on the phone earlier. She basically told me I was off my rocker. That Bess would be a disaster with the grandparents.
Negativity is Aunty Freya’s middle name. This from Ruby. Will the grandparents be joining us on Sunday too?
No. I didn’t hesitate with my answer. I want to relax on Sunday. I’ve seen both of them a few times this week, so refuse to feel guilty. Another time!
Ella then independently messaged asking if she could meet Bess sooner.
Can I come over tomorrow, Mum? Archie has been given a free pass to see Arsenal play at home. You know what my boyfriend is like when it comes to his team. Totally obsessed!
I texted back immediately.
Football, huh! Of course, darling. That would be lovely. However, I’m only around in the morning. I’ll be covering a wedding in the afternoon.
Ella sent me an emoji eye roll, but then added:
That’s fine. I’ll dog-sit while you’re out. Let’s walk Bess in the morning. I fancy coffee and cake at the Bluebell Café. That said, it will have to be your treat. I’m skint!
It was then my turn to send an emoji eye roll.
Happy to treat you! See you tomorrow xxx
A scrape on the back door let me know that Bess was done in the garden.
Together, we went through the things I’d bought earlier at the rescue centre’s shop; a large cosy basket – hmm, that might go unused for a while due to the warm weather – a squeaky squirrel toy, a tennis ball with plastic launcher, a grooming brush, and two large ceramic bowls – one for water and one for food.
‘Which reminds me’ – I said, as Bess trailed me – ‘I’d better fill this up.’
I went through to the kitchen, dog at my heel. She watched as I stuck one of the bowls under the tap. Sure enough, as soon as the dish was set down, she lapped at the water. Quite a lot splashed over the floor tiles at the same time.
I decided not to walk her today. She’d had quite a bit of upheaval already, one way or another. From kennel to car. From irate lorry driver to unfamiliar house. For now, I’d just let her be. Give her a chance to settle in. Instead, we’d have a play in the garden.
I made myself another cuppa, then picked up the tennis ball and launcher.
‘Come, Bess,’ I trilled.
The two of us went outside again. I set my drink down on the little wrought iron table. Greg had bought it two summers ago for the patio area. I pulled out a chair and was about to sit down when I caught Bess looking at me. She had her head comically on one side.
‘Want to play?’ I asked.
She wagged her plumy tail by way of reply.
Picking up the tennis ball, I launched it across the lawn. Bess immediately gave chase. However, after returning the ball twice, she lost interest. Instead, she opted to wander off to a shaded area.
Tongue hanging out, gently panting, Bess sank down on the grass. For a minute or two, she watched a butterfly doing a fluttery dance over some nearby flowers. After another moment or so, she lowered her head. Nose to paws. Her eyes closed. Her sides rose and then fell as she heaved a sigh. Contentment.