by Rachel Wells
I got home, thankfully before Pickles woke up. I snuggled next to him, so he would wake and think I’d been there all along. I was so tired I almost fell asleep when a wet nose touched my cheek. I stretched, wishing that I had another forty winks.
‘That was a nice rest, but now I want to play,’ Pickles said.
‘What do you want to play?’ I asked. This was bringing back memories, memories of George as a tiny kitten, always wanting to do something.
‘I don’t know, the only games I know are the ones George taught me.’ He looked thoughtful.
‘Did he teach you to play hide and seek?’ I asked.
‘No, can we play that?’ He started wagging his tail and wiggling his bottom simultaneously.
‘Yes, what happens is that I count to a certain number—’
‘What’s count?’
‘Don’t worry, we’ll teach you one day. Anyway,’ I continued, ‘I count and you hide somewhere, and then I come and find you.’
‘Wowee that sounds like fun.’ Pickles was so excited he forgot where he was and fell off the sofa, landing on his back.
‘Are you alright?’ I asked; puppy-sitting was hard work.
‘Yes, fine.’ He bounced up. ‘Right I’m going to be the best hider ever.’
I lay down and pretended to count for as long as I thought I could get away with. George had always loved hide and seek, and it was my favourite game because it gave me a few moments of peace while I counted. Top parenting tip for you.
Finally, I had to go and find Pickles. I padded through the hall and then into the kitchen. He was sat on the floor with his head in a cereal box. Although I could see his body, it wasn’t a bad hiding place, actually.
‘Found you,’ I said, approaching.
‘Hmmph.’ A vague sound came from the box.
‘You can take the box off now, I’ve found you,’ I said, edging closer to try to hear him.
‘I’m stuck,’ he replied, his voice still muffled. The next thing I knew he was running round in circles, cereal crumbs falling onto his fur and the floor before he bumped into a cupboard door. ‘Ow,’ he cried.
I sighed. I wasn’t sure what to do. I was a cat, after all, and I had paws, which meant I wasn’t sure how I could get the box off.
‘Calm down, Pickles. Right, lie down, and I’ll see if I can grab the box,’ I commanded. He lay down, still wiggling. He did look funny. I tried to grip the box with my paws but they just slid off. Pickles was really quite stuck. I began to panic. I was the worst puppy-sitter ever. George had got into quite a few scrapes as a kitten: stuck in bags, boxes, and various cupboards, but I could deal with cat scrapes. Puppy scrapes were a whole different ball game.
‘I can’t live in this box forever,’ Pickles said, sadly, and I redoubled my efforts, but it really wasn’t budging. Thankfully I heard the door open and in walked Claire. I sat up and looked at her, my eyes full of guilt.
‘What on earth?’ Claire pulled the box off Pickles and picked him up. He was covered in cereal.
‘Meow,’ I said, it wasn’t my fault.
‘Oh goodness, I better clean this mess up. I guess puppies can be hard to look after,’ Claire said, gently, holding Pickles in one arm and petting me with the other, to show she wasn’t angry.
‘Meow,’ I agreed, relieved.
‘Right, well, Pickles, stay in there, while I get this cleared up.’ She brushed the cereal from his fur and set him down in his bed. I went over to him.
‘Not the best hiding place after all, then, Pickles,’ I said.
‘Oh, I wasn’t hiding. I was going to find somewhere to hide then I spotted the cereal box on the floor.’ Why was it on the floor? I wondered. One of the children I guessed.
‘So, what were you doing?’
‘I wanted to have a snack, so I got the box on its side and then I went in to get my snack, and I somehow got stuck.’
Of course he did.
‘But it was quite delicious,’ he finished. ‘But next time I’ll have to find an easier way to get it.’
Claire took Pickles with her while she cleaned the house, saying it was the only way she could keep him out of trouble. I wasn’t sorry, as I went out and bumped into George who was coming from Hana’s house.
‘Hi, son,’ I said, happy to see him. ‘What have you been up to?’ As if I didn’t know.
‘Just talking to Hana. What about you?’
I told him about Pickles and the cereal.
‘When I was young I didn’t do stuff like that,’ George tutted.
‘Well, you nearly drowned, got stuck in lots of cupboards, were catnapped, and that’s just for starters,’ I pointed out, although technically the catnapping was my fault.
I had come up with a plan to solve a little scrape my human owner was in by pretending to lose George, and hiding him in Tiger’s shed. But he ended up being catnapped, and it was the worst time of my entire life until I found him. The plan did work eventually, it did bring us all together, but I learned a big lesson and would never put my kitten in the slightest risk ever again.
‘OK, fair enough, but now I’m a big cat, things have changed,’ he said. ‘Shall we go for a walk?’
‘Yes, come on, then.’ We started off towards the end of the street.
‘You know about me being a big cat,’ George said as we strolled.
‘Yes?’ I asked. Clearly, he wanted to talk to me about something.
‘What is my job?’
‘What do you mean your job?’ I asked.
‘My job, you know Hana was telling me how Connie and Aleksy were talking all the time about what they were going to do when they were grown-ups. Well, I’m pretty much a grown-up now, and I don’t have a job.’
‘We’re cats, George, I don’t have a job either.’
‘But you do, I mean you don’t have an office like Jonathan, but like Claire, you take care of all of us, that’s your job the way it is hers, so what’s mine?’
‘Being a big cousin to Pickles is a job of sorts then,’ I explained.
‘Yeah, maybe it’s a bit of a job, but it’s not my cat calling. I need to find my purpose in life.’
‘Your purpose in life?’
‘You take care of people and Dustbin has a job taking care of the rodents, so I need to find my life purpose.’ He was getting frustrated.
‘I guess you have a point.’ I wasn’t sure that George needed a job, after all, I had kind of stumbled into my role. And I had no training for it, not to mention that the pay was terrible apart from the odd pilchard. But he sounded so serious about this, I had to give him my support.
‘Yes, I might be a cat, but I’m not an ordinary cat, so therefore I need to find my purpose. What I am supposed to do to make the world a better place.’
‘Wow, well when you put it like that, George, I guess, like me, your vocation will be to do the same as me.’
‘I thought that but I need to find my own path in life, I can’t just jump onto yours.’
‘George, what on earth are you talking about?’ I was bewildered.
‘It’s what Aleksy said. He is going to get a job working in a different restaurant and learn the hard way before joining the family business because otherwise, it will be too easy for him. Nepotism it’s called. Hana told me, she’s very clever. So I need to find my own job rather than take the easy route by following you.’
‘George, you are a very clever cat, although you’ll always be my kitten, so you can do whatever it is you put your mind to, but if you want any advice, you know where I am.’ I crossed my paws that he would give me a bit of time before asking for my advice because I had no idea what to tell him. I was still trying to get my head around the concept of nepotism, which I’d never even heard of.
‘Thanks, Dad, but as Aleksy told Connie and Hana, sometimes when you are growing up, you need to do things yourself for yourself. It’s how you build character. So that’s what I am going to do. I am going to make you proud of me.’
I coul
dn’t argue with that.
‘I’m so proud of you already, George,’ I said, feeling emotional. My boy was growing up so fast, like Aleksy, who was also my boy and all of the children. I could see why Polly was so keen to get Pickles, keeping a baby in the family. Although after this morning I was pretty sure there had to be easier ways.
‘I am going to be an amazing career cat, just as soon as I figure out what I am going to do with my life,’ he announced, and I couldn’t reply because I felt both choked up with pride and also a little amused. There weren’t exactly a million jobs for cats, after all. But then if anyone could find something to do, it was George. I would help him in any way I could because that was what a parent did. And that was a job in itself, after all.
Chapter Ten
Polly had a few days off work, so we didn’t get to see Pickles as much as before, although he did pop in quite a lot so Polly could drink coffee and chat with Claire. But with the humans around, he wasn’t able to get into too much trouble, because they stopped him the minute he started. George and I could only sit and watch Pickles well and truly under control. Or as under control as he could be.
‘I’m thinking of sending Pickles to puppy training,’ Polly said as she had coffee with Claire.
‘But he’s not that bad,’ Claire said. ‘And he’s still so little.’
‘He doesn’t do what he’s told,’ Polly pointed out. Ever, I added.
‘No, but he’s housetrained which is the main thing, and he’s still a baby. Besides, you’re so busy that I might end up having to take him and I’m not sure I fancy it!’ Claire pointed out. ‘I can barely train my own family.’ They both laughed. I narrowed my eyes, I was very well trained thank you very much, although Claire couldn’t take the credit for that. In fact, it was me who trained my humans rather than vice versa.
‘No, I’ve found a weekend class, and I think Matt can take him. After all, Matt was the one who pushed for him to come and live with us.’
‘I’m not sure Matt is the best person to train him, Pol,’ Claire said. I agreed. Matt was lovely but so soft, no one did what they were told when he was in charge.
‘It might be good for both of them then. I thought I might get him to take Henry and Martha, they can have bonding time as well.’
‘Actually, that’s not a bad idea, it could be their thing. Jonathan is so busy at the moment, I’m worried the kids aren’t getting enough time with him. So this Saturday we’re going to have a fun day out in London together. I know Jonathan’s not keen, he’s so tired, but I’ve told him if he does Saturday with us then we’ll have a pyjama and film day on Sunday.’
‘So, he’s still working ridiculously hard?’
‘I really have to bite my tongue and not nag him. I mean we both discussed the fact that the job was going to change things before he took the promotion, but I guess the theory and the practice are two different things. I miss him, that’s it really, I miss spending time with him.’
‘But in the long run, it’ll be worth it?’ Polly asked.
‘It’s not just the money, I mean that’s really good, and it means I can be there for the kids, but we also need to try to figure out how we can do this without ruining our family.’
‘And you will figure it out. Now Matt and I are both working we have to make time for us, so that’s the first thing. You two need time as a couple, and you are always looking after my children, so perhaps we can reciprocate? You just need to be organised and, Claire, that is your strong point after all.’ Polly leant over and grabbed Claire’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
‘You know you’re right. I think instead of worrying I should see what we can do. If Jonathan and I have a night out that would be a start.’
I felt my heart sink a little, I thought everything was alright in our world, and to be honest, Claire was handling it well, but it did set off a little warning bell in my mind. I would have to keep an eye on this.
‘Right, well Matt and I can have the kids, perhaps they can have a sleepover, so you guys can have the night to yourself.’
‘Now you’re talking.’ Claire smiled as did I. With friends like ours, nothing seemed to be insurmountable. ‘Right, I’m going to see Harold, fancy a walk down with me?’
‘Sure, but I won’t stop after saying hello, as I have to walk Pickles.’
They set off with Pickles on the lead and George decided that he wanted to go after them.
‘That’s fine, are you worried about Pickles?’ I asked.
‘Someone needs to keep an eye on him, and Harold prefers cats to dogs so I should be there to make it easier for him,’ he said, sounding very responsible.
‘Good thinking.’ I could tell that George was still a little jealous of Pickles and Harold was his friend, he didn’t want to risk losing him to Pickles. I knew that wouldn’t happen, Harold doted on George, but I didn’t say anything. George had to figure that one out for himself.
I was left alone in the house, and again, that was a nice moment for me. I thought that I’d go and hang out with neighbourhood cats later, but for now, I could take some time for myself. As I went to find Jonathan’s cashmere blanket, I was pretty pleased with myself.
It was a little chilly as I made my way to the recreation ground later, to see if any of the cats were around. Rocky was there, sitting in his usual spot, along with Nellie. There was no sign of Elvis.
‘Hey guys,’ I said as I joined them.
‘Alfie, lovely to see you,’ Rocky said.
‘And you too. So what’s new?’ I asked, but before they could reply, I spotted Salmon looming towards us. Salmon lived opposite us with the Goodwins, leaders of the Edgar Road neighbourhood watch. They were busybodies, as was their cat. We’ll never be best friends but we’re civil.
‘Hi, Salmon,’ I said. Salmon liked to lord it over us when there was news or gossip on the street.
‘Hello. What’s going on?’ he asked.
‘Nothing much,’ I replied. ‘Is there anything you know that we don’t?’ I preempted him.
‘No, it’s been really quiet at the moment. Which is good because I can report there are no criminals on the street.’
‘That is good,’ Nellie said, she sounded a little sarcastic.
‘But don’t worry, we are keeping our eyes open just in case,’ Salmon said, self-importantly. I didn’t want to upset him, although he was a little silly.
‘We’re lucky to have you, Salmon,’ I said, kindly, as Nellie and Rocky shot me a look. Before we could continue, George ran up to us with Elvis at his heels.
‘Goodness me you can run,’ Elvis said, he sounded a little out of breath.
‘What’s the emergency?’ Nellie asked. George ground to a halt but couldn’t speak. I looked upon him with concern while he calmed down.
‘It’s bad, Dad,’ he said, his eyes full of concern, when he recovered.
‘Oh no, what’s happened?’ I felt panic in my fur.
‘Harold. When we got there, he said he wasn’t feeling too good. So Claire phoned the doctors, but he started breathing funny, and they said he might need an ambulance, so Polly called for one. When it came, they examined him and said they thought it might be his heart, so they took him to hospital. Claire went in the ambulance with him, as they wouldn’t let me go with them, but Polly was still there.’ He lay down, exhausted. I nuzzled him.
‘Oh George, I’m so sorry, but Harold is going to the best place. Remember before when he went to the hospital, he came back right as rain,’ I pointed out, going to comfort George.
‘But he looked so scared, and I wanted to go with him because I know that would make him feel better, but they wouldn’t let me. They said cats weren’t allowed to go in ambulances,’ he huffed.
My poor boy was so distressed. ‘But I know he wanted me with him, Dad, because he told me how I was his best friend in the world,’ George cried.
‘Right, George, let’s find Polly and stick with her, because it’s the best way for us to hear any news as soo
n as she gets it.’
‘I think she’s at her house, she said she’d go there to make phone calls,’ George said, still clearly in a state.
‘Come on, son, we’ll go there. Guys, we’ll come back and let you know as soon as there’s any news,’ I offered.
‘Let us know if we can do anything,’ Rocky shouted after us as we left them to go to Polly’s.
Inside the house, Polly was on the phone. She hung up and saw us.
‘Ah, boys, are you alright?’ she said.
‘Yowl,’ George cried, no he wasn’t.
‘I know it was frightening. Claire is at the hospital with Harold now, and there’s no news yet, but she’ll let us know. I phoned Marcus, who is going straight there, and I’ve also let Matt know. Unfortunately, all we can do now is wait.’ I loved how Polly also spoke to us as if we were humans, it meant we always knew what was going on. Pickles was asleep in his bed, snoring gently, which was probably for the best for now, because I wasn’t sure how patient George would be with him.
George placed himself at Polly’s feet, there was no way he was going to leave her side for now. I gave him a little space. I knew George. If I fussed too much, it would annoy him. I said a prayer in my head that Harold would be alright. George had suffered enough loss in his short life so far, and I didn’t want this for him. If I could have done anything to protect him, I would have done so, but for now, I was utterly helpless.
It was a very long, difficult afternoon. Every time the phone rang, George jumped up, and when there was no news, he put his head in his paws and fretted.
‘What is an ambulance?’ Pickles asked me when he woke up, and I herded him away from George.
‘When you were little, you went to the vet to have injections,’ I started to explain. ‘And the hospital is where humans go for things like that.’ I knew it was better to keep it simple.
‘So, the old man …’
