Falling for Change

by KC Lee

  I kissed the dogs head and laughed.

  “I was talking to the dog. But I guess you’re not too bad. I mean the dog seems to trust you. So… I guess I should too. I generally put a lot of stake in an animal’s feelings towards a person. OK one more date. But what are we going to do with this dog?”

  The dog whined and put his nose up Blue’s butt.

  “Whoa boy. You’re not my type buddy.”

  I laughed out loud. Well more like a snort.

  “He sure seems to like you. And he listens to you already. Do you have any animals?” I asked suggestively.

  “No. I don’t have any animals.” He whined again and pranced around Blue.

  “Perfect! In my opinion everyone needs at least one dog and he needs a family. You can bring him by my office and I’ll do a check up just to make sure he’s healthy.” I started to back away. “Don’t forget to call me for that date. Thanks! Night.” I said turning and walking quickly towards my car.

  “Looks like you’re coming with me buddy. What should we call you?” I heard Blue say as I walked away.

  I wasn’t sure a second date was a good idea but I figured it was a small price to pay if it’s enough incentive to give a stray dog a good home. Plus it’s not like one more bad date is going to break me. I’ve certainly had my fair share over the past couple years. Besides she did admit to being nervous so maybe she’s had a rough time of dating too and was a little high strung. With the first date jitters under our belts this second date could be great.

  Chapter 6 (Too Femme to be Butch)

  “Buddy it’s time for your check up! Buddy! Come on boy we’re going to see Anita!”

  I’d been living with Buddy for five days now and it turns out we got along great. He seems to understand almost everything I say with the exception of clean up your toys and stay out of the mud. I’m pretty sure he’s pretending to not understand when I say those things but he really does. I’ve come to this conclusion because he always seems to look right into my eyes and then goes ahead and dives into the mud anyways. And I know that he understands what “Pick up” means mostly because when I tell him to do it he will walk right up to a toy and sit next to it waiting for me to pick it up. Once I pick it up he’ll run ahead of me to the toy bin looking at me like ‘what’s taking you so long’?

  I gave him a bath yesterday and refused to let him out to play this morning because I could tell from the evil look in his eyes after the bath he’d jump in the mud just to spite me. He went into the bath with a fair amount of coaxing on my part and a bribe. I finally had to promise him a ham sandwich and fries to get him in the tub. Just to spite me he got out when he was done and leapt up the ladder/staircase to my bedroom, jumping up on my bed and shaking his wet self all over it.

  Now he’s punishing me for the whole thing by hiding when I already explained to him this morning we were going to see Anita and I promised him he could wear the new bow tie I bought him. It’s blue. Maybe he’s punishing me for the bow tie. I think he’ll look like a perfect gentleman.

  “Ahh!” Something wet and cold hit my but and I jumped, “Buddy don’t sneak up on me like that!”

  “Woof!”

  “Let’s put on your bow tie and go. We have an appointment with Anita at eleven this morning. I hope she’s not mad I haven’t called about our next date yet. But you saw how moody I am around the full moon. I know. I know. Don’t look at me like that. I’m going to ask Anita to have lunch with us in the park today so you are to be on your best behavior.” Buddy sat at my feet staring up at me eyes wide. If he could speak I swear he’d be saying, “You blew it Blue. Blew it. Ha Ha. Get it Bue and Blew.” Because obviously he has a sense of humor (earlier toy incident as proof).

  “What do you know anyways? You’re a dog. Let’s go.”

  “We have an appointment at eleven for Buddy to see Anita. I mean Dr. Mahn.” I said to the petite Asian woman in front of me.

  Her nametag said her name was Sherry. She looked up at me through yellow cat eye glasses. She tossed her short dark hair to the side and stood up wiping her hands down her green and blue polka dot scrubs, “My names Sherry. Dr. Mahn will be with you in a few minutes. Please fill out this form and bring it back when you’re done.”

  Sherry looked at Buddy then looked at me, cocked her head to the side and looked between us again quizzically, “You can fill it out over there in the waiting area.”

  The waiting area turned out to be painted a pale yellow with seating for humans and animals. Blue beanbag like chairs for the animals and a toy bin in the corner. I noticed several auto fill water bowls placed strategically around the room. The humans had a choice of a brown micro suede couch or one of several large wooden chairs with brown and blue plaid cushions. Paintings hung on the walls, depictions of animals ranging from lizards to horses, done by local artists. There were even yellow roses in vases on the end tables. This is the most unique, pet friendly waiting room I’ve ever seen.

  Buddy sat on a beanbag chair and I looked down at him enviously. It seemed to form around his whole body cushioning him and looked like the ultimate comfort. Right next to him sat a bowl of flowing cold water. I should get a set up like this for full moon nights. I can relax in style and comfort after a long run.

  *****

  “Anita, your next appointment Buddy is here should I send them to exam room one?” Sherry looked down at the clipboard in her hands to verify the name.

  “Sounds good. Do I have a break today for lunch?”

  “Yes. Right after Buddy and you have an entire hour today. You look like you could use the break. By the way, this one is a little odd. She’s been talking to her dog. Asking him the questions on the form like he can answer her. And wait till you see the outfit.” Laughing Sherry shuffled out of the room on her two inch black stiletto heels. Sherry loved to break in new shoes at the office. By the way she walked with the slightest limp I could tell those were definitely just off the boat and probably from Milan.

  “You and Buddy can follow me back to exam room one now.” I heard Sherry talking to someone in the waiting room.

  Waiting a few minutes to give Sherry time to usher them into the exam room I walked in ready for my last patient before lunch.

  “Buddy, what are we here for today?” Looking up I realized it was the dog Blue had rescued on our date.

  Blue stood up out of the plastic chair and said, “You offered to give him a check up and make sure everything is in working order if I kept him. Well here we are.”

  Buddy was wearing a blue bow tie and had clearly been given a bath in the five days that Blue had him. Blue was wearing a white t-shirt with a print of a blue bow tie up by the collar. She had on blue jean cutoffs and blue Adidas sneakers with no socks.

  I chuckled, “Now Sherry’s comment makes sense. I see you and Buddy took well to each other. You’re even wearing matching outfits and you look so handsome,” I bent over ruffling Buddy’s ears.

  “Well it’s a special occasion so we dressed up.” Brushing her hands down her pants she finished, “ It is Buddy’s first doctor visit.”

  “Woof. Woof.” Buddy sat wagging his tail.

  Blue looked down at Buddy, “Alright. Alright. Also we had a very important question to ask you. It’s taken a few days for us to get adjusted and we’re very sorry we didn’t call right away but we wanted to know if you had time to have lunch in the park with us today?” She looked up at me with pleading eyes. Buddy whined and paced.

  “Sure. Why not? I mean you both look so dapper and I have an hour lunch break right after Buddy’s appointment today.”

  “Woof.” Buddy put his front paws on my chest and licked my cheek one time.

  “Alright Buddy. I’m excited too. Let’s get this check up done and go to lunch.” I said smiling at Blue.

  “One question before we get started.” Blue said gravelly.

  “Hmmm?”

  “Why does your assistant have on two inch stiletto heels with her scrubs?” Blue looked
at me quizzically one eyebrow raised.

  “Oh that?” laughing I whispered conspiringly, “She has a shoe fetish that rivals Kim Kardashian. She always wears her latest pair to the office to break them in.”

  At the park Blue laid out a red-checkered blanket for us to sit on. She had also brought a wicker picnic basket. She pulled two bottles of water out of it. As I sat down I realized outside of a vets office multi-colored scrubs with little kittens on them were not appropriate date attire. A little embarrassed I looked around and decided an impromptu picnic date does not have a specific dress requirement. Besides from the grin on Blue’s face I’m pretty sure she couldn’t care less what I was wearing.

  “Do you like strawberries and I have a turkey and provolone sandwich or a ham and American cheese sandwich. Whichever you prefer.” Blue held up the two sandwiches.

  “Turkey please. What else do you have in that Mary Poppins basket?”

  “I have pickle spears, potato salad, plates, forks and napkins.”

  The day was hot but not unbearably. There were tiny clouds floating around and a light breeze that kept your skin from getting sticky. A few kids were throwing coins into the fountain, their parents watching a few feet away on the bench. One little girl with blonde pig tails and a pink sundress giggled as the coins made a splash. I noticed both Blue and Buddy’s heads snap towards the sound of the little girl’s laughter. Birds were chirping and flitting about on the ground looking for leftover lunch. A few people were walking their dogs around the park. A few people were playing Frisbee in the expansive lawn with their dogs. I noticed Blue’s head following the Frisbee.

  “Have you taught Buddy any tricks?” Blue shook her head.

  “Didn’t need to. He already knows sit, stay, lay down, catch, and a multitude of others. I’m quite certain he understands everything I’m saying but only chooses to listen when he feels like it. Isn’t that right Buddy?”

  “Woof.”

  “So what do you think?” Blue nodded towards my half eaten sandwich, “It’d be terribly difficult to mess up a turkey and cheese sandwich but it seems I must have?”

  “No. No it’s great. Really all of it was so thoughtful and sweet. Buddy looks a lot better than he did just last week. Have you been cooking for him as well?” I laughed.

  “Well he was a little thin. I didn’t want him to waste away. So ya he gets a home cooked meal and I get to practice out recipes. And he tells me if they’re any good or not.”

  I laughed out loud at that.

  “I guess I must be daydreaming a little” I said, “I could have sworn you just said your dog talks to you.”

  “Well. Ya that’s what it sounded like. But I just meant if even Buddy won’t eat it then it’s definitely not something I should make again.” Blue looked a little sheepish.

  “You know it’s been awhile since I’ve just sat outside in the sun and people watched. It’s quite relaxing and a lovely time with the right company. Thanks for suggesting this.”

  At that moment Blue turned her head and watched as a butterfly fluttered past us to the patch of vibrant yellow, orange, and red flowers to our right. And Buddy wondered off to the patch of flowers following the butterfly over the hill to the next patch of flowers.

  “You two were made for each other.” I giggled watching Blue continue to track the butterfly’s path.

  Shaking her head she said, “What oh ya. I love being out in nature. I’m not sure I’d make it in an office job. Have you seen where Buddy got off too? Buddy.” Blue yelled standing up and scanning the park.

  Buddy came running over the hill. He was dripping wet and his fur was matted down with the weight of the water.

  “Look he must have followed the ducks into the pond on the other side of the park. He’s coming this way now.” I pointed towards the hill sitting back down and shielding my eyes from the afternoon sun.

  Blue stood and looked towards the hill shielding her eyes, “Ok. Ya. I see him.” As Buddy came full force at me, he was grinning and panting and had no intention of stopping.

  “Oh crap. No Buddy. Stop. Sit. No.”

  As I tried to scramble to my feet I saw Blue just standing there, eyes wide, mouth open and then I was flat on my back. Buddy licked my face while he pawed at me. Once he decided I was sufficiently covered in mud and dog kisses he backed off and shook his fur out all over me. Apparently he felt bad for getting me dirty and decided to give me a shower. After he was dry he stepped back and sat on the edge of the blanket panting and grinning at me.

  “Oh no. You look like a mud monster has mauled you. Are you ok? I’m so sorry. Buddy you know better. Apologize.” Blue stood with her hands on her hips scolding Buddy. But I didn’t miss the grin she had a hard time keeping off her face.

  Buddy looked from Blue to me, whined wagging his tail, leaned over licked my face once and sat down giving me the puppy dog eyes.

  Looking down at myself and gesturing to the tiny cats on my scrubs I said, “Apparently Buddy does not like cats. It’s ok. Hazard of being a vet. Not the first or the last time I’m sure. I still have time,” I said looking at my watch, “I can make it home for a new pair of scrubs and be back to the office. I live on the other side of the park closest to the pond.”

  “We’ll walk with you. Just let me grab the picnic stuff.” Blue bent down and started packing.

  “You don’t have to but that’s awfully sweet.”

  At my apartment door I bent over and patted Buddy’s head giving him a quick kiss, “Thank you for walking me to my door Buddy, that was very sweet of you. And you behaved like a perfect gentleman most of the time.” I grinned at that last part.

  “What about me?” Blue had those puppy dog eyes down pat.

  “You were a perfect gentleman the entire time.” I giggled.

  “No. Well I mean yes. I meant could I get a kiss too?”

  I bit my lip nervously. I can kiss her. Just a quick peck right? I mean if I was dating a man I’d give him a kiss when he dropped me at my door. I’ve kissed tons of people, never a woman, but oh hell. Just do it. I leaned over to kiss Blue and just as I felt her warm breath against my lips my apartment door flew open and a hand reached out and drug me inside. As I was being pulled by the humanless arm I grabbed hold of Blue trying to keep myself up right and ended up dragging her inside as well. The door slammed shut behind us just missing Buddy as he snuck inside.

  I screamed, “What the…”

  “Shhh. It’s just me.” Phoebe covered my mouth with her hand whispering, “I’ll let go but you have to whisper. Promise?” She looked at me sternly but didn’t take her hand off my mouth.

  Phoebe was wearing a beige business suit. The jacket was opened over a cream colored shell and she had earrings in. Her red hair was pulled back in a neat French twist and her freckles were covered. Looking down I noticed she was in her bare feet but her beige two-inch heels were next to the door on the paw print welcome mat.

  Nodding my head yes got her hand off my mouth. “What are you doing in my apartment and why are we whispering?” I looked from her to Blue.

  “The better question is who is she?” Phoebe pointed at Blue, “And what are you doing kissing her?”

  Phoebe and I stared each other down, both of us with our hands on our hips, until my dog Larry barked from his position on the couch. His huge brown and black body takes up half the couch but he still insists he’s a lap dog. I keep trying to explain to him that size really does matter.

  “Get off the couch Larry and come meet Buddy.” I said patting my knees. Larry sprang off the couch; his large muscular frame shot him in the air like a torpedo causing his feet to slip on the wood floor as he tried to run at full speed to Buddy. Sliding he landed right in front of Buddy and licked his face. “Go play. Go on. Go play.” I said pointing to the spare room where I keep Larry’s toys.

  “Fine.” Phoebe huffed, “I’ll go first.” Hands still on my hips I tapped my foot.

  “I went out with Kat last night, you know the c
lingy one.”

  “I thought you said you weren’t going to go out with her again. In fact I believe you told me she was a stage five clinger and not even an eight out of ten was worth stage five.”

  I looked at Phoebe a little puzzled on why she’d go out with Kat again. Phoebe is known for her love ‘em and leave ‘em ways. She loves all types of women and leaves them just as quickly. My brother even coined her, Phoebe Freebie, years ago because she slept around so much. Phoebe was secretly not offended by this because she thought of it kind of like her motto. Every woman gets one free night in her bed. But has to earn any more. And she had a high price, which was reasonable since she seemed to be in such high demand.

  “It was a slow night. Ok. I know what I said but I was bored and she bought me a couple three too many drinks. Anyways, she’s at my apartment right now. I got up put on my work clothes.” She said work clothes while simultaneously making quotations marks with her fingers. “Then I told her that I had to meet with a client and would be gone awhile so she could let herself out once she got up and dressed. I’ve been hiding out in your apartment ever since waiting for her to leave. It’s been two hours. She hasn’t gone yet and I have no idea what she’s doing in there.” She put her hands out in a defeated gesture.

  “You know if you’d just stop being such a baby and tell her that you used her for sex and want nothing more she may just get the picture and leave. You’ll sound like the dog you are but you deserve it for not being upfront to begin with.” I scolded her.

  Phoebe looked at me incredulously, “You have some nerve. Honesty. Ha.”

  “Ok. Ok. Stop.” I held up my hands. “Phoebe this is Blue and Buddy is with Larry. Blue this is Phoebe my best friend who also lives next door. If you’ll excuse us Blue, I need to change and Phoebe and I can finish this conversation in my room. Give me a few minutes.” I smiled at Blue and grabbed Phoebe by the arm giving her the shut up look and dragging her into my bedroom. I could hear the dogs growling and yipping in the other room, probably playing tug o war.