Lizzie Origins /PoFg/

Lizzie Origins

Chapter one: Run Run Run

>Some days are just perfect. Sun is softly peeking through white, fluffy clouds with calm yellow light. It's hot, but not too hot and everything goes well, as if the universe decided to make you a favor.
>Well, this? This wasn't one of those day. Quite the opposite, actually.
>The sun wasn't playfully warming my day, hell, it probably took vacation and left the skies whatsoever, when I rushed through the door of my school, taking left to the nearest bus stop. I was late for my job. So late, that I wouldn't even be surprised if I get there and they will tell me I can go home again, because they found replacement.
>It wasn't my fault, but then again, in Pegasys coffee shop, where I was making barista, nobody really cared. The professor got so wrapped in his lecture, he completely forgot about time.
>I could've hear my backpack buzzing, so I've stopped and started to looking through it. Supposedly there was my phone out there somewhere in layers of crumpled papers, parched sharpies, two, or maybe three notebooks and some books, but where the hell?
>"There you are!" I grinned triumphantly when my fingers finally brushed through cold surface of my phone, which allowed me to see who's calling.

>"What?" I murmured to the speaker less enthusiastically, starting to walk again.
>"Nice to hear you too," I heard answer in clearly amused voice.
>Just to be clear, I don't usually do that. And I would never be so rude to my boss, but since I've clearly seen orange fur in absolutely disgusting Christmas sweater on the contact picture, I knew it wasn't even close.
cont.
>"Can I call you later, Jess? I am late for work." I've sighed to the phone. The bus stop was nearby, but that didn't necessary mean it will help me. Our college was basically in the middle of nowhere and get a ride to downtown was pretty challenging. Especially at evening.
>"How did that happened? You are like the most punctual person I know."
>"Unlike you," I was starting to be impatient. "So what do you want? And don't tell me you just wanted to say hello."
>"Maybe I did?" Jessica said playfully. I made very frustrated sound, so she added:"No, sorry. Sorry. Are you busy?"
>"Are you joking?" I raised eyebrow.
>"I didn't mean right now, silly." she clarified
>"Jess, just... just spill it, okay?" I was getting closer and closer to hang her. Jessica was amazing person. I've always loved her. She was kind of my idol, since she was stock exchange mastermind and the youngest co-owner of some Vacant Bank and amazing older sister, whom was spoiling me since I was little. Right now she was really pissing me off.
> "Cut the crap. What do you want?"
>"I need you to watch over my human." Was that guilt I've heard in her voice? "I am in Tokyo."
>"Sure, why not. When?" I've asked, while checking the schedule. Five minutes to next bus? Cool. "This weekend? That's such a last time. But you always knew how to live."
>Unlike me, I added mentally.
>"No, Liz, no... I... I am literally in Tokyo. Like right now?"
>"What?" is she kidding me?
>"Yeah... It happened rather quickly. But that's not important - cutting the crap, remember - Can you, please?"

>I honestly didn't know what to answer. In one hand, knowing Jessica's human Sammy would be home alone, probably starving, as my sister tend to spend at least week on her business trips, wouldn't let me sleep at night, in the other hand it also meant I would have to go there after work and then somehow manage to get back to dorms in the middle of night, which might've been dangerous. And problematic.
>"I will pay you," I've heard my sister.
>"Yes," I nodded. "You will pay me. I will have to take taxi to get back home."
>"Why don't you just stay with Sammy?" Jessica's mood clearly lifted, because she now sounded lot more like he usual energetic herself.
>"Sure, why I don't just drop everything and do whatever the hell you just came up with," I answered sarcastically. Meantime, as we were talking, I started looking for some cash. Finding wallet bus just as hard as find phone in there. No actually, it was worse. Wallet wasn't vibrating.
>"You think they will fire you?" Jess managed to follow my flow of thoughts.
>"I don't know." somewhere in the distance, blue behemoth appeared. "The bus is here - look, I... will take care of Sammy, okay? Don't worry about it."
>"Thank you." said Jess.
>"It's okay. Take care there, okay? Bye-bye." with those word, I've hang up and stepped inside the bus. I was nervous and Jess knew it. She will forgive me being so mean to her. Maybe. In the other hand, when she was upset, she wasn't acting way worse.
>"One to downtown, please." I sat down next to window, caught up in own thoughts.

End of chapter

Lizzie Origins

Chapter Two: The workday


>And there it was.
 >After absolutely horrible twenty minutes in bus, where I was trying to arrange my schedule so I can spend some time with Sammy, go to school and also sleep, instead of filled with self-loathing and going through the worse possible scenarios, I was finally in my final destination, no pun intended.
> Why did I even care so much? After all, it was just a job, right? Well, yeah, and also no. Despite the fact that I desperately needed the money, it had it emotional value for me too. Silly, I know.
> But then again, this was my first job ever. Including my first proper CV writing, which was disastrous since I've literally had no previous experience in anything even remotely close to coffee making, and interview, during which I was so nervous I kept stuttering.  I thought it was horrible, but he saw potential, genuinely enjoying my enthusiasm, although to be fair, Mister Smith would possibly hire me anyway. He was really sweet old guy, who for some reason loved giving changes. It didn’t matter how little experience you had, if you were willing to learn.
>Unfortunately for me, Mister Smith recently retired and was replaced by his son, Junior. Literally. His name is Junior. And he was such an asshole, he almost deserved that. Remember how I said his dad was sweet and friendly? Well he was the exact opposite – uptight, reserved and greedy. In his first week, he managed to turnover everything – our work hours, payment, even the bloody menu! He was trying to catch up with big corporations so we suddenly had to serve “double chocolate mocha frappucino with diet banana split” and similar shit. He succeeded, in a way. It lured more people, although most of our regulars stopped coming.
cont.
>I sighted, finally arriving to the doors, when I’ve pressed doorbell. I’ve used to have keys, but when Junior installed new security system, he couldn’t allow it. Said system also meant I couldn’t have just sneak inside and pretend that I was in the storage for hours.
>If we had anything in the storage to begin with .
>I got almost hit with doorknob as clearly pissed rhino opened them. Junior looked like he was going to eat me alive, no kidding. His giant arms crossed, he gave me devilish look: “Look who has honored us with their presence!  So you’ve finally finished painting your claws? Had a nice day shopping? Have you any fucking idea what time is it?!”
>”Actually...” I have inhaled, but he didn’t let me say anything. Not that I had idea what to tell him anyway.
> “I don’t care you bloody slob! This sort of behavior is absolutely unacceptable. I should fucking fire you right now, that’s what should I do! Your absolute incompetence cost me so much money – and troubles too, don’t you think? Poor Theresa had to stay here longer just to fill for you. I am taking that off your pay. Now get inside.”
>He moved so I could have sneak around, still glaring at me angrily. I was so relieved he didn’t actually fire me that I didn’t even mind he shouted at me. At least not in such capacity for me to scream back at him.
>”It won’t happen again,” I’ve promised quietly.
> “If it happens again, you are out of here. Also, you’re switching some hours with Theresa. Don’t even think about it, woman, you are. Or don’t even bother come back.” He said, while he followed me inside. He went into his office and slammed door behind him.
>Well that was... slightly better than I expected it to be. I’ve managed to change into my uniform and locking up my stuff inside locker, finally replacing Theresa. When I came behind the counter, she looked like the happiest person in the universe, though also slightly irritated.
cont,
> “Oh, here already?” she said incredibly sarcastically.
>”Not you too,” I whined.
> “Yes me too, spending two hours with that dick here ,” Theresa smirked, but then she pulled me into hug. “I hope at least you had some fun. Who was it, Watson or Baker?”
>“Excuse me?” I asked, confused.
> The fact she suddenly hugged me wasn’t surprising, that’s just how she rolls, but her question got me good.
>”You are not exactly party human, so I figured out you were at school. And only two of those freaks make lectures so long. So, Baker or Watson?” she laughed, letting me go, turning to customer, whom just came in.
>Unlike me, Theresa was party human. And she looked like one too. From distance she was just ordinary cheetah, but when you came closer you could see her spot were from various shades of blue and pink, as she was dying them. She had two piercings in her ears and one more, somewhere where I was not brave or willing enough to check, although she offered  to show me many times.
>”Baker,” I admitted quietly.
>”Sucks to be you,” she winked at me, taking off her apron. We weren’t supposed to do that here, but she simply didn’t care. I always liked that about her.
>I wasn’t sure if she was being sarcastic or not and she didn’t seem to care enough to clarify.  Anyway, it made me feel very guilty.
> “I am sorry I’ve ruined your evening,” I apologized. I should have done it before, but I was so agitated about all of it – though, that’s no excuse, is it?
> And I really was sorry. Knowing Theresa, she probably had some really exciting plans to attend to. It could have been concert or maybe vernissage of some sort, either way, definitely something better than spending evening here.

> “It’s okay, pudding, I was once young too,” she answered nonchalantly as I started to make espresso for costumer. Luckily he seemed to be rather amused by our conversation, not annoyed.
cont.
>“I know how it goes.” She continued, clearly teasing me.
> “You are literally two years older than I am,” I reminded her, frowning.
> “As I said - I was young once.” She laughed at me, messing my hair for some goddamn reason. “Anyway, I really gotta go, Lizzie. See you tomorrow?”
> “Sure...” I said but she already vanished through the door and therefore couldn’t hear me. Theresa was really strange person. I never understood how it came she was always so energetic and happy. 'And pretty' my mind added instantly, before I shook the thought from my head. Shush there.
>When Theresa left, I’ve returned to my job. It seemed to be one of calmer nights, which you would expect from evening in café, which is opened for so long. It wasn’t even that late, but around  22:00 people just naturally stop coming for coffee. Or at least most of them do.
> Around 23:00 first drunks came in. I don’t judge anyone - although I, personally drank only on special occasions  - but these guys were exceptionally loud and looked like they’re ready to turn the whole place into dust and immediately started to make me feel uncomfortable. The night hardly started and they already looked like drunk tank’s wet dream. What the hell? They looked really awful.
> I don’t know why, but I often feel threatened when a large group of absolutely roaring drunk lads comes in. Especially when one of them actually started roaring at me, literally.
>Nice to see you too, pal, I smirked mentally and put on my sweetest and most innocent smile, hoping they will just order something and get the hell out. Sometimes folks from street get inside just because they urgently needed to toilette and then screamed at me for solid five minutes because it’s for paying customers only.
cont.
>The worst thing, and I realized it pretty late, was that they had humans with them. Don’t get me wrong, I personally love humans – why else would I be studying vet-school - but after certain incident they weren’t allowed inside the coffee shop, especially without leash.
> Their humans had no such thing, though they would be hardly considered a threat. Black haired male dressed in shirt with small colourful dots on it, who was observing everything around him and another, bit taller, male with brown hair. They both looked fragile and absolutely harmless. The taller one was just adjusting the other one’s fringe and was completely ignoring his surroundings, which caught attention of the other one. After a second they were completely stuck inside their own universe.
> I didn’t know which one of the drunks was their owner, as the group was stick together so tightly, but it didn’t seem very well for me either way. It was either fox, looking like he is going to puke at me at any minute, a panda, backing another, even drunker fox, lion with borderline alcohol poisoning, and couple of horses, giggling like couple of foals.
> And I was obligated to send them away. Great.
> “Sir?” I’ve addressed the panda as he seemed to be the soberest around here, though he was still pretty far from being alcohol-free. “I am afraid I have to ask you to leave your humans outside the shop.”
> “What? Why?” he said, apparently no idea what I was talking about. He frowned and I could almost see his sprocket wheels whirl. Fair enough.
> “It’s a house rule, sir,” I’ve explained, not really wanting to go into details.
> The full story would be that my boss got bitten by human once and now is terrified of them, so he won’t allow them, but obviously couldn’t say it. What if he was near, right? After what I did today, he might’ve fire me for such remark and I didn’t want to risk it.
cont.
>“A house rule?” I saw fox, which was until now leaning on his buddy, suddenly straightened and walked towards me. Just a few moments ago, he looked so drunk that it seemed impossible for him to even lay still on the floor without help, that change got really scary really really fast. He had completely bloodshot eyes and looked angry.
> “What kind of fascist house rule is that!” he screamed at me. There was only the counter between the two of us. “I can take my humans wherever the hell I want. You hear me, bitch!?”
>I was so shocked only a quiet: “What?” escaped my mouth. This was a coffee shop! Fucking coffee shop, with extra long opening hours.
>' What the hell is wrong with everything today', I remember myself thinking.
> He didn’t seem to care what I had to say anyway, since that was the exact moment when he pulled a knife out and pointed it at me.

the end of chapter

Lizzie Origins
Chapter Three: How it all went to shit

>I still couldn’t think of anything good to say, but it didn’t seem to upset the group very much.
>Nobody moved. We kept staring at each other, fox pointing knife at my neck with unsettlingly steady grip and I desperately tried to remember what they’ve learn me on my self-defence class.
>It was for extra credit, three, no, actually four years ago when I was sheepish freshmen. It didn’t give me much, but then again, it wasn’t exactly about being threatened with a knife by drunken boyband in coffee shop.
>It was a desperate situation. I could have done as they had taught me and tear apart his forearm - I mean, they didn’t explicitly said that, but considering how sharp my claws are, it would definitely hurt him - to make him drop the knife, but what would that be good for? I couldn’t run anywhere, since I was currently in charge of shop.
> As if he could read my mind, the fox smiled at me, licking his lips playfully.
>He looked really creepy, not just because of casually pointing at me with potentially deadly weapon, there was something odd about him. At first I didn’t see it, mostly because I was avoiding eye –contact, but then it hit me and I couldn’t understand how did I over looked it. It was the eyes. Bloodshot caramel-like eyes with small yellowish spots, whose pupil should have been, just like mine, but it wasn’t. His eyes were almost fulfilled with black void, leaving just a tiny space for the iris around.
>He definitely wasn’t okay and my hope for rational solution was gone. It doesn't take  a lot of effort to kill person by stabbing them, but killing me for telling him to keep the pet outside? However I couldn't be sure with this guy.
cont.
> Nervous, feeling my heart getting louder, I’ve gave a brief look at the counter, where was nothing useful to defend myself, only if I beat him up with a tea spoon. My eyes spotted a big battle of syrup we have been adding to coffee recently. It was big and very expensive bottle with sweet sauce, still almost full. It would probably take him out, if I managed to grab it, but even if I did, there were still four of them.
> Four and so drunk, they don’t even know what was going on. Horses were still giggling quietly and panda looked like he couldn’t really comprehend what he sees. They won’t stop him, if he decided to do it, I realized bitter. No doubt normal person wouldn’t throw everything just to have some satisfaction hurting random barista over a house rule about humans, but I’ve established before he wasn’t normal. Not right now.
> What was he on, I didn’t know. Probably cocaine, or some similar shit, and I guess not the cleanest. Not that I have any kind of personal experience, although our professor encouraged us to try everything. I believe he didn’t mean it seriously.
> I didn’t stand a chance against him. He was way taller and although not much muscular than I was, he looked like a threat. But maybe that were just the knife’s doings.
>He must have known, or maybe it was just the drug kicking in, because he said:  “Not so brave now, huh?” he smirked at me and it wasn’t nice smile. God damn it.
> An idea came, stupid, desperate idea, but it was worth a shot. It wasn’t like I had any better one anyway.
> We were supposed to have our things looked in a locker, and I mostly respected that rule, but nobody could force me to leave my phone there too. I have been sneaking him inside my pockets since the day one. It was too dear to me. No, I am not accusing anyone of stealing, just ... or maybe I am just addicted. Either way, it was really lucky right now. My thumb brushed against the screen.
cont.
>”Speak up, bitch!” he shouted at me angrily and waved with sharp thing before my eyes.
> My finger was working. Three numbers, just three of them. I’ve also lowered the volume.  I didn’t have to understand the other side. They had.
> “Sorry,” I said, lips completely dry. “I am just afraid – you with the knife and your four buddies. I know that we open late for a coffee shop, but,”
> I was making sure my voice was loud and clear.
>”we’re on Lavender street. And not even in the end of the round, we’re like, the seventh house from the south. Who would expect an assault?”
> I didn’t know if the crisis line heard me, but I could wish, right? The other side just hang up anyway.
> He clearly didn’t have any idea what the hell was I doing, which was good.
> Giving me dirty look, bit confused too, he frowned.
> “I don’t give a shit, cunt. Give me your money!” he shouted suddenly, as if he just realized.
>Your money? Now that was joke. I had no money. They were all Junior's here. And to be fair, some also belonged to Tax administration. But I guess it wasn’t really time to pull that out, at least not if I want to survive this evening, which would be much appreciated by my side, at least.
> “No tricks, missy!” he added, jerking his head in weird direction. Wear off, I realized with a sip of maliciousness, but then got scarred even more. If that’s the case, it’s even more dangerous. God, damn it.
> His friends suddenly started to pay attention again. Maybe someone will finally do something, as they were looking pretty jittery.
> Oh, how I was wrong!
> “Do you need help there?” asked the other fox, as if he was in trans.
>Well, there goes my hope.
> “Shut up, Jerry.” ‘my’ fox hissed, sweating profoundly. Jerry shrugged and went petting the humans.
> The humans! I realized suddenly. Luckily they seemed pretty calm. Though, that probably wasn’t good sign either, was it?
cont.
>“You, money, now!” he turned at me again. “And don’t do anything stupid, like pushing silent alarm! I know how it goes!”
> Maybe he did know, but he spotted a wrong establishment. Sure, we had new protective system, but that only mean doors and alarm. Silent alarm was too expensive for Junior's liking. Damn, if only he wasn’t such a greedy bastard! Would came lucky right now.
> Unfortunately, that was the exact moment we all heard that distinctive police sirens. I’ve even seen them, actually.
> “You called cops? How – when?” it was pure disbelief in his eyes for whole five seconds before he went full berserk.
> “I am gonna fucking end you, slut!” with those words, he jumped at me.
END OF CHAPTER



Lizzie origins

Chapter four: The one where I met Mike

>I couldn’t imagine the situation could go any worse than it originally was, but here we are.
>Let’s recap this: I’ve got delayed in a school which caused that I was late for work, where band of drugged guys tried to rob me and now one literally attacked me.
>Have I smashed some mirrors lately? Don’t recall, but why not, I guess. I may be cursed. I could believe that.
> Fox was surprisingly athletic, or maybe just really high, as he managed to jump above the counter with no problems. That was venerable movement to say at least, considering he was still holding the sharp object in his hand. If he wasn’t currently scarring of innocent girls, he might’ve been athlete as far as I know.
> With terrified squeak, I’ve also jumped, which helped me to take a few steps back. My tactics unfortunately stopped just as quickly as it started, when my back reached the cold surface of a wall. There wasn’t enough room to actually escape from his reach, it was made for two people crossing each other while serving coffee, but I hoped. I always do.
> I was cornered, like a pray and for the first time in my life actually terrified. I am easily scared, lot of things can make me anxious, for example  education and similar stuff, but this was a whole new level. Actually worrying for your life, knowing this might be it, 'The Final Chapter.'
>I wanted to laugh, I really did. How ridiculous this whole thing was?
>’I have been cocky before, when I thought I could escape easily, I really was, thinking how smart I am.’ I thought. And then: ’I should have called my mum.’
> During this inner meltdown, fox finally reached for me
> There is the thing, right? We all pretend how tough we are, or t least I do, saying what we would – or wouldn’t – do in such scenario. Truth is, it’s all just  rambling. Nobody knows what they would do, until you are here, at the point, where it’s relevant.
cont.
  > I certainly know now.
> It happened so quickly, I didn’t even know how. With maniacal smile, he did it, this time for real. Knife cut through my flesh as if it was butter. Ever cut yourself? It’s ridiculously easy to do. Skin is supposed to protect you, but with enough force... and this was enough force.
> The weirdest part? It didn’t hurt. I could barely feel it, actually.
> I believe his hand slipped, because he aimed directly above my clavicle, but it was good enough for my body to kick in monstrous dose of adrenalin.
> I wanted to say something, but it’s hard to articulate when your upper lip strangely curl around fangs. Instead of some deep intellectual thought, I’ve roared at him, deeply comparing to my normal, girly voice. It felt as if I’ve grown. Not literally of course, but there was something, something strong I couldn’t describe. I’ve roared again, all my claws out, muscles tightened
> His eyes widened. He was scared, scared of me, of my anger, of what I’ll do. I was the predator here now. My instincts, those very deeply buried memories of my ancestors, those I didn’t even know I had in me, were applauding it – I was the predator, a tiger. What was a fox compared to that? It might’ve sound really idiotic, because though I really was a tiger, I also was about twenty, maybe even more, centimetres shorter than him and although I was a bit chubby, I certainly wasn’t heavier either. Yet he was still scarred. I would be too.
> It felt strange too. Like a color red - intense and terse.
> This whole thing could have taken barely few seconds, when I’ve grabbed back of his head, which required me to jump a little and with all the force I’ve smash it against the counter. If I was surprised I was able to do such thing, he must have been completely bewildered.
> His head touched counter, made a strange, hollow noise and followed his owner under it.
cont.
>At the same time, police finally arrived.
> “Up with your hands, I want to see them!” scream of younger woman ruptured the air, as the police officer walked in.
> Their group immediately obeyed her, well, without the fox under counter of course. He was unconscious.
> “You too,” she said to me. I’ve shook my hand in denial, which pissed her off: “Should I make you, or-?”
>”Lucy, what the hell are you practicing here?” other voice interrupted our small opinion exchange.
>I think that they started arguing, but I may be wrong. To be honest, I wasn't really paying attention at the moment. I was focusing on completely different things, obviously more important in the moment.
>The floor, for instance, was suddenly so interesting! And... closing in? What?
> Somewhere around that time my knees gave up and I was allowed to investigate the floor in even more intimate relationship, namely sprawled all over it, unconscious.
> "Uh...?" My head was pounding, nose filled with acrid scent. Where was I? It surely wasn't coffee shop anymore, neither my dorm. I would say that the ceiling looked unfamiliar, but to be honest, when did ever ceilings felt familiar? It was just plain white like any other I have ever seen before.
> I tried to sit up to look around, but immediately scratched that idea.
> I don't know why I expected the stabbed shoulder area to be all fine in the first place, but it sure wasn't. It didn't hurt when I wasn't moving, but any attempt to lift myself up was nearly as bad as when it happened.
> “Oh, hey, you are awake,” slightly loud, husky voice of person lying in a bed to my left informed me, “and it looks like this time it’s for real.”
> “Where am... wait, what you mean ‘this time for real’?” his choice of words caught my attention, so instead of asking ‘Where the hell am I, who the hell are you and what the hell happened?’ I decided to tap the real question here.
cont.
> Labrador laughed, again a bit too loud for my liking, and showed his teeth in big smile: “You have woken up like three times already, completely drowning in tears.”
> “Oh, no!” I was appalled. It was so embarrassing of me crying like that! In the other hand, it definitely wasn’t the first time that happened to me. When I was little, I fell down from bicycle and seriously fucked up my knee cap.  They had to put it back together under anaesthesia. Waking up wasn’t really nice, I was tearing up really badly every time I opened my eyes before it wore off.
> Did they give me one now too?
> “Oh, yeah! You went all in there, lady. Like – like actual weeping, with the snots and everything. Not going to lie, it was pretty gross, but you were also kind of cute, so it’s fine.” the Labrador giggled in amusement, stretching himself to offer me a paw: “The name is Mike.”
> Mike was laying across his own bed and looked quite comfy. He seemed to be around my age, but it was hard to tell, since he was huge. In the other hand, who wasn’t huge compared to me? Anyway, Mike sure was fit one, muscles toned under golden fur and tight sweatshirt. Noticing I was looking at him, he winked.
> “I am Lizzie, sorry I... it hurts...” I’ve twitched my chin towards the hole in my flesh covered in bandages.
> He understood, lowering his hand again but the stupid happy smile on his face staying: “Tell me about it, I just took six shots in my stomach.”
> “What? Who shoot you!?” I was getting more and more confused every second.
> “The nurse?” he snorted with laugh and since he saw my weird expression, adding: “I was talking about injections.”
cont.
> “Oh, that – that actually make sense. Sorry, I am just... confused. A bit. I am in hospital, right?” I felt so awkward and confused I could cry again. Crawl under rock and die there also felt appealing. Why did I ask that? Obviously I was in the hospital, for crying out loud. Where else would I be, in Disneyland? Goddamn it.
> “Yeah,” he nodded, apparently ignoring stupidity of such question.
> “What happened?” I demanded to know. “Last thing I remember was when the police arrived.”
> It was ridiculous to ask him – he wasn’t there so how could he know - but it wasn’t like I could ask anyone else.
> As expected, he said: “I don’t know. They bring you here ...a while ago – sleeping. Nurse told me to call her if anything happens, so I did that every time you woke up, which reminds me, I should call her now too – with you being awake and all -  hang on.”
> He grabbed strangely looking remote hanging from the ceiling, pressing it furiously.
> “Why don’t I have that thing?” I frowned.
> “Because I am the strong and smart, you on the other hand,” he paused so he could try to look serious. Try was the key word here, since it came out more as a grin. “you were unconscious.”
> “Fair point. How long have I be – hey, Mike, what time is it?”
> “Emmm.... three in the morning, or something like that? I don’t have my phone on me, so I can’t really... Phyllis!” his face suddenly lightened when he saw small, round figure walking in. “Phyllis, what time is it?”
> Phyllis as true professional checked her own phone and claimed: “3:15”
> “Oh you are going to die!” Mike giggled playfully.
> I am not sure what was it - his contagious laugh, the relief of not being dead, my weird sense of humour - but this was so dumb, it cracked me up like an egg. I started laughing, maybe a bit hysterically, with tiny noises sounding like air escaping balloon.
cont.
> Mike wouldn’t left himself behind and soon enough the room was filled with deep roaring sound of his laugh and my squeaking giggles.
> “Alright, you two.” Phyllis the nurse clearly wasn’t amused, giving us both tired look. But we couldn’t stop. Every time I tried, new wave of giggles escaped my lips and Mike followed me right away. Phyllis rolled her eyes. We stopped the moment.
> “Michael, we just finished your papers, you can go home.” she informed him, hands crossed on her chest.
> “Already?” laugh stopped. I noticed that Mike looked older now, but that was maybe because his forehead wrinkled.
> “You don’t have fever, stings looks fine, I don’t see reason why would you stay,” she shrugged.
> “Well, I do.” Mike smiled again, winking at me. My face turned red, but luckily it wasn’t really visible. Pros of having orange fur.
> “For god’s sake..” Phyllis looked like she regrets all her life decisions which led to this moment, but that only made Mike laugh again. He literally jumped out of bed, and hugged her: “You know I am just teasing you. I will go, have work tomorrow.”
> “Work? Michael, you are not going to work tomorrow, don’t be ridiculous.” Phyllis frowned. It was strange how she kept calling him Michael, although he introduced himself as Mike. And he didn’t care too. Considering he was calling her by her fist name, they knew each other. Wonder how usually he gets here.
> “Why not?” he seemed to be honestly surprised, eyes widened.
> “Doctor specifically said no physical activities.”
> “He says that all the time,” Mike shrugged. “When did it ever stop me?”
> “I will pretend I didn’t hear that.”
> Mike laughed loudly, finally breaking the hug just so he could put his jacket on. It was one damn piece of clothing. I can imagine how nicely the leather must have smell since it looked so new or seriously well taken care of. I want one like that.
cont.
> “Well, see you, Phyllis.”
> Maybe it was kind of selfish and shallow of me, since I didn’t know anything about him – as far as I know he could be serial killer – but I was sad he was leaving. His jokes and laugh will be missed.
> “Maybe rather not.” Phyllis shook her head. “You are here every month. What do you do to humans they always bite you anyway?”
> “Not true! Maybe like, every two months.” he shook his head and even though he was talking at her, directly looking into my eyes, smiling. It was damn good question she asked there. Humans weren’t aggressive, unless they were scarred or protecting themselves. I would know, since I am studying vet school. What was he doing to them which would provoke attack? Surely nothing nice.
> Mike didn’t care enough to clarify and I was suddenly glad he was leaving. Maybe I made assumptions about him too quickly after all. Not every jester is nice person. Smiling, he hold the look for few more seconds, which allowed me to see giant scar on his forehead, before he walked away.
> Between door I’ve heard: “See you around... Crybaby.”
> It wasn’t meant to sound sinister, but god it did! I wouldn’t answer as he was gone already when I was able to speak again. Strange things are happening to me lately – and not in the good way. Meaning of that nickname got to me later. Crybaby – seriously!? I’ve frowned. What does the human-torturing leather-jacket-wearing piece of shit thinks he is? Ok, the jacket was pretty cool and he sure was funny, but!
> “Well that’s that,” Phyllis shifted her attention towards me. “How are you doing?” she asked, giving emphasis on the ‘you’ part.
> “Good – I think. I mean it hurts when I move, but it’s not that bad.” I’ve explained.
cont.
> “Shouldn’t be, you got horse amount of painkillers.” Maybe it wasn’t meant to sound mean, but Phyllis was so unimpressed with was going around her it sounded like so. Even during her conversation with mike she seemed cold, but damn. Maybe it had something to do with her being penguin, although I don’t want to sound racist. I decided to ignore her tone, it wasn’t important anyway.
> “So, uhmm...” I was looking for the right words. Didn’t find them, but I asked anyway. I had to know. “What have you done to me?”
> Luckily she understood what I was asking about and didn’t assume I was accusing her of anything. “The cut went deep, it had to be stitched. You also lost a lot of blood.”
> “It missed the subclavial artery though? And carotid.” It probably had – I would be most likely dead, if not, but just to be sure, I’ve asked anyway.
> “Um, yes.” Phyllis looked genuinely surprised about my knowledge. Ha! Like, I wouldn’t know that if I wasn’t studying it just couple days ago on humans for my anatomy class, but – ha! I am smart. Kind of. Sometimes. Anyway...
> “Why the anaesthesia then?” for me it didn’t make any sense. I was unconscious already, why would they... oh, so I wouldn’t wake up during stitching. But that means... “Did it cut the muscles too?”
> “A little bit, yeah. Don’t worry about it, though, it will heal.”
> I was glad Phyllis didn’t point out how bloody stupid that question was. ‘Did it cut muscles’ no shit it did, Lizzie. I shook my head.
> I breathed in so I could start asking more questions which bothered me right now, for example where are my things, how long will it heal, how long I have to be there and stuff, but Phyllis answered something I didn’t even ask: “I will say tell officer Brown you are awake. He wanted to talk to you.”
cont.
> Oh, yeah. The police. I almost forgot about them. Were they seriously waiting all that time just to talk to me? I guess I am key witness, but still, sounds like lot of effort. What can I tell them they didn’t know already anyway?
> Unless... “How is he?” I asked nervously.
> “ He?” Phyllis lifted an eyebrow, confused why I care about the officer’s mood. I haven’t.
> “The fox guy. You know, the one who... did it?” I’ve bitten my lower lip nervously. I sure didn’t come easy on him back then, did I hurt him, like, badly?
> “He is fine, you don’t have to worry about him.”
> Wow, that didn’t sound sinister at all.
> Phyllis caught my look and smiled a little: “I can’t tell you. Medical secret. Maybe officer Brown –“
> I’ve never found out what would or wouldn’t officer Brown do, because she was interrupted by the characteristic silvery female voice coming from outside. I recognized it immediately, but wasn’t entirely sure I am hearing right. Could it be...? But she is living couple hours away, isn’t she? Besides, how would she know I am here?
> My suspicion was proven right in matter of seconds, exactly in the moment when my older sister Bethany rush into. Or maybe I should say the oldest sister, since Jessica was ‘the older’.
> “Ma’am you can’t-“ I’ve heard from the corridor and my sister replying dryly: “I don’t care!”
> As I meet Jessica all the time, I haven’t seen Bethany in months. She didn’t change a bit though – still the same old haircut, although to be fair she had part of her hair lifted up into ponytail – still the same haggy clothes. Jess was the embodiment of elegance, strong alpha woman. Bethany was quite the opposite. Not that she wasn’t strong alpha woman, just never really cared about business and fashion and things like that. Soon after school she married her long time boyfriend and recently spawned.... third kid, I think?
cont.
> Don’t get me wrong, I love her and love her family. And there is nothing wrong with having one and stuff, just... that wasn’t for me. And I honestly didn’t understand why she bothered to go all the way through lawyer school to become housewife is all.
> Well, Beth looked angry: “Liz!”
> For some reason, everyone but my family called me by my name i.e. Lizzie. They, especially my parents and Beth, hardly ever used that name. For them I was just Liz.
> “Hey, Beth,” I answered with confused smile. “What are you doing here?”
>”I am taking you home.” Luckily Beth wasn’t one for being ironic. She actually wasn’t the biggest fan of jokes in general.
> “You took three hours ride to take me to my dorms?”
> Now that’s some dedication for the family.
> Bethany looked at me as if I lost my mind completely and then gave stern look to poor Phyllis as if that was her fault: “When can she leave?”
> “Well, I... I can go make the papers right now,” Phyllis was completely melting under my sister’s eyes, poor thing. Considering she was like ten, maybe fifteen years older than Bethany, it was kinda impressive. If she ever recovers from that experience, we can share war stories – being the youngest sibling with her and the all-over-the-place Jess was tough. “But the officer wanted-“
> “My sister just got stabbed. Knife was in her flesh. I am pretty sure he can understand she isn’t in condition to chit-chat.” I mean it wasn’t really what she said, but the way she said it. If Bethany decided for something, she would get it in any cost. She also got very scary, when things weren’t her way. I am seriously not surprised Phyllis almost immediately gave up.
cont.
> Once again, I wasn’t really attention, because something distracted me. This time it wasn’t the floor, luckily, but someone hiding behind Bethany. I didn’t recognize her at first, since she was barely visible and also wouldn’t speak, but it hit me as immediately as I saw her face.
> “Sammy!” I shouted, happy to see her.
> The human grinned, apparently also happy to see me.
>Her full name was actually Samantha Marley, or at least that’s what her certificate said when Jess adopted her, but nobody called her that in her entire life – well, her life with us at least. The fact she even have certificate was easily justifiable since she was one of those “top breeds”, unmoral and horrible, but apparently pretty common practice, generating cute humans, which sure Sammy was. About my height, Sammy was thin with long, really dark hair and milk skin. But that wasn’t the reason Jess picked her, it was the eyes. Loads of humans have beautiful eyes varying from sea blue through grassy green to toffee brown, not many of them had multicoloured ones. Sammy’s left eye was blue and right one brown. You know, the one she was winking at me right now.
> Are those eyeliners? Seriously? Sammy was the most spoiled human I have ever seen. Jess would only dress her up in luxurious clothes, often painting the human’s nails, she sometimes even put makeup on her, which is just ridiculous considering Sammy wasn’t able to even open the door herself. She loved dress up, though. nevertheless, her current outfit – summer dress with various of colour pink, black jacket and grey snickers – was more expensive than my dorms for month. Also way prettier than the one I was wearing right now.
> “You may leave now,” announced Phyllis, whom meanwhile came back to the room.
> Yeah, it was time to leave.

End of chapter

Chapter 5 : The family
>I am blaming Phyllis entirely for that. ‘You may leave now’, yeah, right.
> Between the moment I stood up and the moment when I was finally free passed roughly fourty minutes, filled up with pleasurable things like signing things that if I die, it’s completely my fault, even if it’s caused by forgotten scalpel in my small intestine. I was wondering how often something like that happens in here and if I am in any kind of danger from forgotten scalpels.
>When I settled that I am probably fine, and also when they informed me I just can’t leave without it, I signed. Whole process was really tiring.

> And I am not even mentioning that stupid rule I had to be sitting on wheelchair until I leave hospital, even if my legs are completely fine. To me it was really awkward but I obeyed anyway. Guess the rule must have some foundation, since they insisted.
>I also had a little chat with inspector Brown, who really lived up to his name, he was a grizzly bear. When he stood up to stop us, he almost filled the whole room, hitting his head into ceiling lamp, poor guy. He looked like someone who could take you down without breaking a sweat.

>Bethany wasn’t very happy, but not even she would argue with police officer, especially when he is so, uhm, respect evoking, and left us alone for a bit. As I found out, the guy who attacked me was named Josh, he was at university and apparently really high when the incident happened. It wasn’t his first assault too and Brown insured me there will be no charges towards me for hurting him. He turned out to be really ashamed of what he did.

>“It was self-defence after all,” he shrugged. That isn’t always important I thought, but didn’t say anything. If they won’t charge me for any crime, even better, I don’t really know how I would explain that to my parents, that I am going to jail because fox stabbed me, anyway.
cont.

>Nice surprise was the fact that my things – meaning my backpack and thankfully also clothes – Phyllis gave my me phone when I was signing papers – arrived with him. Inspector Brown took them from the coffee shop before he came here, because he thought I would appreciate it. I did.
>I was so happy to know I don’t have to take care of that myself, I didn’t even pause to think about how horrible is the fact my boss just gave him my things without consulting me first.
>From my locker nonetheless! I am not saying that police would be stealing, but still. Is that normal thing to do, like, does privacy even matter?
> Still, I was glad I have my backpack, so I let it go.
> Officer Teddy bear waved me goodbye, wishing me good night sleep and went to the exit shuffling with his small feet. I followed him soon enough, in the wheelchair so he was actually faster than me, damn it.
> “What did he want?” Beth asked when she came back and started pushing me forward again.
> “He wanted to know what happened, if I am okay, that kind of things,” I answered, eyes fixated on Sammy, who was calmly walking next to me. There was something odd about her, but it took me some time to figure out what. Sammy didn’t wear leash, which wouldn’t be so surprising, if there was Jess with me, who almost never used it, but since it was Bethany, it was strange. She would never let her own human, Max, to go into the city without it.
> It was nice to see Beth finally grown to respect Jessica’s decisions, even if she disagreed with them.
> “He wasn’t here to arrest me, if that’s what you are asking,” I added, only half joking, while we arrived closer to Beth’s car.
> “One never knows,” Beth murmured as she started looking through her pockets for car keys.
> “I am no criminal, Beth,” I rolled eyes.
cont.

> Meanwhile Sammy was clearly getting tired and since it took Beth some time to find keys and let us both in, she decided to sit down. On my lap. It was possibly the only place she could actually sit down to be fair, but it still surprised me. I squeaked.
> Beth turned and looked at his with pure disbelief, whereupon she shouted loudly, pointing at Sammy: “Get off her! Now!”
> Sammy was so shocked of the sudden volume change, that  she almost fell down and took me with her. Cool. Exactly what I needed, I gotta say, the stab wound wouldn’t be enough harm for one evening for me anyway.
> “It’s fine!” I said quickly, realizing how mad Beth looks. Maybe she can read minds after all. Maybe she just caught how we almost fell seconds before. “It’s okay, she didn’t hurt me, I just didn’t expect it is all.”
> Bethany said nothing, finally opening the car for us. She helped me in, then came back for Sammy, who was kinda suspiciously looking at the car, which was way bigger than the one she was used to. I was wondering how long will it take, but after split of second Beth was sitting on driver’s seat, checking mirrors.
> “Is your safety belt alright?” she glanced upon me.
> “Where is Sammy?” I demanded to know. My tired brain made conclusion Bethany was so pissed of what just happened she left her on parking lot and will just go. That was obviously complete nonsense, but for me it was only logical explanation for why dark-haired human isn’t sitting behind me. Jessica would always drive her on back seats, no exceptions. Even if she is moving stuff – which is story for another day, so let’s just say there is reason why Sammy hates the lamp in living room so much.
> “In a cage?” Bethany looked confused as why am I even asking. As if I would remember!
cont.

> Not long after that, when we were already on highway, I could hear tiny whimpers from back of the car. Wasn’t hard to guess what was source of those noises.
> “Sammy doesn’t appreciate the cage,” I informed.
> “She will get used to it after a while,” Bethany insured me. “Max didn’t like it the first few miles too.”

> She didn’t, no matter how many miles we have passed. Sammy kept whining another half an hour, while tiny noises soon enough changed into very loud crying. I couldn’t listen to it no more so I asked Beth to stop the car.
>Beth was very clearly irritated, but pulled over: “Oh for god’s sake. She is so spoiled! I’ll have to have a word about that with Jessica.”
> “Max doesn’t mind?” I was watching her going out and helping victorious Sammy out of cage.
> “Max just sleeps in there most of the time,” it apparently wasn’t easy to put safety belt on Sammy as she kept tilting. To be fair, I would too, if Bethany locked me inside cage before. There is reason why you have to gain a trust first. “Girls wouldn’t let him be.”
> By ‘Girls’ Bethany was referring to her oldest, twins Sage and Rosemary. . They are five years old and I am convinced they have borderline hyperactivity. Sage is older, which makes her the leader of the two. Yeah, I know, but don’t ask me, it wasn’t my idea – I wouldn’t name my kids after spices.
> I actually clearly remember how I asked Bethany if the next child is gonna be named Parsley and she got really upset.
cont.
> “I can imagine,” I nodded, clearly seeing them playing hide-and-seek with Max in front of my eyes. I am not sure if he ever actually understood rules of the game or if he just likes running, but he would play it with them for hours, always so happy when he found one of the tiny kittens hiding under table. I even remember the last time I was visiting, when he winked at me conspiratorially and pulled one of them out of fireplace. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such smart human like Max was.
> “You should take a nap,” Bethany told me softly by which she interrupted train of my thoughts.
> “Are you sure?” I didn’t want to make her sleepy too, with her driving the car and all, but Beth just smiled: “Yes.”
> When we arrived, the sun was already up. Seemed like really nice, warm day was laying ahead us, but only thing I could think about was bed. I took a nap, but it definitely wasn’t enough. I yawned
> “Hey there, Sleeping Beauty,” Bethany laughed. She was just parking, not really paying attention to me. I guess she didn’t want to crash the car again – and I am saying again, because it happened like three times already. David would be pretty pissed, though it was always 'just a scratch'.
> “That’s it, not driving any further,” she declared, giggling slightly. “Gotta walk now, sis.”
> The saying didn’t really surprised me, our dad said that all the time, but I was seriously confused, how can someone be so cheerful so early in the morning, considering she wasn’t sleeping today. Answer came straight away. As if called, David, sister’s husband, came outside, holding baby on his chest.
> “There you are,” he said, kissing his wife on her cheek as he handed her the baby. “Phillip couldn’t wait for you, honey. He was crying all night, weren’t you?” he pet boy’s head. “I think he gonna be singer when he grows up. Or maybe a fire alarm.”
> I’ve grinned.
cont.
> “Oh, is it true, were you teasing you father, sweetie?” Bethany immediately switched into mother mode and started cooing on baby Phillip.
> It was so sweet I could get diabetes from that, but also made me feel very out of place. They were having those sweet talks and meanwhile, me and Sammy were just awkwardly standing there, waiting for them to greet each other.
> “Hey, Lizzethrine,” David apparently just noticed us and waved at me. It was our little game to make our names sound as horrible as possible using different name’s suffixes, so I didn’t bat an eye. “How’s arm doing?”
> “Hey, Davidster! Could be better. Didn’t fall off or anything.”
> As we were talking, Sammy seemed pretty restless, tapping her leg nervously. I was wondering why. Yeah, the big rustical house wasn’t really her cup of tea, but she was here before and it was alright.
> “That’s a shame,” David pitied me as he went to get our package. Shame we both only had small backpacks which we could easily carry ourselves.
> “I know, right? Maybe next time. Where are the girls?” I asked, shading eyes with palm. It was so sunny!
> “You mean the Hellspawns?” he assured, as if they had more kids to pick from. “The last time I checked they were inside, having tea party.”
> “We’re going to say hi,” I informed, pointing at myself and Sammy. David nodded, so we went, Sammy leading.
> It was old and big house, where you could easily get lost forever, if the girls weren’t so loud. Just as David said, they were in their room having tear party with Max, which made me laugh uncontrollably.  Tanned boy was sitting on ground, wearing absurdly small pink tutu, with tiara sitting in his sand locks and he looked really focused on the game as he pretended to sip from tiny plastic cup.
cont.
> “Auntie!” screamed the one I was suspected was Sage, jumped on her tiny legs and run to hug me. Rose was just a second behind her, because she stepped on her own tail. How she managed to do that is not really clear to me, but it made me smile even more.
> “Carefully, kittens, you don’t want to rumple me,” I was lowering their excitement a little bit as I was worried they might squeeze me too hard, bowing so they can reach me. “Wow you have grown so much!”
>”You haven’t,” said Rosemary when she released me from a hug and started tug my sleeve. “Are you gonna have tea with us? Auntie?”
> Max looked at us, green eyes flaming. He looked way calmer than girls, but I could tell by the crooked smirk on his lips that he was just as excited. He stood up, whereupon he went and hugged Sammy really hard.  She didn’t repeat it though. Max was confused for a split of second, but decided not to give up and ended up lifting her into air. She giggled, finally giving up to his game, winding legs around his waist and gave him really loud kiss on his left cheek.
> These two, I swear to god!
> “Sure thing,” I decided to agree to play with them a bit.
> When we first introduced Sam and May, we were worried a little bit. How should it be done – should we make them share toys? Leave them in room to see what happens? But these two of course absolutely surprised us. I mean we kinda expected them to get along, they both were really friendly human, especially among their owners (Max was like exploit nanny to girls and as for Sammy, Jess was nicer to her than to us, her actual siblings), but we weren’t sure how it will end.
cont.
> It ended by Sammy knocking Max down the second we came inside. She just straight jumped into hug and he didn’t expect it, so he fell on his back, looking pretty shocked. I guess that’s how Sammy forced him to be her friend.
> That’s what I’ve remembered seeing them like this, all giggly around each other, clearly happy. Bethany was suggesting that we should let them... well, do the thing, if you know what I mean, eventually, but Jessica was against it. They were both really young for human, that’s true. Younger than me.
> I glanced upon the couple whom remain back at ground and started tickling each other.
> “Do you want butter cookie or regular one?” the niece was requiring my attention.
> “Eh... regular one?”

End of chapter

Chapter 6: Milk and Cookies

> I was profoundly enjoying this short vacation, even though it was because I was injured.
>When I was little kid, we would have holidays for everything – winter holidays, spring holidays, Easter holidays, to name some, alongside many so-called Memorial days. Thinking about it now, I am kinda surprised we had learned anything back then, since we were almost always on some kind of break.
> In university, there were none of those, expect of the main event in summer. We weren’t able to just stop and rest for couple of days, during the school year, not even get drunk at St. Patricks day (even though to be fair, we weren’t really allowed to do that in the school either)
> Unfortunately even this forced recess had to end.

>Tea party didn’t last for long once I’ve tagged in. To a general (and very vocal) dissatisfaction, girls were up to see David’s mother and there was no chance of them being late. Grandma Jo would be pissed if that was the case, especially at poor Bethany, who wasn’t even going with them. She was old and very strict woman, who loved hers son unconditionally, but for some reason couldn’t stand my sister.
> I could imagine Beth wouldn’t want to get into that any time soon which meant she will try to pack girls as soon as possible. And that’s always challenge.

> “Girls, leave auntie alone and go get dressed,” I’ve heard Bethany’s voice in the hallway, walking towards us.
>”But mommy, auntie just got here,” Rose pouted angrily. Clearly they would rather stay on tea party with me, which warmed my heart a little bit.
> “And will be there when you get back. Now, let’s hurry, we do not want to let Grandma Jo wait, do we?” Beth raised eyebrow. Nobody replied.
cont.

>“Now, would you like to wear the olive dress or the grey skirts?” she continued, while quickly packing some books and stuffed animals into handbag for the girls to play with.
> Both of those pieces of clothing were absolutely disastrous. They were way too big, since “they will grow into that”, shapeless and even the material wasn’t good, since it closely resembled the stuff tablecloths are made off.
>I don’t give crap about fashion and even I wouldn’t wear it – but since it was gift, they had no choice. Poor girls, I do remember being in their situation
>”I don’t want to wear those,” Sage said, crossing hands on her chest, which wasn’t surprising at all. “I want wear my unicorn onesie.”
>And as if that wasn’t enough for Beth to change colour in premonition of something bad, Rose added dreamily: “And I am gonna wear the silver swimsuit.”

> I had to cover up my mouth so it wouldn’t be so goddamn visible that I am smiling and I decided to make a tactical retreat. I don’t have to be part of this, besides, I was really tired. Time to find somewhere quiet to take nap in.
>Bethany once again proved her psychic powers, as I was passing her: “You can crash in the guest room, Liz.”
>”Sure,” I’ve waved hand.
> Since I was focused on the twins (and Bethany’s desperate attempts to make them cooperate), I haven’t noticed Sammy and Max also left the room. Probably even sooner, than I did.
>Though, I found them soon enough sitting on the stairs, as Max was teaching Sammy how to lick her own nose. To be fair, she was pretty close to do so, when I interrupted them.
> “That’s pretty gross,” I said, which made Max giggle and Sammy frown. “I am heading up to bed in guest’s room, it’s the big blue doors upstairs.”
cont.

>Wasn’t sure if it wasn’t too complicated, but then again at least she wouldn’t freak out if I’ll be nowhere to be found. That being said, I’ve walked around them to fulfil my dream of at least thirty minutes of uninterrupted sleep in actual bed.
> Sammy followed me.
> “Hey, you don’t have to go with me,” I assured her with a cracked smile, but Sammy looked stubborn, so I didn’t argue. Not that it was even possible. “You are tired too, huh?”
> Sammy loudly yawned, which was good enough answer for me. I’ve reached up to pet her and she smiled.

>The guest’s room was pretty much normal bedroom, where most of the year lived clothes dryer, ironing board and other things which didn’t have place elsewhere. Those were now moved to the wall, providing at least a little bit space around king-sized bed.
> For a second I was considering to go down and actually ask Bethany, where should Sammy sleep – since I didn’t want to break some house rules or upset her even more – as Max usually slept on futon. At first I thought that it was that kind of educational tactic where you don’t let you human in your bed, but it turned out Max only sleeps at hard materials. Hence why he is always asleep in back of the car. Sometimes even the futon wasn’t hard enough and they would find him laying around house, in the middle of kitchen floor and elsewhere.
>Sammy, as usually, was different case. In Jessica’s house she had her own room with bed, but she wouldn’t sleep there were often, since she was always climbing my sister’s bed. If napping during the day, it was always at cough. Therefore I decided we can share the bad. Sammy was inside human, who was very clean and even I was losing more hair so I figured it won’t be problem. When Sammy crawled under the blanket, she would lay next to me and almost choke me with hair
cont.

> When I woke up, I couldn’t move. Sammy’s upper half was laying across my chest and right arm, while the little devil stole all the pillows and stuffed them above her. I didn’t want to wake her up, so we stayed like that for another ten minutes before my arm got completely numb and started twitching. However it was really lucky that she managed to miss the punctured one so I didn’t piss myself from pain.
> Holidays continued. When we both finally get up and went downstairs, we were greeted with magnificent feast with the rest of family, who meanwhile got back home, with fishes David grilled. In the end of the day, we would play cards together with both girls, who knew the numbers and colours but had no idea what to do with them and two humans, who didn’t even know those. It was fun, especially when in one round Max imprudently won by combination of random cards he kept getting from the back. After that, we would go to sleep again.

>The paradise of free time and love of the family lasted approximately 27 hours before it popped like a bubble.
> It started innocently. When I woke up the morning – or maybe rather say noon, because it was close to twelve by that time – the girls and David went for a walk and left the house alone, while Max and Sammy were in the garden. I was watching them for a while, when I was gathering Beth’s clothes so I can take a shower, and couldn’t believe my eyes. Max always enjoyed Sammy’s presence, there was no doubt in that, but since when he voted himself to be her new life-cough is beyond me. At the moment when I was deciding between two alike black pants Beth prepared for me, he was teaching Sam how to climb a tree.
> I mean, Humans do stuff. Especially when they are bored, so I wasn’t surprised he knows how to do so, what baffled me completely was realized that Sammy can also do it. And that she is pretty damn good at it.  I could see that by her radiant yellow shorts in leafs.
cont.
> Then it occurred to me that if she falls and hurts herself, Jessica will fucking murder me in cold blood. For a second I was considering to shout at them, but that might scare her so I decided to go down and talk them off instead.
>Someone was quicker than me though.
> “MAX GET OFF THAT TREE RIGHT NOW!”
> Blam!
> I was just walking through the door, when loud hollow sound chimed the garden and it was the scariest thing ever. I’ve rushed back to the window just to see Sammy laying on the ground with a head in her hands, crying quietly and Max standing next to her, looking straight up shocked.
> I love my sister very very much, but I was considering slapping her for that.

> Both of us, me and Bethany in her apron, sprinted out of the house.
> “Jesus Christ, what have you two been-“ she said, as we both bend over the poor human, still holding her head.
> “Shut it, Beth. If you didn’t scream at them, that wouldn’t happen,” I’ve muttered, since she was really gritting my gears in the moment. “Now let me see.”
> I’ve recently had course about human pathology and I am aspiring to be vet, so I was better fitted to see if we need to call ambulance or not, but I didn’t felt confident at all.
> “How high was it?” I’ve looked at totally white Beth. From the window it looked pretty much all the same so I didn’t dare to guess myself.
> “I don’t know, couple of branches.”
> Great, I thought, carefully touching Sammy’s hand to see her face. She didn’t look so good, however I couldn’t see any bruises on her face. It was red and puffy from crying, but when I managed to look into her eyes I couldn’t see any abnormalities.
> There were some bruises on her arms, but nothing serious, but Sammy wouldn’t stop crying.
cont.

> “What is it?” I’ve asked since I couldn’t find the source of the problem. I didn’t looked like a ambulance kind of situation but then again, there could be some internal injuries I didn’t know about. After all, I am not trained professional just yet.
> Sammy of course didn’t answer, but she was pointing on her leg. I checked it out, but couldn’t find anything. It wasn’t red, nor swelling. And then it occurred to me – she wasn’t pointing to leg, it was her shorts she were pointing, namely those big green stains all over it.
>”Are you crying because your shorts are dirty?” I’ve comprehend my thoughts out loud, feeling the sudden flow of affection towards that silly human. She nodded.
> “Let’s get outside and grab something to drink,” Bethany muttered.

> The second time I was completely fed up with this place and my sister in particular was about two hours later. When Sammy calmed down a bit and we found her different pair of shorts (they were Beth’s and way too big), we sat down in living room, I remembered that I have to send e-mail to my professor to let them know why the hell I am not attending their classes. Therefore I got up, bring my laptop and found out, I can’t find any wifi, so I went investigate.
> “What do you need wi-fi for?” Beth asked, while cooking something. I swear to god she is always cooking, even if we literally just ate.
> “Just e-mails,” I’ve sighed.
>”Did you call mom?” she asked out of nowhere, which made me sigh again. I actually forgot. I knew she would be worrying sick about me, so I wanted to handle myself first and then stuff happened and I didn’t get myself to do it.
> “I’ll do it later. How about the wi-fi?”
> “You really should call mom,” was the answer. Bethany was frowning at me, almost angry. That naturally pissed me off.
> “I said I will, calm down, I need to send those e-mails first, okay?”
cont.
>”Are some e-mails really more important to you than your mother?”
> I couldn’t believe my ears, not even her logic: “It’s for school for fucks sake! Beth, are you nuts? Stop nagging me. Why do you even care?”
> “Can you even imagine how she feels? If you were at least a little bit considerable-“
> “I didn’t ask you to help me! I am glad you did, but I didn’t ask you to do that! I am sorry for being burden to you, but it’s not my fault!” with those words, I stormed out of the room, decided to pack my stuff and leave. I was really angry so I almost step on Max head as he was sleeping at hallway and when I get to the guests room, slammed the door as hard as I could. I was acting ridiculous, like some kind of edgy teenager, but I didn’t really care.
> Second after me, the door cracked and Sammy dropped in, handing me my laptop I left in living room.
> “You also think I am inconsiderable?” I’ve asked quietly, looking at her mismatched eyes. Sammy didn’t answer, but went her way to hug me to comfort me.
>”Liz?” the door opened again. I was expecting my sister, but it was David heading in. He looked weirdly serious, which made me chuckle quietly. “I will ride you back to school tomorrow, okay?”
> “Sure,” I’ve muttered, looking at floor.
> “Don’t take it so seriously,” David laughed and winked at me. “B is just tired. Once you have children of your own, you’ll see.”
> I’ve nodded. I didn’t really believe it, but who knows. Maybe I will.



END OF CHAPTER

Lizzie Origins
Chapter 7 : The one where I met Hilda

>I was quickly looking trough a backpack, while holding wallet with my mouth, trying to figure out where is the beeping coming from. To be fair I knew the source – someone was calling – but where did it disappear was a mystery for me. How is it even possible for it to dive in so quickly? The backpack wasn't even that big. As I was walking towards bus station a cold wind leaned onto me, making me almost fall over. As if that wasn’t enough, passing by car splashed me with ice cold water, wetting both of my legs and part of the coat. Awesome.
> Finally, I’ve managed to grab it and answer the call.
> “I hate winter!” I’ve announced immediately, instead of greeting and the other side answered with giggling. I felt like it was a bit too early for her to be already tipsy, but then again, she is an adult and can do whatever.
> “Tell that to the girl who tried to talk me into sleepover in igloo.” Sister reminded me playfully, warm in her voice. “Why are you outside anyway, its way pass your curfew?”
> “What are you talking about, it’s like four?” I’ve grinned. She didn’t agree with the igloo sleepover and to be honest, neither did my parents. I wouldn’t talk to them for days when that happened.  Good old days. I didn't think she was calling just to check up on me.
> “Oh. Right. Time-zones.” Jessica quieted for a moment, which allowed me to jump into closest bus heading to work.
cont.
> It’s been awhile since the stabbing incident. My hand healed perfectly, even though the scar lasts, and I could return into school and later on also to work. It went surprisingly smoothly, considering I was dealing with Junior. I think he may felt a little bit pity towards me, so came easy about the work I’ve missed. He even wished me luck, when I called him that I can’t go back right away, because it hurts. My life got back on track. Meanwhile Jessica’s travels just blow up and she was away all the time, which meant I was hanging out with Sammy a lot more. Which was absolutely fine with me, I grew fond of her a lot since the last babysitting.
> “Why am I calling?” Jessica asked as if I would know.  The she snapped her fingers loudly, which is annoying thing we both share, when we need to get back on track with our thoughts. “Oh... yeah! I know. Christmas!”
> That didn’t ring any bells either. ”Okay?”
> “No, you don’t understand! We’re throwing Christmas dinner this year.” Jessica sounded way too excited. I could hear more fingers snapping.
> “Who -  ‘we’?” I’ve asked suspiciously, anticipating the worst.
>”You and me! And Sammy, of course. How is my baby doing, by the way? Can you give me her on the phone?” Jess immediately went full into crazy human-lady mode, which made me smile.
> “No, I am outside. What do you mean, ‘you and me’? We are not having family dinner this year?”
> Normally, we would throw Christmas dinner with family in my parent’s house – all of us, except Max and Sammy – in tiny cabin in the countryside they moved into once I went to university. It was small place, I get that, but it was traditional to see each other, so it confused me.
> “Liz, maybe jump a little. It seems like you are standing on your conduction.”
> “What?” now I was confused for good. What had conduction to do with any of it?
cont.
> “You never heard that? Folks around here say it a lot. It means that you are a bit slow.”
> “So basically that I am stupid?”
> “I haven’t said that, you did. Anyway,” Jessica must’ve spotted the annoyance in my voice, so she didn’t even let me answer.  “As I was saying, we’re throwing the dinner this year. Mom thinks it’s great idea, since their house is basically the smallest in the family,” once again, she didn’t let me interrupt her.  “And it’s clever too, you wouldn’t have to pay for a ticket, I wouldn’t have to call human-hotel to watch over Sammy over the holidays, which we all knows she hates, Max won’t have to go to miss Harsh...”
> “Her name is miss Hart,” I corrected.
> “Whatever, it’s the perfect plan. Everybody’s down... well, except Beth, she doesn’t know yet. But I am sure she will agree. Which brings me to this little task I have for you. Do you think you could...?”
> “No! I couldn’t” I said dryly, while I was finally leaving the bus. I wasn’t late for my work, like usually, however that didn’t change fact that the traffic in winter was just terrible.  Journey which would take fifteen minutes top was at twenty five now. “I don’t want to talk with Beth...”
> “Oh come on now,” I could hear her sigh. “I am in foreign country, remember? Can’t just grab my phone and call her myself.”
> “But you are talking to me on phone right now!” I raised my voice maybe a bit too much, since bunch of people looked at me with perplexed expressions.
> “Touché, sis. But you will eventually have to talk to her anyway. And the longer you put it aside the harder will it be. I sincerely don’t understand why you guys don’t talk to each other in a first place. So you are whiny brat and she is overprotective hen, who cares? I love you both anyway.”
> “Thanks, Jess...”I muttered.
> “You are welcome. So will you do it?”
cont.
> I've sighed loudly. Will I do it? So far it didn't seem like I had any choice anyway. I wasn't overly excited about actively participating in anything Jess was planning but even lazy old me had to agree it was the best solution for everybody.
> "Yeah," I said finally without any trace of happiness in my voice. "I will call her when I get out of work - well, thinking about it, maybe rather tomorrow.."
> "Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are the best younger sister I have." I could hear little giggles again.
> "It's not like you have any other younger sisters, right?" I have allowed myself to laugh to little. Overworked or not, I always liked Jessica the most. She was such a goofy meatball. "I have to go now. Call you later?"
> With fingers still cold from the outside, I managed to change into uniform and sneak out to the coffee shop. It was nearly a afternoon, but the winter already managed to steal all the light from the day and stars were peeking through big violet puffy clouds. The coffee shop was filled with mild yellow light of the chandelier accompanied with dozens of candles perching on every single table. I was sure whose idea was it to light candles, and I liked them, they were nicely adding to the romantic atmosphere of dusky shop, however I feel the need to disagree with the choice of them tangibly to the fact that all of them were aromatic. If they at least had the same aroma, maybe it wouldn't be so bad, though the air filled with all the scents felt heavy and pungent, but oh no, they didn't. Mixture of various Christmas scent such as cinnamon, pine, yarrow, mulled wine and something called "the yule-tide" whatever the hell that suppose to smell like, was unpleasantly pinching the top of one nose and eat into one's fur.
cont.
> I went over to the counter to take over the shift. My usual colleague, Theresa, the one who I am pretty sure came up with the candle-pocalyps, was taking the day off, so it was Juniors angry eyebrows that greeted me. He muttered something, presumably a greetings, and left surprisingly quickly considering he looked like well-fed truck. I could related to his sudden wave of athletism. Work over the counter is tough if you are not used to it.
> Rhino's quick backup almost didn't show up on the line, even though said line was getting bigger. With the fear and loathing outside, that was understandable - who would want stay there in the cold if he could go in a coffee shop and warm up a little. Even though said coffee shop was kind of smelly today.
>Customers seemed impatient and I didn't have any reason not to quickly serve them. Around Christmas we always get crowded with people with ridiculous taste preferences, such us coffee with eggnog in it, who want special season decorating and other bullshit.
> Our special this year was a gingerbread coffee, which for some reason attracted people ordering stuff like: "one gingerbread latte with extra foam, no cream, no suger and no gingerbread dusting on the top. And make it Vegan." I mean hell, if you need and entire paragraph just to order goddamned coffee, maybe there is something wrong with you and you should seek help. During the short pause between another wave of thirsty citizens, I've managed to made myself extra large black coffee and was sipping on it, while meanwhile serving. The job was going suspiciously smooth today and that was never a good sign.
> Then she came in.
cont
> I could tell there is going to be some kind of trouble right the second I spotted my eyes on her - slightly-built lizard with grassy diamond scales, covered in giant and luxurious coat from world famous designer, which could probably build the whole coffee shop with and just as expensive shoes. Sammy had nothing on that lanky lizard lady in the matter of ridiculously expensive pieces of clothing.  The woman took her coat off, which allowed me to see that  few of her scales on chest were painted gold to the shape of butterfly. For a second I wondered if that's an actual gold and if so, why did she pick such a shitty pattern? Don't get me wrong, I like tattoos. And butterflies. But having tattooed it onto your chest? That's basically like holding "I am an asshole" sign.
> I hoped I was wrong with that assumption, but you could've have guessed it, my intuition was right. The lizard lady give us all lazy gaze and went straight up to the counter, cutting the whole line.
> Few people angrily muttered something, but she just bossily said: "I am in hurry" and that was that. Nobody objected afterwards.
> As she was dealing with the pissed of customers, I could hear that the doors shut again and equally green and equally expensive clothed lizard entered the shop. He stack in the back, though I could clearly see him gazing upon us curiously.
> I've swallowed quietly, putting myself together and looked at the lizard lady with big fake smile: "How can I help you?"
> Apparently I wasn't even worth of direct eye-contact. The lizard lady started looking through her purse - obviously also luxurious - saying: "I would like one gingerbread latte without the cream," so far, so good "and with extra foam, with human milk."
> I could feel hair on back of my neck straightening. Using human milk in food industry wasn't illegal, per say, but it sloped to pretty medieval techniques. It might've been the most regulated area of human treatment.
cont.

> The problem with humans was that they produced milk only after birth and not very long for. That being said the common practice just a few years ago was to impregnate the human woman, so she would produce the milk, but take the kid away from her so the milk won't get "wasted". More than often said babies got killed. It was nasty procedure, which makes a lot of us cringe even now, when better law enforcement took place. Nowadays is the whole process more natural and less painful for the human, no babies taken away, which also means more expensive. Human milk very rare and very luxurious item.
> Something we definitively didn't have. The old man wouldn't allow it for moral reasons and Junior, who was always cheap, for economical ones. Either way, there was none of it in our coffee shop.
> "I am very sorry," I had to suppress the sudden way of grossness taking over me, which made my fake smile lost some of its shine. "but we don't serve human milk in here."
> "Just go check the storage. The price is not a problem for me," she said dryly, giving emphasis on the word me, giving me stern look.
> "I am sorry, ma'm, but we DON'T serve it in here," I repeated, this time a little louder.
> If she had warm blood I could swear her face would be burning with red right now. Her eyes sure did,  hidden below angry eyebrows linked in one line.
> I don't get what is so hard to understand on the fact that we have certain rule about something. Are people just that dumb, or is it on me? The guy with knife a while ago also didn't get what I was saying to him, but to be fair, that one was completely wasted, which is of course no excuse, but at least an explanation. Lizard lady was angry, true, but definitely sober. She straightened the few spare centimetres her spine allowed her and coughed to clear her throat, when the fancy lizard guy came closer. He looked concerned.
cont.
> Cool, there is now two of them, I thought.
> There was pretty much only rule in this work - never talk about the coffee shop. No, but seriously, that was maybe make more sense than the actual rule - the customer is always right. Rule made by someone who definitely never worked at the retail.
> She gritted her teeth, piercing me with her gaze: "I want to talk to your man-"
> I was thinking how I'll be explaining this feud to Junior, when a deep warm voice interrupted the lizard lady. The fancy guy patted her back: "Hilda, that's enough, you are embarrassing yourself. leave the poor barista alone - she already told you they don't serve. Besides-" he gazed above his shoulder "You've jumped the queue, the others are waiting because of you."
> She showed sharp content of her mouth in sharp smile. "Stop schooling me, I am not a kid anymore, wiseass."
>"Then stop acting like one," he frowned.
> "Oh fucking whatever. This place sucks balls anyway. I am out." she said, absolutely proving his point and with a dramatic whip of hair left the shop. I was looking at her back a little bit too long, still shook from what just happened. Why I always get the freaks?
> "What a bitch," high pitched voice of another customer, mud-coloured squirrel interrupted my thoughts.  I wasn't allowed to cuss at the customers directly so I just murmured something incoherent and went back to my work. While I was foaming the milk for squirrel's latte, I've noticed that the guy didn't left, even though he shifted himself to the back. He was standing next to the cake show-case, mahogany eyes fixated on me. When he saw I noticed him, he nervously lowered them.
> Okay, what the hell.
> He waited till everybody get their drink and went back to the counter, smiling. For a lizard he was a tall guy with long lanky limbs with funny swanky kind of walk.
cont.
> "I am sorry about what happened," he said, his voice like a melted caramel. "She is not usually like that. Which is obviously no excuse for her behaviour, I just..." he sighed and smiled a little bit sadder. "I am sorry. Really."
> "You don't have to apologize in behalf of your girlfriend," I heard myself saying starkly, which surprised me. I didn't even know how bitchy her mean behaviour left me.
> He looked surprised, staring directly into my eyes, as if he was questioning what that was supposed to mean. I suddenly felt sorry for him - maybe it was the "human eyes" he was giving me now, maybe I am just too sensitive. Either way, I've shrugged: "Seriously, it's no big deal. I am used to it."
> "That doesn't sound good either," he said, laughing quietly. It felt nice.
> "The life we live in." I've said reconciling.
> "I should buy you drink or something," he stated, looking for a wallet. I've noticed he was wearing something which looked like really old of working pants, with dozen of differently slashed pockets, and half-decomposed snickers. His long black coat was for sure handmade, but the rest of his outfit pose for some solid years of functioning. For some reason, that made me feel sympathetic for him.
> "I actually already have drink," I said, lifting my mug awkwardly.
> He smiled and his eyes glowed with amusement: "I see. Well if you already have one, there is no reason for me to buy you another - too much caffeine can be dangerous for one's health." if I said it, I would sound like a turd, but he was talking so casually I kept staring at him. "You know what else is bad for one's health? Hunger. Yeah," he agreed with himself and mischievous smile lighted up his face: "As a gentleman, it's my duty to solve that problem for you. Would you be so kind and allow me to buy you dinner?"
cont.
> Shocked expression appeared on my face. A dinner - A DINNER? What? So he wants to buy me drink because his girlfriend was mean to me and then, when I say no, asks me out for dinner? I frowned again, feeling anger building in my chest. He must've noticed, because he looked confused again.
>"No thank you." I said coldly.
> "But... but why not?" he raised his eyebrows. As I could tell, he wasn't used to hear no very often. Good, I felt with a little satisfaction.
> "I don't need anyone's pity," I said as calmly as I could, looking into that warm pool of gold in his eyes again. "Least of all someone's whose girlfriend just insulted me. No," I continued without letting him said anything, even though he breathed in to talk. "I didn't take offense. And I am also not interested in some guilt-tripped favour. Buy a coffee or not, but that's as much as we two will have common."
> For a second he started at me with disbelief, before his face filled amused smile: "Is that so?"
> I've frowned.
> "That's too bad," he continued. "I thought I can guilt-trip you into going out with me. Guess I will have to stay with my sister again then."
> A had no idea what was he talking about. "Sister?"
> "Hilda is not my girlfriend - can you even imagine?" he shuddered. "She is my younger sister. And I wasn't lying when I said I am sorry for what she did. That was not the reason why I asked, though."
> I could feel red running through my veins, spilling over my face.
> "I think you are cute. That why I asked you out. But if your answer is still no, I guess I will just have one large cappuccino and leave. " he shrugged.
> I felt really uncomfortable, so I decided to take his order first. With maximal effort I've take out the paper cup and went to warm up some more milk. While doing that, I was thinking. Sure, he looked pretty solid and he sure seemed like a perfect gentleman, yet, that is not really my style. And he was way out of my league too.
cont.
> "One large cappuccino," I said, handing him a drink. Then I added, less sure: "I... I finish at eight. "
> "Good," he smiled contentedly. "I will see you at eight, then. See you..."
> "Lizzie," I've filled blank.
> "Nice name. I am George," he gave me one more happy smile before he left to the dark.

***
>Normally, Junior would leave way earlier than me and I would be the one closing, but after the stabbing incident, he always stayed till the end of our shift and close the shop himself. I don't think any of us thought he would do better in said situation, but I think he felt bad for what happened to me. It allowed me to just grab my stuff and leave, once the clocks hit eight.
> Skies were dark and I went out, it white snowflakes started pouring. I've allowed myself to just stay and look at the snowy landscape, when a giant silver meowcedes stopped next to me. George apparently went home and changed, because when he came out his working pants were replaced with light blue jeans and he was wearing brown leather jacket. He looked way too happy to see me, which made me smile a little bit. I felt a bit self-conscious since I was still wearing the same clothes from the evening and I smelled like a candle-store. He didn't seem to mind, when he opened doors from me.
> I sit down in his car. It was clearly new, everything clean and neat, just the compartment was completely filled with CDs. I didn't know any of the bands, except for maybe two of them, but I was familiar with them being pretty obscure punk rock. Nice. I've putted the seatbelt on.
> "Where would you like to go?" he asked excitedly, once we both were sitting down.
> That confused me a little bit: "I thought you had a plan?"
> "I did - I mean, I do. I just wanted to ask if you have any preference first."
> That was really sweet of him, so I smiled a little: "I actually may have. Did you ever hear about Mushi Mushi?"
cont.
> "That Chinese restaurant? Sure," he smiled warmly. "It's actually one of my favourite places. Good taste you have going on in there."
> I could feel blush spreading across my cheeks again. George laughed and started the car. We were both quiet for some time, going to the restaurant, when he suddenly said: "Aren't you afraid?"
> "Of what?" I asked, worried a little bit.
> "That I am a serial murder, for example," he gave me short gaze, before turning his attention back to the road.
> I could feel shiver in my bones when he said it. Yet I decided for the only one right answer to that question. I've looked at him and with straight face said: "No - what is the chance we're both serial killers?"
> George laughed heartily .
> The evening went nice. George was a total sweetheart the whole time and after few more minutes I've finally relaxed a bit and started enjoying myself. It turned out we don't only like the same restaurant, we also have the same favourite food (tender noodles soup). I've learned that George is majoring at the same university as I am, as a engineer. He was at his final year. Since he had finger in every pie, he was also football captain. I didn't have much interesting things to say about myself, so I was mostly talking about my studies and work at coffee shop, but he seemed genuinely interested and kept asking about it.
> It was way past midnight, when he finally driven me home.
> "That was really nice," I said when George's car stopped before Jessica's house and smiled at him. We were both tired, so we just lazily sat down at car and talked for at least another half an hour, before I finally said I should go home. He seemed disappointed, but resigned.
> "It was," he agreed with me and caress my cheek, looking into my eyes. "I would like to repeat it soon."
> "Me too."
> We exchanged numbers and George promised he would call me.
cont.
> I didn't kiss him and he didn't try to kiss me either. Instead of that he gave me big warm smile and said that next time we should go ice-skating. As he revealed earlier, he loved winter and everything connected with it.
> "I don't have skates though," I said, stepping outside.
> "I will hunt up some for you," he promised and the phrasing made me laugh.
> "Good night, George." I said. Neither of us wanted to say goodbye, but we had to.
> "Good night, Lizzie."
***
> The house was dark and quiet, but since it was late in night I wasn't surprised. Sammy wasn't the smartest human ever but she was pretty good with managing herself, including turning the lights off when she's going to sleep.  Yet it was interesting that my arrival didn't wake her up - she is light sleeper and never left opportunity to greet someone. On the other hand, it was pretty late and if she would wait for me to come home, she might've get tired.
> I've dropped my bag onto sofa and noticed that the kitchen has lights on.  Well, I said, managing herself, not managing everything. With a tender smile and went in to turn the lights off.
> The view took my breath away.
> Sammy was sitting on the ground with a head leaning back to the counter. Her eyes were shut and I could clearly see drops of sweat on her skin. She was really red and kinda puffy, which immediately warned me that there is something wrong. I've kneeled to see if she is okay.
> She wasn't.
> The poor human was holding a jar of something in her left hand. She must've got hungry and decided to grab a snack. I've sniffed to the jar and found out that it's peanut butter. I have knew shit is down once I've noticed the hives on both her hands and neck. She was breathing and I could feel her heart beating, but it both didn't sound nearly healthy.
> Fuck.
cont.
> I've stand up and run upstairs to grab a first-aid kit, simultaneously calling the vet. We had few antihistamines in this house, since Jess was suffering from hay fever since she was a little kid, but nothing that would be very useful to fight against anaphylactic shock. Sammy needed to be taken to human hospital - promptly.
> The vet was obviously already sleeping, but when he heard what happened, he told me to drive to his office immediately and approving my decision force in antihistamines.
> The only problem was how. I didn't have a car - neither enough money to call taxi. Luckily I had an idea.

> "Hey, it's me, Lizzie," my hands brushed across the keypad on my phone when I re-entered the kitchen. "I need your help..."

End of chapter 7