Thankful that I'm healing enough to carry my purse regularly, I sling my tote bag over my shoulder and make my way to the receptionist’s desk with a bright smile.
“Hi! May I help you?” The receptionist, an older brown-haired woman with spectacles, looks up from her computer monitor.
Nibbling my lip, I can't help but second guess myself as I reply, “Uhm, yes.Maybe.I was considering adopting a cat. I wanted to see if you had any available here?”
Doubt and fear rises fast and hot inside of me. I've never had a pet before, and this is a huge responsibility. Though, not as big a responsibility as a baby. And honestly, I need something to curl up with at night to keep me from calling Alexander.
The receptionist regards me shrewdly before giving an approving smile and nod. “Yes, we have a few back there. I’ll take you back, and you can look.”
“Ok, thank you.”
My phone dings, and I pull it out quickly, seeing a text from Alexander.
Alex: Hey you. Hope you’re doing good…my son made it. Is it bad I want to say unfortunately? The demands are exhausting, I tell ya. Don’t forget to start packing.
Sarah Bella: Ooohh Alex. I’ll be sure to pack more than one pair of PJ’s, ok? I’m a big girl. I know my way around a suitcase. And hey, I don’t know much about kids, but hopefully he at least said hello to you before making any demands. The nerve. Hahaha.
My phone pings again.
Vanessa: I’m in the hospital! I can’t believe this!
I frown before typing a fast reply. We're supposed to be singing together tonight.
Sarah: Girl, what? What’s wrong?
The receptionist stays quiet while we make our way down the hall.
Vanssa: My fucking SISTER gave me food poisoning! I just wanted to let you know I wouldn’t be able to make it tonight. I’m so sorry. We’re all here. My husband, daughter, sister, and her husband too. Baby is with the nanny, fortunately. It’s like one big freaking family reunion.
Sarah: Oh wow girl, that sounds like a nightmare. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. I can bring some chicken broth over if you need it?
Vanessa: No, the thought of putting anything on my stomach makes me weak. Thank you for offering though.
Sarah: Take care of yourself please.
Alex: A big girl huh? (smirk face). Funny. You don't feel so big when I'm carrying you in my arms.
Sarah Bella: Silliness.
"Here we are."
I put my phone away and walk through the door into the room with multiple cages, hearing various meows, and some barking through the wall coming from another room. My eyes scan the various cats as we walk past.
"Have you ever owned a pet before?" she asks, leading me to a back wall where there's a little Russian blue cat huddled in the corner of its cage.
“Nooo, never," I croon, sticking my face up to the cage. "But this one ispretty.” I stick my finger through the little cage, hopefully.
The receptionist smiles at me. “She’s quiet, and her name is Bunny. She’s been here for a while, around six months or so. Always sits in the corner right there. She’s a little reluctant and a lot scared.” I feel her stare burning in the side of my face as I stay quiet. “We also have tabbies, and a tuxedo cat if you think you’d be interested in a more outgoing kitty?”
She quiets, watching me peer into the cage intently. I don't need to hear about the other cats. This one's mine; I can feel it in my soul.
“A cat named Bunny, huh? That’s unique,” I say softly.
She opens the cage and motions for me to reach in. “Her previous owner thought it was cute. Careful, she might bite. And just a warning, she doesn’t seem to like men.”
I reach my hand tentatively into the cage, my eyes melting as Bunny moves forward and sniffs my fingers. She reaches a beautiful blue-gray paw forward and inches even closer, butting her head against my fingers softly.
“I think she’s fetching. I get you, little girl. I don’t really like men much right now, either,” I confess with a small smile.
