my feet.
Looking around at the smiling faces, I was delighted to feel the atmosphere in the car had thawed.
Glancing into the rear-view mirror, I caught Gail’s delighted eyes. ‘Thank you,’ she mouthed.
As the car crunched over a gravelled driveway and came to a halt, I craned my neck through the carrier, to assess my new home. It was not a big house, and it was far from glamorous unlike Javier’s old flat, but with its red brick exterior, black front door and smart, curved bay windows, it looked warm cosy and inviting.
While Simon helped Jenny out of the car, I peered out of the window and felt relieved it had stopped raining. The early November grey clouds were doing nothing for my mood. As Gail opened my door and reached inside to pull me out, the feel of her warm hands around my middle helped settle my nerves. I had spent weeks longing for a new life, now it was finally here I felt scared.
‘Welcome home, Percy,’ Gail whispered, holding me close and gently stroking my head. ‘I know this will all feel a bit strange at first, but we already love you so much, we will do everything we can to make you happy.’
I turned my brown eyes to meet Gail’s, and stretched out my paw to lie across her forearm. Thank you, I communicated silently as we walked across the gravel and into the house. What was it about Kelly and now Gail, I wondered, that they always seemed to know just what I was thinking?
Once inside, I sniffed the air and got my bearings. I could make out the scent of coffee and laundry as I looked around what I assumed was the hallway. I was pleased to find it already smelt like home. I saw a console table filled with keys and mail underneath a large gilt mirror. To my right, I saw a host of what looked like family photos above the stairs. There was a big picture of a young-looking Gail holding Jenny when she was born, while above it stood prints of older couples surrounding Gail and Simon, and I guessed they were Jenny’s grandparents.
In the middle, in pride of place, was a picture of a beaming Simon and Gail alongside Jenny. Peering closer, it looked as though the photo had been taken recently outside this house and although the couple was beaming into the lens, the wrinkles around Gail’s eyes were prominent, and Simon’s smile did not meet his eyes.
‘Tea, love?’ Simon called from what I guessed was the kitchen.
‘Yes, please, and a big bowl of water for Percy,’ Gail replied, as she sat me down on the floor.
‘Already done,’ he called. ‘His lordship will want for nothing.’
I chuckled inwardly at Simon’s use of the word. Gabriella had often used the same phrase, but it never sounded friendly. The way Simon had said it felt completely different – not only was the word loaded with affection, but the gentle teasing already made me feel as though I belonged.
‘Hey, what about me?’ asked Jenny as she came down the stairs.
‘As if I could forget.’ Simon emerged from the room at the bottom of the corridor, grinning. ‘I’ve made you your favourite hot chocolate.’
Jenny’s smile widened. ‘Thanks, Dad. Can I go and show Percy my room now?’
I barked willingly at Jenny. I couldn’t wait to explore and spend some time with the little girl. Looking up at Gail, I saw her exchange glances with Simon but I couldn’t understand what she was trying to say.
‘Go on then,’ she said eventually, with a smile. ‘But not too long – you need a rest as you’ll be tired after all the excitement this morning.’
‘Muuuum,’ Jenny whined, ‘I’m fine. I was only in the car.’
Gail looked at her daughter with determination in her eyes. ‘Exactly, just a few minutes with Percy and then bed, please.’
‘Okay,’ she sighed, obviously realising this was a battle she was unlikely to win.
As I trailed behind Jenny up the stairs, I glanced behind me and saw Gail’s eyes were still filled with worry. I knew I had only just arrived in their home, but I did feel my new owner was overreacting a bit. Jenny was right, she had only been in a car for a couple of hours, she had hardly been chasing rabbits all morning.
As we reached her room, Jenny pushed open the door and I gazed in wonder at the posters of Justin Bieber and One Direction that lined every wall. Opposite the window stood a single bed with a patterned bedspread and a big stuffed cuddly teddy bear, which was propped up against the pillows. I glanced to my right and saw the bookshelf on the wall nearest the door was filled with books on horses and ponies. I could see at a glance it was a girl’s room and one Jenny was obviously very proud of.
‘Welcome to my room, Percy.’ She grinned down at me.
‘Thank you for inviting me,’ I barked solemnly.
‘What do you think?’ she asked, whirling around the room.
‘It’s very nice,’ I yapped as she scooped me into her arms and sat us both on her bed.
‘I knew you’d love it, Percy.’ She smiled, settling me onto her lap.
Once we were both comfy, she lay down and I stretched out along her legs.
‘We’re going to have such a good time together, I’ve got it all planned out,’ she said excitedly. ‘We’re going to play brilliant games, and I’m going to be the one that lets you out for a wee every morning. Dad says that even though I’m poorly, I’ve got to learn responsibility, whatever that means.’
I uncurled my tail with pleasure. This sounded wonderful already, and I rather liked the idea of me and this little girl spending some precious alone time together, even if it was just so I could spend a penny.
‘I’ve also made you a special sort of bedroom in the kitchen downstairs, where I’ve put your bed, your food and water,’ she continued eagerly. ‘And Mum’s knitted you a new blanket to keep you warm and Dad’s got you a brilliant new collar with your name and our phone number engraved on it.’
This was getting better and better and I let out a little enthusiastic bark, wanting to show Jenny just how much I approved of everything she was telling me. Javier had never gone to such trouble, but then he and I preferred napping on the sofa to going out too much. Perhaps this spelled the start of more walks and I wondered if Gail might be persuaded to kit me out in one of those cute little coats when winter arrived that I’d seen other pugs wear in the park. My mind wandered as I imagined myself trotting next to Jenny, Simon and, of course Gail, dressed in a checked waterproof jacket that would not only keep me cosy and dry, but complement my glossy black fur. I was so busy imagining myself looking stylish at the park, I lost track of what Jenny was saying and only caught the last part of it.
‘. . . so when I’m in the hospital next month, I’d really love it if you could keep a special eye on Mum, please, Perce,’ she said quietly.
I barked at her again, trying not to sound alarmed. I knew Gail had mentioned something about Jenny being poorly, but hospital sounded serious. I yapped again, trying to get her to tell me more, but just as I opened my little mouth, the door opened and Gail’s beaming face appeared around the door.
‘How
