Lilies And Smoke

CHAPTER SIX: Bill

It has been three days since Anita had Alex around at her house, and two since he called her letting her know that his brother in law is able to see Bill today. Alex picked Anita up with Bill little over two hours ago and have been sitting in the waiting from for over an hour and twenty minutes. Anita sits there anxiously, shaking her leg with worry. Alex's brother in law has had Bill for little over twenty-five minutes before he walks into the waiting room and calls for them both.

"It's going to be alright, maybe he's just getting on now with his age and is acting up" Alex assures her, holding her hand in comfort. Anita exhales slowly, "you're probably right, it's just that he's never been this way before and it's odd, you know?". Alex gives her a soft smile, "come on, I'll lead the way". Anita grips his hand firmly and pushes herself off the hard-padded chair. With her cane in the other hand she follows his lead, her cane moving gracefully side to side as she clears her path.

"Left here" Alex informs as they turn, entering the examining room. "I've checked for cuts and infections, but he doesn't have any. His diet is good, as is his weight. I've inspected his mouth and his digestive system it all comes back ok, his teeth are alright, but he has one or two teeth missing which is pretty normal for is age. All in all, he seems to be a very healthy dog" Alex's brother in law informs.

"What do you think could be the cause in his behaviour? He's been growling a lot for the past couple of weeks and then whining" Anita asks, confused and frustrated. He looks at her in thought, "it might just be the change in scenery that might be stressing him". Anita shakes her head, "he was fine, I've been living there for quite a few months now and he seems pretty settled in". He hums, mulling this information over.

"I would say for now to keep an eye on him, it could be a number of things, but it isn't his health" he advises. Anita sighs and extends her hand in his direction. She was off by quite a bit, as there was a table in the way, but he leans over to take her hand, shaking it thoroughly. "Thank you so much for seeing us" she credits. He shrugs it off, "I'm just doing my job, besides me and Alex are square now". Alex nods his head in thanks and guides Anita out of the room, grabbing Bill's harness off the side. "Bill" Anita calls and hears Bill jump down from on top of the table, landing on the floor with a loud thump. She hears him hurry towards her, as she calls back to Alex's brother in law; "goodbye, thanks again".

Alex doesn't say a word; they leave heading towards the exit to their right as they walk through the reception and out of the exit doors. Bill trotting beside her and Alex guiding the way back to his car. "If you don't mind me saying, you seemed very eager to get out of there" Anita points out. Alex opens the passenger door for her, Anita feels for the roof and gets into the car. She hears him open the passenger door for Bill and listens as Bill leaps into the covered back seats and a grunt coming from Bill as he lies down, Alex places the harness below the back seats.

Anita pulls her door shut, Alex following suit as he shuts the back door and runs around the car to the driver's side. Anita feels for the seat belt to her left, she finds the cold metal of the latch and pulls it across from her and clicks it in. She hears Alex sigh and open the car door, seating himself into the driver's seat and pulling his door closed.

"He's alright, I just don't think he's right for my sister" Alex notifies, his voice monotone. Anita shifts and looks in his direction, "how come?".

Alex moons it over for a while as he starts the engine of the car, putting his foot on the clutch as he says quietly, "he was my friend before they started dating and I know what he's like". Anita didn't press further, as he puts the car into reverse and gets out of the car space. They were silent for a good five minutes of the car ride, Anita turns to him and says appreciatively, "thank you for taking me there". She could sense Alex relaxing into his seat more, "it's no problem, I'm sorry it took me two days to call you I just had a lot to do at work and I've had a lot on my plate lately". Anita acknowledges this, nodding to herself as she replies, "I understand, don't worry. You know, you can come and talk to me if you want, I know we haven't known each other long but maybe it's a start to a good friendship".

Alex sucks in his breath, "don't tell me you're putting me in the friendzone already". Anita delivers a small laugh, "that'll change when we get to that first date". Alex smirks, "well, you've got no plans now have you?". Anita taken aback, looks at him and stretches, "no... why?". Alex remains silent for a minute, as he nears a roundabout. He whispers, "you'll see". Anita's heart initiated, pumping uncontrollably in her chest, "I hope it's a good surprise and not a 'hey! I'm going to kill you' surprise" she says, spreading her hands out. Alex chuckles, "no, nothing like that and besides, how could I kill you?".

He pauses for a second, containing a hidden smile as he jokes; "I couldn't possibly do that to Bill. I like him too much". Anita supresses the urge to nudge him and calls, "cheeky, you know you like me too". Alex pulls a face says, "eh, maybe but who doesn't like Bill". On that note Anita could agree with him. Alex turns on the radio, the song barracuda emits through the speakers. They sit there listening to Alex's soundtrack, until they pull over eleven minutes later.

"Would you mind waiting here for a minute?" Alex asks politely. Anita shakes her head, "no, not at all". Alex gets out the car, closing the door gently behind him. The engine was still running so she assumes he was just grabbing something. She waits there patiently for a couple of minutes, tapping her leg in boredom. She hears Bill huff in the back, and she turns, disquieting as she reaches out to touch him. Before she finds him, she hears a vigorous tapping at the window besides her and jumps. "Jesus!" she exclaims, placing her hand over her chest.

"Nita!" she hears a woman's voice call, muffled slightly from the outside of the car. She presses the button beside her on the side of the passenger door, the window rolls down.

"Janice you nearly frightened me half to death!" she exclaims. Janice snorts, "well so I should, I'm doing you a favour and you're lucky I'm not in work". Anita looks in her direction, confused "what do you mean?". Janice opens the back doors and grabs Bills harness, "I'm watching Bill for you for an hour or two at your place while you go on your date". Anita reddens, "are you sure? Is that alright? I don't mean to impose". Janice wafts her hand, "it's fine, don't sweat it. You owe me though; you can do my accounts this week". Anita sighs in relief, "thank you Janice".

Janice smacks her leg gently, "come on Bill" she calls but Bill remains in the car. He looks at Anita uncertain of what to do, "go on Bill, out" Anita instructs, and he obliges. Janice sighs, "I wish he would listen to me like that". Anita motions her hand dismissively, "he's just doing his job, thank you again Janice I really appreciate it". Janice shuts the door and walks off towards her house and shouts, "use protection!".

Anita hears Alex laugh in the distance and blushes, "Jan!" she shouts in embarrassment. "You'll get over it" Janice shouts back. Anita hears him walk towards the car and opens the door, hopping in the car Alex asks, "are you ready?".