Hate at First Sight

Chapter 29

Alice's P.O.V

I wasn't lying really, I do have plans with Ben today, but they're tonight! I rush in to the kitchen and grab my purse. Mom throws her arms around me and kisses my head.
"Happy birthday princess. Where are you going?"
I hug her back.
"To buy banners and stuff to surprise Lea."
Mom grins at me. "Don't."

I shrug.
"We'll get a couple for dinner time! You go enjoy your day!"
I walk out to the town instead.
I stop outside the animal shelter and glance in. Should I go in?
I walk in for a look and I hear a little whimper to my right.
"We have to take him home!" A little girl cries, tears streaming down her face.
"He has no family!" She whimpers.
"We can't! Your Dad is allergic." A young woman hugs her close.
"But he needs a home."

I glance down at the dog they're talking about. She really is gorgeous. She's not a puppy but she's quite young. She's small and fluffy, probably a cross between a Maltese and something else. She has huge eyes and is whimpering softly against the enclosure.
"Ehm excuse me I was wondering about this dog?" I begin, catching sight of an employee.
"Dogsssss. There's two from the same litter. The others at the back." She points in and I catch sight of another which looks exactly like the first.
"The owner insisted they stay together no matter what!"

Fifteen minutes later I'm leaving the shelter with not one but two little dogs. I walk towards the pet store and buy some supplies and a leash. There's two collars with a heart charm that splits like those necklaces in the middle. I know it's cheesy but I can't resist. I buy the 'best friend' collars and stroll home feeling very proud of my purchases.

In hindsight I probably should have checked with my parents first but they won't mind. Dad laughs as I walk in the door with the dogs.
"We can't let you out at all! Do you ever just not buy anything?"
I grin at him.
"They're sisters!"
Mom chuckles. "They're lovely!"
Dad glances up at me.
"You didn't run into Lea on your travels did you?" I shake my head no.
"Ah okay. Ben is calling over to see you."

I furrow my eyebrows. Why is he coming over early?
"Why so early?"
"He's bringing you off for a while I think!" Mom grins.
What are they up to?
There's a knock on the front door and I hurry to answer it.
"Happy birthday beautiful!" Ben smiles at me.
"I'll give you your pressie later! C'mon we're going for a picnic!" He grins taking my hand. I pull him in for a hug and he brushes his lips against mine before pulling me out the door and shutting it behind him.
"Good day so far?"
I giggle.
"Great! Wait til you hear what I got!" He raises his eyebrows.
"You... Should not be allowed to shop." I nudge him playfully.
"It's a talent! I got Lea and I matching dogs."
"Matching what now?"
I have a feeling today should be good.