Fire on Fire

Chapter 17

"Oh no no no no no!" Max growled, his words falling on deaf ears as everyone streamed inside the apartment. Also looking exasperated at the number of uninvited guests there were inside their home, Duke slowly turned to Snowball as he questioned, "Snowball, what the actual frick? Why is everyone here for a meeting?"

"So glad you asked Fat Dog!" Snowball exclaimed, looking excited. Watching everyone walk by him, Mel's ears perked up when he saw Buddy entering the apartment with Sweetpea nestled in his mohawk. The pug quietly waved his friends over. Fortunately for him, they came over. Scooting over slightly so there was room for his pal to sit down, Mel questioned the dachshund, "What's going on?"

"You didn't see the text?" Buddy asked, sounding surprised. When Mel shook his head no, the dachshund explained, "Turns out the new neighbor moved in last night. Snowball overheard and insisted that we all meet them. He sent everyone a text in the group chat and also instructed Gidget to go get him or her. You didn't get that?" Shrugging his shoulders, Mel murmured, "No, I haven't checked my phone in a while. I was up here chatting with Max."

"Oh? What were you guys talking about?" Buddy replied out of curiosity. Mel bit his lip nervously as he stared into his friend's eyes. Snowball's words were still ringing in his ears. Should he tell Buddy right now? No, there were too many pets here. Sighing softly, he answered at last, "Nothing important." Buddy turned his head away as he mumbled, "Oh..."

"Buddy-" Mel began to say, not wanting his pal to be sad. But he was interrupted when Snowball shouted, "Shush! They're coming! I can hear them!" At that moment, Gidget hopped up on the windowsill. Clearing her throat, she declared, "Everyone, meet Daisy." The Pomeranian moved aside just as a brown and white Shih Tzu jumped up. Shuffling her paws, she murmured, "Hey everyone."

Snowball fainted and fell off the coffee table.