Lydia- The Pet Communicator (Wattys13- Finalist!)

Chapter 22

Lydia- The Pet Communicator

Chapter 22

The memories of Lucky were making me weak day by day. I couldn’t concentrate on my studies, since my mind was extremely disturbed with his thoughts. I felt out of energy because of lack of sleep and my diet was zero. I didn’t like eating at all. My stomach crunched and my knees felt wobbly whenever, Lucky’s picture played in my mind. I was feeling down in the dumps. How would I forget Lucky so easily? There was no one to follow me all the time, and to annoy the hell out of me like Lucky did. The whole house was quiet without his barks.

The reason of Lucky’s death also bothered me. I didn’t believe the doctors, how could someone die with a bite of a spider? Snake bites are dangerous, but spiders? Do they think we were stupid? The staff weren't even clear about his death, or talking to us about it evidently. It’s really not done, I am going to find out what exactly happened to my Lucky.

“Lydia, please stop scribbling Lucky all over the notebook. You need to concentrate.” Drake shrieked, while grasping my hand.

“I can’t do it.” I pushed the notebook away and took some sips of water.

“You know that you can be the best veterinarian as you understand the animals. Lucky died because they took so much time to examine his problem. Do you want other animals to die like him? You can’t just give up all the time. Make your mind, or I will leave.” Drake spoke furiously. I didn’t  respond back, because I knew what he said was right. And I didn’t plan to give up so easily.

Shortly, my eyes fell on my father who was coming towards us in his favorite gray trouser suit, he looked stupendous. He aslo had a file of documents in his hands. He greeted us blissfully, “Good morning kids, how you are doing today?”

“Fine dad, what about you?  Where are you going today?” I asked immediately.

“Oh, I am going for an interview since I am looking for a new job. I have destroyed so many lives. I can’t just sit back and destroy yours too.” He responded with a smile that reached his eyes.

“All the very best!” Drake spoke without delay. I got up the chair and hugged my father tightly. He was strong emotionally, other people in his place would surely end their life with their own hands. “Good luck dad, you can do it.” My father kissed me on my forehead and left immediately.

“Your father is a brave man and you have to be like him. A lioness never gives up.” Drake mumbled, then kissed me on my cheek gently. I totally agreed with him. Drake was too much concerned about my carrier.

“Let’s get back to work, quick!” Drake exclaimed, while tapping a hand on my shoulder. After going through some notes and re-doing some old exam board papers. We took a break and went to check up on the animals at the shelter with some food. I pulled out some fresh flowers from the vase to put them on Lucky’s grave.

The first thing I did when I entered the backyard was to place some flowers on Lucky’s grave. I even stood there for some time and prayed for his soul to rest in peace. Then, I offered some food to the pets in the shelter and they all had their food properly. It looked like they were getting back to normal too.

After they completed their meals, I opened them up, so that  they can roam freely in the backyard but, every animal in the shelter rushed to Lucky's grave and stood there for some time to give him tribute, by bowing their heads down with respect. The scene was amazing. If any normal person would see it, they would surely lose their mind. Drake was flabbergasted as well.

Only then, My phone started buzzing in my denims. I looked up the screen to verify the caller. It was my father calling. So, I received it right away.

“Hello dad! What reminded you of me?” I spoke cheerfully.

“Your admission fees!” He spoke crossly.

“What about them?”

I looked at Drake who was standing beside me in worry. Drake raised one of his eyebrows in fret and I made a -I –am- dead- gesture, by slitting my throat with my index finger.

“Dad, I will explain everything. Calm down please. Tell me, how was your interview first?”

“When I came here to pay your admission fees, they say, someone called Drake paid it already.” My father replied over the phone.

“So? Isn’t that so sweet of him? He told me about this already dad. It’s a small gift from him.”

“Right, ask him what reason he gave the councilors to make the payment!”

“Why don’t you tell me, dad?”

“He informed them that you can’t pay your fees right now, because of some financial problems. It really hurt me!” He ended the call right away, without letting me speak another word. I could imagine how bad he felt about it.

When I turned back to talk to Drake about the conversation, he wasn’t behind me anymore. He was watering the flowers around the shelter. So I walked over to him and asked, “Drake, my father went to the board exam council to make the payment for my admission and he got really angry, especially after hearing the reason you gave. He is hurt.”

“I had no strong reason to make the payment, so I used this lame one. The counselors were asking me about my authority. Believe me, I never thought your father was going to the council so soon and I was about to tell him the truth in the afternoon, but it’s all a flop show.” He responded with disappointment and sighed out loudly.

I heard a horn of a car outside our house. So, Drake and I went out quickly to check who came. It was my father getting out the car. He slammed the car door hardly, while swearing under his breath. He fumed irritably when he noticed us approaching him. I gulped hard in fright. Uh-oh! It looks like there is some trouble coming on our way. We both stood in front him blankly. My father was glaring at both of us angrily, then he shifted his gaze at Drake and roared, “What do you think of yourself, huh?”

Drake lowered his gaze to the ground and spoke, “I didn’t mean to hurt you sir. I am sorry. My way of doing it was wrong and trust me, I was about to tell you everything soon.” My father laughed out falsely. “Yeah right, take your money. The admission fee and this month’s tuition pay. Now leave!” The color of Drake’s face drained instantly. He took the money and left silently.

“Daddy, that was so rude! What’s got into you?” I spoke when Drake was out of sight.

“Lydia, please mind your own business. What I am doing is absolutely correct.”

“Fine! Do whatever you want dad! Who can stop you anyway?” I didn’t stand a moment next to my father and went inside the house, directly to my bedroom.

Drake’s P.O.V

Lydia’s father was right at his place, and I didn’t feel bad for all that he said to me. Everyone got mistaken because of my stupid idea. I thought it could be a useful gift to her. Wait, I can do something better! I can buy Lydia a beautiful necklace with the money I have. I believe the admission fee and this month’s tuition fee will be a good amount to buy her one. Or will Mr. peter get mad at me once again? I can’t even accept the money he gave me back, so this can be a good way of returning it to him. However, my love for Lydia is more precious, but gifts are a way to increase your love. How about a gift for Lydia’s father? Gents like perfumes, nice formal shirts, suitcases or leather belts? Nah! I will give him something much better and unique, something that he will love. He is a nice man, he will surely forgive me soon. I wish my father was a nice man like him.

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How did you like this chapter sweethearts? Lydia will be on an investigation soon! Will Drake be able to make Lydia's father happy? Aren't the pets so sweet? Treat animals nice, and you will get the return! :) Be nice, spread peace and joy. Try to make someone smile and see for yourself, how happiness will come your way. Lydia's exam are soon. Pray fo her. Love me more. Ta-Da!