Changing Sides
Chapter Two: The Life of a Poor Innocent Cat
I turned around and my gaze traveled up the shoe to a dirty pant leg then to the body and face of a man with his arms crossed over his chest. His shirt had "Animal Control" printed in big white letters across the front and he held a big net in his left hand. I couldn't tell whether it was the fact that I was a cat or not, but he was huge and his face was not too friendly looking.
I smiled, nervously taking a step back "Good evening sir! H-how's the job going?"
His face didn't change and I got confused. I tilted my head to the side, my tail swishing back and forth. Then I remembered... I was a cat... and this guy couldn't understand a word I said. He took a step towards me and I took two steps back.
"Listen! I'm not a cat! I'm a human!" I called frantically but he made no intention of stopping. I gave up and decided on option two... run like hell. I spun on my heels and sprinted off down the alleyway, hearing the thud and swish of the net behind me.
I pelted down the alley, my bell jingling on my tail as I blindly turned left. I could hear the heavy footsteps of the man behind me. Crap! I thought making another right; I can't turn back into a human! That'll make this guy pee his pants! On top of that my secret would be out! I continued running as fast as I could, ducking under trash cans and making last minute sharp turns trying to throw him off my tail. Literally. But no matter what I did every time I looked back he'd still be close behind me, net in hand.
Finally I came to the main road, my muscles were aching and burning and I was forced to stop for a breath. I sat at the curb panting, my ears drooping down and my tongue hanging from my mouth. I looked behind me smiling, finally! I think I lost him! I thought to myself.
I continued to stare down the alley I'd come when suddenly a trash can fell over, its contents spilling onto the sidewalk. Startled bystanders scurried out of the way and I watched in terror as the man I'd been dodging all this time slowly stepped out of the shadows of the alleyway. He had mud smeared on his cheek and his teeth gritted in irritation. He wiped the mud from his face and his eyes scanned the road. I watched frozen in horror as his gaze rested on me.
A smirk appeared on his face and he started towards me again, this time full speed. I had no choice. I turned and bolted into traffic. Car horns sounded and tires squeaked as I streaked across the road. Thankfully, my cat like reflexes made it my movements nimble and easy to dodge cars.
Jumping over the hood of a red car I finally made it to the other side of the road. I paused and once more snuck a glance behind me. Sadly, since a black cat with a bell on its tail had just dodged through traffic, cars were stopped and the man had little trouble following me. My fur stood on end as he reached the red car and stung his net at me again. I leapt to the left and ran down the sidewalk against the flow of traffic.
People were harder to dodge than cars. They dodged randomly and I flinched as one kicked me in the head, "Watch it!" I called back behind me shoulder to the woman. Suddenly another alley appeared in front of me. Without another thought I leapt and started sprinting down it.
Suddenly I collided with something big and hard. I let out a squeal and toppled backwards. I rubbed my head and looked up. Once I realized what I was looking at I screamed. There were three huge dogs in front of me!
The one I ran into was a big tan one with brown patches and a scar over his left eye. The second one was a Rottweiler with a torn ear and the third was a black and white lab mix. All were not too happy looking.
"Look Tom!" the Rottweiler snickered to the brown and tan dog, "looks like we found a new pretty kitty to play with!"
Tom, the leader I'd assume, nodded his head and grinned, "I've been wanting some cat bones to sharpen my teeth on!"
