The Stray Dog ( A Love Story )

Chapter 8

~Jillian~

It has been 3 weeks since that day with Luke. My shoulder was much better only a little sore. So I decided to take Lilly for a walk. Since my mom was on another business trip I wanted to take advantage of it by being with Lilly as long as I could before I would have to take her back to Luke’s house.

I called Lilly and hooked her up to the leash. I started walking toward the door, opened it and walked out; I closed it behind me, and locked it. I don’t need another incident like last time. I walked down my driveway and onto the sidewalk.

We walked all the way to the city. I pasted that Coldstone ice cream place, and remembered that they called a week ago saying me and Luke got the job. We worked Mondays and Thursdays. But at minimum wage we still wouldn’t have enough money for Lilly’s needs and appointments for cancer. I needed another job.

I started walking some more looking for help wanted signs, or a store I would be interested in working for. I was mostly looking for places that are popular, knowing they would pay more, or looking for high ends stores that would pay nice. I could probably use a job at a pet store, you know for discounts on stuff.  I walked past my favorite store noticing a help needed sign. Perfect! I thought, I can get discounts on my clothes and use the money mom leaves me for Lilly’s stuff. And the store im talking about would be Forever 21. It’s one of my favorite stores.

I walked in the doors, and noticed the no pets allowed sign. ‘Oh great’ I thought. I pulled out my phone, an IPhone 4s, and called Luke.

“Hey Luke what are you doing?” I asked when he answered.

“Just watching T.V. Why?” he asked.

“Can you meet me at Forever 21? There is a help wanted sign in the window and I have Lilly with me, she can’t go inside. I don’t want to walk all the way back home.” I said.

“Yeah sure I will be there soon.” He answered

“Ok thanks!” Yes I thought, problem solved!

“Ok see you soon.” Luke said before he hung up. I walked over to the nearest park bench and sat down. As I was waiting I decided to look around at the people. You know play that game where you make up stories about people’s life.

I saw a woman with a floppy hat on. It had a purple flower on it. She was also wearing a floral dress to match the hat, with some bash sandals. I decided that she was on her way to a tea party or a garden club meeting. She was probably going to a garden club meeting that was my guess.

I was looking around some more and I spotted Luke.

“HEY LUKE OVER HERE!” I called as I stood up. He saw me and started jogging toward me. “Hey where’s your truck?” I asked.

“You know my truck is old right?” he asked. I was confused, of course I know its old, and I have seen it before.

“Yeah so?” I said confused

“Well it’s kinda broke right now.” He answered.

“How did you get here so fast then?” 

“I ran here.” He said simply.

“Whoa you ran far.”

“So where’s Lilly?” he asked as if she wasn’t right beside me. I went to motion to my side, but she wasn’t there. Where was she?!?! How could I have lost her?!

“Oh no she is gone!” I was panicking now, “She was just here a little while ago!”

“She must have slipped out of her collar.” He was looking around franticly, “We have got to find her!”