Lydia- The Pet Communicator (Wattys13- Finalist!)

Chapter 31

Lydia- The Pet Communicator

Chapter 31

I didn’t get a cab sooner, which made me feel down in the dumps and frazzled. I was all-in after my exams, so I couldn’t even walk back home. I asked a junior of my school to drop me home when I saw her getting in her car, but she simply refused with a lame excuse. I sat at the corner of a pavement like a homeless person, while waiting for some miracles to happen. I knew it was stupid of me, but my legs were getting hard to carry because of the physical stress. I couldn't even think of anything else.

I felt a tap on my shoulder, but I disregarded it, because I wasn’t in a mood of talking to anyone. For a second time, someone tapped my shoulder and a lot harder this time. It really got onto my nerves. When I turned back furiously to respond the bug master, I stopped gnashing my teeth and let my fingers loose from scrunching, after seeing Antonio standing behind me.

“Why are you here Lydia?” He quickly asked, with a worried expression on his face. I didn’t know what to answer him, Was it right to tell him the truth, or should I make an excuse? I also needed to hurry home. I was very puzzled, so I did what my heart told.

“Umm, can you drive me home? There is an emergency.”

“What is going on Lydia? Tell me the truth. Remember, your case is going on, so you better not hide anything from me.” Antonio demanded, with a concerned look on his face. He pouted deafeningly after the silence between us and continued, "I followed you after the exams got done, just to check up on you and I watched you talk to your father in distress. Please, tell me what happened.”

I took a deep breath, while trying to control my falling tears. It was hard to say whatever happened back at home. My lips starting quivering, I couldn’t utter a word to Antonio, therefore I closed my eyes for some time to keep my mind blank. There was too much hurt filled inside me. When I opened my eyes, tears began rolling down my cheek automatically. Antonio kept a hand on my shoulder for reassurance and demanded, “Sit in my car Lydia.”

We sat in the car and Antonio gave me some water which he kept for himself in the car. I drank it and wiped away my tears silently. Antonio gave me some tissues from a box which was kept in his car. I tried to control myself every time, but my tears wouldn’t stop falling. Antonio looked really worried.

“Lydia? Should we move?” Antonio asked slowly, I gave him a half nod and then, we took off. Antonio kept glancing at me every second while driving the car, he was really hesitant about what happened, however he didn’t say a word.

“Antonio, the shelter is on fire and the pets are injured. Drake is at the Animal Peace with my pets, and father is at home with the firefighters.” I spoke in a little while, while looking up at him. Antonio furrowed his brows and mumbled something under his breath, he looked disappointed as well.

“Why are they doing this?” He yelled and started driving faster. I had the same question in my mind, but I didn’t answer back or even say a word until we reached home.

As we arrived at home, both of us hurried to the backyard. The firefighters were done with their job, and my father was standing there all grumpy and frustrated, with holding Marwa next to him. The shelter was totally ruined. I stood by the front entrance, watching each and every corner of my shelter crushed into pieces. The walls were broken, the roof was down on the ground and the fences were scattered everywhere. I was shaken by the scene of my shelter.

Marwa neighed out loud after noticing me at the entrance, “Lydia, you are here! The shelter is gone. My fellows are at the hospital. Do something!” I rushed to Marwa after observing blood from her knees. She looked really terrified for the first time.