FORTITUDINE (COMPLETED)

15) I Know How You Feel

"So, where are we going shopping?" Asked Stephen in a cautious tone.

My eyes flashed open and I sat up from sleeping against the wagon's door. "I want a pet." I say randomly with such a serious tone it scared both me and the boys.

"You want a pet." Repeated Thomas slowly.

He looked over to Stephen and flashes him a big grin. "She wants a pet." He said chuckling.

Stephen caught my gaze and leaned forward with his hands on his knees. "Are you sure?" He asked carefully.

I nodded my head exuberantly and smiled my best smile at him. "I am positive." I state before turning around to face the driver.

"Can you take us to the London's finest pet store?" I ask through the small window.

"Yes'm, right away!" He said as he turned the horses down another street.

I turned back around smiling with content and began to stare absentmindedly out the side window.

~~~~~~~~~~

"So what kind of pet are we looking for?" Asked Thomas as he reached down the pet a little brown puppy.

I look up at the ceiling and tap my chin with my index finger. "I'm not sure. But, I have a feeling it's here." I state as I walk around the store.

Stephen and Thomas give each other puzzled looks and slowly followed behind.

I look down at a small, fluffy puppy and smile sadly. "Poor thing is scared." I mumble to myself.

Thomas walks up to me and reaches down to pet him. "It looks fine to m-ow!" He shouts as the scared pup bites his hand.

I giggle and shake my head. "I warned you."

He grabs his hand and glares at the little fluff ball. "You sure did." He mumbles.

Stephen coughs, pitifully trying to cover his laugh and clears his throat.

I laugh at his attempt to hide his laugh and begin to feel better after seeing that scared puppy.

I walk over to the back of the store where the cats are and slowly walk from one cage to another.

'Scared, angry, sad, scared, mean...'

It went on like this for a while until I got to the last cage in the far corner of the room. I was about to give up when I heard a loud "meeooww!"

I look down at a large black cat that was staring back at me with curious, bright green eyes.

'Brave.'

I grin and reach down for the cat to sniff my hand. It immediately gets up from its resting spot and licks my hand.

"What do you think?" Asks a deep voice from behind me.

I jump and let out a little yelp. I spin around and Stephen is trying-and failing-to hold in a laugh. Thomas on the other hand, is sitting on the floor laughing hysterically.

"That's not funny!" I whisper in order not to scare the animals.

"You're right Alexandra!" Laughed Thomas. "It was absolutely hilarious!"