The Better Life // Ryan Ross

Swing, Swing

     Meagan opened the fence door that was separating the outside world from a large park with a playground, pond, colorful gardens, and huge trees. "Hey, lets go sit under that shady tree over there." she said pointing to a lovely cherry blossom tree on a hill. We walked over there and sat down avoiding the suns rays, yet observing the beautiful park. "Want to eat later instead and just relax here for now?"

     "Yeah," I took a nice deep breath and cleared up my mind just to take in the beauty from nature. "Wow, it's really pretty from up here."

     "Yeah." she said unhooking Hemingway from his leash letting him sniff around the tree we were leaning our backs on. Lolu wanted to join him too but, I wasn't prepared for letting her off her leash because I was afraid she would run away. I know it's a fenced park and all but, she can run really fast and dig right under the fence if they're any holes.

     "Mom, are you ever worried that Hemingway could run away?"

     "Not really,"

     "Why?"

     "Because, if he ever did run off, it would be easy to get him back because hes chipped which means we can find out where he is if he runs away. Also he doesn't run very fast and we can always use food to bring him back."

     "Oh,"

     "Why don't you let Lolu go? She seems pretty bored." I turned to see the fuzzy black dog laying down with her head between her paws closing her eyes.

     "I feel like she would run away and not come back, also because not everyone likes her. She can be very jumpy and run right towards people very fast trying to say 'hi' but then they get scared because they think shes going to bite them."

     "Well, has she ever bitten anyone?"

     "Well no but, many people think she will."

     "Then its their problem thinking that a 15-pound, about 15-inch high, 20 to 25 inch long, lovable, loyal, poodle mix will attack them. I mean, just look at her, she's so harmless, the only thing she'll do is lick you to death with love."

     "Thank you for understanding, Mom."

     "No problem, kiddo." We sat in silence overlooking the playground for a while until Meagan broke the silence. "Shoot," she whispered.

     "What?" I asked turning my head towards her.

     "I forgot to bring the picnic blanket so we could place the food on without getting it dirty on the grass."

     "Does that mean that we have to leave early?" I asked her hoping that we wouldn't.

     "No, sweetheart, I think I'll just go and get it with Hemingway and I'll ask if one of the other mons could babysit you really quick. Would you be okay with that?" I stopped to think for a second. What if she does leave and doesn't come back? Was this all a setup to get me out of the picture? No, either way, Pete would be furious and come and get me if that even happened. Dang it, Jamie, stop thinking negatively of Meagan.

     "Yeah, I guess I'll be fine. . ." I replied bending my head down. I felt her move and use her finger to lift my head up to make direct eye contact with her.

     "Hey, don't worry. I'll be back in 10 minutes,  I promise, and I don't break my promises." she told me and kissed my forehead. "Okay, stay here really quick." she got up and walked up to a mother who was standing somewhere else overlooking the playground. They had a quick conversation and she came back with the other mother. "Sweetheart, this is Mrs.Ritter, she'll take care of you really quick while I go and get the blanket. Do you want me to take Lolu back home?" Meagan asked me as she got back. Mrs.Ritter was tall, about Meagan's height, and had these stunning blue eyes that reminded me of glass.