A New Chapter Of Time ~ A Timeless Fanfiction (COMPLETED!)

Chapter 10 ~ San Alkaa Animal Shelter

The sunlight shone through the window of the car, blinding Lucy and Wyatt. Lucy loved the beauty of the sun. Even though it was bright and often irritated her eyes, she loved it, just like she admired the moon. And just like the moon, the sun made her think. She stared out the window, thinking of everything once again. Thanks Rittenhouse.. Lucy thought, narrowing her eyes against the light of the sun. The thoughts seemed to be endless. "Hey.. You good?" Wyatt asked, moving his hand up and down in front of her face. Lucy flinched when she realized he was talking to her. "Yeah.. I'm good." She said, smiling. Yeah right.. I can tell something is bothering you.. Wyatt said silently. "Are you okay? That would be more of the question as of right now.." Lucy replied quietly. "I'll be fine.. Ma'am.." He grinned. Lucy blushed even redder than a blood moon. When will you confess? I am falling for him.. Falling like I am falling from a cliff.. Lucy questioned herself. Within a few moments of Lucy being lost in thought (again), they had arrived at the San Alkaa Animal Shelter (SAAS).

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It was a beautiful day, despite the snow. Even though it was cold outside, the sun was out. Not only was the sun out, but the animals were out too. Volunteers at the shelter were playing with the animals. To Wyatt's surprise, there were even some horses. There were dogs everywhere, and cats were out of their cages, walking around. "I guess it's a free roam day!" Lucy said cheerfully. "What..?" Wyatt asked, confused. "Some of animals are allowed to be let out of their cages and walk around the building or outside." Lucy explained. "Interesting.." Wyatt replied. "Seems like a nice place." He said, looking around. "Indeed it is." Lucy beamed. Out of the crowd of animals came an elderly golden retriever.

"Luke.." Lucy whispered. The dog approached, wagging his tail slowly. Lucy kneeled on the ground and pet him. His muzzle had grayed and his eyes looked tired and old. Despite his facial features and graying hair, he was in great shape. Luke licked her face. "I've missed you too, buddy.." Wyatt kneeled down beside Lucy, and attempted to pet the dog. However, Luke growled and backed away. "Okay, sorry." Wyatt muttered, rising to his feet. Animals always seemed to hate him.. "It's okay.. Luke just tends to get that way towards new people.. And as much as I hate to say it, especially men.." Lucy replied, looking up at Wyatt. "I understand." Wyatt replied softly. "Well, he's a senior dog. He's been here for many years, and has seen a lot. Luke is very wise.." Yes.. Wise indeed. Amy said, nodding in agreement. To Amy's surprise, Luke had noticed her.. After all he was an animal, and animals are known to sense "paranormal" activity. The dog approached Amy. Hello, my dear friend..I have missed you a lot. Amy said, reaching down to pet Luke. The elderly dog dipped his head respectful to Amy. He understood every word she said. And then he went back over to Lucy.

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By the time Luke padded back over to Lucy, Wyatt kneeled down beside her in his second attempt to befriend the dog. Luke gently sniffed Wyatt. And when he was satisfied that Wyatt was like Lucy, a good human to trust, he licked Wyatt's face. Lucy and Wyatt both laughed. "Hello." A familiar voice said. Lucy looked up to see her friend, Kate. There was a parrot perched on her shoulder. Kate was a very kind person, who had founded the animal shelter with her husband nearly a decade before. She was an elderly Cherokee woman who loved animals and wanted to protect every single one of them at all costs. "Kate.." Lucy said, standing up to hug the woman. "How are you? It feels like I haven't seen you in years.." Kate asked, her gray eyes shining with happiness. "I am great! Here is someone I'd like you to meet." Lucy said, gesturing to Wyatt to stand up. "This here is my friend Wyatt Logan. He works with me." Kate smiled. "Nice to meet you sir." She replied. "It's very nice to see you again. I decided to come and visit today, and Wyatt wanted to come along with me." "I see.." Kate said, looking at from Lucy to Wyatt. "So are you guys.. A thing, I guess that's appropriate to say?" Kate asked, tilting her head to one side. Both of them blushed. "N-n-no.. Just friends." Lucy managed to say through her embarrassment. Kate sighed. "I can tell when you young people are lying.." She said, shaking her head. The parrot on her shoulder squawked, as if it were agreeing. "Anyways, feel free to explore the shelter.. Have fun!" Kate said, walking away. "That was kind of awkward.." Wyatt said. "I apologize for that. Kate has been known to "seek out" young people like that before.." Wyatt smirked. "It's okay.. Anyways, what is there to see here?" Lucy smiled and yanked his shirt in excitement. "Follow me." She said.

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Throughout the late morning and afternoon, Lucy and Wyatt met and played with many animals. Barely any of Lucy's friends volunteered at the shelter anymore; only a few of them did, and none of them were present today. Lucy reunited with many animals who she thought she'd never see again. "The great thing about this shelter is, if the animal is not adopted, they keep them here until they are. The sad thing is, some animals end up staying here for the rest of their lives.. I fear that'll happen to Luke, and he's now considered aged." She told Wyatt. "That would truly be a shame.. He seems like such a good dog. How come nobody wants him?" Lucy thought for a moment, and then spoke. "Probably because he is half-blind.. See how his right eye is clouded? That's why.." Wyatt frowned. "That's stupid. People should want an elderly dog like Luke; he's wise, friendly, loyal and adorable. Age is just a number, and blindness is only one weakness." Wyatt replied. Lucy sighed. "I agree with you, but it's just the way people think. I wish I could adopt him, but I don't really have the time nor the money.." She replied, watching Luke and the other animals playing in the yard. She and Wyatt sat on a bench that was near the gate. "I want Luke to have a safe, happy, and loving home before he gets too old.." Her voice trailed off. "I feel like I've failed him.." Wyatt turned and looked at Lucy. "You haven't failed him, and I promise to not fail him either. Be right back." He said, as he got up and walked inside. Lucy got up and played with the dogs, assuming Wyatt had to use the bathroom. But little did she know that she was wrong..