Bad Blood (h.s.)

Part Sixty

Part Sixty

The little kitten slowly runs through the aisle, chasing after the little mouse toy. I sit on the floor as Harry stands on the other end, grabbing the toy from Java.

"Go by mum, Java, go," he tosses the toy to me and the little kitten trots over, her fur all matted from sleeping in my arms on the way here.

The mouse is taken in Java's paws, her little claws gripping the toy. She starts to play with it and Harry walks to me, helping me off the ground with his left hand. He then crouches down and lifts Java, her mouse toy dangling from her mouth. I take it from her and grab a couple more. Harry already bought the kennel, hopefully not to be used, her little bed, a bag of cat food, the litter box, and all the other essentials for the kitten.

"You ready to go?" he asks, I nod but tell him I have to pay for the toys. He says he'll meet me in the car and I nod, exchanging a kiss with him before separating. My feet walk to the cash register and I pay for the toys, swiping my credit card and grabbing the bag. I walk out of the store and walk to the car, seeing Harry playing with the cat, who is sitting in front of him.

"Beth look, she plays the drums," he comments, grabbing her front paws and drumming to the song on the radio. I can't help but let a laugh out, but Java meows and I grab her from him, cradling her in my arms.

"Fine, ruin my fun," he sarcastically comments, his right thumb brushing over the cat's head. The cat is shaking, probably not accustomed to Harry yet, or any sudden motions like acting as drumsticks. She calms down rather quickly in my arms and I lift her, kissing the top of the furry animal's head.

"Why the name Java?" Harry asks, turning onto the road.

"To be honest, she looked like coffee so I thought Java would fit."

He smiles and continues to drive, telling me how excited he was to see my reaction. It was comforting to know how happy he was to get a cat, and I laugh when he tells me how he tried to not say kitten when asking for one.

"It's unmanly to say kitten," he explains.

"But you just did," I laugh, his lips in a playful smile.

"Yes but you love me so you don't count," he says, knowing full well he is manly as ever.

Harry pulls into the apartment parking lot, parking and both of us getting out. Java starts meowing and I regret having to put her in the kennel, knowing I have to help carry in the cat supplies. My arms hold her food and toys and my right hand has her bed. Harry's carrying her kennel and litter-box supplies while walking behind me. We walk into the apartment and I put Java's stuff on the counter, walking to Harry and talking the cat out of the cage, holding her in my hand. I pet her fuzzy fur and Harry kisses the top of my head, walking to the laundry room to set up the litter-box.

My hands set the cat on the ground, letting her roam for a while and I let Harry know, just to make sure he doesn't step on her. I set out the new dishes for Java's food and if wanted, water, and I put her toys in the living room.

"Beth," Harry calls, his hands fumbling terribly, the cast not helping him.

I walk to him and kneel down, helping him put the plastic pieces together. Harry hands work to place the litter into the box, placing it against the wall.

"I have one more thing with you, then we can go for your birthday lunch/dinner."

He checks his watch and kisses my cheek. "More like dinner considering it's almost two and this will take about two hours."