Make Me Stay

2| LATE NIGHT PIZZA?

"Dalton, come on leave the poor girl alone." It's funny how we talk to our dogs. As if they were humans. As if they would at any time reply to our stupid chat. I always loved dogs when I was a little girl, but my parents wouldn't get me one afraid I wouldn't be responsible enough to take care of a breathing animal after my little brother Timo wasn't able to keep his fish alive.

I admit I'm a bit relieved about that decision. I know now I'm completely capable of attending all his necessities, but I used to be the most spoilt children in NY. A dog, it's not a present. A dog is another family member, who needs to be fed, cleaned and loved just like us. It's said they don't have any feelings but I can't accept that. I simply can't.

"No it's okay, he's really gentle plus I love dogs. I wish I had one, but Spencer is allergic to their whatever." The girl was cute. She had black curly hair tied up in a bun, her honey eyes were big and made her nose look even smaller than what actually was. Her lips had a soft cupid's bow and her smile seemed truly genuine. "My name's Lynn."

I smiled at her "Quinn, nice to meet you." I pulled her in a hug and first she stood still as if she didn't expect me to do that. "And this boy over..." I turned my head to search for my baby who was sniffing a flower "there, is Dalton."

He turned his head at the sound of his name and then continued his duty of poking the flower with his paw without actually touching it. Basically he was poking the air above the flower.

Dogs.

We walked Dalton together and I learnt she was my age and that she lived with her step brother, but he was like his brother for her and his friends. Among them the Spencer guy who was allergic to dogs. Another guy called Oliver and another one of our age called Stephan.

She didn't mention any parents but neither did I. We talked about music, shopping, favourite color... It was a nice talk, not forced nor uncomfortable. Just two people getting to know each other.

She helped me to my gate and I opened it to let Dalton run around.

"So, what made you move into this dull and boring neighbourhood?" She asked me. For her it was just an innocent question. For me, well not so much.

"Two eggs, a pan, me chocking in the water, the water falling on the pan, a chopping board next to the pan and napkins. Lots of them." It wasn't a lie, just partially the truth. I remember Dalton in all his German Shepherd glory pulling me by my oversized sweater towards the door as I tried to safe at least my newly bought sofa.

She laughed and understood what I wanted to say. We exchanged numbers and she left. I then remembered I had to hire a chef and I definitely needed a car. I left my old one in our car park. I'm not that stupid I know they could track me. Which is why the property is also under a nickname. I'm just saying that a certain Lolita Mendez has just inherited a respectable amount of money from an unknown source.

Dalton looked me with puppy eyes he knew what was about to happen.

"Don't do that Dalton, it's not gonna work. I'm immune to your puppy eyes." He made a noise which made me cry on the inside.

I closed the door slowly and dramatically making every second last as much as possible.

"I love you Dalton, I'll come back for you, I paw swear it." Everytime I left home without him we did this. He put his head on the floor and covered his eyes with his paws while the sound of the door closing made Dalton disappear.

I was back after a long process of 4 whole hours of signing papers and paying until the very last bill for my new car.

I was greeted by an excited Dalton and I walked him under the moonlight.