One Wish

Chapter One

[Chapter One]

 

(13 years ago)

 

I was only 4 years old. School was over and no one could watch me at home, since my dad’s on a business trip. My mom was a vet and I was sitting on a couch in her office. She had coworkers that were really close with her, that’s how I met Landon. There was actually a pet store right next door. When you think about it, it was kind of connected. The door was inside the building, leading to the Pet Shop. I was staring at the wall, nothing to do.

 

“Beezus, since you look bored, why don't you look at the animals next door?” I just looked at her. “Landon’s mom could take you, if you want.” She called over a woman named Lena.

“Hey, Lena? Could you take Beezus to the Pet Shop? I’m kind of busy with paperwork over here. Maybe you could bring Landon with her.”

 

“Sure.” She looked behind her and I saw a boy around my age standing right behind her. She turned her head to ask him,“Wanna go to to the Pet Store with Beezus?”

 

He looked at me and nodded. I had a feeling at the gut of my stomach. I knew that it was either something I ate, or because of this boy.

 

We were next door and we were looking at puppies barking behind glass. I was shy, I didn’t know what to say. All I know is that is boy is giving me butterflies. 

 

“So, you know my name?” He smiled at me. It made my stomach turn, the way he looked at me. “Isn’t it Landon?” I guessed, smiling back. He put out his hand, I guess I’m supposed to shake it, since I see my dad to it all the time with his friends. I put my hand out, shaking his. I smiled. “I’m Beezus.” 

 

There was this one puppy we saw, a Dalmatian. That’s what it said on the tag, taped on the glass. It was completely white, no spots at all. That’s when a man came up to us “You like this dog?”

Landon replied, “We’re just looking.” The man kneeled down, being the same level as us.

 

“I know you two, both of your moms work next door, right?” He pointed at the both of us. “I could talk to them if you want to buy a pet. I’ll give them a discount. And if you want, I could give you two dog tags that match together. It would be a friendship thing.” He stood up and walked over to his desk and pulled out two silver chains with metal tags on either of them. “I could engrave your names on it.”

 

We ended up buying that Dalmatian. It was a boy, and we decided to name him Hershey, as in Hershey’s While Chocolate. We both thought of the idea. We got the dog tags for both of us, too. Mine says ‘Beezus Lancaster & Landon Bartlett’ and right below our names, said ‘Hershey,’ with the date of the day we got him.

It said the same with Landon’s but his name was first, then mine instead.

 

We were in the same schools, we were always classmates. We were the best friends that would never break up. We would eat lunch together, we would go to each other’s house. My life was perfect when he was around. I don't know what I’d do without him.

 

(End of flashback)

 

I held my dog tag and tears started forming in my eyes. Hershey was back home. I couldn’t bear to see him. He would remind me of Landon, my love. I stood up, still looking at the dog tag. I smile at the memory, even though I had fresh tears come out of my eyes.

 

(Flashback)

 

“What do you want to name him?” Landon asked me, kneeling, petting his head. “A Dalmatian’s skin looks like white chocolate with chocolate chips in the middle.” I looked down at the newly bought puppy. “Hershey’s White Chocolate. We should name him Hershey.” He looked up at me, grinning. I smiled. It was pretty creative. “Yeah.” I kneeled down, petting Hershey. 

 

The Employee came out from the back of the shop and was carrying two necklaces and a dog leash with a tag. He gave me mine, ‘Beezus Lancaster & Landon Bartlett’ with ‘Hershey,’ right below our names, then the date, January 8, 1999. I was grinning ear to ear. I loved it. This will be part of my life, until the day I die.

 

(End of Flashback)