The Land of Meow Short Story Series

Chapters One to Eight: "Adventure."

Chapter One: "Mrs. Watson's Son Meets Mother."

Jonathon had been helping Brian Watson enclose the back verandah all Saturday morning, and while the job was nowhere near finished, it was beginning to take some sort of shape. Mrs. Watson would be happy to have a nice place to sit, and if Boysie Budgie ever got out of his cage again, he would be protected by the shade-cloth meshing.

Around midday, Jonathon's stomach growled hungrily. "It must be lunch time," he said. "I better get back home. Mother will be looking for me."

"I will walk you home," Brian offered.

Jonathon was about to object that it was only just down the drive and out the Watson's gate, into his own gate and back up his own drive. Then he remembered that some adults were careful never to let children go anywhere on their own.

"Thank you," he said.

Brian accompanied Jonathon to his house. Jonathon was going to rush straight inside, but Brian insisted on knocking. Ginger-Fluff jumped down off the fence and rubbed himself around their legs. Mother answered the door. She looked surprised that Jonathon would knock on his own front door, but then she saw Brian.

Mother blushed and touched her hair. She tried to look as though she was not wearing her house dress and apron. "Hello," she said.

"I don't believe we have met," Brian said. "I am Mrs. Watson's adult son."

"I have heard a lot about you," Mother said.

"I'll bet," Brian said. He looked amused. "You have a good boy here yourself. He has been helping me all morning."

"I know," Mother said. "I could just see you over the fence through the kitchen window." She blushed again and held out her hand. "Please call me Natalya."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Natalya," Brian said. It was his turn to blush and look a bit nervous. "I have been wondering whether, as by all accounts, you and I are the only thirtyish people on the street – you would like to go to see a movie with me tonight?"

"I would love to," Mother said primly. "My daughter, Teela, is old enough to babysit her brother, so I can go out."

"I will pick you up at seven then," Brian said. He turned and headed back down the driveway, whistling happily.

Chapter Two: "Mother Goes on a Date."

After serving the children's tea, Mother was occupied getting dressed to go out with Brian. She was clearly excited and made a great effort with her dress and hair. When she had finished, Jonathon thought she looked very pretty. It was almost a pity all the effort would be wasted upon Mrs. Watson's son. Jonathon liked Brian, but he wasn't sure he wanted the man going out with mother.

"I wish I could come with you," Jonathon sighed.

Mother patted his head. "I need to go out on my own with other adults occasionally," she said. "Outside of work, I don't get much chance."

Jonathon grunted. He supposed Mother had a point, but he did not like being babysat by Teela, who could be bossy at times. He sat down on the lounge to watch television. There was usually a children's film that started early on Saturday evenings. Brian knocked on the front door once again, and Mother went outside to greet him. There was a soft hum as his car engine took off.

"I think it is romantic," Teela breathed.

Jonathon looked alarmed. "I hope not," he said.

"Why not?" Teela looked amused. "It's not like Dad is coming back!"