Читать книгу A Pug Like Percy: A heartwarming tale for the whole family - Fiona Harrison, Fiona Harrison - Страница 9

As the car crunched over a gravelled driveway and came to a halt, I craned my neck through the carrier, to assess my new home. It was not a big house, and it was far from glamorous unlike Javier’s old flat, but with its red brick exterior, black front door and smart, curved bay windows, it looked warm cosy and inviting.

While Simon helped Jenny out of the car, I peered out of the window and felt relieved it had stopped raining. The early November grey clouds were doing nothing for my mood. As Gail opened my door and reached inside to pull me out, the feel of her warm hands around my middle helped settle my nerves. I had spent weeks longing for a new life, now it was finally here I felt scared.

‘Welcome home, Percy,’ Gail whispered, holding me close and gently stroking my head. ‘I know this will all feel a bit strange at first, but we already love you so much, we will do everything we can to make you happy.’

I turned my brown eyes to meet Gail’s, and stretched out my paw to lie across her forearm. Thank you, I communicated silently as we walked across the gravel and into the house. What was it about Kelly and now Gail, I wondered, that they always seemed to know just what I was thinking?

Once inside, I sniffed the air and got my bearings. I could make out the scent of coffee and laundry as I looked around what I assumed was the hallway. I was pleased to find it already smelt like home. I saw a console table filled with keys and mail underneath a large gilt mirror. To my right, I saw a host of what looked like family photos above the stairs. There was a big picture of a young-looking Gail holding Jenny when she was born, while above it stood prints of older couples surrounding Gail and Simon, and I guessed they were Jenny’s grandparents.

In the middle, in pride of place, was a picture of a beaming Simon and Gail alongside Jenny. Peering closer, it looked as though the photo had been taken recently outside this house and although the couple was beaming into the lens, the wrinkles around Gail’s eyes were prominent, and Simon’s smile did not meet his eyes.

‘Tea, love?’ Simon called from what I guessed was the kitchen.

‘Yes, please, and a big bowl of water for Percy,’ Gail replied, as she sat me down on the floor.

‘Already done,’ he called. ‘His lordship will want for nothing.’

I chuckled inwardly at Simon’s use of the word. Gabriella had often used the same phrase, but it never sounded friendly. The way Simon had said it felt completely different – not only was the word loaded with affection, but the gentle teasing already made me feel as though I belonged.

‘Hey, what about me?’ asked Jenny as she came down the stairs.

‘As if I could forget.’ Simon emerged from the room at the bottom of the corridor, grinning. ‘I’ve made you your favourite hot chocolate.’

Jenny’s smile widened. ‘Thanks, Dad. Can I go and show Percy my room now?’

I barked willingly at Jenny. I couldn’t wait to explore and spend some time with the little girl. Looking up at Gail, I saw her exchange glances with Simon but I couldn’t understand what she was trying to say.

‘Go on then,’ she said eventually, with a smile. ‘But not too long – you need a rest as you’ll be tired after all the excitement this morning.’

‘Muuuum,’ Jenny whined, ‘I’m fine. I was only in the car.’

Gail looked at her daughter with determination in her eyes. ‘Exactly, just a few minutes with Percy and then bed, please.’

‘Okay,’ she sighed, obviously realising this was a battle she was unlikely to win.

As I trailed behind Jenny up the stairs, I glanced behind me and saw Gail’s eyes were still filled with worry. I knew I had only just arrived in their home, but I did feel my new owner was overreacting a bit. Jenny was right, she had only been in a car for a couple of hours, she had hardly been chasing rabbits all morning.

As we reached her room, Jenny pushed open the door and I gazed in wonder at the posters of Justin Bieber and One Direction that lined every wall. Opposite the window stood a single bed with a patterned bedspread and a big stuffed cuddly teddy bear, which was propped up against the pillows. I glanced to my right and saw the bookshelf on the wall nearest the door was filled with books on horses and ponies. I could see at a glance it was a girl’s room and one Jenny was obviously very proud of.

‘Welcome to my room, Percy.’ She grinned down at me.

‘Thank you for inviting me,’ I barked solemnly.

‘What do you think?’ she asked, whirling around the room.

‘It’s very nice,’ I yapped as she scooped me into her arms and sat us both on her bed.

‘I knew you’d love it, Percy.’ She smiled, settling me onto her lap.

Once we were both comfy, she lay down and I stretched out along her legs.

‘We’re going to have such a good time together, I’ve got it all planned out,’ she said excitedly. ‘We’re going to play brilliant games, and I’m going to be the one that lets you out for a wee every morning. Dad says that even though I’m poorly, I’ve got to learn responsibility, whatever that means.’

I uncurled my tail with pleasure. This sounded wonderful already, and I rather liked the idea of me and this little girl spending some precious alone time together, even if it was just so I could spend a penny.

‘I’ve also made you a special sort of bedroom in the kitchen downstairs, where I’ve put your bed, your food and water,’ she continued eagerly. ‘And Mum’s knitted you a new blanket to keep you warm and Dad’s got you a brilliant new collar with your name and our phone number engraved on it.’

This was getting better and better and I let out a little enthusiastic bark, wanting to show Jenny just how much I approved of everything she was telling me. Javier had never gone to such trouble, but then he and I preferred napping on the sofa to going out too much. Perhaps this spelled the start of more walks and I wondered if Gail might be persuaded to kit me out in one of those cute little coats when winter arrived that I’d seen other pugs wear in the park. My mind wandered as I imagined myself trotting next to Jenny, Simon and, of course Gail, dressed in a checked waterproof jacket that would not only keep me cosy and dry, but complement my glossy black fur. I was so busy imagining myself looking stylish at the park, I lost track of what Jenny was saying and only caught the last part of it.

‘. . . so when I’m in the hospital next month, I’d really love it if you could keep a special eye on Mum, please, Perce,’ she said quietly.

I barked at her again, trying not to sound alarmed. I knew Gail had mentioned something about Jenny being poorly, but hospital sounded serious. I yapped again, trying to get her to tell me more, but just as I opened my little mouth, the door opened and Gail’s beaming face appeared around the door.

‘How are you two getting on?’ she asked.

Jenny smiled down happily at me. ‘Brilliant, Mum. I’ve just been showing Percy my room and he loves it.’

‘That’s great, sweetheart.’ She smiled. ‘But it’s time for a nap now.’

‘No way!’ she protested. ‘Me and Perce are having the best time. I want us to play a game now.’

My eyes met Gail’s and I saw her eyes were still filled with worry. I turned to Jenny and realised she looked exhausted. Her eyes appeared grey instead of a sparkling blue and her skin was sallow. With a start, I wondered if the hospital visit Jenny had mentioned a few moments ago had something to do with the reason Gail was keen for her daughter to take a nap. I wanted to help. If Jenny had to sleep, the last thing she needed was me distracting her. Opening my mouth wide as if to yawn, I slumped my face onto my front paws and shut my eyes as if I were ready for bed. The action was not lost on Gail, who, I was relieved to find, quickly took advantage of my actions.

‘Well, look at Percy,’ she said gently. ‘He needs a nap because he’s had a big day. He’s falling asleep on your legs, so how about I take him downstairs and let him have a little rest in his new bed. Then you can play games and we’ll give him a full tour after you’ve both had a nap.’

‘Okay,’ Jenny replied sulkily.

As Gail picked me up, she planted a kiss on Jenny’s forehead and then mine. Turning back to glance at her as Gail shut her bedroom door, I was delighted to see the little girl was already fast asleep.

Gail drew her head back and regarded me curiously. ‘I’ve no idea if you can understand what I’m saying, but that’s a couple of times now you’ve helped me out of a sticky situation.’

‘I can understand you loud and clear,’ I replied with a soft whine.

As we padded down the stairs together, Gail beckoned me to follow her. ‘Come on then,’ she said encouragingly, ‘time to see where you’ll be sleeping.’

I trotted eagerly behind her and into the big square kitchen/diner. There was no denying it, Simon was right again, Gail and Jenny had indeed created a luxurious corner for me so I could relax. My large new bed was right next to the radiator so I’d be warm, while the bed itself was dressed in blanket after cosy-looking blanket, with a softer than soft hand-knitted patchwork blanket on top. I realised they smelled of Gail and felt instantly comforted, I was so excited to dive right in. I turned around and looked over at Gail and Simon who were standing at the kitchen doorway, arms wrapped around each other, smiling indulgently at me.

‘Go on,’ Gail coaxed, ‘this is your home now, Percy, just shut your eyes for a bit and have a rest.’

Excited, I turned back to my new bed and placed first one paw then another into the blankets. Soft, squishy and oh so warm, it felt like heaven as I walked around in little circles to try to get comfortable. Once I had found the perfect spot, I sank my head into the nice warm space I had carved out for myself. I needed very little encouragement, as I glanced once more at a delighted-looking Gail and Simon, I shut my eyes and immediately fell asleep.

*

‘If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, Gail, we can afford it,’ Simon said, his rasping tones waking me from my slumber.

‘I know you keep saying we can afford it, but I just don’t see how,’ Gail protested, as I opened my eyes and saw her emptying the dishwasher. ‘Holidays are expensive, and I know it’s just a week away in the Lakes but, if we go back down to Barnstaple instead, we can stay with my parents for free.’

‘But then it’s not a holiday, love. We’ll get bogged down seeing friends, looking after your parents and doing the things we used to do when we lived down there. If old Mrs Shand finds out I’m back, she’ll have me servicing her boiler for free and you know I won’t be able to resist.’

‘That Mrs Shand won’t just want her boiler serviced if she finds out you’re back! You’re too kind for your own good.’ Gail grinned, swatting him with a tea towel. ‘And I know we need a proper holiday, love, but now I’ve given up my job in the café to home-school Jenny, every penny counts.’

‘So why did you decide now was a good time to get a dog, if money is such a worry?’ Simon spat.

I felt a stab of alarm as I opened one eye and saw Simon rest his back against the sink, his arms folded in what looked like fury.

‘That’s not fair, Simon,’ Gail whispered angrily. ‘You know how long I’ve wanted to get a dog, and how lonely I’ve been since we moved to London. We both agreed to take Percy on.’

Simon shook his head despairingly. ‘We agreed to give him a chance until Christmas and see how it goes, before deciding whether to keep him for ever. We’ve a lot on our plates with Jenny as it is, without taking on any more responsibility.’

Fear coursed through my fur as I realised my instincts were right. This had all been too good to be true; Javier had proved to me how fickle humans were. How stupid I had been to think things would be different with Gail and Simon. I wanted to howl as I realised that within a few short weeks I could be back at the tails of the forgotten. Would I never be good enough for someone to want me and love me for ever?

I closed my eyes tightly, just as I heard Gail walk across the kitchen floor to join Simon at the sink.

‘You have to give Percy a real chance,’ she said warningly. ‘He’s a wonderful dog and could be just what this family needs. He doesn’t cost that much, and he’ll certainly give us a lot more joy than a few days away in a caravan.’

Opening my eyes again, I felt a rush of love once more for Gail as I saw her face was filled with an earnestness I had never seen on a human before.

Simon cocked his head to one side and regarded his wife. ‘Love, I will give Percy a real chance, I’m just asking you to keep an open mind too. It may not work out with him and all of us have to be prepared for that. Let’s see how things are after Christmas.’

‘Fine,’ Gail sighed. ‘But I want you to know, if you won’t keep Percy, then there’s a real chance I’ll go with him. He’s a lifeline to me.’

‘Even more reason we need a break, love,’ Simon begged, reaching for his wife’s hands and clasping them tightly. ‘But Percy aside, Gail, I can provide for my family, and part of that means I can treat us all to a holiday, even if it’s just a few days in a caravan in wet and windy Keswick.’

I glanced up at Gail, who was now biting her lip. She rounded the table and drew out the chair opposite Simon’s to sit down.

‘I know that, love, but the other good thing about going back down to Devon is that if Jenny has a problem, Mum and Dad are there to help us out. Plus, all the staff at the hospital have dealt with Jenny over the years so will be able to treat her quickly. She’s going into hospital in a couple of weeks for another procedure and we don’t know how successful that’s going to be. I think we should wait and see how that goes before we even think about holidays.’

Simon looked across at his wife and clasped his hands over hers. ‘Nobody knows more than me how sick Jenny is. I grew up worrying about heart conditions remember? My old man was always in and out of hospital with a dodgy ticker and after his fifth heart attack I realised I couldn’t control his health by worrying. I knew I had to make the most of my time with him, which is why one of the best things I ever did was take him golfing in Spain just before he died. I’ll never regret doing that. It made me realise that if we wrap Jenny and ourselves in cotton wool we won’t enjoy life and the time we all have together.’

Thoughts flooded my mind as I realised Jenny was perhaps more poorly than Gail had initially let on. This heart condition, whatever it was, sounded serious. I watched Gail’s back stiffen in her chair as Simon finished his passionate speech. His words had clearly struck a chord and she was torn between wanting to make Simon happy and doing what she instinctively thought was right for her only precious child.

‘You make it sound as though Jenny doesn’t have long left,’ she hissed. ‘It’s as though you’ve already given up and expect her to die just like your father did.’

Gail screwed her face up into an ugly scowl, and I was astounded to see her look so upset. Her body was shaking with anger, and all I wanted to do was sit on her lap and try to calm her down.

‘Don’t be daft,’ Simon said swiftly, ‘of course I don’t think Jenny’s going to die. It was my idea to move back up to London, wasn’t it? I wanted to make sure she had the chance to get to Great Ormond Street quickly, so she would be on hand for top quality care. I wouldn’t have suggested that if I thought she wasn’t going to make it, would I?’

Gail said nothing as Simon took a deep breath. ‘Gail, I know it’s hard for you up here. That you miss our friends and your family, but we’ve got to make a go of it for Jenny’s sake and we can’t keep tripping up and down to Devon. Our lives are here now.’

‘Easy for you to say,’ Gail spat, ‘your mum’s just around the corner and your old school friends are streets away.’

Simon leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath before he spoke. ‘That’s true, but we’re not here for me. Things have changed. We’re here for Jen, and I know it’s rough on you, but you will make friends soon. Why don’t you go line dancing with Mum on Wednesdays? She’s always inviting you.’

‘Because I’ve got two left feet,’ Gail sighed. ‘Not only that, I haven’t the time. Now we’re home-schooling Jenny, I have to make sure we follow the curriculum. I’m determined that her education won’t suffer any more than it has to because of her health.’

‘Which is why we need to make the most of our time and appreciate each other again,’ Simon reasoned.

Gail looked into Simon’s eyes and then back at her lap, shaking her head sadly. ‘I understand, Si, but surely our friends and our family down in Devon are all a part of making the most of that time we have together,’ she said, the frustration creeping into her voice. ‘I know how hard you work, and I know how tired you are working round the clock all the hours. I know you’ve been sleeping in the spare room lately when you’ve crept in late, so you don’t disturb me, but it’s not necessary.’

‘I don’t want to wake you,’ Simon said, shrugging. ‘Taking care of Jenny, schooling her, running this house, it’s a full-time job in itself Gail. You need your sleep.’

‘And I need you beside me.’ Gail smiled, as she lifted her hand and tenderly stroked Simon’s cheek. ‘You, Jenny and now Percy are my family and my life. I’d do anything for any one of you.’

At the mention of my name, I decided this was as good a time as any to try to ease the tension. I opened my brown eyes wider and barked a little yelp of hello.

‘Oh, look, Percy is awake.’ Gail beamed, pushing back her chair across the parquet floor and heading straight for my basket. ‘Hello, gorgeous, how did you sleep?’ she asked softly, crouching on the floor her face pressed close to mine.

‘Fine,’ I barked gently, licking her cheek by way of greeting. I wasn’t sure how long I had napped, but what I did know was that I felt an awful lot better for forty winks. I stretched my front and back legs out to wake them properly and felt my back click into place. Getting to my paws, I felt my tummy gurgle with hunger and realised it must have been hours since I had eaten. I looked at Gail, worried it was too early in our relationship for me to start complaining about my appetite. But, thankfully, she had filled a bowl with my favourite food.

‘This is your home now, Percy,’ she said, as I scampered across the floor towards my grub. ‘You must do exactly what you like.’

I looked up at her again as she nodded reassuringly at me. Was this really my home? The conversation I had heard between Simon and Gail made me wonder. But my growling tummy stopped me from pondering any more as I chewed hungrily at my late lunch. Smacking my lips together, I realised now would be the perfect time to have the tour of the house I had been promised. So far I had only seen a fraction of the place and was eager to see more. Licking my mouth to ensure I had caught every last crumb, I walked towards the table where Simon was still sitting and nuzzled my head against his leg. We had not spent much time together yet and given he was the one who was considering sending me back, I wanted us to get to know one another.

‘Why don’t you give Percy that tour?’ Gail suggested as she caught my affectionate gesture. ‘You can show him your man cave, otherwise known as the spare room.’

Simon looked down at me and grinned. ‘Good idea. Percy, it’s time for you to see my hideaway where I get a bit of peace and quiet away from these nagging women.’

‘You should count yourself lucky you’ve got two women who love you enough to nag at you,’ Gail teased.

As Simon got to his feet and walked out of the kitchen, I followed closely behind. ‘Here’s the living room,’ he explained cheerfully, throwing open the door to the room we had passed earlier.

I took in the large flat-screen television, real fire and squishy leather sofas that stood opposite one another. With more family photographs and a hand-knitted red throw strewn across the back of one of the settees, the place looked warm and inviting. With the chilly weather outside, I was all set to step inside and head towards the rug in front of the fire, but Simon had other ideas.

‘This way, mate. Tour’s not over yet,’ he said, beckoning me up the stairs.

After a quick peek at Gail and Simon’s bedroom, and the bathroom, which seemed nice enough, Simon proudly led me past Jenny’s room to what looked like a spare room at the other end of the corridor. As we stood outside, Simon reminded me of a little boy on Christmas morning as he stood grinning and hopping from foot to foot.

‘You’re going to love it in here, Perce,’ he chuckled. ‘There are no girls allowed in this room, and I want you to think of this place as being yours as much as mine from now on. Any time those women get too much, you’re welcome to pop in.’

I barked in approval, delighted Simon wanted to share what was obviously a very special place with me. He opened the door and stepped inside with obvious enthusiasm. I sniffed the air and realised this room smelt very different to the rest of the house. I couldn’t put my paw on what it was, but the room was musky. I glanced up at Simon, who was standing by the window, hands in his jeans pockets looking proudly around him. I could see why. The room was a boy’s paradise, with posters of Bob Dylan and Oasis lining the walls, while row after row of DVDs such as Reservoir Dogs and The Godfather stood on a black metal shelving unit above a glass mini-fridge, filled with beer. Another large flat-screen television was mounted on the wall next to a rail filled with jeans and shirts, while an outstretched futon with a rumpled duvet stood next to it.

I glanced up at Simon. He seemed more relaxed now than he had all day. Worry coursed through me. I didn’t know much about families, but what I did know from chatting with other dogs like Barney was that most couples spent their nights together. I knew from the conversation I had just overheard between Simon and Gail that she believed he was sleeping up here because he sometimes worked late, but looking at how much happier Simon seemed in this space, I wondered briefly if that was true. I furrowed my wrinkled brow, trying to make sense of it all before glancing back up at Simon. He was watching me intently, and seemed to be waiting for a response. The last thing I wanted to do was upset him.

I thought quickly. As far as bachelor pads went, this was a pretty good one, and barked appreciatively as I sat on the floor by the bed.

Simon sat cross-legged on the floor beside me. ‘I’m glad you approve, mate. I’m hoping you and me will become pals because, you know what, I could really use one in this house.’

I licked his chin, urging him to carry on, his bristles rough against my tongue as he bent his face down towards me.

‘The thing is, Perce, since we moved back up to London, well, our whole lives revolve around Jenny and her illness. It’s heart-breaking. All I want is for Jenny to be well again and for us all to go back to how things were.’

Glancing up at him, I saw his green eyes moisten as he mentioned his daughter’s condition. I was unsure just how sick Jenny was but it was beginning to sound more serious by the second. My heart went out to him and Gail as they were obviously coping in very different ways. Gail by bringing me into the family and Simon, I realised glancing around me, by shutting himself away from his family in this man cave. I nuzzled my face into his lap and tried to let him know I understood.

‘I’m here for you, Simon,’ I barked noisily. ‘I’m here for you all.’