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ARIADNE
Ipet Mrs. Claws while debating if I can really keep her. She’s so tiny and vulnerable that I can’t just put her back outside. Plus, I named her already. Claws purrs under my touch. She follows me around everywhere I go with her cute little tail whipping. It hasn’t even been 24 hours, and I’m already attached to her.
“What is that?”
I jump at the sound of Laura's voice. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to her randomly popping up.
“Stop scaring me! How do you move so quietly? I swear you're a spy or something.” I go back to petting my little baby girl.
“I am,” she responds, going straight for my refrigerator. “Want me to make us breakfast?”
“No, thanks.” Crap. I should probably get Mrs. Claws some food. Oh, I’ll also need a litter box and all kinds of other cat things. I don’t even know where to start. Then it hits me that Mrs. Claws needs a little Christmas house, too. That’s one of the first things I’m going to order for her. I bet Brendan’s furball doesn’t have one of those. I could decorate my kitten’s little house to look better than his actual house. Double win.
“‘No, thank you’? You’re turning down breakfast?” Laura turns from the refrigerator to look at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Are you feeling okay?” She walks over and touches my forehead, pretending to check my temperature. She’s so dramatic sometimes.
“I’m fine. I just have plans.”
“Now I’m getting worried. You have plans? Like, that aren't happening in this house?” She motions around with her hand.
I shrug it off like it’s no big deal. Inside, I’m kind of freaking out. Was this like a date? Maybe I should do my hair and put something nice on. I look down at my Christmas sweater and my yoga pants. I shrug, deciding that I’m not going to change for anyone. Plus, this isn’t a date, it’s me holding up my end of the deal. No more, no less.
“What’s going on, Ariadne? I’m starting to get worried.” She peers at me with her direct brown eyes.
I’m not even sure how to explain what’s happening between me and Satan Claus across the street.
“Okay, so, you know how I needed those icicle lights to finish part of the outside display?” I’d sent her an angry text when I found mine busted.
“Yeah. Is that jerk across the street giving you a hard time? Oh my God, you’re finally going to let me torch his house!” She automatically thinks he’s done something bad to me. I can’t fault her. First, she’s a good friend. And second, I have really made him out as the villain.
“Well, he sort of bought all of them, and I made a deal with him that I would see him every day for the next two weeks.” I rush the words out and close my eyes.
I hear her take a deep breath and I peek one eye open to see what she’s doing. She bursts out laughing. She holds her side and bends over in her fit of laughter.
“It’s not funny!” I sit up, picking up Claws and putting her in my lap. She curls into a ball, making herself right at home. Yeah, I amsokeeping her. I’ll be the cat lady. Who cares when you get to have something so adorable?
“It’s funny. More so because I don’t think you’re getting it.” She walks toward me, peeking down at Claws. “How’d you get this kitten to come to you? I’ve been trying to snag her up, but she always runs when I get close.” She reaches down to pet her.
“She came right to me.”
Laura smiles. “Guess she’s been waiting for you to cave and didn't want someone else to ruin her chance.” She gives her one last pet on her little head before going back over to the refrigerator and stealing a chocolate milk. I make sure to order extra food on my grocery deliveries so she always has something to eat.
“Fine. We’ll eat later.” She chugs down half the chocolate milk. Laura can out-eat me any day, but she still remains lean. I have no idea where she puts everything that goes into her mouth. “Wanted to give you a heads-up.” She points over toward Brendan’s house. “Satan Clause has a top-of-the-line security system. There isn’t an inch of his premises that isn’t covered by a camera.”
I look at his house, following where she’s pointing. “Why?”
We live in a nice neighborhood. Who needs that kind of security in our quiet little town? It sounds over the top. What did he say he did for a living? Maybe he didn’t say, but I don’t think he leaves that house much either. The knowledge of his security system strikes me as odd and spikes my curiosity about him. Is he hiding something?
“All I’m saying is we can’t just burn his house down. We’ll get busted.” Her face is as serious as can be. I never know when she’s joking or not. I’m going to lean toward joking to make myself feel better.
“How do you know this?” I stand, picking Claws up with me. I know it’s almost time to do breakfast, but I don’t want to leave her either. Maybe I should just bring her with me. If he says no, then it will be an excuse for me to stay home. Although, I must admit that I’m a little excited to see him again. My thoughts are all over the place. This entire situation has me feeling unsteady.
She taps her temple. “I know all kinds of things. Remember? I’m a spy.”
I roll my eyes. “A spy wouldn't need a key to get in.”
“That's just me displaying my fancy manners,” she deadpans, making me snort a laugh.
A knock sounds at my door.
