5. Mind game
As Mrs. Sternfeld was approaching the local bulletin board, she saw her husband that was waving to her.
“Hello teddy.” She kissed him and rubbed his arms. “Did it go well?”
“Well, seems we won’t lack on food here.” He smiled and embraced her. “There’s a need for plumbers so my business should go well here.”
“Then I’m happy.” She stroked his head. “I’ll start looking for a job soon as well. So why you wanted to meet me here honey?” She asked.
“Well, we need to know basic informations since we’re new here.” He let go of his wife and turned to bulletin board. “Also I’m hoping to find some info about dog sale.”
“That’s a very good idea teddy.” She smiled happily and looked on the board as well. “Maybe there’s a cooking club for housewives. I would love to share my cooking recipes with others.”
As they were looking on the local bulletin board, they saw many infos attached to desk. Every important information was there - gas, electricity, water, social gathering for pets and their owners-
“I wonder what’s that for?” Mr. Sternfeld pointed his finger at the leaf.
They read the text:
Do you have a pet and you want to meet with other happy owners?
This gathering is just for you! Don’t just sit at home. Make new friends! And your pets will be happy too.
Our program: sharing your thoughts about pets with others, pet counseling, entertaining games and helping people to socialize.
So don’t wait any longer. We meet every Saturday at local coffee shop. Your pets* are also welcomed.
And under the text was written with a small font:
*If you don’t have a pet and you live in Babylon Gardens, it means you’re a local sucker. Don’t show yourself up on the street if you don’t want to be ridiculed by others. Better lock yourself at home and don’t come out.
Mr. Sternfeld’s face was pale. He looked on his wife.
“We better get a dog.
Fast.”
Mrs. Sternfeld nodded, her face was pale too.
They continued looking.
“Oh look teddy.” Mrs. Sternfeld pointed her finger at another info. “Seems that someone is wanted here.”
Mr. Sternfeld looked on the info.
It was an arrest warrant. On a paper was a photo of a young man. He had a brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a green shirt and had a yellow tie attached to his collar. He was frowning, like he was ready to punch someone.
Mr. Sternfeld read the sign:
WANTED
5000$ reward.
Joel Zechariah Robinson. Escaped from prison on the day of his trial. PETA member. Judged for dognapping. Dangerous for pets and humans. Is mentally ill. Also enjoys listening to songs performed by Modern Talking. Probably is somewhere around Babylon Gardens. Avoid any contact and call police immediately when seen.
“Eww!” Mr. Sternfeld looked with disgust on text. “Who actually likes to listen to Modern Talking?”
Mrs. Sternfeld giggled.
“Oh, but he looks cute.” She commented. “I’m sure he’s one of those that can’t be understood by entire world. Just look into his eyes. I can see there despair and confusion.”
Mr. Sternfeld wanted to say something, but suddenly something started to sing in his mind.
Cheri, cheri lady
Going though a motion
Love is where you find it
Listen to your heart…
Cheri, cher-
“
STOP!” Mr. Sternfeld yelled in his mind and shook his head. “Honey, we’re looking for a dog here. Not for a psychotic PETA guy.” He said with a strong tone, trying to set his mind on other tracks.
“You’re right honey.” She smiled cheerfully. “Let’s keep looking.”
They looked again on the board.
There were many other infos beside those informing about taxes. There was about a student who was willing to teach play on guitar, an advertise of some theme park that was recently built near Babylon Gardens, a leaflet from K-9 unit, willing to teach young puppies to read and write…
“But nothing about dogs…” Mr. Sternfeld sighed. “I don’t get it. This place is supposed to be a pet friendly community. And there’s no one who sells dogs and cats around here? I don’t want to be a local sucker here!” He said, thinking about the ad of pet lovers.
Mrs. Sternfeld looked on her husband with a worried expression. She really wanted to help him somehow. But she didn’t know how…
She kept looking more intensively.
And…
“I think I found something.” She said with a cheerful voice.
Mr. Sternfeld looked.
And there it was.
Right in the corner.
A piece of white paper that was a little bent. Mr. Sternfeld was not surprised that he couldn’t see it earlier. It was in a far corner of the board and was covered by other leafs and ads.
He removed the papers that were covering what was under them.
On a paper was a photo of a light brown dog with darker, dangling ears and green eyes. He had a green collar with a diamond shaped tag. In a center of this tag was capital B.
He had an evil grin on his face, like he was planning something nasty.
“Aww what a cutie!” Mrs. Sternfeld smiled widely and placed her clasped hands near her right cheek. “If he was right here, I would just snuggle him to death!”.
“Uh, you sure?” Mr. Sternfeld asked, looking on the dog’s grin. “He looks kinda-“
Cheri, cheri lady!
Like there’s no tomorrow!
Take my hea-
“STOP IT!!!” Mr. Sternfeld screamed once again inside of his head and shook his head violently, making his wife to peel off her gaze from the dog’s photo.
“Honey, is everything alright?” She put her hand on his shoulder.
“Y-yeh…” Mr. Sternfeld was rubbing his forehead. Then he returned his glance on the notice. “So his name is Bino. Replace B with D and you will have Dino.” He giggled softly under his nose. Then he looked on his wife with uncertain expression. “I’m not sure how Matt will react on him. I have a feeling that we’re actually adding oil to fire.”
“Oh, I’m sure teddy that our sonny will love him.” She rubbed his cheek. “Matty always wanted a dog. Now we will fulfill his wish.”
Mr. Sternfeld returned his gaze on the notice. He read the text:
A young dog looking for a loving and caring family that will give him a lot of warmth and sensitivity. Price is…
“A little high…” Mr. Sternfeld muttered. “That dog is not even a special breed. Why would any-“
I get up - I get down
All my world turns around!
Who is right? Who is wrong?
I don’t know…
Mr. Sternfeld hid his face in his hands.
“Read me the number.” He said as he pulled out his mobile phone from his pocket.
Mrs. Sternfeld squealed from happiness and dictated her husband the number that was written on the notice. There were few sounds of clicks and Mr. Sternfeld have putted his mobile to his ear.
Someone picked up.
“Hello? Hi. I’ve just saw your notice on the local bulletin board…”
- - - - - - - - - -
Max was laying on his dad’s green armchair. But he wasn’t sleeping.
He was thinking about Bino. How life without him will look? Better? Or worse?
Some people would say that Max actually would be happy if Bino would move out from their house. Living with a cat hater under one roof must be horrible. No wonder why Max let out a gossip about Bino’s current situation.
But Max never had any problems with Bino. He couldn’t remember any serious argument or a brawl. He actually enjoyed to mock him just to see how would he react. Or ask him from curiosity about his dog things.
Max yawned. He stretched his feline body and stood up. To his mind came an idea to go to Bino’s room and have a little talk with him.
He approached the doors that led to Bino’s room. He grabbed the handle.
To his mind came a scene of what he will see there. All room will be dark and there will barely be any light. On a bed will be some pile of blankets that will tremble and sounds of whimpering will be coming out from it.
Max gulped. He knew that unexpected horrors are waiting there for him. He was ready to face them.
He pushed the handle and have opened the doors.
He looked inside.
And he couldn’t believe his eyes.
Bino was laying in his basket and was playing some game on PSP!
Max slammed the door, causing Bino to jump in his place.
Bino looked on Max. He had his paws on his hips and was glaring at him.
“I simply can’t believe this!” Max said with angry tone. “You’re supposed to be emo and be wrapped in blankets! And what do I see? Bino is playing games and pretends that nothing happens!”
Bino snorted.
“And what do you think I am huh?” He replied. “Some kind of crybaby that will whine whole day on his fate? I’m a dog Max. And a real dog is strong, despite what-“
*sound of lost game*
“Argh!” Bino returned his glance on his PSP. “I died! Thanks a lot Max!”
Max blinked few times. He quickly forgot for what he came here.
“What are you playing?” Max’s eyes were full of curiosity.
“Not your business.” Bino answered shortly as he was pressing the buttons.
Max approached Bino’s bed and sat near him.
“Hey, can I see it?” He reached his paw for PSP.
“What, no!” Bino pushed Max’s paw away.
“Pfff! You’re no fun…” Max crossed his arms. “You would share with your brother. Not having all the fun for yourself.”
Bino have putted out his tongue and pointed it at Max.
“It’s mine.” He said to Max. “And there’s no way I will ever share it with you. I saved a lot of money to purchase it and I won’t allow you to damage it.”
“Saved?” Max asked with annoyance. “We barely get an allowance from dad. And even so, we get only two dollars a week.”
Bino knew why Max was so suspicious. A toilet was supposed to be renovated in Good Ol’ Dogs Club, so club members won’t be thirsty anymore. But Bino snatched some of the gathered money. That’s why whip-round in club still lasts.
Bino had to change the subject fast.
“Alright Max. May I know what are you doing here?” He asked.
“Oh, yeah…” Max scratched back of his head. “Well, I was thinking how it will look around here without you. And I came because I want to tell you something.”
Bino turned off his PSP and putted it away. He supported himself on his elbows.
“Well, what is it?” Bino was curious.
Max took a deep breath.
“You see, it’s that-“
The doors suddenly opened and Jeff showed himself. He looked on Bino.
“Bino, have you packed your stuff?” He asked his dog.
Bino sank in his bed. His false hope was that his dad won’t actually sell him. So he haven’t feel the need for packing anything.
“Well, never mind.” Jeff said, predicting that Bino haven’t done that. “Tomorrow you will stand up earlier and pack what you need. Your new owners will come for you later.”
“My… new owners?” Bino said with a weak voice. Max’s eyes were wide opened as he was glancing at his dad.
“Yes. They live nearby. So the bright side is that you’ll stay in our neighborhood.”
He looked then on both of his pets.
“Well boys, I won’t be disturbing you. Have fun.” Jeff disappeared and closed the doors.
Silence was now filling Bino’s room.
Max looked on Bino who was now looking on ceiling with sad eyes. He put his paw on his shoulder.
“Bino, I’m so s-“
Bino pushed Max’s paw away with force and rolled on his side, turning his back to Max.
“Leave me alone…” Bino covered his head with a pillow.
“But I-“
“
Get out!”
Max was looking on Bino for few moments. Then he slowly stood up and walked towards exit. He silently opened the doors and was going to leave Bino’s room. He glanced on Bino’s bed and folded his ears back. He went out and carefully closed the doors behind him.
- - - - - - - - - -
Mr. Sternfeld was holding his wife in his arms as they were walking home. When they were near their house, they saw someone near their mailbox.
“It’s a policeman.” Mrs. Sternfeld said as she recognized the blue uniform.
Mr. Sternfeld made a worried expression.
“I just hope Matt haven’t gotten himself into new troubles.”
As they approach the policeman, their eyes grew wide.
It was not just a man. It was a
huge guy. He had big muscles, powerful enough to break anyone in half. He was wearing sunglasses and a white helmet.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sternfeld?” The policeman asked. His voice echoed in the pair’s heads.
“Yes. Pleased to meet you officer…” Mr. Sternfeld replied with a weak voice. Compared to him, the policeman was a Goliath and he was just a mere rodent.
“I am officer Bill.” The policeman stretched out his arm for a handshake. “I would like to welcome you in Babylon Gardens. If you’ll have any troubles or you will spot anyone suspicious, feel free to talk with me.”
Mr. Sternfeld accepted the handshake.
As officer Bill squeezed his hand, Mr. Sternfeld almost yelped. He though that officer Bill will crush it. He wanted to kneel.
To his relieve, officer Bill let go of his hand. Mr. Sternfeld wanted to massage it, but he was too afraid to not offend the policeman.
Mrs. Sternfeld was looking on officer Bill with amazement.
“Oh officer!” She said with joy. “You have such a manly chin!”
Mr. Sternfeld stared at his wife. Officer Bill hung his head and blushed hard.
“Darling…” mr. Sternfeld whispered to his wife.
“T-thank you…” Was all what could officer say. He then looked on pair with a serious expression. “Anyways, I’m here because of your son, Matthew.”
Mr. Sternfeld grimaced.
“Great…”
“I was checking our database and I found some very interesting info about your son.” Officer Bill took out a white paper from his pocket. He opened it and begun to read. “Vandalism, pickpocketing, robbery, blackmail, protection rackets, brawls and violence against teachers in school.” He folded the paper and hid it back to his pocket. “Mr. Sternfeld, you must understand that as long as I’m in charge of this neighborhood, no one will cause any mess here. I have a deep hope that I won’t have to come here because your son had commited any of those crimes.
Do we understand each other?”
Mr. Sternfeld nodded like a robot.
“I hope your son will behave properly.”
Mr. Sternfeld gulped.
“Well, he…”
Cheri, Cheri lady
Going through a motion
Love is wh-
“He won’t cause any trouble.” Mr. Sternfeld accented his sentence strongly.”
“I hope so.
I’m watching you…” officer Bill said with a cold tone, causing Mr. and Mrs. Sternfeld to shiver. “Well, that will be all from me. Have a nice day.” When he said that, he turned around and walked away.
Mr. Sternfeld was looking on officer Bill for a moment. He imagined him storming into his house, grabbing his son and crushing his ribs because he had done something bad.
“Teddy, how about I make pancakes with strawberry sauce today?” Mrs. Sternfeld asked with a cheerful voice, bringing back her husband from his thoughts.
“Oh yeah. That would be great.” Mr. Sternfeld calmed down. He kissed his wife on her forehead and placed his arm around her shoulders. They both walked to their porch.
Cheri, Cheri lady
Going through-
*slap*
(A/N)
First thing, I would like to apologize for posting this update so late. But I don’t have a lot of time for anything. It’s like time was going too fast. I’m really sorry. I’m doing my best to keep with deadline. But it’s so hard. Especially that I lack on discipline in those matters.
Second, I’m not sure if I’m focusing on dialogues too much instead of more on narration. But It’s just a thought.
Don’t be afraid to share your opinions with me. I don’t bite : D
CHANGELOG
27 I 2011: Bino and Max's onwner's name edited. Reason: according to tags, Jeff is the official name.
18 VI 2011: The empty space that was after Joel's name has been filled since his full name was revealed in strip What's In A Name. I know I was supposed to do this way earlier, but I kept forgetting about it. I'm sorry =(