Alfie in the Snow

‘I know, it takes a bit to get your head around how Alfie and George are,’ Polly explained. ‘It’s taken us years to get used to it, but Alfie is a remarkable cat and we like to think he’s training George up to be the same.’ She stroked me and gave me one of my favourite head scratches. Just what I needed.

Marcus leant over and petted me. I immediately liked him, he had very soft, warm hands.

‘How do I thank them?’ he asked. ‘I’m guessing, no matter how clever they are, they won’t read a thank you note.’ The women both laughed and I added good sense of humour to his list of attributes.

‘Buy them some fish, that always works,’ Claire said, still tittering. ‘Or any kind of delicious treats.’

‘Meow!’ It really would.

‘Right, I can do that. So, let’s look at the list. I can’t believe how nice you’ve all been.’

‘Hey, don’t mention it. I wish I’d known that he was there before, we could have helped,’ Claire said. A darker look passed over Marcus’ face.

‘I feel so damn guilty, but it was a really bad time. My wife cheated on me, my dad didn’t approve of me divorcing her, then I sold my company, because I wanted to have a fresh start, and that took quite a lot of work. I still work for them, but as a consultant … Anyway, there was a lot going on in my life, and I let my stupid pride get in the way. Dad and I are both too proud for our own good actually, it’s one of our biggest faults, but I should have kept an eye on him, I should have made sure he was alright. I’d have never forgiven myself if anything happened to him.’

‘Hey, it all worked out. You’ve had a wake-up call and now you are going to make sure your relationship is repaired,’ Polly pointed out. My women were so kind.

‘So you’re single?’ Claire asked and I swished my tail; Claire and I did like to matchmake but perhaps this wasn’t quite the time.

‘Yes?’ he replied, sounding worried.

‘Ignore her, Claire is the matchmaker of the group, but Claire, we don’t know anyone we could try to set Marcus up with, do we?’ Polly stated, firmly.

‘Well, no, apart from Sylvie.’

‘Who’s not even talking to us, remember,’ Polly said.

‘Who’s Sylvie?’ Marcus looked confused and I couldn’t blame him. Although it wasn’t a bad idea. If Sylvie hadn’t been totally insane, of course.

‘No one to worry about right now, but what we do need to sort out is the house. How long before your dad is out of hospital?’

‘They said about another week. But in that time I need to get it cleaned up and sort out some furniture. I’d like to redecorate but I don’t see that we have time, not to mention that garden and getting the front of the house painted.’ He looked worried.

‘That’s why we’re here. Polly and I are going to put together a roster. We’ve cleaned the house, so that’s a start,’ Claire said. ‘Although it won’t all be finished, we can get a lot done in a week.’

‘Thank you so much.’

‘So, painting first off. I’ve roped a couple of guys in to help us, and the carpets can be laid, all you need to do is choose the colours. Then there’s furniture – we can get some of it sorted now but some might need to be ordered so we will make do with what we’ve got for now. The garden will be tidied up a bit before your dad comes home, but again, that might take longer, and the outside painting will be last.’

‘As I said, I’m willing to pay, and also for your time,’ Marcus said.

‘Marcus, we are doing this out of friendship, that’s what we do. But let’s go to the DIY store now to get supplies, and you can bring your credit card for that,’ Polly said.

‘I’ll pick up the kids and give them tea,’ Claire offered. ‘That way you guys have longer to get everything you need.’

‘What would I have done without you, cats and husbands included?’ Marcus said, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe it.

‘Well, luckily you don’t have to worry about that, you’re part of our Edgar Road family now. And I know you’re going to stay with your dad for a bit, but it’ll be good to know that we’re just down the road when you’re not there.’ Claire smiled.

‘That means a lot. I’m a bit thin on the friendship ground, what with the divorce and everything.’ He looked sad but then he smiled; I could tell he no longer felt alone.

I raised my whiskers, all this friendly chat and caring was making me very tired. For the first time in days, I drifted off into sleep, feeling almost peaceful.

Someone licked my head, interrupting my dreams. I opened my eyes slowly to see George standing over me. I’d almost forgotten to worry about him, actually I had. The sleep that I’d had was desperately needed, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had rest like that.

‘Dad,’ he said, as I extended my paws and started to stretch.

‘You got out OK?’ Thank goodness. That wasn’t my best parenting – going to sleep and forgetting about my child – but thankfully it had been fine, he was fine.