Joel’s new Companion

I rolled down the window as I turned into the neighborhood. Summer seemed to enjoy that, as her nose’s sniffs, which had slowed down not too long ago, picked up speed again.

I pulled up to my house, and Summer hurried out of the car, and practically affixed herself to my side faithfully. Labradors were supposed to be very loyal dogs. I opened the door and found Angel standing there, waiting for me. She smiled when she saw me, and gave Summer a kindly smile as well.

“Hello.” Angel smiled.

“Hi.” Summer said, suddenly nervous.

“She’s nice.” I assured Summer. Still, my Companion kept casting suspicious looks over towards Angel as we walked into the living room. I sat down on the couch and without hesitation, Summer sat between my legs. I couldn’t see her face, but I imagined it was adorably defiant of Angel coming any closer to me.

I’d later learn I was dead on with my guess. Angel seemed a bit off-put at Summer’s newfound hostility. I leaned down to run her head softly.

“Summer, you need to calm down, ok?” I told her. She tilted her head slightly.

“But dog threat.” she said, confused.

“Not this dog. That’s Angel. She’s like... like my big sister.” I said, and I locked eyes with Angel, who’s cheeks flamed.

“Big sisser? Not hurt master?” Summer checked.

“No, no. Angel’s the nicest dog I’ve ever met. Well, ‘cept for you, Sum.” I said. Summer nodded slowly.

“Angie, come here.” I said. Angel rushed towards me quickly, always eager to serve me or Dad.

“Angie, this is Summer. My companion. I hope you two end up becoming friends.” I said.

“Nice to meet you.” Angel said gently.

“Good meet you too.” Summer said shyly.

“Joel, need help give tour?” Angel asked me. I shrugged.

“Sure, why not. Where’s Dad, though?” I asked.

“Went to find special gift for Sum-mer.” Angel said, trying out the name. I touched Summer’s arm lightly and she seemed to steel her resolve, and the three of us headed around the house. Angel and I narrated different parts. The only room we didn’t let Summer in was Dad’s room.

Then, the last stop was my room. I opened the door, and Summer breathed in deeply.

“Smell good. Like you, master.” she told me sweetly.

“Thanks. This’ll be your room, too.” I told her. She beamed.

“Thank you. Summer have bed on floor?” she asked me.

“If you want, I can get you one. But I read that some dogs like to share the bed with their owners.” I shrugged.

“Angel share bed?” Summer asked the other dog.

“With Joel? Yes, I share bed with Joel some time. And Master, but not on same night.” Angel answered.

“Summer want to share bed.” Summer told me. I noddedz

“Alright. Sounds good.” I said with a smile. She reached for her blouse’s buttons, but I quickly grabbed her wrists. She stopped, looking nervous and scared. I dropped them immediately, confused.

“Summer, it’s not time for bed yet. We haven’t even had dinner yet.” I reminded the dog. She gave me a shy smile.

“Forgot. Summer just happy.” she blushed. I laughed, and rubbed Summer’s head affectionately. Both Angel and Summer’s heads snapped over towards the front door.

“Who that? Threat?” Summer asked Angel.

“No, that Master.” Angel shook her head.

“My father. He’ll be excited to meet you.” I promised Summer. She clapped her hands together. We headed down to the living room, and Angel rushed to Dad’s side, grabbing his shopping bags. She was going to carry them over to the kitchen herself, but she was struggling with their weight. I darted forwards and grabbed one. She gave me a thankful smile, and I set the bag down where she sat the other one down.

“Thank Joel.” she smiled shyly. I grinned and returned to the living room, where Summer stood frozen as Dad took off his sweatshirt and put his wallet and keys in the bowl on the shelf.

When Summer saw me, the tension seemed to lift, and I touched her arm reassuringly.

“H-hello, sir. Name Summer.” Summer said nervously to Dad.

“Nice to meet you.” he said with a friendly nod.

“Nice meet you too.” Summer responded quickly. I sat down on the couch, and Summer sat at my feet again, instant and of her own free volition. I absent-mindedly stroked her lustrous mane of yellow hair and she relaxed against my shins. Dad had turned on a movie, and Angel came out of the kitchen holding a tray of snacks. She set it in front of Dad, and then returned to the kitchen quickly, coming back with a beer. Then she sat down beside Dad and cuddled up with him.