I came in from the market, set the groceries on the stove and began to unpack the few things I purchased. As soon as I opened the refrigerator door, Stella and Annabelle ran into the kitchen to help me.
Don’t get in the sink! I snapped at Stella, who ignored me and leaped from the large bin holding the kibble onto the ledge of the sink. You don’t listen to me, I said as I lifted her off the sink and set her on the floor. Thatch peeked his head around the corner to see what was happening.
You, too, Annabelle! I ordered.
Moi? I haven’t moved, she said very sweetly, but I could see her edging toward the kibble bin.
I put the last of the items into the refrigerator, closed the door, and turned about to face a startled Annabelle who had leaped onto the kibble bin. No you don’t, Missy. Caught you!
Thatch rolled on the floor, laughing, Annabelle got caught!
I was just sitting on the bin, that’s all, she yelled at him. Then she jumped off the bin. He leaped up and, pursued by Annabelle and Stella, ran through the apartment, yelling Annabelle got caught!
Oh, babies, I thought, just give Daddy a bit of peace for a minute. I put the plastic bags away, and sat down at the computer. The ruckus was over, and I saw Annabelle heading back to the kitchen with Stella following her.
Stella’s just like Thatch when he was her age, I thought, following Annabelle like the Pied Piper. Where is Thatch?
I looked about the apartment. He was back in the cat tree, calmly looking about.
You okay, Thatch? I asked.
I am, thanks.
You need anything?
No, thanks.
I heard a crash in the sink. Annabelle! I called, I told you to stay out of the sink!
I’m not in the sink, she yelled back.
Sounds like it, Missy.
I am not in the sink.
A moment later she jumped onto the computer table and strolled over to me. Then she climbed onto the keyboard and began to rub her head against my wrist. This usually means she wants me to pick her up and hold her, so I did.
I told you to stay out of the sink.
I wasn’t in the sink.
Liar, I laughed. Your paws are wet. You were in the sink.
Busted! Thatch yelled from the cat tree.
She bristled a bit, and I let her jump down to the floor. Stella ran to her. Annabelle groomed her head while Stella struggled to get away. Then she jumped onto Annabelle’s back and they wrestled for a bit before Annabelle ran off to the bathroom with Stella in pursuit. Thatch jumped down from the cat tree and joined the chase.
Annabelle! I called after her. I had something to tell you.
Annabelle ran back into the room and leaped onto the computer table with Stella chasing her. She then leaped onto the filing cabinet. Stella leaped onto the computer table and got immediately distracted by my key ring. When she realized that Stella was no longer chasing her, Annabelle jumped off the filing cabinet and strolled past Stella, who was chewing on the key for the door’s bottom lock. Thatch ambled leisurely behind them, and when he reached the table, he jumped onto my lap.
What? Annabelle asked.
I’ve been meaning to tell you, Annabelle. Christmas Tree Lane is back up on the corner. You and Thatch missed it last year.
We did, Thatch said. You were sick!
He jumped onto the table, where he and Annabelle clustered around the computer with me. Stella had rolled onto her back with the key ring dangling from her front paws.
Oh! This is exciting! Thatch said. I’m ready for Christmas! Stella, this is your first Christmas!
Stella, of course, said nothing and gave Annabelle a funny look. After a moment’s pause, Annabelle turned back to Thatch. Thatch, we have to get our caroling ready!
I’m ready!
Now we’ve got “Frosty the Snowman” and my dance, and “Silent Night,” and . . . wasn’t there another?
I started laughing.
What’s so funny about “Silent Night?” she demanded.
I haven’t had a silent night since you moved in, I said, and then I laughed again.
That’s not funny. But . . . because I am an artiste, I will overlook your boorish behavior, she said in her best grande dame voice.
Thank you, I said, and I turned back to the computer. I went to my iTunes and brought up the Christmas playlist folder. I started “Mary’s Boy Child,” a little calypso for Thatch.
I love this! Thatch yelled happily. He jumped to the floor and began to dance. Stella joined him.
Thatch, when do you want to start rehearsing? Annabelle sounded impatient.
Thatch ignored her and danced about the apartment, singing along with Bryn Terfel.
Turn that off! Annabelle snapped at me.
Oh, let them dance, I said. Don’t you want to dance, too?
After last year’s disaster, I want this year’s to be perfect. She jumped onto the computer table and looked me in the face,
Turn it off! I did.
Thatch turned and asked, Why did you do that? I was having fun.
We need to rehearse. I will not let this year’s caroling be another big disaster.
It wasn’t a big disaster, Annabelle, Thatch said. We did make the cover of the Daily News.
And you busted an animal abuser, I added.
Yes, it’s true, but that hooligan ruined my big “Frosty” solo! It’s going to perfect this year.
Thatch looked at Stella for a moment, then he turned to Annabelle. Do you think Stella will want to join us?
No. I don’t. Come on, let’s plan our program. And our shopping list!
Daddy? Thatch asked me, When can we see Christmas Tree Lane?
Later, Thatch! Come on. We are going to have a good caroling show this year.
She and Thatch headed for the linen closet. Stella ran after them.
No, Stella! Annabelle turned to her. No. This is just something for Thatch and me. Go bother Daddy.
She and Thatch vanished into the linen closet. Stella ran back to me, jumped on my shoe and bit my ankle.
©2019, Larry Moore
Annabelle & Thatch 