Good morning one and all. I was attacked by plot bunnies in the middle of the night. They are vicious little things. I ended up getting up around two am, writing for a little over an hour and then going back to bed. It was actually the best way to deal with a plot bunny attack. If I try to ignore them then they just get more vicious and sleep is an unattainable goal. If I go ahead and climb out of bed and write down the details then they will release me and let me get back to sleep. Finding out how much sleep to actually give them in order to earn the rest of the night’s slumber is often the trick. Last night I seemed to find a balance and woke generally rested. with notes for a story I hadn’t planned to write anytime soon. I think that means I’m starting the day off one step ahead, but I’m not entirely sure. Such decisions will need to wait until after coffee. And coffee waits until after the morning writing prompt. Soooo….let’s get on with it then shall we? Timers set and off we go.
Hmm, interesting. I like Herbert and I think this could be worked into an interesting story. I just think it might be a sub plot somewhere rather than something on it’s own. I’ll have to let it marinate for a while.
Thursday, January13th: It knocked him right out of his shoes.
It knocked him right out of his shoes. One minute he was standing there poolside, shades on, hair gelled to perfection, the epitome of cool. He caught the looks others were casting his way, saw the appreciation and the envy. He smiled as he saw Jillian, Jillian Anderson of all people, giving him an appreciative look.
Then before he could react, sixty pounds of fur and muscle was racing towards him, red leash trailing behind like a long lolling tongue. He barely had time to register before the dog plowed into him with undiluted glee. His enthusiasm sent both him and the dog flying into the pool. His shoes remained planted on the side of the pool as he and the dog plunged into the clear and formerly calm waters of the pool behind him.
This was the sort of pool party where everyone gathered on the edge of the water, drinks in hand and hair selfie ready. He and the dog had the waters to themselves. As the water hit him, the dog let out a piteous yowl and left him, paddling as fast as he could towards the staircase and release from the waters. As Jake sputtered to the surface, he heard the laughter. His clothes were soaked through, his hair no longer picture perfect and everyone was now staring in surprise and amusement. Not a drop of envy was to be found. He slogged his way after the dog, aiming for the stairs as well.
As he reached the bottom step the dog’s owner arrived, out of breath and panting.
‘Sorry…got away…pulled free…hope no one was hurt.”
Jake looked up recognizing the voice and putting it together with the dog. Lana and of course Herbert the St. Bernard. He should have known if anyone would ruin his moment of cool, it would be those two. Lana saw who had been knocked into the water and bit her lip. Jake found himself grateful that she didn’t elaborate on why Herbert took off after him. While he and Lana were no longer friends, no longer ran in social circles that even remotely connected, no one quite managed to convince Herbert of the change. Jake suspected that Herbert saw him and made a mad dash that Lana was unable to stop.
Saying that would admit that they knew each other and Jake was grateful Lana didn’t point it out. Pool side Herbert shook himself off causing shrieks as water droplets went flying. Herbert who had fully recovered from his encounter with the pool, tucked his tail between his legs at their shrieks, whined and pressed close to Lana. Herbert darted him soulful looking eyes as though wondering why Jake didn’t join them.
Jake felt a slice of guilt but ignored it as he tried to shake the water off himself and frown at Lana.
“He doesn’t like being wet,” Lana said weakly. She grabbed the end of the leash and tugged Herbert towards the exit. “Sorry for all of the trouble,” Lana apologized as she dragged a reluctant Herbert away. The dog realized that Jake was not going with them and hung his head as he slowly followed Lana away from the pool. Jake felt another flare of guilt followed by a flash of anger. There was no reason that he should feel guilty. Lana wasn’t a part of his world and had no right to intrude on his life anymore. ‘And that is just the way things are,’ he told himself savagely, trying not to look at the sadness etched in every line of Herbert’s body as he followed Lana home.
Ten til Midnight 