Рейчел Уэллс - Alfie And George

‘Well, what’s this wool all over you?’ He tried to wriggle away from me but his legs were all tangled up with wool. I had to push him with my paw to get him out from under the bed. When I examined him, I saw that he had what remained of Jonathan’s scarf trailing behind him and the rest of it wrapped around him. He looked like a cat’s cradle. Ah, was that why it was called that?

‘What have you done?’ I asked in my sternest voice.

‘I was just playing with this thing.’ He gave me his most innocent look.

‘The scarf.’

‘Yes, if that’s what it’s called. I was playing with the scarf and suddenly it started to unravel and somehow it unravelled all around me and I couldn’t get it off. I was in Summer’s room anyway so I hid.’ He spoke as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

‘That’s Jonathan’s scarf,’ I said, wondering how much trouble we’d be in. Claire had taken up knitting when she was pregnant and had decided to practise by making Jonathan a scarf. It was the first and last thing she’d knitted but she was proud of it and insisted that Jonathan wear it all winter. Goodness knows how George had got hold of it.

I tried to get it off him but he was more tangled than he looked, and I seemed to be making things worse. Reluctantly, I went to get Claire. She was in the kitchen preparing supper for later. Summer was at nursery, as was Elijah, and Tash was at work. I rubbed against her leg.

‘Hi, Alfie. Did you find George?’

‘Miaow.’ Yes. I nudged her leg with my head.

‘What? What’s wrong?’

‘Miaow.’ I repeated and led the way upstairs.

‘Oh, George!’ Claire said as she saw the tangled mess that was George and the scarf. She tutted and started trying to free him, but he was properly tangled.‘Oh goodness, I’ll have to get scissors.’ She returned with Summer’s nail scissors and started carefully cutting. I saw George close his eyes and knew how he felt. I hoped he wasn’t going to get a fur-cut at the same time. When he was eventually free, George sprang away quicker than I’d ever seen him move. I guessed he didn’t want another telling off.

‘Well, I don’t know what Jonathan will say, that was his favourite scarf,’ Claire said as we left the room.

That evening, after dinner, Claire took Tash out for a drink. She thought a change of scene might do her some good. I thought it meant that at least she wouldn’t be crying. Poor Tash, she held it together when Elijah was awake but as soon as he was asleep she would crumble. I spent as much time with her as I could spare, but nothing I did seemed to make her feel better, not even one of my special snuggles. I knew she must feel like I did when Snowball left, so I understood her pain, and I knew that nothing would really help apart from time. Although she had her kitten, Elijah, and he would help, as George helped me.

I sat with Jonathan on the sofa. George was asleep, curled up on an armchair. It was nice to spend some quiet time together, just the two of us; we hadn’t done that for a while.

‘Oh, Alfie,’ he said as he put his feet on the coffee table, switched the TV on and sipped a beer.‘Boy time. I have to say I was over the moon that George ruined my scarf. I hated that thing, I only wore it because Claire insisted, but it was really itchy and far too long. And thankfully she’s given up knitting so I know she won’t replace it. I might get a lovely cashmere one instead. I should buy that kitten some pilchards to thank him.’

‘Miaow!’ But what about me?

‘And you, of course. Right, well let’s enjoy some peace and quiet from the madness that is this place at the moment.’ I nodded and yawned. It was lovely to relax; it was something that had become very rare in our house.

I was woken a little later by the sound of the door opening. I could hear someone giggling and a loud ‘shush’.

‘Oh God, they’re drunk,’ Jonathan said, bracing himself. Tash and Claire stumbled into the living room. Claire hugged Jonathan, almost falling on him and then me.

Tash fell down on the chair, almost sitting on George who shot up in surprise and then settled back down next to her. As Tash stroked him, George purred with joy.

‘We have a plan,’ Claire announced. Now I was sure she had too much to drink, as she was speaking very loudly.

‘Yes, we do,’ Tash slurred.

‘And are you going to share this plan?’ Jonathan looked amused.

‘Yes, Tash is going to see the solicitor you found, I’m making an appointment tomorrow.’ Jonathan had found a good recommendation from someone he worked with. ‘She’s then going to sell the house and move onto Edgar Road. Genius!’

‘Yes, it’s time for me to pull myself together,’ said Tash. Then she burst out laughing. I never understood humans and alcohol. I mean, I like a bit of catnip as much as the next cat but we never let it get this out of control.

‘OK, but is there a house available on this road?’ Jonathan asked.

‘No idea,’ said Claire.‘But it’s a big road.’

I was excited by the idea; it would be nice to have Tash nearby and I’d have another home on Edgar Road, a bit like the old days.

‘Well, that sounds good. Look, Tasha, are you sure?’ Jonathan asked, gently.‘It’s still early days.’

‘Yes, I am. Dave isn’t coming back.’ She suddenly burst into tears, showing the sudden swing in emotions I had learnt was quite common with humans. Then George licked her face and she laughed as if to prove my point. ‘Oh, George. I love this kitten. And you, Alfie,’ she said, almost as an afterthought. But that was all right. I was used to George working his magic on everyone, and I was now sort of in second place. I had thought it would bother me, but actually, I was really happy, because I was under George’s spell too.

‘Right, well that’s all good then, and of course I’ll help out with whatever you need,’ Jonathan said.‘But for now, you both need to drink a big glass of water and get to bed.’

I led George up to bed and left Jonathan to organise the women. I was pleased that Tash was looking towards the future, despite her tears. And I felt the same for me. I was taking little steps. I would never forget Snowball, but life did go on. When I was hurt, I wanted time to stand still, but it didn’t: life didn’t do that.

However, I wished I could see Dave and rub my fur all over him. That would serve him right for hurting one of the loveliest women I knew.

Today was a big day for us. Claire was taking George to the vet to get his vaccinations, which meant he would finally be allowed outside. Although I have a severe vet phobia, I wanted to go with him but annoyingly I wasn’t invited. I had been very careful not to share with George my aversion to the vet. Vets meant well but they prodded in places they frankly had no business to. I told him he’d be fine though, and got him excited about seeing the outside world. I was keen to take my boy out: I couldn’t wait to show him off to my friends and take him round the neighbourhood.

The good news was that as long as they were at the vet’s, the cat flap would be open. It was also very important that I tell my cat friends what I had figured out about the lamppost cats. It was a worrying turn of events, and I knew the posters were still on everyone’s mind. I was also hoping I might get to meet the new Edgar Road cats. Since becoming a parent I had barely had any time for myself, and I was now realising how precious that was. Just being able to do what I wanted to do, something I had previously taken for granted, was now a luxury. I was so busy looking after George that I wasn’t looking after myself, and it was a while since I’d been my usual cat-about-town self.