Рейчел Уэллс - A Cat Called Alfie

‘Yes?’ I hoped my voice conveyed helpfulness.

‘Go away and leave us in peace. None of us, especially not me, need you here.’ Her voice was even more vehement than usual.

‘I was only trying to help,’ I said.

‘You can help by leaving us alone, all of you. Oh and by the way, if it was you that left me the bird the other day, you shouldn’t have bothered.’ I heard her padding away, as the other voices faded and I had no alternative but to turn around and head home.

Whatever was going on with them, it wasn’t good, although I knew, instinctively, that they weren’t bad people or doing anything dodgy like the Goodwins thought. But I could tell they also needed help, although, boy, they weren’t making it easy, that was for sure.

I made my way back and saw Jonathan standing, still looking confused, key in hand. I was about to run after him to follow him in when a shadow blocked my path. It was Salmon.

‘Oh, not you,’ I hissed.

‘Alfie, you really are a silly cat. Those people are bad and that white ball of fluff is no better. She’s an evil cat.’

‘How on earth would you know?’

‘My owners know, and if you know what’s good for you you’ll steer clear. They are going to be very fleeting visitors on Edgar Road, my family will see to that.’

‘What do you mean?’ I suddenly felt very fearful.

‘They rent that house and the landlord won’t put up with illegal activity.’

‘What illegal activity?’ My eyes widened.

‘We don’t know yet but rest assured we will get to the bottom of it.’

‘So it’s just what you guys think?’ I almost laughed.

‘Don’t take us seriously if you don’t want to, but mark my words, we will see this street returned to the way it should be.’

‘Salmon, you’re mad. You have no idea what you’re talking about.’ Salmon went to swipe me with his paw but I was too quick as I dodged out of his way. ‘I’m not going to fight you. I just think you’ve got it wrong.’

‘Do you now? Well just wait, and then we’ll see who is the mad cat around here.’ Salmon gave me another glare as he flicked his tail and moved aside to let me pass.

After the drama of the previous day I was happy to welcome my favourite day. Once a month, on a Sunday, all my families came together. They all brought food and the children played together. It was so much fun for me to see them all under one roof — all the people I loved. So I put my thoughts of Snowball and my altercation with Salmon aside to revel in what was important to me; love.

Although that brought me back to Snowball. I was feeling towards her the way that I think some human men and women feel about each other. I was pretty sure that I was falling for her romantically. The way I felt when I saw her was almost electric. I felt a current running through my veins and my fur almost stood on end. And when I didn’t see her, I was consumed by thoughts of her. I had taken to pining by the loose fence panel a bit too often, desperate to catch even just a glimpse of her. I had it bad.

When the doorbell went my fur was almost shivering with excitement as I stood ready to welcome everyone. Aleksy and Tomasz bounded in and rushed up to me, then Franceska, and Tomasz followed, carrying bags and handing over food and wine as they greeted Jonathan and Claire. I enjoyed being fussed by all of them, especially Aleksy who I was gratified to see was like his old self, with a big smile on his face and the sparkle back in his eyes. I rolled over, purred and snuggled as I enjoyed welcoming my guests in the best way ever.

Before we could catch our breath, the doorbell went again heralding Polly, who was holding Henry’s hand, and Matt who was carrying Martha. The excitement of the children was feverish as I yet again enjoyed being cuddled and stroked. When the initial excitement died down, everyone went into the kitchen. As Tomasz and Claire sorted out the food, the back doors were opened and the children, except for Martha, headed out.

Although Jonathan’s garden was small, there was a lawn and Aleksy had brought his football so they started chasing it around. I was about to join them, but Franceska picked me up.

‘You will not believe what happened,’ she said.

‘What?’ Jonathan asked, he had a big smile on his face as he watched the boys playing.

‘Alfie went to Aleksy’s school.’ The room was silent as everyone looked at me.

‘How on earth did he manage that?’ Matt asked, scratching his head.

‘We don’t know, but we think he must have found his way to our flat and followed us there.’

‘Good grief, Alfie, sometimes I wish you could talk because I would love to know how you do these things,’ Claire said, looking amazed. I miaowed and they laughed.

‘So,’ Tomasz continued. ‘You know how Aleksy was having problems with a boy at school.’

‘He was being bullied, Tomasz. He was very bad,’ Franceska added.

‘Yes, well we went to the school but without knowing the full story there was not much they could do,’ big Tomasz said.

‘Aleksy wouldn’t tell us what was going on,’ Franceska added.

‘What’s this got to do with Alfie?’ Polly asked. I miaowed again.

‘Well he went to Aleksy’s school, followed him to class and everyone in the class was really excited; so now he is popular and they are doing a school project with a story and drawings about Alfie! The boy leaves him alone now and tries to be his friend.’

‘You’re telling me that Alfie went to the school and sorted out a bully?’ Jonathan looked at me in disbelief.

‘Yes, he did. He really did!’ Franceska was excited.

‘So they’re doing a project on him?’ Matt asked, looking perplexed.

‘Yes, they have written a story as a class and everyone, even the bad boy, has made a painting of him.’

I felt so emotional as I listened to Franceska explain. My plan had worked and, admittedly, I was trying very hard not to feel too smug about it. I was enjoying the praise and I was also enjoying the fact that my humans were so confused about my actions; I liked to keep them on their toes.

‘It’d be nice for him to go and see the paintings,’ Claire suggested, echoing my thoughts.

‘Why don’t we take him?’ Franceska suggested. ‘I could take him! Would you like that, Alfie?’ I purred in the affirmative.

‘Alfie, I do love you but you certainly do my head in at times,’ Jonathan said, which I knew was a compliment, as I jumped out of Franceska’s arms and headed outside to play football, or paw-ball more accurately.

As Polly, Franceska and Claire cleared up after lunch, the men put on a film for the children. I padded between both rooms, keeping an eye on everyone. Martha was asleep on the sofa while the boys — adults included — watched the film. The doorbell interrupted us and Jonathan reluctantly tore himself away to answer it. Vic was on the doorstep, without Heather for once.

‘We have company,’ Jonathan said, gruffly before the man had a chance to speak.

‘I won’t stop but I need to call an emergency meeting. Tomorrow night at our house.’

‘What on earth for?’ Jonathan asked.

‘Your next door neighbours. I have Heather on watch right now.’ Jonathan looked around Vic and saw Heather behind her living room curtains with her binoculars.

‘She’s hardly inconspicuous,’ Jonathan said.

‘Well,’ Vic replied. ‘The time for that has gone. Something has happened and I can tell you it is very serious.’

‘What?’ Jonathan asked.

‘The police have been round. I’m surprised you missed it. They stayed for ages which goes to show that we’re right to be concerned. I am calling their landlords in the morning and I’ll see you tomorrow evening, seven sharp so we can discuss what we’re going to do.’ Before Jonathan could reply again, Vic turned and walked off, leaving him standing dumbfounded on the doorstep.