Cats

The computer was crashing again. Marie Hobbs struggled to keep calm. She shot a desperate glance at the small picture she kept of her cat Peaches on the wall beside her computer. She was a petite woman stuck in a tiny cubicle. Her brown hair was pulled back in a tight bun. Her green eyes were focused on the wavering screen. The customer on the other end of the phone line repeated tersely, “I need my new cell phone today. I told you the model number. What’s taking so long?” 

           Tears burned Marie’s eyes. She hated her job so much, but it paid so well. “I’m sorry, Vince,” she said into her headset. “I’m having technical difficulties. Please be patient with me.”

           “We’ve been on the phone for a half hour!” Vince shouted.

           “Please lower your voice,” Marie said haltingly. She tried to project strength, but memories of her father yelling at her on the phone fried her nerve endings. Why did they always have to come back at the worst times?

           “Come on lady, I just want my phone! This is taking forever!”

           Marie prayed the computer would unfreeze. Slowly it began to work, and she punched in the phone model and type. “There it goes. I’m so sorry for the delay. That should be shipped to you in short order. Is there anything else I can do for you today, Vince?”

           “Yeah, go fuck yourself, Lady.” The phone clicked in her ear.

           Marie sniffled and clicked the disconnect on her headset. She dashed at her eyes and took a quick breath. Glancing at the clock, she breathed a sigh of relief. Time to go home. Marie shed her headset and tidied up her workstation. She gathered her purse and waved goodbye to Tasha and Ryan, who were busy talking to customers. Rows of customer representatives rumbled with conversations and keyboards clicked and clacked behind her. Horizon Services was a fast-paced call center for a nation-wide cell-phone company. She was just a cog in its machine. 

           Moldy terracotta decorated the outside of her Washington studio apartment she shared with Vanessa Calvin. The windows were single pane and water beaded on them inside. Today the water froze into frost in the October chill. Marie shook her head. She stopped to smell the sunflowers she had planted in large terracotta pots by her front door. Pumpkins decorated the stoop, little ones she had grown in the small pots over the summer. As she opened the door, a black cat darted inside. Marie jumped. This was not her white and orange tabby, Peaches, who sat guarding the sill. He hissed and growled at the intruder. 

           “Now who are you?” Marie said, stepping into her home.

           The black cat was sleek and lanky, with glowing gold eyes. She wrapped herself around Marie’s legs.

           Peaches narrowed his amber eyes, yowling low at the invader.

           Marie laughed. “I don’t know who she is, Peaches.” She looked for a collar and found none. “I suppose you’re hungry. I’ll feed you. But outside. Peaches isn’t inclined to share.”

           Peaches seconded that by growling again.

           Marie grabbed a can of tuna from the pantry. She opened it up and put some on a plate and set it outside for the black cat. The strange animal raced for it. “I’ll have to give you a name.” The cat glanced up with her golden eyes. “I think I’ll call you ‘Lucky'. I’ll have to make some posters and see if you belong to anyone.” Lucky seemed to nod in acknowledgment and returned to her food. Marie chuckled and shut the door. Lucky yowled at the door. Peaches meowed. Marie laughed. “I’ll feed you too.” She got out some canned cat food for Peaches and set it out for him. He strolled over to it and lapped it up. She scratched his head as he ate. “How was your day? Did you see any birds? Did you keep the other cats away? Chitter at any squirrels?” 

           Peaches ate happily away and then meowed his reply.

           Marie smiled. “I’m glad you had a good day. My day was awful. My computer kept dying. I had six different customers shout at me. I kept thinking about Dad shouting at me like he used to do when I was a kid. I wish I could afford to do something else. But I’ve got to keep you in the lap of luxury.” She stroked Peaches between the ears. He purred and meowed.

           Marie slipped out of her utilitarian black Mary-janes. She shed her slacks and blouse and walked them to the hamper in her bedroom. She stacked her shoes in her closet and changed into sweats and a sweater. Marie slipped on cozy socks and threw on a smock. She wanted to paint. She gathered water, her paintbrushes, and paints and settled down in front of her easel. Peaches yowled and climbed up into her lap.

           An hour later her stomach was growling and a black cat stared back at her from the canvas. Marie laughed. “I should eat. Bye, Lucky.” 

           She heard a meow and turned to see Lucky by her windowsill. She chuckled and shook her head. “I’m not letting you in. I do not have enough money for two cats.” 

           Marie headed to the kitchen and warmed up some leftover mac and cheese and chicken. She ate a little broccoli and sliced up an apple to keep it healthy. Peaches hopped up on the counter to sniff her food. Marie waved some broccoli under his nose. He nibbled at it and turned away in disgust. 

           A key turned into the lock. Marie’s roommate, Vanessa, walked in. She was red-haired and tall. Her slender frame was decked out in tight leggings, a long tunic and knee-high boots. “Hi, Marie. Hi Peaches. What’s with the black cat out there?” 

           “That’s Lucky. I fed her. I’m going to put up posters and see if she belongs to someone.”

           “Aw, a stray? Maybe we can keep her,” Vanessa mused, looking out the window at the dashing black cat.

           Marie sighed. “You’d have to pay for it.”

           Vanessa groaned. “I can’t afford that!”

           “Neither can I.” Marie shook her head sadly. “How was your day?”

           “It was OK. We sold plenty of shoes. How about you?”

           “Terrible as usual. The computer kept crashing and customers kept getting angry at me.” 

           “I’m sorry to hear that. You really should find something else.”

           “It’s OK. It’s the job. I just wish I could stop thinking about my dad.”

           “Yeah, he’s a real piece of work.”

           “He is. I’m glad I don’t live with him anymore.”

           “Still, it’s a bummer you don’t get to see your mom and sisters. Especially for the holidays.”

           “Someday my sisters will be old enough to make their own choices,” Marie said with determination, fighting back the swell of bitterness in her throat. “I can’t be part of a church that doesn’t include all people.” Marie wandered over to her fish tank and fed her guppies a pinch of tropical fish flakes. “Want to help me make posters?”

           “No, I’ve got a date tonight.” 

           Marie grinned. “With who?”

           “Sam.”

           “Ooh, the hot guy from your class? That’s great. I hope it goes well. Where are you going?”

           “We’re going to see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. See if it’s any good.”

           “Oh, I hope it is good. I hear it’s not as fun as the original.”

           “Well, we’ll see. I gotta go get ready. Have a good night.”

           “Good night.” 

           In the morning Lucky yowled for food. Marie fed Peaches and Lucky and put up the posters she had made at Office Depot. Lucky was very photogenic. Her golden eyes popped right off the page. Marie found herself yet again wishing she could just keep the cat. She drove to work, thinking about how she would introduce Peaches to Lucky. Would she need a crate? Would Peaches hide? Would they hiss and fight? Would she find them cuddling? Marie bit her lip at the adorable image.

           Before she knew it, she was pulling into her work parking space. Marie blew out a defeated breath. The manicured parking lot and bunker-style work buildings awaited her. She walked inside, trying to hold her head high. I can do this. It’s just another day. Maybe the customers will be nice today.

           “You have been so very helpful,” the kind deep voice said over the line.

           Marie smiled, enchanted by his warmth. Derek Tanin just needed information on how to set up his voicemail. Such a simple request. But he’d stayed on and chatted with her about the weather, bringing the sun back into the dull doldrums of Horizon. He’d been patient and made jokes through her technical difficulties. He put her at ease. Now it was time to hang up. 

“You have been a wonderful customer,” Marie replied. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

           “Can you tell your manager how helpful you’ve been?”

           Marie flushed with pleasure at the praise. “Of course. I’ll do that. Thank you.”

           “What was your name again?”

           “Marie.”

           “What a lovely name. Your voice is just so sweet. You have been so very patient with me. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. I know you have other customers to help. I wish I could keep you.”

           Marie blushed brighter. She wished the same thing. She wished all her conversations were so pleasant and uplifting. Derek was flirtatious but not disrespectful. “Thank you, you have a lovely day,” she said sincerely, and reluctantly disconnected the call.

           Lucky waited for her on the patio step. Marie smiled brightly. “Hello, Lucky.” 

           Lucky purred and meowed, darting between her legs. 

           Marie opened the door and Lucky dashed inside. Marie shook her head. “You don’t live here, Lucky.” Peaches growled and hissed from his windowsill. Marie laughed. “I told her not to come in. She doesn’t listen to me.” 

           Peaches chittered and meowed in complaint.

           Marie chuckled. She picked up a can of tuna and placed it on a plate outside. There was no sign of Lucky. Peaches growled. Marie frowned and set out some cat food for him and began to search the apartment. “Lucky! Here Lucky, Lucky, Lucky, Lucky!” 

           She found Lucky curled up on her bed, grooming her toes. Marie sighed. “What are you doing on my bed? You don’t belong there. You’re going to make Peaches very upset.”

           Lucky glanced up with her glowing golden eyes as if to say So what?

           Marie tisked and picked up Lucky. “You can’t be inside. I am not taking you in. I can’t afford you.” Lucky yowled in protest and then snuggled against her and purred. Marie sighed and scratched her between the ears. “Why do you have to be so cute?” She set Lucky outside on the patio and shut the door. Lucky meowed loudly.

           Peaches glanced up from his food, meowed in approval and then returned to eating.

           Marie rolled her eyes and went off to her room to change. “Cats.”

           Her cell phone rang as she was painting the finishing touches on Lucky’s fur. Marie fumbled with her brush. She set down the brush and reached for her phone. “H-h-hello?” 

           “Hi, this is Derek. I’m calling about the cat in the poster. I’m pretty sure that’s my cat.” 

           Marie’s shoulders melted. “Hello, my name’s Marie Hobbs. I think we talked earlier today. I just met your cat the other night. She’s been hanging around my house.” 

           “Oh wow, yes, I recognize your voice. You helped me with my voicemail. My cat’s name is McGonagall. Mickey for short. She’s always getting into trouble. Is she still hanging around?”

           Marie looked out the window. She saw Lucky looking in and smiled. “Yes, she’s watching me right now. Lucky Mickey.”

“I’m the lucky one; I’m so glad you found her.”

“No, ‘Lucky’ is what I’ve been calling her.” 

           “Oh!” Derek laughed. “Would it be all right if I come over and get her? If that’s not too presumptuous?” 

           Marie bit her lip. It was a little fast for someone she didn’t know, but she did want him to have his cat back. He seemed so nice on the phone. She wondered if Vanessa would find him just as appealing. There was something about him that made her say, “Could you wait until my roommate gets home at seven?”

           “Sure.”

           Vanessa was in titters about the strange man coming to get Lucky. “So you spent the rest of the time talking about Harry Potter?

           “Yes, and how we feel about J.K. Rowling. We both love her stories but hate how she treats trans people. It’s hard because we don’t want to give her any more money but we love Harry Potter so much. His niece named his cat after McGonagall.” 

           “Oh, that’s sweet. I wish I had read the books before all this went down. I love the movies though. Reading is so hard for me with my dyslexia. So, he has siblings too?”

           “Yes, he has two older brothers and an older sister. He’s the youngest.” 

           “I know how that goes. You get spoiled and picked on. You must have been talking for a really long time.”

           “We really did. He’s so easy to talk to.”

           “You say his mom was messed up like your dad was?” 

           “Well, similarly, she’s delusional and manipulative. Not that I’ve met the woman.” She shuddered. “Apparently she hates men like my dad hates women.” 

           “Ugh. That’s awful. Your dad always gave me the creeps.” 

           “I know. He gives me nightmares. Why do people have to blame an entire gender for one person’s actions? It’s so childish.”

           “Well, my mom isn’t any better, so I get it. I mean I don’t get it. Blaming a gender. But I’ve been around it and am sick of it.” 

           “I just hate gender norms in general. Blue for boys and pink for girls. All marketing ploys. My dad started making us wear skirts when he went catholic. After letting us wear pants for years. Robes for guys and girls would be more true to the Bible.”

           “Well, you know how my mom was, once she got started on her faith track there was no stopping her. She couldn’t stand my boyfriend, my attitude, my anything.” Vanessa said, sticking out her tongue.

           “I know, that’s how we ended up together,” Marie said with a fond smile. The doorbell rang. She jumped up to get it. Vanessa laughed at her. Marie blushed. She straightened the red sweater-dress she had put on and headed for the door. Taking a deep breath, she turned the knob. “Hello.”

           Derek smiled. He was tall with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His hair was red, gold, blonde, and brown all mixed together. He had green eyes and a warm smile. “Hello. Wow. It’s nice to finally see you face to face. You’re even prettier than I thought you’d be.” He held out his hand.

           Marie turned even redder. She felt the same about his handsomeness. “You look great too.” She shook his hand. His grip was warm and gentle.

           Derek stepped back with a self-conscious laugh and asked, “So, where’s Mickey?”

           Marie laughed softly. “I’ve got her in the bedroom. She loves the bed. I’ll go get her.” 

           “Oh no, I can get her. Just show me the way.”

           Marie flushed even more and led him down the tiny hall to her shared bedroom. She opened the door and Mickey dashed out. “There she goes.” Peaches growled. 

           Derek laughed and caught his cat. “Mickey! There you are! Yep, this is her.”

           Mickey purred and headbutted his chin. Marie laughed and reached out to pet the cat. “She’s been begging me for food.”

           “Why, that little traitor. I just moved in next door. I couldn’t believe it when you told me where you lived. She’s been eating like a queen.”

           Marie laughed. “Here I was thinking about adopting her.”

           Derek grinned. “She’s got a home, she’s just a trickster.”

           Vanessa said with a smile, “She really snuck her way into our hearts.”

Derek and Marie looked into each other’s eyes; their fingers touched as they stroked Mickey’s fur. A little spark lit between them. Their eyes met. Mickey meowed. Peaches made little meowing grumbles.

           Derek smiled slowly. Marie searched his eyes, her breath caught in her throat. “I don’t usually do this, but can I hold your hand?” Derek asked. 

           Marie reached out, without hesitation. “Yes.” She placed her small hand in his warm large one. She thought about how much her sisters would like him and felt a bittersweet pang. Tears crept into her eyes.

           “What is it?” Derek asked.

           “I was just thinking about my sisters. I think they would really like you.” She dashed at her eyes.

           Derek squeezed her hand. “Standing up for what you believe in was very brave. I know your sisters must look up to you. They will find their way back to you.”

           Marie shook her head. “What if my father tells them terrible things about me?”

           “No one could believe such things about such a kind, caring and patient person like you.”

           Marie sniffled, battling tears again. “Oh, God, you’re going to make me cry.”

           Peaches meowed, suddenly by her feet, headbutting her shin to be picked up. Marie picked him up and held him close, nuzzling her nose in his fur. Mickey reached over and touched her nose to Peaches’s nose. The cats shared a small silence and then began to purr. Mickey headbutted Peaches’s chin and meowed. Derek said with a laugh, “I think Mickey might have a crush on your cat.” 

           Marie smiled as Peaches meowed back. “I think the feeling is mutual.”

           Derek reached for her hand again. Marie held his willingly. He gave her another sweet smile. “Would you like to go out with me sometime?” 

           “I would love to.”