Bubbles didn’t go walking
She could be a bloody terror; well-intentioned but always ‘on your case’. Hardly a day went by without some brief text, loaded with innuendo, assuming I was skiving off somewhere, at the café or out dancing with the gals, bloody enjoying myself, instead of what, in this instance, I was supposed to be doing – aka, entertaining her dog.
It was OK for her. She was off relaxing in a ritzy retreat, relentlessly researching the ‘meaning of life’, meanwhile delegating responsibility for her pooch’s wellbeing to me. There were assurances thrown over her shoulder as she jumped into the Uber, about the specially-designed, high-protein biscuits. “The Vet sells large bags for $185, and Bubble’s preference is to have them softened with a warm gravy. But she is never, ever to have any raw meat in her diet. It brings on hiccups, bad breath and a tendency for loose stools.”
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t dislike Bubbles, it’s just that …! Well, I actually had plans to get away myself this month. While the weather here is going to be predictably cold, I was considering an eight-day walk along the Larapinta Trail, out from Alice Springs.
Why hadn’t I just refused, told her of my own plans, suggested the delights of an all-expenses-paid kennel apartment? The reason, if you knew her modus operandi – absolutely no lead time. She was on the phone at 8pm the night before her departure, explaining a predicament with a double booking at the kennel! She was desperate and arrived at my doorstep the following morning! I’m a bloody soft touch, a fool to have accepted the arrangement.
Her trip had been planned meticulously two months beforehand; she had carefully considered every aspect, and I knew my engagement as a babysitter was just one of the components! I sipped my coffee, my mood darkening as I considered the situation. I knew that any which way, I had been played again as her sucker. She did it without a sideways glance, looking straight ahead, avoiding any eye contact.
But I’d had enough. Sister, or no sister, she had grossly overstepped any familial allegiances this time! I was going to do my walk, sans Bubbles! I rang the kennels – surprise, surprise, they had a vacancy! They’d be delighted to house Bubbles again and had agreed to hold the fees until Jezebel’s return!
For a nanosecond, I wondered whether my intentions would be construed as cheating! I scotched that idea even before ‘it dried’! My text to Jezebel advised ‘Change of plans. I’m walking the Larapinta; Bubbles in luxury kennel. Outstanding fee of $2,400 due upon your return, love Delilah.’
Bubbles was ensconced in her apartment, and I was heading for Alice. The weather was perfect for walking; sunny, mid-20s, but I packed the thermals against nippy nights. I was bubbling with enthusiasm as I hit the trailhead.
Jezebel still hadn’t responded before I lost mobile coverage. Bubbles would be lying back enjoying kibbled-comforts. Nothing for it but to walk!