One of a kind: chapter 3
#3 of One of a kind series
Here you go folks, chapter 3 of the series.
Apologies on the late submission, I have been really busy with stuff...
Anyway, enjoy the story!
The tiger came to his side everyday for the past three days. No words were exchanged. Both did not knew of each other's name. It was sweet silence, both complimenting each others' gaze. He would aid the labrador in case the pup was thirsty. The labrador would stroke the head fur of the feline whenever he slept. For jasper, he prayed for his silent sanctuary to never end. His dreams now ceased, fulfilling its duty for his search of the white feline. He is at ease, now carefree of his worldly responsibilities.
...
The days flew as it already came the fourth since they met, which was the day where Jasper were discharged. He felt good, both physically and emotionally, even though that morning he checked out alone, without the tiger accompanying him. He was probably at work, Jasper reasoned. He felt the back of his paws, the same spot where the tiger gripped during jasper's bedridden days in the hospital. The sweet musk of the tiger still fresh in his nostrils, his white pelt caressing his thoughts.
It dawned on jasper that he was still unaware of the tiger's name, or even his address. He stood at the threshold of the hospital entrance, still unsure of his priorities. He had skipped school for four days, his assignment were all due, his room was left a mess, basically the usual things. He decided to wait, playing it careful as to not lose the tiger again. So he sat on a bench nearby, with his mittens all warm and his coat covering his fur all snug and comfortable. He smiled, glee as he knew things would take a turn for the better, or probably the best.
Meanwhile, Axel was hectic at work. He was given extra tasks as penalty for skipping work the past three days. He cared less, knowing every second spent outside his cubicle meant more time with the orange pup. He was happy, even with his boss nagging in his ears. But Axel knew his limits, and pushing three days was his max.
These four days had been really bizarre for Axel, from breaking up with Layla, rescuing a hypothermic pup, and having mixed feelings for him. He rubbed his paws to his thighs, gripping them as comforting pressure. He contemplated about the possibility of a relationship with the pup yet again, how things might turn out for them both. And again he smiled at the thought.
As his mind was occupied by his work, time seem to flew around him. His concentration for his work that day was herculean, fueled by his desire to meet the orange pup. He realized that today was the day the canine would be discharged from the hospital. The upcoming seconds ticked its way into Axel's ears, knowing full well the pup was waiting for him to come. And so he delved further into his laptop, typing at incredible speeds as he gulped down a can of Redbull.
...
He waited for what had been ages to him. Jasper's felt nauseated, a side effect of the drugs he had been administered. He had walked over to the hospital cafeteria, deciding it was a good place to meet up with the sabertooth as it was nearing lunch. He had mentioned his particulars to the clinic reception, saying to inform of his current whereabouts if his visitor were to ask. Eagerly Jasper waited, sipping his warm coffee. The sweet scent of the brew carved a smile on his muzzle.
...
It was noon, and lunchtime was upon Axel. Just as he pressed on Ctrl S on his documents, his watch indicated 12.40pm. His tail began to sway, signaling a subconscious euphoria. He felt his cheek burning as he stood, excited to escape his cubicle and better yet, meet up with the canine.
He stood, gathered his phone and wallet, stuffed them into his pockets and donned his winter coat. He hoisted his paws into the air, towering all the leveled cubicles and yawned loudly, stretching at the motion. He boosted out of his cubicle and across the hallway, again avoiding eye contact for any possible lunch invitation.
...
Just as Jasper about to doze off at his table, a paw landed on his shoulders, gripping it and alerting him awake. He rubbed his eyes and turn towards his front, saw his his long awaited visitor and grinned an almighty grin.
"May I?"
"Please" Jasper replied, his smile sheepish.
"Thank you"
...
So the two mingled over lunch, introduced themselves officially (and shyly), ate their food and stole scrutinizing glances towards each other. They were like two little parakeets, bowing their heads if caught staring. Their food finished and what it seemed like a full minute they stared, lathering their eyes to each other. Jasper looked at the hero whom had saved him, and Axel looked at the damsel whom he had saved. Jasper was the one to break the silent air between them.
"Hey, um, I was wondering. Are you free tomorrow night?"
"I guess, what's up?" Axel knew where their conversation was going.
"you see, there's a little gathering my friend and I were having. Sorry if this comes as sudden, but I'd like you to come with me. Would that be okay?" Jasper arranged his words carefully.
"Oh... well, I think I might be able to come." Not as he had anticipated.
"Great!" Jasper exclaimed. Realizing his zeal was of excess, he quickly cupped his maw. "I mean, that'd be great."
"Yeah."
"And uh, you look very familiar, do I know you from somewhere?" Jasper queried. His heart was racing now, not sure of the answer. He doubted on the possibility, but held onto hope that the tiger was a long lost companion of his.
"Yes" Axel managed. "In fact, you and I were attending the same kindergarten back when we were little." His face calm. He knew this was troubling Jasper, because Axel could see the confusion wearing the pup's face.
"Really? But I don't recall you at all. None of my childhood memories, actually." Upon saying those words, he forgot the rule that his parents taught him. "Never share your personal's with strangers, it will be the source of your grief." Jasper's mind replaying what his mother had told him. He bit his lips, cursing in silence.
"Huh? That's funny" Axel remembered the vivid image of the band-aid, curious of the pup's trouble recalling the past. "I'm positive we were tight back then" His voice slipped off with an edge to it, subtly coercing the pup to remember. To his dismay, the canine only manage to pull on a frown.
"Never mind that." his voice quivered a little under his breath. He was never the bold type when facing adversities, and this feeling of being interrogated did him discomfort. He sipped on his now cold coffee. "So Friday night then?"
"Hmm?"
"Tomorrow, Friday, at night."
"Right, Friday..." Axel seemed to get the message. He was rushing answers from the pup and it clearly had backfired. Luckily the pup had proposed the invitation prior, thus offering an escape route to the whole awkwardness they are experiencing now. Axel cursed himself, pushing his luck into unstepped territories. "I better get going. You know what, I'll call you later, okay?"
"Yeah, that'd be great" His mood was lifted yet again by the notion.
Axel thought about whether to kiss the pup or just shook his paw. Though the hours spent in the hospital together pretty much explained both of their affection, the fact remains that they are still strangers to each other. He mustered his courage and stood. He walked over to jasper and hugged him instead. Jasper did what he longed for, he accepted the embrace albeit a little surprised. The sweet musk of the tiger enveloping his nostrils.
They waved and parted ways. Both returned to their daily schedules.
However, their mind was held glued to the invitation that Jasper had mentioned...
To all my readers, stay tuned for the next chapter, I'll be sure to complete it within a few weeks time, provided I have the time though..
Please comment and vote, I need feedback ^^