Page 4 of Tattoos and Tiaras
I thought of the Tennyson poem ‘A farewell’ as I walked through the garden. It spoke of the fleeting nature of human life and taking solace in the time we have with a person. The road leading to my parents’ house was to the right. I only returned to my parents’ home when I absolutely had to. My decree to never return was squashed when they paid for my University fees. Itwas not my proudest moment taking their money, but it enabled me to become a doctor.
The not-very-nice side of me hoped that they had died and their spoiled old corgis were now feasting on their corpses. That Anne and I would finally be free of their constant harping and manipulations.
Entering the Rose garden, I could see the roof of my surgery and the lane that led to the High Street from this vantage point. Glancing at my watch, I saw it was only a little past seven and most of the town not heading to work would be tucked in bed enjoying a Saturday morning sleep-in.
I wanted my bed so badly. I was dead on my feet and, in hindsight, walking to work had seemed like a healthy proactive thing, but now at the end of a twelve-hour shift, I was regretting my choice.
I walked through the gate onto Shipwrights Lane for only a few more minutes, and I could sprawl out in bed. I was trying to remember if I had any crumpets left in the fridge. If I didn't eat something before I crawled under the covers, I'd sleep like shit.
With thoughts of bramble jam and butter-covered crumpets, I jogged the last bit home. I passed my sister's small cottage and waved at my nephew who was peering out his bedroom window. Ben gave me a huge grin and waved like he'd promised me he would yesterday when I'd had lunch with them.
A little further down the street, I could smell the fresh bread from Daisy's bakery and decided that the crumpets could wait for another day. I was going to treat myself to a couple of Daisy's delicious Danishes. I preached healthy eating to my patients, but I also preached moderation. Treating oneself was not to be sneered at, and right then, I was going to treat myself to an apricot and apple Danish respectively.
Thankfully the store was quiet. I was able to grab my Danishes and be on my way home without having to wait too long. My cottage came into view not long after.
I was just about to take a bite of my treat when my phone rang, and I was a little shocked to see it was Mouse calling. What in the devil was the man doing up this early on a weekend?
“Morning Cully Wally,” Mouse sang down the phone. I clumsily rested my phone against my shoulder while I juggled my Danishes and house keys. The door thankfully clicked open, and Tennyson let out a scolding mewl as I stepped through the door.
“Morning Mouse, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Tennyson wove around my legs like a tiny shadow and followed me inside.
“I was just wanting to check and see if you were coming to the club tonight?”
“Well, I'm not going to miss Cal demonstrating Florentine on you, am I?” Mouse giggled, and I had to marvel at the change in him over the last few months. Oh, there were still shadows that clung to Mouse, but we were all seeing the positive changes being with Cal had brought.
“I’m so excited. He's promised me this for ages, and I was so worried the stupid flu would get in the way, but I'm feeling heaps better, and I promised Cal I would stay indoors all day and take my medicine.” Mouse barely stopped for a breath before he was off again, “I've been so freaking good all month. I haven’t yelled at a client once or called Mr Dutton a Wanky Womble.” Mouse lowered his voice a little, “Okay, I might have when he gave Alice a time out for arguing with him, but that’s between you and me.”
I nodded even though Mouse couldn't see me. I was pleased that he considered me a good enough friend to let me know his slight infraction.
“Don't worry, I won't blab to Cal. Us brats need to stick together.” I answered as I flicked the coffee machine on and waited for it to heat up.
“Having Daddy look after me made me get well quicker. Mind you, I was almost tempted to play sick a bit longer because the head rubs and soup was awesome.”
“I can see the appeal, but why are you up so early?” I poured some kibble into Tennyson's bowl and a dash of his kitten milk into the China saucer he'd claimed as his own.
“Don't laugh, but I like making Cal and Alice something special for breakfast on Saturday mornings. It's the one time the three of us aren't rushing about. Besides, it gives me a chance to make my chocolate chip pancakes.” Those pancakes were good. My stomach growled at the memory.
“Well, put your mind at ease Mouse, I will be there. But right now, I need my bed. I've been on my feet for twelve hours, and I need to sleep,” I said.
“I'll let you crash, and I'll see you tonight.”
I finished feeding Tennyson, then made a coffee. I never suffered the problem of caffeine keeping me awake. In fact, I found it did the opposite for me in times like this. It could be the ritual of making the coffee or just sitting and enjoying drinking it while I looked out through my back window at the bay. I just needed to shower and find Leo, and I would be ready to sleep.
I bit into the Danish, and my mouth felt like it was in heaven. I was so intent on focusing on this small pleasure, I didn't notice the phone until it had rung a second time. It was tempting to ignore the call, but I saw Roman’s name on the screen and had to answer. As the club's unofficial doctor, I never knew when they might need me.
“Impeccable timing as usual, Sir.” I said with my mouth half full.
“Am I interrupting something?” Roman answered in his deep voice, sounding amused.
“Well, if you mean a date with my bed and a solid eight hours of sleep, then yes.” I muttered, eyeing the rest of my Danish. I was tempted to shove it in my mouth but knowing Roman the way I did, the bastard would probably choose then to ask me a question. The man had a knack for catching me out. Funnily enough, most of my friends could, because half of them were daddies and the other half were littles and subs.
“I don't want to keep you long, but I have a favour to ask. One I wouldn't normally ask knowing the animosity that exists between you and Perry.” My ears perked up.
Oh? What was this?
“I'm all ears. Why does the mighty Master Peregrine need help?” I picked up my half-eaten Danish and nibbled at it.
“Behave, Cullen.” Roman gently admonished.
