Chapter 3

It was late-afternoon when Anya finally called a halt and allowed herself to collapse on a bench. Andi, surprisingly enough, seemed grateful for the rest as well. They had gone non-stop since they arrived. Andi had wanted to look at all the little shops, taste all the fair food, squeal and coo over the farm animals, and go on all the rides.

The young people were gathered in full force today and Andi had wasted no time in chatting up several peers within her age group. Two or three young men had given her appreciative looks and she had walked around with her head held a bit higher afterward. She loved receiving attention.

Anya was amused by her sister's antics and was satisfied enough to watch. She didn't notice several slightly older gentlemen trying to catch her eye throughout the day, it just wasn't in her nature. Andi had tried to point this out but to no avail.

"Anya, he's smiling at you. Go talk to him. He's so handsome!" She had said this when she'd noticed the leather-maker gazing longingly at Anya.

She'd waved it off. "Oh no, he's just being friendly. I don't want to bother him in the middle of the work day, it's not polite. I don't have any business to offer him, besides."

Andi rolled her eyes and gave up. Anya must not like men, she decided. She couldn't remember a time when she'd seen her sister flirt with a man, much less have a boyfriend. She on the other hand had no such qualms. Andi had gotten several date invites from the young men today. And the day was young. Now how to get Anya to let her go out on those dates, by herself, was another task entirely.

As she tried to work out a plan, she failed to notice that Anya's attention was caught by some sudden noise. Barking to be precise. Puppy barking. Interest piqued, she rose and began to walk purposefully in that direction. Andi didn't notice for a moment and was taken aback by her sister's sudden departure.

"Hey wait! Where are you going," she called, bouncing to her feet to run after Anya. "Wait up! What are you-awwwww puppies!" She wasted no time in scooping the loudest, most boisterous one up and cuddling it, baby-talking it all the while.

"Lookit you little snuggly wuggly poo. Aren't you just the cutiest little puppy ever," she cooed. The puppy in question was yipping excitedly lapping at Andi's cheek. Anya observed this for a few moments before quietly speaking to the boy the dogs belonged to.

Andi was now on the ground, mindless of the dirt, playing 'get my fingers' with the little spotted pup.

Anya approached with a pleased grin on her face, "he's the one is he?"

Andi looked up, puzzled. "He's the one what?"

"He's the one who will be coming back with us, I assume?"

The young girl's face lit up with understanding at her older sister's words. "Ohhh, really? I can keep him?" She scooped the puppy up once more and gurgled at it happily, "did you hear that, little guy? You get to come home with me!"

The little dog barked excitedly at her tone. This girl was obviously very pleased with him for some reason. And she was playing with him and she was so much fun. He wagged his tail as hard and as fast as he could to show her that yes, yes he was happy to be with her. He was happy that she was happy. Yes yes yes.

"Consider him an early birthday present. From me to you. Come on now, gather him up. We need to buy provisions for him," Anya said, beckoning the two to follow.

"Best. Gift. Ever." Andi scrambled to her feet, excited to go and buy things for her new pet. "We'll have to get him food, and a water bowl, and a leash, and some toys, and a bed, and a ball, and a..."

"Yes, all of that. He'll be your charge you realize. I'll expect you to look after him," Anya began seriously, knowing all the while that she would eventually be caring for the pup when Andi forgot.

"I promise," came the inevitable response. To which Anya merely smiled.

They came upon a store that in addition to regular items, also sold some pet apparel. The pickings were a bit slim, but good quality. Andi was rather put out when she failed to find a matching leash and collar - but settled when she found two that looked nice together. Anya rather doubted that the puppy would care either way, but she said nothing and let the girl have her little shopping spree. It wasn't as if money was an issue - their parents had saved and saved. Most of their food was homegrown and their clothing was mostly home-made. The money that they did earn, selling extra eggs and produce, Anya put along with her parents' savings. It was actually a bit nice to have something to spend money on for a change. And it made her happy that she could afford it.

Andi was chattering away to the shop-keep about what sort of food would be best for puppies. Anya let herself wander around the store, glancing here and there at this and that. Little statues and figurines adorned this shelf. Oldish-looking books and parchments sat on another. Her attention was caught by a smallish pendant attached to a thin silver chain. She picked it up and a tiny jingling issued forth from within the charm. It was a shiny round sphere, no bigger than a pea. Simple but elegant. Anya liked it very much, and wondered if she should bother to purchase it. Reluctantly she decided against it. She had no other jewelry to wear it with - her ears weren't even pierced. Silly to spend money on something she'd never put on.

Slowly, she replaced it and strolled back towards Andi and the puppy. There was quite a pile of pet merchandise on the counter, making Anya arch a brow. There was more than two puppies needed, let alone one. The little creature was already beginning to be spoiled. She silently took inventory of Andi's choices so far: three rubber balls - all colored differently, several chew bones, two leashes, two collars, three bags of food, a water and food bowl, a large bed-pillow and four little bags of treats.

"How do you suppose we will be able to carry all of this back home?"

Andi merely smiled and held up a large cloth bag she'd just added to the pile. "And there is also that bag you thought ahead to bring. You were right, it was a good idea."

Anya stared at her younger sister before sighing and holding up her hand, "we'll have to put some of this back, I'm afraid. Now, now before you throw a fit hear me out. There is no reason to have doubles of everything for one small dog."

In the end, despite loud protests, Anya put back two of the treat bags, the second collar and leash set, two of the rubber balls and one bag of food. Even so, the load would be a heavy one and the walk back was long. And they had a new puppy to deal with as well. It was late in the day too ... This was turning out to be a longer excursion than she had anticipated. Suddenly anxious to get back, Anya paid for the items and hustled Andi out of the store.