<br><br><center>*We tend to hold on to first impressions
and not even look back at people that carefully
after a while, but go on our early opinion.
―Miranda July*
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<br><br>It was a big step to tell Isabel I loved her and thankfully, I discovered she felt the same.
That's the problem with being incarcerated―you feel awkward when you return to daily life and find you lack the niceties of social interaction.
I don't know what I would have done if my love was unrequited, because I already felt we were a family, especially when we adopted Frizzy.
<br><br>Thinking about Frizzy reminded me I had to check back with Belle Brooks at *Pets 'N Things* to make sure no one had been searching for a stray kitten.
The fear in the pit of my stomach told me I was already attached and this was the final step I'd have to take to ensure the three of us would be together forever as I dreamt we'd be.
Once I was assured of my new family, I'd take the next step and drop by the law office to see Alfred Rosenburg, my father's lawyer and confidante, and find out when he'd be free to chat with me .
I was hoping he might have some insight on the rift that developed between my father and me.
<br><br>I told Izzie about my plans for the day and she also felt anxious about losing Frizzy. It was in the forefront of our thoughts.
I promised to phone her as soon as I knew the news, one way or the other.
All the way to the pet store I was on edge, but soon as I entered the shop Belle's bright smile reassured me everything was fine.
<br><br>"Good news about your new kitten," she sang out, "she was part of a rescue mission by the SPCA and apparently she somehow got away. The team only discovered her missing when they got back to the animal rescue compound."
"Oh, thank God!" I sighed with relief. "Does that mean we still have to apply to adopt her?"
"No, I talked to Roy Chambers who's in charge and he said you just need to make sure she gets her shots at a vet and buy a license. I can sell you one here."
<br><br>The dark shadow that had been depressing us was gone. Frizzy was officially ours.
Belle saw the relief on my face. "I see the two of you really became attached to that kitten."
"We really did," I agreed. "It seemed Frizzy was drawn to us right from the start, especially to Isabel, and I get that―I was drawn to her when I first met her too."
"Hmm," Belle smiled, "She seems to have a way with strays. Ain't love grand?"
<br><br>I loaded up on litter, wet and dry food and bought way too many cat toys.
"You can't spoil a pet with too much love," Belle chuckled, "and as for toys, you'll probably find she'll be happy to play with anything in the house because what she wants most is your attention."
"I think she already has that," I laughed.
"I don't doubt it one bit."
I really liked Belle. I already considered her a friend.
<br><br> As soon as I loaded all my purchases into the car, I phoned Izzie and gave her the good news. She was overjoyed.
"So, I guess your next stop is seeing Alfred?" she asked.
"Yeah, I want to see if I can figure out what went wrong with my other family―the one that didn't work out so well."
"I hope you get some answers, Jase. Maybe you should invite Alfred to dinner. People tend to be more talkative and open when they share a meal."
"Good idea―I'll scope out a good restaurant in town."
<br><br>"No," she laughed, "I meant ask him to come here for a home-cooked meal. I'd like to get to meet him too and learn first hand about your past."
"You sure you can handle that―I mean, details of my past sins?"
"I love you for who you are, not who you once were. I can forgive your past. The question is, can you?"
"Touche," I sighed. "You're very wise. I'll try my best, but no guarantees."
<br><br>I drove directly to the law office, expecting Alfred to be closeted in his inner sanctum as before, but the receptionist informed me he wasn't in.
"Is he in court?" I asked.
She shook her head. "I'm not at liberty to say, but you could try his house."
She handed me a business card with his residence address. I didn't even know where he lived, but imagined it was a mansion in the older part of town.
<br><br>As I left the office, I happened to glance back at the unimpressive facade that fronted the street.
I was always under the impression that Alfred, like Father, was wealthy and strove to maintain that standing in town, but as I looked closely at the gilt lettering on the window I noticed Alfred's name was not prominent. It wasn't even listed.
I was dumbfounded.I had no idea why he'd maintain such a low profile. Another mystery...
It seemed every time I looked into my father's affairs, nothing was ever the way it first appeared.
<br><br> <center>To be continued…</center>
<br><center>© 2023, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>
<br><center>[Photo by Countrygirl](hive.blog/@countrygirl)</center>
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