Chapter 2: Bourbon (Wabara’s POV)
I unlocked the apartment, pushing the door open with my hip while holding the cup of iced tea to my lips. I pushed the door open, putting my bag down on the floor. “Bourbon!” I scanned the room, my eyes stopping on the couch that had the pillows thrown everywhere. I walked over to the couch, looking over the back of it where Bourbon was sleeping.
I poked his belly and he jumped up, sneezing and shaking his head before looking up at me. “Haha,” I said blankly. “Good morning, little shit.” I sighed, scratching his ears while he climbed on top of the couch, trying to climb me. I scratched him, looking at the mess he made on the couch, all the couch cushions and throw pillows were scattered across the floor. I looked down at him. “Clean up with me now.”
He’s so freaking tiny and still new here, I’m surprised he understands most of the things I say to him. I got him about five months ago. I didn’t even get him, actually. I got back from campus one day and found him tied up, sitting with our security guard. When I asked, he said that some random girl just left the puppy here. He was only two months old back then. That’s what the vet said anyway. I took him in after that. I don’t even think the landlord knows I brought in a dog and I can’t remember if according to the lease, I’m allowed to or not. But I have one anyway now. Plus, he’s so tiny.
I thought it would be hard to take care of him and train him but it really isn’t. He is one lazy motherfucker. He sleeps all the time, eats, runs around a little on the couch and across the apartment, and I take him for a walk thrice a day.
Speaking of, it’s time for his walk now. I threw all the cushions back on the couch and then grabbed his leash, hooking it onto his collar. I grabbed my keys, phone, and earphones and then left. I plugged in my earphones while walking to the elevator and hit play. I pressed the button to the lobby while Bourbon sat beside me, both of us heading out when we reached.
I walked around our block. There’s a small park that’s at the very end of our block. Apparently, that neighborhood has a lot of kids that like to go to that park. This part of our block has apartment buildings since it’s near campus. That end has houses, one and two stories, both. I opened the gate to the park and walked in, strolling around with him.
After a while, I sat down on the swing set and unleashed him. It’s a small park, it’s fenced and gated, there’s nowhere for him to run but in circles, and that’s exactly what he does.
The music slowed down a stop and was replaced by my ringtone. I clicked my tongue and answered, talking with my earphones in. I stared at his name that was flashing on my phone.
He’s such a pain in the ass, how did we become so-called friends?
I answered the call. “Hello?”
“Wabara, where are you at?”
“On my deathbed.” I squinted a little under the sun, keeping an eye on Bourbon.
“Help me out, will you?”
“No,” I sighed, pushing the swing and gaining some momentum.
“Come on. Help me out.”
“What?”
“I had a plan to go to dinner with Indie tonight. For her birthday.”
“So?”
“I can’t go.”
“So?”
“I’m too busy to take her tonight.”
“So?”
“So, if she calls to ask where I am, don’t tell her.”
“I don’t even know, what am I going to tell her?” I rolled my eyes, swinging higher.