Chapter 5
“Wasn't she wonderful?” Spike sighed. “And what a name! She sure is a rarity.”
“Her name is Alexisis Rare, not Rarity, and yours is Kyle. Now focus, Casanova. What's next on the list?”
“I thought my name was Kyle.”
Tania narrowed her eyes.
Spike brought the clipboard up to his face and flipped to the next page.
“Oh, birds. It’s the last one.”
Tania stopped before the animal training center. “Well, this looks as good a place to start as any.”
She peaked into the doorway and blinked away the sunlight.
“Hello?”
“Be right with you!” said someone inside. “Please. Come in!”
Tania and Spike came in. The center was well organized with several enclosed spaces for small training sections, a hallway to the back yard, and a few cages for injured animals. A doorway led to an adoption section and another to a vet’s office. Their animal trainer kept busy all right. Various animal noises came from the doorways, all reacting to the tinkling bell that the students had sounded on their way in.
At a cage near the counter, a curly haired woman at least a decade older than Tania was trying to coax an animal as it whimpered.
“I’m sorry; it seems I’ve gotten my hands full here.”
“No problem.” said Tania politely. “I’m just looking for a Cher Sweetly? I’m Tania Sparks and I’m supposed to enquire about the birds.”
“Oh I’m sorry hon.” The other woman looked up from the cage. “She stepped out a while ago.” The woman struggled to keep the cage balanced on the edge of an enclosure and offered one of her hands. “I’m Bon Bon, or Sugar Goode if you prefer. I own the candy store across the street. I’m just watching the place as a favour to Flut…uh Cher while she’s out. Really nice person, really sweet. Drat.” Bon Bon had gotten her sleeve stuck in the cage. Spike came over to help her out. “I can leave a message for her if you want. I can assure you though that the girl will have done a fabulous job (much better than how I’m doing currently.)”
“I really must speak to each organizer personally.”
“Well, I will get write a note then.” She tugged at her sleeve. It was still stuck. Spike shrugged. The creature inside whimpered. “Uh, well I would if-”
“No problem…I’ll just-”
“It’s Ok! I’ve got it!” someone called from the hallway behind the counter.
“Oh Lyra, thank you!” said Bon Bon relieved.
A woman between Tania’s and Bon Bon’s age appeared. She had a short ponytail and a pair of rider’s boots, otherwise she dressed simply. She greatly contrasted Bon Bon’s pastel dress and apron. Lyra took out some sticky notes and a pen.
“Sorry, what’s your name?”
“Tania.”
Lyra held out her hand. “Lyra.” After shaking Tania’s hand she scribbled on the note. “Tania who?”
“Oh sorry, Sparks.”
“Cool I, uh.” Lyra scribbled over her note and crumpled it up. “Sorry, sometime’s I swear I don’t know how to use my own fingers. Ok there we go.” She posted the new note on a board. “Hey Bon?”
“Ya huh?”
“I’m headed to go for that swim with Octavia, then she and I are going to practise one last set with Scratch. Call me if you find plans for this evening.”
“K!” Bon Bon grunted and got her sleeve unstuck. Spike cheered.
“Really nice to meet you, Tania.” smiled Lyra. “Hope I see you again at the celebration.”
Now mobile, Bon Bon lifted the cage and set it on the counter as Lyra disappeared.
“She’s my friend from Celestalot.” She said pointing behind her. “She came to visit just last evening and has already made more friends than me.” She laughed. “Slight exaggeration, but still. I guess some people are like that. But look at me, I’ve made one today.” Bon Bon smiled at Tania.
Tania felt sick to her stomach. Lyra (which was her real name) was a student at Tania’s school. It was only the day before when Lyra had waved to Tania when she was on her way to her dorm. Had Lyra forgotten her so soon? Or even worse, perhaps Lyra had remembered her, but felt detached enough she felt reintroducing herself was necessary. Ouch.
Maybe she should keep track of her relationships a bit better.
Buuuut, no. Relationships could wait until after she was sure the Princess was safe.
Bon Bon was looking thoughtful.
“You know, if you’re in a hurry…” she mused. Tania perked up. “I know that Cher has been practicing at a tree near a back trail. I bet she’s there right now if you want to look for her.”
“Oh yes! That would be perfect!”
“Here, let me draw out some directions.”