TWO GUYS TALKIN'

Jeff
Dad

These words slowly worked into my consciousness and I woke up. Buddy was next to me on the couch in his bastet pose. The fireplace was still well-lit and crackling.

J-Is that you talking?

B-Yep. Tis after midnight. You fell asleep.

My eyes began to focus. On the coffee table was a bottle of liqueur, two empty glasses, and napkin with crumbs.

J-What’s up?

B-Well, quite a bit. Somehow, that Catholic notion that all creatures speak English at midnight has become reality, whatever that is. (Chuckling) I thought you would enjoy talking considering I don’t speak as a matter of course.

Fully awake now, I sat up.

J-How do you know it’s midnight?

B-Oh, all of us have internal clocks Plus when I discovered I could speak to the big guy with the white beard and red suit-that was a clue. Your friend Nick sends his greetings and well wishes for the new year. I suggested that he help himself to the “mother’s milk” which he did so with great pleasure. In return, he conjured up a scrumptious snack for me like last year and we chatted. He said to tell you that all your former cats are well and happy. I offered to wake you up but he thought it was a good idea for you to rest. “He’s an old boy like me” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “And, he worries too much.” He gave me a scritch and told me that I was a great tonic for both you and Mum. I replied that I felt the same. He didn’t stay long citing lousy weather over Idaho had put him behind schedule.

J-Thanks for extending the hospitality of our home to him. Mum and I appreciate you in so many ways.

B-I appreciate you and mum very much as well. You have provided me a home I never would have imagined. Never in my cycles have I had it so good.

He sat down next to me and put his head on my thigh.

B-Sorry about bringing in my kills. It is our way to show gratitude and thanks. Sorry about the bloodstains on your carpet. I heard you complain about the bunnies eating your plants so I thought I would help out. I’ll try and be more restrained.

J-Oh man, that was thoughtful of you and I understand you want to help but it does bother Mum-she feels sad for the prey. It’s just a difference between our species.

Every day you repay us by being here with us. You’re family, Buddy-roo, We’re not going to send you away.
 
I gently stoked his ears.  We both dozed and we heard the frig door open. C was up to get a drink of water. She came in and sat next to Buddy.

C-What are you boys doing up at this hour? she asked smiling.
J-Doing what we’ve always done on xmas eve: the night watch for Nick.

C-Well, I can see that he has visited. I’m going back to bed. Don’t stay up too late. See you both in the morning.

She got up and Buddy jumped down and followed her.  I heard her say to him how about another midnight snack? I won’t say no. he chirped. I secured the fireplace door, turned off the votive and tree lights, picked up the bottle, glasses and napkin. Looks like we’re going to have a white xmas I said as I entered the kitchen and placed everything on the counter. Buddy had already snarfled his snack and was licking his whiskers. C picked him up and we gathered for a group hug that we often do. We were standing under a sprig of mistletoe I had put up on the ceiling fan.

Happy Christmas to all I said and gave C and Buddy a kiss which they returned in kind. C continued on with the venerable quote and murmured in her Buddy voice-and to all a good night. We went to our beds, Buddy to his basket-to dream and hope of a good new year.