*AN* Yes, I started another story, no I didnt forget about the one in progress. I uploaded probably 5 chapters in a 24 hour span, I think I deserve a break! lol. Normally I dont start new stories while in the middle of others, just because I dont want to forget what track I was on or forget about it all together. This story and another one I had in my head but didnt write down, this one has actually been in my head for a while now. They shouldnt be too long, no more than 3-4 chapters 5 at the most. I'll try to refrain from being long winded/detailed. This is just supposed to be a laid back kind of thing, no drama or what not but we'll see how it goes.
An early spring morning began to peek it's way between the blinds of the guys tour bus. Sound asleep in their bunks, with the curtains drawn meant it didn't phase them at all. It was peaceful on the bus for the most part, the hum that had put them to sleep, had now been mixed with the sounds of other traffic as the day began. Slowly they woke up to the busy sounds, James threw back his curtain in disdain at the intrusion and looked up to see the emergency hatches open. He climbed out his bed and managed to shut it with a small slam before burrowing back into his bunk.
The bus remained quiet again for about another 3 hours, as everyone slept. Eventually James woke up again and this time actually got up and got something to eat. He was usually the first one awake but enjoyed sleeping in today. Shortly after him Logan got up and got some breakfast as well. They were running low on food and would have to make a stop pretty soon however, they were already running a little late. According to their driver, they were about an hour away from the venue they were supposed to be at by 9 and it was now 10. They would have to make the food last and ate small for now, they could order some extra food at the venue.
They had a busy schedule the next few days, having one show a day for about a week before getting a perfectly scheduled mini vacation of a few days in New England. They had a show in New York September 29th and a show in Connecticut October 2nd. The venues were only a few hours distance and they would be in CT over night. They had big plans in CT, it was going to be Katie's birthday the night of the show and they wanted to spend a few days with her. They hadn't seen each other in almost a year.
The show had been put on hiatus as well as recording for both artists, due to time and scheduling conflicts. Katie needed a break anyway, and the guys hadn't toured in a while so they were touring the world this time. After Christmas, the Show would start up again as well as recording new music for both artists.
After their busy week of trying to catch up with their delays, grueling schedules and anticipation to be on vacation, they finally arrived in CT in the early morning around 7. They slept in a bit until 9 or so when the bus pulled into a charging station a few towns over from Katie. They tried texting her to come get them but she didn't answer. Carlos finally called her, she answered but it was clear she was sleeping.
"You're still asleep? Its almost 10 in the morning." he stated
"I stay up late at night doing work." she said calmly
"Oh, I didn't know that. Sorry to wake you. We're in CT though, at the charging station, ready to be picked up." he replied
"Oh ok, which one?" She asked, sounding more alert and excited now.
"I don't know." Carlos said into the phone. Logan was standing next to him but he had no idea either, shrugging his shoulders. " Randy!" Carlos called away from the phone. "Where are we?…..Stonington."
"Alright, I'll be there in about a half hour." she said, finishing up the conversation.
The guys hung out at the station, getting some food and supplies at the station shop while they waited. After a half hour, Katie hadn't shown up yet and they were getting restless. They tried playing a little Frisbee but the manager of the station told them no. Carlos was about to call Katie again but James called out for his attention. He looked up to see a familiar green truck, outfitted with many fixtures and signs of warning. It was Katie alright, her truck wasn't hard to spot. She turned on her loading lights as she pulled up towards the bus and turned past them.
Her long truck was outfitted with a large white fixture, it was a supply carrier of some sort. Dog cages were aligned sporadically along both sides. She also was pulling a long trailer behind her, in big letters her school and business were emblazoned on both sides. James ran up to the car to open the back door when a dog lunged at the door. Katie got out quickly and greeted them with smiles and hugs and they reciprocated.
"I'm sorry I took so long, I was delayed getting out the door. I have a free cargo space in the carrier that you can put your bags in." She said walking to the back of her truck. She unlocked a medium sized door to reveal an almost empty space, the floor was empty but the walls were lined with long tools such as nets, catch poles, and other assorted equipment. The door was small but the compartment was quite roomy and all of their bags, about 7 in total, fit snuggly.
She pulled a wire cage from another compartment and unfolded it, laying it on the ground before unlocking her car and taking out Shadow. He was now friendly and happy to see the familiar faces despite lunging at James a minute ago. Shadow had a tendency to get territorial very easily knowing he could get away with it with others. He was all bark and no bite though, unless Katie gave him one of his many commands.
Shadow didn't like to share the back seat and although she could trust him to just pout in a corner, she put him in the cage. Carlos and Logan squeezed into the third row of seats and Kendall got into the passenger seat upfront before switching with James, who was a little put off sitting with Shadow. Shadow took James' fear to his advantage and began growling, making James uncomfortable. Once everyone was comfortable, buckled up and ready, she took off heading back the way she came.
"Pick-up needed in Stonington. Who can respond?" a voice said. Katie picked up her walkie-talkie, to respond to the pick-up.
"Unit KP-S responding. Go ahead."
"Possible live donation plus standard. 2845 Forest Grove."
"Copy that." she said and she hung up the receiver. "Got a quick pick-up to make." she explained to the others. She had already past the way to get to the address but managed to pull a quick u-turn. She arrived at the house in a few minutes and she was greeted by an elderly woman who was very grateful for Katie's help and surprised at the quick response.
"I only just called 10 minutes ago and was told someone would get back to me with a time frame. Not 5 minutes later I get a call saying someone would be here in minutes. Boy, how I wish all businesses were like this!"
"Thank you ma'am but I just happen to be in the area, driving through actually. It was luck of the draw. Usually it takes a day or 2 to get out to all our calls. How can I help you today, anyway?" she said with a smile.
"My husband passed away recently and his old dog, is just too much work for me in my old age. I know he is old and lays around a lot but I hoped he could still be of some use to someone. I've got all of his food, toys and supplies boxed up, already to go."
"Great. I assure you, all our dogs are always useful. Even if he's too old to move, he'd make a great companion for someone. All my students love animals and are great with all kinds of critters. If I cant use him for my geriatrics class, I'm sure he'd find a great home to live in peace with a student."
"Wonderful, I'm so glad I called. I'd hate having him spend the rest of his life in some cage at a shelter. I know he'd be in a cage with you but that's different. What do I need to do?"
"All simple things, in fact this can go really quick. I have a few extra hands with me today so this should be a breeze. I need to get my paperwork and while I get set-up, you can show my friends to all of the supplies. Not the dog, I'll get him when we finish."
"Alright, dear."
