Window shopping. Thats what Cassie had asked him to do with her. She said they needed more furniture for their apartment and she didn't want to pick it out all herself. He had, of course, agreed and told her that he would love to spend the day with her. She smiled and giggled at him, which he found incredibly adorable, before reaching up to kiss him quickly. He was honestly looking forward to it. He had no idea, however, that by the end of the day, Cassie and him would have a new member to their household.
It was cold and windy the next day with the promise of snow later in the night. Both Jaime and Cassie were bundled up with large coats, gloves, hats, and for Cassie, a scarf. When they left the apartment, they walked closely together to shield themselves from the cold. The streets and buildings were covered with a light grey tinge that made the day look deary. Jaime barely felt the bleariness, instead, entirely focused on Cassie and her melodic voice that rang through his ears.
"..and we definitely need a new couch. The old one is starting to get worn." Cassie paused and looked up into Jaime's face. She remembered when she was just a hair taller than him, but now he towered a head or more taller than her. This made Cassie have to stretch up when she kissed him, but she didn't mind. It was worth it. He currently had a dazed look on his face, the kind he got when he was admiring or thinking about her. She smiled softly, looking at her boyfriend of six years with affection. "You're spacing out again."
His expression cleared somewhat as his eyes focused on her with a shy smile. "Sorry chica," he said "I was a little bit distracted."
A smug smile found its way on her face. "I noticed." her words infused with laughter. Jaime reached down to take her hand in his and gave it a small squeeze, while Cassie leaned against him.
Both were lost in thought when a sharp yap snapped them back to the present. The loud noise was unexpected in the deserted street and both Cassie and Jaime looked around for the source. "What was that?" Cassie looked at Jaime for the answer. He just shrugged when the mysterious yap sounded again. Cassie was better prepared for this one and was able to track the noise to the ground.
They found an old cardboard box sitting on the side of the curb with the word PUPPIES painted on in bold red letters. Cassie kneeled down next to the box moving the soaked purple blanket on top out of the way. Sitting in the corner of the beat up cardboard was a small grey puppy, probably not even a year old. It had big bright blue eyes that looked up at Cassie with fear. "Come here little guy," Cassie said in soft soothing tones. "We won't hurt you."
Jaime looked around, not finding anyone. "I wonder if he belongs to someone." He looked back down at Cassie, who had succeeded in picking up the poor shaking fur ball and cuddling it against her chest.
She frowned "Probably not, or else they wouldn't leave him out here. Especially with the snow storm coming. He'd freeze to death." They both went silent for a minute before Cassie jumped up from her previous crouched position, startling Jaime. "Well," she gave him a pleading look "we should probably bring him home since he doesn't have an owner." Jaime whipped his head around to look at her.
"Are you crazy? We can't just take him. We don't even have the proper stuff to take care of a puppy. Heck we don't even have dog food."
Cassie gave Jaime her stubborn face, the one which meant she wasn't budging about her choice. He sighed looking at her one last time before pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright fine. We can keep it. But only until we find its owners." Cassie squealed with delight twirling the puppy around in her outstretched arms. "I can never win an argument with you. Can I,chica?"
She gave him her signature smile and a quick peck on the lips before replying. "Nope."