Doc Martin belongs to Buffalo Pictures. I just like to play with the characters.

Chapter two

Next day, they made Cornish Fairies for dessert and she let him wash the vegetables to go with the lamb roast she planned on serving for lunch. James chatted non-stop, excited to see his parents again and to show them his new dog. The dog sat out of the way under the table. Then his parents called and said they would be there in a few minutes. He ran outside with Jackie and waited so excited that he started running around with Jackie chasing him and barking wildly. Joan came out and watched them, hands on her hips and laughing. His parents pulled into the parking area and got out. James kneeled down and put his arms around the dog, getting licked and smiling from ear to ear. He started to say "Look…" but didn't get to finish.

Martin saw the dog and his son actually touching it. He face became of mask of rage and he shouted "Take your hands off that filthy animal and get away from it!"

James was so shocked that he fell over onto his back, striking his head lightly on the ground. He sat up looking terrified and started scooting away from his father. Martin saw the fear on his son's face went completely pale, his whole body trembling. His memory immediately flashed back to an episode with his parents involving a dog that he loved on this very spot when they acted exactly as he just did. Except that he got a hand smashed across his face and dragged back up by his collar. His father was taking off his belt to administer "discipline" and his mother was screeching about how disgusting he was and how they were both ashamed to call him their son. Aunt Joan had to forcefully restrain Muttonhead as he raged to protect his master. Uncle Phil walked up, grabbed his father's arm with his strong hand and growled in a menacing voice "You might want to think twice about that!" He waited, looking into the father's face until the belt was re-buckled. Then he snorted and looked at the mother with flaming contempt. He walked over to where Martin was crying and holding his hand to a darkening bruise on his face, embraced him up with gentle arms and motioned for Joan to take him into the house. The memory took less than a second and Martin returned to the present.

Jackie stood in front of the frightened boy, hackles raised and growling furiously. Martin rushed past him and the dog grabbed his pants leg and held on, determined to protect his master from harm. Louisa was still climbing out of the car and took in the scene in complete bewilderment. Joan grabbed Jackie and motioned Louisa to be quiet. Martin scooped up his son and held him with each face buried in the other's neck and both crying. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry. I should never spoken to you like that. I'm so sorry!". He rocked his son and stroked his little back. He had never felt such shame and regret in his entire life. When they stopped crying, he said "Look at me, son. Please?"

James pulled back a little, his face still pale and wet with tears and his nose running, he asked "What's wrong, Daddy? Jackie not dirthy. He's my friend and he's going to live with us. Auntie Joan said he could."

Martin gulped and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped both their faces. "He certainly acts like a very good, brave dog. Can you introduce us?"

James looked hesitantly at his father and then nodded. "Put me down" and then remembered his manners "please." Martin placed him gently on his feet, knelt on one knee by him and waited. "Jackie, come here boy. Jackie, come." The dog, still eyeing Martin and growling faintly, walked up to James and sat at his feet. "Look Daddy, his name is Jackie and he's really smart. Watch." He went through the commands that Joan had taught him and the final one was 'lay down'. The dog behaved perfectly and returned to his favorite spot - by the boy's side - still eyeing Martin. The boy took an ever present treat from his pocket to give the obedient dog and said proudly, "I teached him to do that! Pet him Daddy and see how soft and clean he is. Now tell him to sit up and scratch under his chin. See Daddy. Isn't he a good dog?"

His father, remembering another dog from years ago who had tried to protect him from harm replied "Yes, I would say that he's the perfect dog for you and of course he's coming home with us. I think maybe we should stop at the store for food. Let's see, what else do we need?"

James was quick with his answer. "A bed for when he naps but not for bed time, cause he sleeps at the end of my bed. And some toys. Oh and a collar with his name on it so's everybody will know his name. And some of these treats for when he's ojebident."

And Martin, still remembering the large dog all those years ago who slept at the foot of his bed, replied "Sounds like an excellent plan." He pulled James onto his bent knee and reached to pet the dog again trying to let him see that he could be trusted. It worked. Jackie wagged his tail and licked Martin's hand. And Martin smiled and said "Good boy!"

"Now, how about you show him to Mommy while I talk to Auntie Joan. Ok?"

"Yes, sir. C'mere Mommy. Please. Let me show you my dog." Louisa walked toward them with a questioning look at her husband and he whispered "Later."

Louisa said "I would love you meet your dog. What's his name?"

Martin and Joan walked arm in arm into the kitchen. She could feel the tremors still running through his body. "Marty, I thought you wouldn't like James having a pet but I didn't expect that. But I think maybe it did some good. Did you remember your last day here and your dog? Was it your parents who made you start hating dogs?" Then she plugged in the kettle to make him a cup of calming tea.

"Yes. You know that when we got home, he beat me worse than he ever had before. I was in bed for two nights and a day and had to start school with belt marks on my back and legs. Mom didn't speak or even look at me the whole time or even say goodbye. I accept now that they really hate me."

He sat quietly at the table thinking and she kept quiet knowing that this was a critical time for him. "I had put that memory away deep inside because it was so painful. I don't think I started hating dogs, I think I wanted to protect them. Dad was furious and talking about killing Muttonhead and even Uncle Phil. I was terrified that he would." He sighed and continued "That was the last summer I spent with you. What happened to the dog?"

"He died about eight or nine years later. He's buried out back. We missed him so much. But not as much as we missed you." She stood beside him and put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "You know how much I love you, right? And, to be clear, I did not say the dog could live with you. I said if you and Louisa gave your permission that he could. If not, he would still be James' dog, just live here. It looks like James has the same way with animals that you always did. Oh, the kettle's boiling. Chamomiles tea or Earl Grey?

James, Jackie and Louisa walked into the kitchen and James danced around the room with Jackie at his heels and exclaimed "This kitchen smells better than anything! I'm starving!"

Louisa, after embracing Martin and giving him a kiss on the top of his head, and said "I'm hungry too. Can I help do anything? And James is right, it smells heavenly!"

"Well, you can help me dish up while Martin and James go wash up."

The two Ellingham men did as suggested and washed up. Martin's only request was, that since they had both handled the dog, they should scrub their hands thoroughly. James took it literally and used enough soap for five pairs of dirty little hands. Then they set the table, the boy being very careful not to drop any of Auntie Joan's special china. Martin smiled as he watched the dog making every step that his son did. He would be a good companion. And he promised himself that he would tell James about his dog named Muttonhead and how brave and smart he was.

They gathered around the table and so much excitement gave all tremendous appetites. Martin didn't worry a single time about the fat and calories they were consuming. He was just too happy to care. James acted like he was on a big sugar high he was so excited and wanted to talk non-stop and eat at the same time. It was hard because he knew better than to talk with his mouth full. His father thought of a plan that might help. "James, do you remember when we talked about rhythm? You do? Well, let's you and I eat in rhythm. We'll each pick up our fork, take a bite of food, chew and swallow and then you say something. They we'll take a bite together again. Ok? One, two, three, take a bite."

James thought that would be a good game and, though it took a while, actually finished his lunch. The Cornish Fairies were scrumptious and everyone had at least two.

Now, it was time to go home. James was glad about seeing his friends and showing everyone his dog but more sad that he was leaving Auntie Joan. He held onto her neck and cried a little. She felt so soft when they cuddled and she smelled of cookies and talcum powder. He would remember those smells for the rest of his life and think of her every time he did. "Oh, my boy! I'm going to miss you terribly but you'll come visit again before you know it. And, I've been thinking that I could use some help delivering my vegetables around town. If Daddy and Mommy say you can, would you and Jackie like to help me some time?"

"Yes, mam! I can help good! Daddy, Mummy is that ok with you? Can I help sometimes?"

They both nodded and Louisa said that it was an excellent idea.

The journey home was quiet. James was worn out and asleep before they had traveled even a mile. Jackie curled up next to him and, oh no, he snored! Martin grinned ruefully. Well, he got used to his wife snoring. He could get used to a snoring dog too.

Nothing stays private in PortWenn for long. The family was observed getting out of and unpacking their car while some strange dog sniffed and frolicked around them. And then, wonders of wonders, the Doc bent down, laughed and petted him as they climbed the steps to enter the house. And the dog went in the house!

Everybody, when they heard the news, was astounded and wondered if the Doc was off his rocker. As usual, Bert put it best,s "Well I guess tomorrow pigs will fly. If we sell tickets, this town could make a fortune! Who wants another pint?"

And that's how James Henry got a dog.