New Season, New Life
Spring arrived in the town bringing with it new life and the dogs began to recover from the winter. With springs arrival Tramp, Cosma, Tara, Buster and the gang moved back to the station. However Orfeo and Colette chose to stay at the theatre as it gave them a sense of security and shelter.
"Fifi hi so how are things with you?" Tramp asked one day in early March.
"Things or good a little quieter now spring is here many dogs have moved out" she replied.
"Good that's great. I was well I was wondering if you would like to go for a walk in the park with me one day?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?"
"Yes I am. Fifi I like a lot, I thought as friends but it's more then that".
"Tramp I would love to go out with you" Fifi replied as Cosma came running up.
"Tramp we have to go to the theatre Moms had pups, we".
"Right Fifi I have to go" Tramp said following his sister.
Arriving back at the theatre they found Orfeo standing over who was Colette curled up on a duvet with two bundles next to her.
"Well say hi to your brother and sister" said Orfeo.
"Only two" said Tramp.
"Four two were born dead" whispered Colette.
"Oh Mom I am so sorry" Cosma replied.
"Its ok we have two pups alive and they are what matter, a boy and a girl" Colette said.
"The boy is black the girl grey" Orfeo said.
"Just like you then, you need to pick names now" Tramp said.
"Well we have been thinking about that, we would like you both to choose their names. Cosma you can choose the girls name Tramp the boys" Colette said smiling at the pair.
"Thanks we are honoured to pick them" both replied.
The following day at the train station Tramp and Cosma announced the birth of their brother and sister to the gang.
"Great news that Tramp, better pick a good name" said Buster.
"Better had, so B how's Gertie?"
"She's alright moved in with a Doberman Alsatian cross".
A few days later Tramp and Cosma sat with Orfeo, Colette and their brother and sister. On the floor lay the remains of the night's supper a stolen chicken and buns that Orfeo had stolen earlier that day.
"So then have you both decided on names for this pair?" Orfeo asked.
"Well I had thought about Tamora as she is born in a theatre. I did enjoy the play when it was performed at last year's summer fair."
"It is a nice name despite what the character did, I do like it" said Colette.
"So do I" Orfeo said
"I'd thought about Valentine" Tramp said.
"Tramp, Cosma, Tamora and Valentine perfect family" Colette said smiling at the pups.
"Valentine, where did you find that name Tramp?" Cosma asked.
"Toni's daughter is a Shakespeare fan the name was in the play she was appearing in when I was living with them".
That night the family fell asleep together happy with its new members.
During the week that followed the birth of Tamora and Valentine there were numerous dogs visiting the pups. All agreed that their chosen names were perfect with many commenting on how well Tramp and Cosma looked after them.
Tramp and Fifi walked threw Veterans Park one night a week after the pup's birth both laughing happily.
"This place is wonderful at night I am glad to come here with you" Fifi said.
"It is nice on a clear night we can be relaxed not having to watch our backs."
"That is true you are a nice guy Tramp I want to get to know you better as my boyfriend".
"I want the same Fifi you are amazing I am just glad you accepted my invitation".
"I have been hoping you would ask me out since Christmas day" she replied.
The weeks passed and the pups grew from infants into lively bundles of mischief and fur.
"Say why don't me and Cosma looked after them today give you both chance to relax" Tramp said one day several weeks after the pups birth.
"Tramps right you both deserve a break, we can take care of them" Cosma said.
"That is a great idea son, what do you thing Colette?" Orfeo replied.
"I think it is a wonderful idea provided you both promise to watch them like hawks" replied Colette.
"We will don't worry Mom" Cosma replied as Tamora and Valentine came racing into the room.
"Tramp Cosma you came will you play with us?" Tamora asked.
"Yes please we haven't seen you in three days" said Valentine jumping onto Tramps back.
"Wow you pair of tornadoes slow down, well we are going to be looking after you both" Tramp replied.
"Yay this will be fun" yipped Tamora.
"Will you take us to the river, please we want to see it" said Valentine.
"You know that's just what we will do, it is time you learned how to swim" said Cosma.
"Provided that Mom and Dad agree that is".
"Please let Tramp and Cosma take us swimming pretty please with ice cream" Valentine said.
"Yes let them we promise to be good" Tamora said.
"Well that is fine by us but you both must promise to do exactly as they tell you" said Colette.
"We promise".
"Come on then let's be going it's a good half our walk from here to the river. What time do you want them back?"
"Oh I think they can stay with you tonight" replied Colette.
"Ok well see you tomorrow" Cosma shouted as the group set off for the river.
Reaching the river all four ran into the shallow water barking in excitement as they splashed each other.
"Hay not fair you" cried Tramp was Cosma and Tamora jumped on him.
"Got you" yelled Valentine jumping off a rock onto Cosma's back as Tramp surfaced.
"Alright then no more playing time for lessons" Tramp said a while later.
"Yay at last" yipped Valentine gazing at his brother.
"Ok we are going to teach you here in the shallows. This will take practice and you will not become experts in a day. It had taken us lots of practice to become good swimmers, but if you are having fun then it is easier" said Cosma.
"She's right now then let's go".
Under the guidance of Tramp and Cosma, Tamora and Valentine had their first swimming lessons. After and hour both pups were confident had successfully grasped the basics. After two they were confident enough to go into deeper water where Tramp realized that swimming ran in the family.
"Well you both are naturals just like us" said Tramp a few hours later.
"You are looks like we have a pair of otters on our paws not pups" Cosma said smiling.
"This is fun Tramp can we came here tomorrow?" asked Valentine.
"Maybe Valentine, we need to think of a nick name for you, bit of a mouthful" replied Tramp.
"Yeh I need one but I can't think of a good one".
"Not to worry there is plenty of time, come on its getting late we need to get back" said Cosma.
"She's right we don't wan t to get caught out here to late, not the best place to be when the schools and collages have just broken up for the Easter break."
"Why?" asked Tamora as they walked back.
"Cause this is one of the main places where the students tend to gather. Lets just say the gatherings can get a little to energetic" Tramp replied with a grin.
"Look up at the sky, see that star to the left?" Cosma asked Tamora and Valentine.
"Yes".
"See the shape of it"
"A dog" Tamora replied.
"Well once we are back at the station I will tell you all about him" Cosma said.
Arriving back at the station the group was met by Buster and a female Dalmatian just on their way out. Seeing the pair Buster and Tramp exchanged a grin before all went their separate ways.
Reaching Tramp and Cosma's carriage the four settled down on and under blankets and duvets, all which had had been stolen a few weeks previously form the church jumble sale. Settling on a blanket with stars on it with a duvet patterned with the American Flag, Valentine and Tamora waited for Cosma to begin her story. Watching as the pair fell to sleep Tramp and Cosma grinned happy with their life.