Chapter 5: Dinner with the Dalmatians

I honestly was surprised by how clean it was on the inside. Dolly's place itself was kinda identical to my own home, but just way larger and seemed to have way for rooms.

"This place is huge.", I thought in amazement. Now I was beginning to wonder how many floors and rooms were in here.

"Here it is, Home Sweet Home.", Dolly said breathing in the air of her home. "My parents aren't home yet from work so you'll meet them later." She led me up the stairs into a large bedroom.

Many small beds littered around the room while some were even built into the walls. There was so many I wasn't even gonna bother counting them altogether, so I just assumed there was atleast a hundred of them.

Overall nobody seemed to be in here. I went to a window which showed the backyard which was gated. And well goddamn...she wasn't lying. I couldn't count how many puppies I saw down there. Now I began to wonder how they could all fit into this house.

The thing that caught my eye was Dylan back there as well trying to keep everything under control. Apparently none of them seemed to be listening or acknowlegding him.

"Looks like Dylan's having a good time out there.", I joked as Dolly came to see what I was looking at. Dylan frantically paced around to each sibling trying to keep them out of danger and trouble.

"We should help him.", Dolly noted and then snapped. "I have a plan."

I followed Dolly into the backyard and hid behind a trashcan that was just my size. I watched and waiting for the signal. "You seem to be having trouble Dylan.", Dolly smirked.

She was instantly put into a massive dogpile by her younger siblings their tails wagging in excitement.

"They just won't listen to a single thing I say.", Dylan argued. I guess Dylan must be the control freak of the family. The one that always has to be in control of every situation.

"I have an awesome surprise for you guys.", She announced. They let her up as she now had their full attention. She gave me the signal by which was a whistle.

I leapt from behind the trashcan standing next to Dolly. "Hello everybody. Sup Dylan.", I waved excitedly to everyone.

"A HUMAN!!!", They all shouted their faces filled with pure childish excitement. To my surprise I was surrounded and bombarded by a thousand questions from each pup that I wasn't able to answer or properly hear. I was able to make out almost every single one had a cockney accent.

Next thing I know, I was being closely examined by the pups. "Ok! Ok! Everyone give the guest of honor his space.", Dolly demanded putting space between me and the pups. Suddenly it felt like someone was clutching my left leg.

I brought my attention to the ground. The thing clutching me was a smaller puppy.

This one had didn't have any spots like the rest, but just all white fur. The puppy wore an orange shirt with a bone in the center along with a diaper. Pure fascination was in the puppy's eyes. I secretly always had a soft spot for kids especially babies.

"Aw! Who's this?", I asked my heart melting by the adorable sight. "This little bundle of joy is our youngest sister Dorothy.", Dolly responded her heart melting as well.

Dylan dragged himself over to Dorothy picking her up. "How'd Dorothy wake up so fast? I just put her to sleep.", Dylan stressfully questioned. "Come on, you're not done taking your nap."

The puppy named Dorothy stubbornly fought Dylan trying her best to get out of his grasp and back to me. She reached out her arms to me while giving me those eyes.

"I'll watch her Dylan.", I offered.

"You sure?", He asked sounding unsure himself. I nodded not minding holding Dorothy. Dylan handed me Dorothy and I held her close. That same look of childish curiosity had shown up on her face again as she smiled at me.

"Plus you look like you could use a nap yourself.", I added. Large bags were under his eyes and it was clear to everyone he was extremely exhausted. "Me and Dolly can watch the puppies."

"Yeah we're super responsible.", Dolly declared. Dylan rolled his eyes before letting out a yawn. He groggily went inside presumably to go get some rest while and me and Dolly handled the youngins.

-1 Hour Later-

"NO! Dolly Chill! I Hate Water!", I pleaded as she chased me with the waterhose around the yard. All the pups watched laughing as I ducked and weaved every stream of water that Dolly shot at me.

Paying no attention I suddenly tripped on a rubber chicken falling onto the ground face first. My heart dropped once I saw Dolly towering above me with a sinister grin holding the waterhose with it aimed directly at my face.

"I beg of you! Have some mercy!", I dramitically cried.

"I have the power!", She yelled spraying me with water drenching me. She laughed like a maniac as I tried to cover myself, but failed. I wailed in dread as the water soaked my clothes and hair.

"Dolly Dalmation!"

Dolly immediately froze up after hearing that voice. "Uh oh." I turned my head to see who it was. It came from an older female Dalmatian. She wore a blue and white plaid shirt along with dark blue jeans.

"Oh, Hey Mom. You're home early.", Dolly welcomed instantly putting on a smile hiding the hose behind her back.

"Who's your friend?", Her mom asked.

"This is Aaron.", Dolly introduced as she helped me up from the ground. "Aaron this is my mom."

"Um Hello Mrs. Dalmatian.", I introduced myself making sure to be as polite as possible. "It's a pleasure to be of your acquaintance ma'am."

"There's no need to be so formal dear. You can call me Delilah.", She chuckled by my behavior. "Dolly never told us she would be inviting any friends over today." She folded her arms and I noticed how fixated she was on Dolly with a look of disappointment in her eyes.

"I'm sorry if I'm intruding ma'am.", I skittishly apologized. "Nonsense dear, you aren't intruding on anything. As a matter of fact, Would you like to join us for dinner?", Delilah offered. I would've respectfully declined the offer, but my stomach had to intervene and grumble.

"Well I guess it wouldn't hurt.", I agreed. "Right Dolly?"

She nodded slowly with fear present on her face.

I settled myself at the long table in between Dolly and Dylan. Everyone else sat down at their own seats already starting to dig in. One puppy in particular named Diesel had shoved his own face into the food getting it all over his face and shirt.

I picked up a fork that was neatly placed next to my plate and I began to dig into the meal. It was some kind of dog food. I expected it to taste horrible, but I was beyond flabbergasted by good the food was. "So where are you from Aaron?", Delilah asked.

"I'm originally from Arizona.", I answered after swallowing some food. "That's in America. I'm not quite sure where in America though. I lived with my Mom over there, but she...had a serious medical condition so I had to move here with my dad til she got better."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. It must be hard knowing she's in so much pain.", Delilah said sympathetically.

"It's alright. I know she'll get better eventually, but until then I'll have to live here in Camden."

"Welcome to the neighborhood.", Dolly's father Doug welcomed. I loved how welcoming and friendly everyone in this family was. If only I had this back home with my own family.

"Thanks.", I grinned before continuing to eat now almost done with my food. "I greatly appreciate you all for letting me stay for Dinner."

"Ish not a pwoblem.", Doug stated with his mouth full his words becoming unintelligble. "We do dish wif all our neighbors."

"What did tell you about speaking with your mouth full?", Delilah asked in irritation. Doug nervously swallowed his food. "Sorry dear."

I felt a buzzing sensation in my pants pocket. I reached down my pocket grabbing my phone. It shut on automatically displaying I had a message from my Dad.

"Where are you? It's way pass sunset right now. Please reply.", He texted. I finished my food before getting up from my seat.

"Thanks for the Dinner Mrs. Dalmatian.", I thanked while putting on my bag. "You're leaving so soon?", She asked.

"My dad's beginning to wonder where I am. Thanks for having me for dinner though it was phenomenal.", I reasurred. "It was nice to meet you both." I headed to the front door and waved goodbye. "See ya Dolly. Goodbye Puppies!", I waved while smiling.

"Goodbye Mr.Human!", They shouted waving back to me as well.

"Don't hesitate to visit every once and a while.", Delilah said waving.

"See ya next time Aaron.", Doug waved back as well. They are such a nice family. Dolly and Dylan are lucky to have them in their lives. I shut the door behind me and brought out my phone texting while I walked.

"Don't worry dad, I'm on my way."

I unlocked the door with my house key and quietly entered. I gently shut the door behind as so I wouldn't make much noise. "Hey Dad! I'm Home!", I yelled. He came out of the kitchen with a worried expression.

"Oh thank god you're back.", He sighed with relief wiping his forehead. "I was so close to calling the authorities. I thought somebody had ended up kidnapping you, or worse."

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me.", I replied with regret. "I ended up losing track of time. Sorry for making you worry."

"Well I'm relieved you're ok.", Dad said. "I bought the new Joker movie on demand. Wanna watch it?"

"The one with Joaquin Phoenix?", I asked with excitement. He nodded with a grin. "Of course! Let's watch it!"