Chapter 11: The first check-up and some secrets
A/N: I'm back on track. This year I think I've got the chance to finally reach the Christmas chapter. But first there are some secrets that should be staying hidden going to be revealed.
Sweetie's POV:
"Here are you. I've been looking for you." My head shot up startled by the voice of a certain dalmatian."I, erm, I was just playing a game with Rocky here and … don't ever sneak up on me like this again. By the way, why were you searching for me? Can I help you with something?" "Of course you can. I was looking for you to do a first check-up on your injury." "(Sigh) All right. But make it quick, please. We were in the middle of a game and I want to finish it. Preferably before noon." 'He sure is nice and so on but he has an awful timing. I can't be mad at him, though. He's just doing his job'
"Did you notice Everest leaving earlier?" I couldn't believe my ears. Did he really have the nerve to talk to me about her? Not that I'm interested in him or anything but still. That was the first thing that came to his mind? "Well, yeah. She told us when we asked her whether she wanted to play with us or not since she were over near my pup house for we talked about something beforehand." "May I ask what you were talking about?" 'That pup sure is nosy.' "Well, I can't forbid you to ask but I won't tell you. It's a secret." "Oh, okay. Erm .. Rocky, would you please get me my other pup pack? I kind of got my emergency pack not my normal check-up pack." 'Great, just my luck.' All I wanted was for Rocky to stay with me because it is hard to keep a secret when you're alone with Marshall. I've got some first-paw experience with this. "Sure, Marshall. Where is your check-up pup pack?" "It should be in my corner of the main room in the Lookout. Thanks." "You're welcome." With that being said Rocky left and I felt some pain but not from the attack.
"Maybe Everest caused something good for me by helping that she-dog." "What has Everest to do with it?" This question caught me off-guard again. 'Dang it, did I say it out loud again? I really should have learned not to talk while someone is listening by now.' "Well, you see … erm … Everest was … How should I say?" I stammered. "Spit it out, Sweetie. You've been hurt and it could be even worse if it weren't for Skye's piloting skills."
"Allright, but promise me first that you won't tell Ryder or one of the others, please. Especially Everest mustn't know that I told you. For I forgave her and that should be enough, right?" "(Sigh) Okay, I promise." "Good, I'll tell you." So I told him. Imagine the look on his face. It was a roller-coaster ride. First he didn't believe me, then there was realization and finally a mixture out of anger and disappointment. "So, you say, she told you this and you forgave her just like this?" "No, not quite. But then Ryder showed up and I had the decision whether to tell on her and get her a punishment and maybe get her kicked out of the Paw Patrol over a mistake she made because of a misunderstanding or to cover her crime and let bygones be bygones. That's when I chose the latter."
"You know, Sweetie, I didn't know if you could be a good friend or not although I was defending you and I'm not sure if you really did the right thing there but you can be a good friend to someone if you really try." "Yeah, so remember. Don't tell anyone. The least I want is to look like a telltale. So not one word to nobody, understood?" "Hey Marshall. Here's your pup pack. I had to clean your corner to find it. Did I miss something?" Rocky came just right. 'Gee, why do they come in all the wrong moments. I didn't get the promise out of Marshall. Well, he will stay quiet or I have to help him to stay quiet for the time being.' "Sorry, Rocky. I didn't get to it yet. I take your turn next time because of this." "You better remember. But seriously here's your pup pack." "Thanks again. So, Sweetie. You better hold still now or I have to put the cone of shame on you and I don't think you would like that, would you?" "(Sigh) Go on. I won't move an inch as long as it doesn't hurt … or tickles." The last thing I just whispered but Marshall was close enough to hear me nonetheless. If I had seen his face that moment I would have known what he had in mind but I hadn't seen and so I was absolutely clueless.
Marshall's POV:
"I won't move an inch as long as it doesn't hurt … or tickles." Although she whispered the last part I heard it for I already started the check-up. 'Just you wait for trying to force me into a promise. I'll show you what I'm capable of. But first the job.' It was like I thought. The injury really wasn't that bad. 'To think that Everest off all people was, in a way, behind this sends me shivers down the spine.' When I finished I touched her paws as if by accident. She wasn't prepared for that and winced. "What did you do that for?" "What do you mean" I asked feigning ignorance. "You know what I mean. Why did you touch my paws like this?" 'Is she really mad at me for this little trick? No, I think there might be some backstory to this. Maybe I should apologize?'
"I'm sorry" Sweetie said suddenly beating me to it, "it's just that I don't like that. You couldn't know and I was angry but not with you but with myself. You see, it's a reminder of my biological family." "It's okay, Sweetie. I shouldn't have done that. You two can continue your game now. But if you don't mind me asking, what's your family's name?" "It's strange that you never asked but no, I don't mind at all. It's Beauregard. They're total strangers most of my life anyway but it still hurts when I think of how they got rid of me." 'Beauregard? That snotty prize-winning family of over the top pampered pooches? I knew they were no good. Poor Sweetie to be born into this family.' "Please don't pity me. Yes, I've never had an easy puphood but I'm alright now. I'll promise I try not to let you down. So tell me whenever my old habits come through, please." I nodded. That's all I could do 'cause I couldn't speak. "I guess the check-up is over? I'd really like to get back to the game if you don't mind." "Yeah, sure. It's all done. Enjoy your game. The next check-up is due after dinner tonight. Don't worry, I won't tickle you again. At least not on purpose." "So, you planned on doing it." Grinning I left those two to talk to Ryder about the Beauregard family. And some other things. 'There has to be something we can do so that Sweetie can come mentally to an end with her family business.'
A/N: I hope they find a way to help Sweetie out. It's sure enough now that Sweetie isn't her original given name – at least in my story. Hope to see you guys soon. So as always: Stay tuned.
