Chapter 3- Anita
"Now I just have to add some fabric patterns and I can start the dress tomorrow!" I exclaimed proudly to no one in particular. I was alone in Roger's and my country house. Roger was introducing a new jingle to his boss downtown and wouldn't be back until late that night. I was sad that he had to leave so much but it did keep our Dalmatian farm going, along with my fashion designing.
After our dogs, Pongo and Perdita, came home with ninety-nine puppies Roger and I decided to leave our small apartment and move to the country. Sadly, most of the puppies had been sold. I missed them all but we and the dogs agreed that it was too much work to keep all ninety-nine puppies with us. Our nanny was thankful as well. Fewer mouths to feed, she always said.
But back to our story. I was relaxing on our red leather couch. The T.V. was off, all blinds closed, and I was happy. No headache today, which was uncommon lately. Something had happened to me ever since Cruella De'Ville went to jail after stealing all those puppies. Maybe it was guilt. We had been best friends and I hadn't visited her since then. Roger said I didn't owe her anything but a nagging feeling always came over me every time I thought about her. Next thing I knew I would have a pounding headache and would go to bed early. Roger had stuck close to me since the headaches became a regular thing. He thought he could figure out why they happened but I knew. And Roger knew it too. He just didn't like to think about it.
Someone knocked on the door. I wonder who would be knocking on the door this late in the day, I thought to myself. When I opened the door I saw an elderly man dressed in a mailman's uniform. He had a white envelope in his hand and was looking at me strangely. I looked at myself and realized why.
My auburn hair was pulled back in a stubby ponytail and my plaid pajamas weren't exactly a fashion statement. Neither were my fuzzy blue slippers. I laughed and apologized to the poor man. He looked so silly, with that stupid grin on his face.
"Are you Ms. Anita?"
I cleared my voice. "Yes. What's this all about?" I was praying it wasn't from who I thought it was.
"It's Cruella. She requested a letter be sent to you as quickly as possible. She doesn't have much time, lady. I suggest you see her soon." With that the man handed me the letter and went on his way town the dirt road. I held the letter in my shaking hands. What did he mean, she didn't have much time? They wouldn't…?
"Oh!" I gasped. I shut the door and walked into Roger's and my bedroom. Pongo and Perdita were sleeping on our medium sized bed. Once they heard the door closed Perdi came to my side. She nuzzled me and I petted her head.
"So Perdi, Pongo, think I should open this letter?" Perdi nodded her head vigorously. I always wondered if she actually understood me or I was just imagining things.
I sighed and nodded my head. "Your right. Well, here it goes." I grabbed the letter opener from the bedside table and ripped open the letter.
Dear Anita,
I am writing to you from prison. I know you haven't visited me in seven months but I have something very important to tell you. I'm to be put to death in a few weeks. I know that this is a shock. I paid all those lawyers and I end up getting put to death! Let that be a lesson to you, never hire a lawyer. But anyways, I was wondering if you could visit me tomorrow at visiting hours? I want to apologize properly for what I've done to you and your family. Yes, even Roger. I'll be waiting.
Yours Truly, Cruella De'Ville
My throat closed. The letter fell from my numb hands. Oh, God this is what I had feared. Perdita noticed my weird behavior and she and Pongo nuzzled me gently. I burst into tears. How could this be happening? This was awful!
I leaned against the bed while the dogs were licking me. I was so upset I didn't even hear Roger open the front door and walk in until he was inside the bedroom.
"Anita, darling!Why are you crying?" He was about to hug me when I pointed to the floor where the letter had fallen. Roger picked it up and read it. Once done, he stared at me, his expression soft and sad. I ran to his open arms and cried so hard. He just held me, telling me it would be okay. I don't exactly remember when he picked me up but Roger wrapped the blankets around my shaking body before climbing in beside me. Pongo and Perdi were sticking close.
In about an hour I had cried myself sick. My forehead was on fire and I was dizzy. Roger left to get a cold cloth and my medication to keep my headaches away. They hadn't worked so far but he was willing to try anything.
Roger was back in a minute, looking even more worried than before. He had changed from his business suit to black casual pants and a blue sweater. His forehead was creased with worry lines and I noticed his blonde hair was ruffled a little.
My husband was the first to speak after a few minutes of silence.
"You don't have to go. You know that. Anita, you don't owe that witch…"
I cut Roger off.
"But I do! Roger, she was my best friend. We were the top students of our designing firm. She was so nice to me. Sure she was very critical of me whenever I did better than her, but still. Roger I don't know what to do!"
I buried my head in my pillow. Roger rubbed my back and Perdi licked my nose. I let out a frustrated sigh. This was just too confusing. Roger was right. I didn't owe Cruella anything and yet…She was still my friend. And I couldn't let her die without seeing me one last time. It was decided then that tomorrow I would see Cruella for the last time. I was dreading it.
"Roger I have to see her," I whispered. And without missing a beat Roger gave me a hug and kissed me. "Only if it's what you want." I laughed a little. He was too much.
Pongo and Perdi noticed my mood lighten and left the room to find they're puppies, I suppose. Meanwhile Roger climbed into bed beside me and I leaned against him. I wanted to get off the horrible topic of Cruella.
"How'd the meeting go?" I asked.
"Very well actually," My husband sounded surprised. "We should be seeing a check with lots of zeros very soon. I didn't think they'd like it that much. But what can I say; I've always had a way with words." He winked at me. I burst out laughing.
"Oh yes! I remember the first thing you said. Exactly how many times did you say sorry exactly? Twenty? Thirty?" Roger faked a pout.
"Only five times, I believe. And you didn't seem to mind. You did marry me." With that I smirked. "Do you honestly believe I married you for your 'way with words'? Roger, are you still waterlogged after your fall last week? I married you because I knew you'd love me for who I am. That's the only reason. The rest were perks really."
Roger kissed my forehead. "I married you because I knew from that day in the park you'd stick by me no matter what. We went through our fifteen puppies being kidnapped, to living on a farm. And you're still here." I sighed.
"So what do you want to do tonight? You don't have to go anywhere… do you?" I asked, a little worried. I really needed Roger that night.
"Nope. The rest of the week is devoted to you fairest wife." I laughed loudly.
"An example of your way with words, am I right?" Roger laughed along with me and kissed me gently. We turned on the television and decided to watch a few movies before turning in for the night.
The truck was so shaky in the early morning. Roger and I had left early so I would be on time for visiting hours. I felt the perspiration drip off my cheeks. I was so nervous. What would Cruella and I talk about? Did I even remember what she looked like in the newspapers?
Suddenly the truck came to a stop. I took a few deep breathes before straightening my grey pencil skirt and matching jacket. The white blouse I was wearing stuck to my skin. This was so nerve-racking. Roger looked at me attentively.
"It's not too late. We can still turn around," said Roger in a quiet voice.
I shook my head firmly. "No Roger. We came this far. I at least have to see how she is. I'll be back in no time." I kissed Roger swiftly and was about to open the door when I felt Roger's hand on mine. He wrapped mine in both of his.
"I'll be right here." I nodded and gave him a small smile then opened the door. I started toward the prison.
The guards let me in after patting me down. I was lead to the visiting area. Ten tables were spread out in the small room with two benches at each table. I looked at each table, wondering which one was Cruella. I spotted her quickly.
Her hair was almost fully white, apparently she was one to dye her hair. The orange jump suit didn't fit her skinny figure. It hung on her like a rag. I could feel myself begin to tear up. Cruella's face was so wrinkled, so pale.
I should've visited her sooner, I mentally scolded myself.
I walked over to her table. My legs wobbled in my skinny red high heels. She looked so happy to see me. I was glad she didn't know how hard it had been to come.
"Anita, darling!" Cruella wrapped me up in a hug. I hugged her back, a little hesitant. She released me quickly, probably guessing how confused and shy I was. My best friend sat across from me on the bench. A smile came across her face.
"Anita, where have you been all this time? I've missed you so!" I gave a small smile.
"We've been very busy Cruella. Roger and I moved to the country you see…with all the puppies…and, well, I was afraid." Cruella looked a little hurt. She placed her cold hand over mine.
"I'm so sorry Anita. For everything. I never should have done what I did. It's just…I guess greed got the better of me. Could you tell Roger I'm sorry as well? I know eh still hasn't forgiven me but since I'm going to die, I want to make amends."
I shuddered at the thought of my best friend dying. "Why are you going to die Cruella? It was only kidnapping puppies! Nothing like murder." Cruella became silent. An overwhelming feeling of dread came over me.
"What did you do Cruella? What did you do?" She sighed and removed her hand.
"Anita, I've done some horrible things in the past. I'm sad to say that, murder was one of them. I can't say I regret it though. The man deserved it. Stupid uncle." She muttered under her breath.
I gasped. "You? You murdered your own uncle? Cruella, how could you?" She didn't respond. I couldn't take this anymore. It was too much. I stood up, tears in my eyes.
"I'm sorry Cruella. I'm so, so sorry but I have to leave. T-This is too much. I forgive you for the kidnapping but I could never forgive you for murdering your own uncle. Who was so kind to you. I wish you luck and peace in heaven." With that, I left my best friend alone.
I ran from the visiting area, ran all the way to the parking lot. I could see Roger in our blue truck. Roger was at my side in minutes, it seemed. He kept asking what was wrong but I couldn't answer.
"S-She…killed her…her uncle! That murderous witch took her uncle's life!" I screamed loudly. Roger looked surprised. Then he put his arm around my shoulder and brought me to the truck. We drove home in silence. Well, almost silence. I was silently crying to myself. How could Cruella kill her own uncle? It was unimaginable! I didn't really know my best friend that well after all. This was the worst possible thing that could happen.
Once at home, Roger parked the car but didn't move. I looked at him. What was going on in his brain? "Roger?" I whispered, trying not to make my voice shake.
Roger turned to me, his bright eyes dimmed. "I never thought Cruella was that evil, that viscous. To kill a member of your family…" Roger whispered. I took his hand in mine and nodded my head.
"I know. I always knew something…twisted was inside of her. But murder?" My voice caught in my throat. This was much too unlikely. Nothing like this should happen to anyone.
My husband put his arms around me. "At least she's only got a few weeks left. Then we'll be free of her." I nodded my head solemnly. "But not of the knowledge that she killed someone. That will stay forever I suppose," I said quietly. "We should go inside. I need some rest."
Roger nodded. "Do you want any medication?" I shook my head. "No, I'm fine actually. Maybe visiting Cruella cured me." I gave a gentle smile to Roger. He chuckled a little.
"Why not? Stranger things have happened. So, what to do tonight?" He opened him door and went around to his once out of the truck. I thought it over.
"How about we take the dogs fro a walk?" Roger laughed. "All of them?" he said while giving me his hand. I took it and jumped out. "Well of course! We can't let any of the fifteen feel neglected can we?" I giggled. Roger and I took all seventeen dogs (Pongo and Perdita included) for a long walk that night. Cruella never popped into my once for the next few weeks. Until the letter came, notifying us she had passed on. I didn't cry, I didn't weep. I couldn't shed a tear for her anymore. I had shed so many. It just seemed pointless. Roger had been supportive in my thoughts of not seeing her grave for a while.
I'll never forget the last day I saw Cruella. It's forever in my mind, but now I have no more headaches. So all in all, it was an interesting experience. One I'll never forget, no matter how much I want to.