I had intended to skip ahead to the bookstore opening but after my cat passed away last week I just couldn't leave it at the country breakfast scene. Otis loved gravy mornings because he always got the leftovers. It just hit me suddenly that aside from all the older people in the apartments Raven needs a friend one she can actually talk to about who she is and why she ran. What better one than a lovable curmudgeon of an old yellow shaggy haired tiger striped tom cat? I decided that instead of M rated flashbacks, or another separate story, I would rather just have Raven talk to someone about what happened, so this short chapter is just an add in to introduce that character. I wrote this one just for Otis. I'll miss you buddy...gravy mornings will never be the same without you...rest in peace.

Raven's Nest

After breakfast Harley turns to Raven who's staring out the french doors onto the small deck. "Are you ready to go now?"

Raven doesn't answer, she's looking at the yellow cat that sits outside on the deck.

Helen looks outside. "He's back again."

"Doesn't he have a home?"

Harley looks at the cat. "Not since Old man Spencer got put into the nursing home in Jump City. You don't want to mess with him Rachel. He's as mean as a snake."

Raven turns to look at Harley. "He's hungry doesn't anyone feed him?"

Helen shakes her head before Harley can protest further. "I suppose it won't hurt to give him the left over gravy." She finds an old plastic bowl that she pours the left overs out in.

Raven takes the bowl from Helen and opens the door.

"Be careful Rachel. You don't need to be around him in your condition."

She glances back at Helen and rolls her eyes before she carefully kneels down and sets the bowl in front of the cat. "Its okay...he knows I'm not going to hurt him...don't you boy?"

Helen and Harley watch nervously as the cat begins to devour the gravy. Helen grabs Harley's arm as Raven reaches out and strokes the cat's long yellow fur.

"People have been mean to you haven't they? They treat you like you've been a stray all your life."

The cat looks up briefly and lets out a deep throaty purr.

"I'm on the other side of the building...you just come over there in the mornings and I'll put out some food for you." She watches as the cat seems to nod in understanding. Raven realizes he really does understand her and wonders if it has something to do with her empathic powers.

Helen ventures closer to the door. "Rachel, please come back in deary you could get sick if he scratches you."

Raven looks back at Helen. "He's not mean...he's just old and set in his ways."

"We should be going now Rachel."

She sighs before getting up.

The cat looks up at her and meows as he finishes the last of the food.

"You're welcome." Raven watches the cat wander off toward the other side of the apartments. She makes a mental note to stop at the store on the way home and pick up some food for her new friend as she goes back inside.

"You need to wash up before you go so that you don't end up sick deary. You don't want to put those babies in danger. The bathroom is on your left."

Raven doesn't argue she just goes into the bathroom and washes up. As she closes the door she leans against the door as she hears Helen talking to Harley.

"You should get rid of that old cat, Harley. He is just as mean as Old man Spencer was."

"They were suited to each other. The cat still hangs around because this was his home. Did you see the way he acted toward Rachel? I think he likes her. She certainly seems to have a way with him. He didn't hiss or scratch at her once. She's here in a strange place alone...maybe she needs some one to confide in. Who better than a pet who can't tell your secrets? Besides, Trey likes having the cat around."

"I tell you that dog isn't right Harley. Dogs aren't supposed to get along with cats."

"Who says they do? The cat can't stand Trey." Harley looks up when Raven leaves the bathroom. "Ready now?"

"I just need to stop by the apartment for a moment first." Raven goes into her apartment and finds a small bowl in the cabinet she fills it with water and sits outside the door on her small deck. She stands there a few moments after she goes back and watches the cat who comes up on the deck and starts to drink.

So now that I have heard your opinons on how you think the story should end, please leave a review and let me know what you think the cat should be named in the coming installments. All suggestions will be collected next week and my granny will pick the winner during the next good ole country breakfast.