Delia had always wanted a puppy.
No, like literally.
Before they had even discussed a child, it had been a puppy.
In retrospect, Patsy had always stood her ground, but looking back, she felt slightly guilty about being so adamant about the issue. She was never a dog person; they were too needy and craved too much attention. But in lo of recent happenings, Patsy really wanted to do something special for Delia. And because her wife was going to be cooped up at home for a month or so, well, why not?
The moment the mother and daughter got in the car, Ellie turned on Patsy.
"What is it?" she demanded. Patsy allowed herself a wry smile. They knew each other so well.
Patsy didn't answer, instead pulling out of the parking lot and heading towards their flat.
"Mum?"
Patsy looked determinedly straight ahead.
"How would…you like it…if we…erm…I…got your mam…a…"
"PUPPY?!"
"I haven't the slightest clue what breed," Patsy was saying as they pulled into their drive. Ellie had a radiant smile plastered on her face as she bounced up and down on her seat.
"It shouldn't matter, mam will absolutely love it!"
"That's not my point," Patsy said, smiling despite herself, "If I've been holding out this long, it needs to be special."
"Why would you care, you hate dogs anyway."
"I never said that!" Patsy exclaimed as they exited the car, "I like dogs! I just am not a dog person!"
"So you are saying you're a cat person?" Ellie asked with a cocked eyebrow. She had never thought her ginger mother being a cat person.
"Absolutely not! If anything, I'm a fish person! Specifically a Beta fish person!"
Ellie burst out laughing at this statement. Wow, if anyone was a fish person, it was definitely her mum. They opened the door and stomped into the flat before entering the kitchen and sifting through the cabinets for something to drink.
"Well, isn't it kind of obvious what kind of breed to get her?" Ellie asked thoughtfully as she seated herself at the counter.
Patsy set out some glasses before sparing her daughter a curious look.
"Remember," Patsy said, "not a dog person, so no, it's not obvious."
"Mum, you need to get her a Welsh corgi."
"THAT'S what it looks like?!" Patsy exclaimed as the two bent over Ellie's phone.
"Aren't they the cutest?!" Ellie said excitedly.
"They look like a tripping hazard," Patsy sniffed.
"Mum," Ellie said, rolling her eyes, "they were bred to herd horses; they are that short so they could bite ankles without getting kicked."
"Well that's a promising feature," Patsy stated, sounding suddenly put off.
"No, mum, she'll love it! This is the best idea you've had!"
Patsy grumbled something about it being the worst idea before announcing that she was going to take a shower. Ellie gleefully began to search for nearby breeders.
The next day, Patsy said something about work and Ellie called in sick for school and they went and got a puppy.
Ellie had found a breeder in London and after a lengthy discussion about how they were going to keep the secret, the two found themselves trying to coax a small, wriggling fluff ball into the dog carrier they brought. The puppy cost enough to make Patsy physically cringe, but she said nothing about it as Ellie played with it through the holes in the door, the small puppy nipping at her fingers. They bought a six week old female.
"Mum, she is SO cute!" Ellie squealed for the thousandth time.
Patsy allowed herself a soft smile. Despite herself, she also found the small creature adorable.
The puppy gave a small whine and Ellie cooed in response.