Chapter 9: Mum and Dad's Night Out
Midday
"Biscuit, can you come here?" Chili called from the kitchen.
"Yes, Mum!" Biscuit replied, his curious expression indicating he wondered what was up.
Chili knelt down to his level. "Your dad and I are going out tonight, so you'll have a babysitter. Can you make sure your sisters behave?"
Upon hearing the word "babysitter," a wave of anxiety washed over Biscuit. He wasn't fond of strangers watching him. Memories of the time Bandit lost him in Hammerbarn flooded back, triggering fears that his parents would leave him again. Those feelings always lingered when they left unexpectedly.
Noticing the unease creeping into Biscuit's expression, Chili felt a pang of guilt for having forgotten about his anxiety. It had been a while since it had flared up, and she wished they had discussed their plans earlier so Biscuit could prepare. Luckily, Dr. Poppy had given them a few tips for managing such moments.
"Biscuit, let's try an exercise we learned," she said gently. "What's five things you can see?"
Biscuit recognized what she was trying to do and started to focus. "I can see you, the door, Bluey, some flowers, and a squirrel in the backyard," he replied.
"Great! Now, which four things can you touch?"
Biscuit grinned as he responded, "I can touch my arm, your nose, the flowers, and the door." He playfully booped his mother's nose.
"Fantastic! And what are three things you can hear?"
"The birds outside, you Mum, and the telly," he answered, feeling his tension begin to dissipate.
They continued the exercise, moving on to two things they could smell and one thing they could taste. The small activity quickly calmed Biscuit.
"You don't need to feel anxious, Biscuit. Uncle Rad will look after you and your sisters," she assured him.
While the pup still didn't look entirely convinced, at least his anxiety seemed to have lessened.
Two Hours Later
The doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of the babysitter. Bingo rushed toward the door, only to find nobody there.
"Uncle Rad?" she called, confused as she hadnt realized their uncle had sneaked in behind her. Rad jumped up and scooped her into the air, tickling her until she squealed with laughter.
"How are you doing, Bluey?" he asked, holding Bingo upside down by her back paw.
"Y'know that's Bluey, right?" she replied, pointing at her sister.
"Oh really? I thought he was Bluey because he's blue!" Rad chuckled.
"Actually, I'm a girl, Uncle Rad!" Bluey exclaimed, annoyed with the mix-up.
In the midst of their interaction, Biscuit raced up to his favorite uncle. "Uncle Rad!"
"Hey, Biscuit! How are you doing?" Rad smiled, giving the young pup a welcoming pat on the head.
Before Biscuit could respond, Bingo chimed in, "Are you putting us to bed tonight?"
"You bet!" Rad replied cheerfully.
"Hooray!" Bingo exclaimed, while Biscuit and Bluey muttered, "Not hooray."
"Sorry Rad, Biscuit and Bluey aren't very fond of babysitters," Chili explained with an apologetic smile.
"Don't worry, kids! Who better than your cool uncle to put you to bed?" Rad said, shrugging it off.
At that moment, all three pups shouted in unison, "Frisky!"
The English cocker spaniel stepped into the room, her smile bright and friendly.
As the kids rushed to hug Bluey's fairy godmother, Bingo quickly introduced Rad excitedly, "This is Uncle Rad!" pointing to the red/blue heeler.
The two adult dogs locked eyes for a moment, an unspoken connection passing between them, before breaking the gaze as Chili spoke up.
"Chili, have you met Bandit's brother Radley before?" she asked.
"Um, yeah. Didn't you fall into the pool at the wedding?" Frisky replied with a teasing tone.
"Probably," Radley shrugged, trying to play it cool.
"Sorry, Frisky! Rad got in touch at the last moment and offered to look after the kids. Didn't you get my message?" Chili asked, glancing back at Rad.
"Oh, no, I didn't see it. That's fine! I can just go if you—" Frisky's words were cut off by the kids' simultaneous protests.
"No!" they exclaimed.
"Both babysit!" Bingo proposed, excitement lighting up her eyes.
After some lighthearted banter, Chili and Bandit exchanged glances before they left, waving goodbye to the kids as they headed out for their night.
Once the door closed behind them, Radley turned to the three pups, a playful smile on his face. "So, Bluey and Biscuit, why aren't you fond of babysitters?"
The siblings exchanged glances, then Bluey spoke up. "We had one before, and we didn't like it. It was too different," she stated, her brow furrowing.
Radley could sense there was more to it, especially from Biscuit, who seemed hesitant. He decided not to press them for now and instead sought to create a fun atmosphere. "Well, I promise I'm not like the last babysitter. We'll do our best to make tonight as fun as possible."
"But I don't know you as well as Mum and Dad," Bluey replied, frowning slightly.
"I know, but how about we play a game called '20 Questions'? That way you can get to know us better," Frisky suggested, giving them an encouraging smile.
Sitting down on the rug in the playroom, the pups perched across from the adults. Suddenly, Bingo exclaimed, "Wait, what's 20 Questions?"
"Well, it's simple! You ask us questions about ourselves, and we answer," Frisky explained, her eyes twinkling.
"Easy peasy! Go!" Radley encouraged as he gestured for them to start.
Bluey, feeling adventurous, began with a tough one. "Why don't you have a wife?"
"Whoa! How do you know I don't?" Radley chuckled, caught off guard.
"Do you have a wife?" Bluey asked cautiously.
"Well, no," Radley admitted.
"So why don't you have a wife?" she pressed, determined to get to the bottom of his bachelor status.
"Uh, let's move on to someone else," Radley said, pointing to Frisky to bail him out.
The kids switched their attention to Frisky. Bingo started off with a sweet yet pointed question: "How many friends have you got?"
"Oh, um, three," Frisky answered hesitantly, her tone uncertain.
"That's not many!" Bingo exclaimed, her little ears perking up.
"Why do you only have three friends?" Biscuit chimed in curiously.
"Well, um, let's get back to him. Rad, what about you?" Frisky deflected, eager to shift the spotlight.
"Why did you fall in the pool, Uncle Rad?" Biscuit asked, the question coming at him like a dart.
"Oh boy, uhm, I'm not sure I should tell you, Biscuit," he replied, trying to navigate the unexpected inquiry.
"Why not?" Biscuit looked genuinely puzzled.
"Your dad won't be happy with me telling you," Radley replied, trying to play it safe.
"We won't tell!" the kids chimed in unison, evidently eager for stories.
Rad sighed, realizing the kids wouldn't let this go. He needed to tread carefully with his explanation. "It was a fun party, and some adult drinks let you do things you don't normally do," he said, trying to imply that it was all in good fun.
"Ow!" the kids gasped in shock, clearly intrigued.
The three pups peppered the adults with questions for the next ten minutes, including inquiries about Bosco, Frisky's true love, which wasn't as simple as they believed.
Afterward, they asked why their hair was so shiny, and in unison exclaimed, "Almond milk shampoo!"
The adults exchanged bewildered looks. Having reached the end of their questioning spree, Radley suggested, "How about we play a new game now?"
After some playful back-and-forth with the kids, Frisky proposed a game called "Torchmouse." They played for a while, Radley and Frisky chasing the light from a flashlight all over the backyard and bumping into each other in a fit of laughter. Biscuit took great delight in shining the light on Rad's chest, causing Frisky to leap onto him in a fit of giggles.
After their fun-filled escapade, it was time to get the pups ready for bed. Frisky and Rad settled the children down and began to tell a fantastical story about princes and dragons.
"Okay, girls, it's time to sleep," Frisky said, tucking them in snugly.
"You guys aren't going to watch scary movies, right?" Bluey asked with a frown.
Radley put the pieces together from the last babysitting experience. "Was your last babysitter Nana? Let me guess—she had the sound up really loud, and you heard that?"
"Yes!" Bluey confirmed, a look of relief passing over her face.
Understanding the context now, Radley shared this concern with Frisky, and they quickly came to a silent agreement. They would avoid any movies until Bandit and Chili returned home.
As the gentle sounds of the night surrounded the house, Radley sat quietly in the living room, his heart swelling with pride after a successful evening of babysitting. The girls were tucked in and fast asleep, the air filled with a comforting stillness. But there was still one pup awake—the little red/blue heeler, Biscuit.
Radley peered into Biscuit's room, noticing the young pup curled up under his blanket, his eyes wide open, reflecting a swirl of emotions. Seeing this, Radley made his way to Biscuit's side. "Hey, buddy, you doing alright?" he asked softly, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.
Biscuit turned slightly to look at him, but there was a hint of hesitation in his expression. "Uh… yeah," he murmured, though his eyes betrayed the uncertainty that lingered beneath his bravado.
Radley knew something was bothering him. "You sure? It's okay to talk about anything that's on your mind," he encouraged gently, giving the pup a comforting smile.
After a moment's pause, Biscuit sighed, a slight frown crossing his face. "I just… I don't know. I feel kind of anxious," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't like it when Mum and Dad leave… and when there's a babysitter, it makes me really nervous."
Radley's heart ached for Biscuit, remembering how anxious he could feel himself at times. "I get that, buddy. New people can be sometimes uncomfortable, especially when you're used to your parents being around. Want to share more about what it is?" he asked, careful to keep his tone light and approachable.
Biscuit seemed to mull over his thoughts before frowning a little more. "Last time we had a babysitter, it was hard. The person was too loud, and they were watching a scary movie. I didn't feel safe, and I worried they wouldn't come back for me," he confessed, vulnerability shining in his big eyes.
Radley nodded knowingly, giving Biscuit the space to let everything out. "That sounds really tough. It's completely okay to feel that way. I felt like that sometimes too—especially when I was younger," he said, wanting to relate to Biscuit's fears.
Biscuit looked thoughtful. "How did you deal with it?" he asked, genuinely curious.
"Honestly, I talked to someone about how I felt—my parents, friends, even a teacher. And I learned some tricks to handle it, like deep breathing and taking a moment to think about what was actually happening around me," Radley explained. "You should never have to face those feelings alone."
Biscuit nodded slowly, pondering what Radley had shared. "I guess I've been keeping it all inside. I don't want anyone to worry about me," he admitted, looking down at his blanket.
"Biscuit, it's important to share your feelings. It's what helps us feel better," Radley encouraged gently, hoping to alleviate some of Biscuit's feelings of isolation. "You don't have to bear it all by yourself. I'm here, and you can always talk to me."
Biscuit looked up, his face softening as a small smile crept onto his lips. "Thanks, Uncle Rad. I guess I feel a bit better just talking about it," he said, his voice brighter than before.
Radley smiled back at him. "Good! Remember that you're stronger than you think, and it's okay to feel nervous sometimes. The most important thing is that you keep talking about it."
After a brief moment of silence, Radley decided to lighten the mood. "How about we come up with a fun plan for when your parents get back? We could have a really cool adventure—just you and me," he suggested, trying to shift Biscuit's focus to something exciting.
Biscuit's eyes lit up. "Like what?"
"Well, we could go to the park, go on a treasure hunt, or even have a super-duper magical picnic!" Radley said, enthusiasm radiating from him.
"Magical picnic?! Can we bring snacks?" Biscuit asked, his expression energizing.
"Absolutely! We can pack all your favorites," Radley replied, enjoying the spark of excitement returning to Biscuit.
They continued to brainstorm fun plans, their conversation flowing easily. The fears and worries that had weighed heavily on Biscuit began to lift as he envisioned brighter moments ahead. They could tackle anything together, and with Radley by his side, the future felt a little less daunting.
As their laughter filled the room and spurred on by the energy of their ideas, Radley felt grateful for this moment of connection. He knew that by being there for Biscuit, he was helping more than just a young pup—he was enriching their bond and reassuring Biscuit.
As the anticipation of their picnic adventure brewed in the air, Radley decided that they could kick off their time together with something even more exciting: a trip to CrazyWorld, the local entertainment park. After finalizing their plans for magical picnics and treasure hunts, he announced, "How about we make this an outing? Let's head to CrazyWorld!"
Biscuit's eyes widened with delight. "Really? You mean it?" His tail began to wag furiously, the thought of rides, games, and all the fun filling his heart with joy.
"Absolutely! Let's grab our gear and hit the road," Radley replied with a grin, feeling energized by Biscuit's enthusiasm.
The next day, they had gathered their things—snacks, a cozy blanket, and even a small backpack that Biscuit filled with his favorite toys. As they hopped into the car, excitement surged through both of them, each filled with expectations for a day of adventure.
Upon arriving at CrazyWorld, the sights and sounds enveloped them—brightly colored rides whirled and twirled, laughter filled the air, and the delicious aroma of cotton candy wafted around. Biscuit could hardly contain himself as he tugged on Radley's arm, pointing excitedly at the various attractions.
"Look at that roller coaster! Can we go on that one?" Biscuit asked, practically bouncing on his paws.
Radley chuckled, happy to see his nephew so animated. "Sure! Let's start there and see where the day takes us," he replied, feeling a sense of freedom and joy as they made their way toward the massive ride.
The two shared laughs and screams of exhilaration as they embarked on the roller coaster, riding the ups and downs together. The thrill of the ride brought them closer, and Biscuit felt a rush of adrenaline, replacing any lingering anxiety. As the ride came to a stop, he couldn't help but laugh, his worries temporarily forgotten amid the fun.
"Again!" Biscuit shouted, eyes sparkling with excitement.
After several exhilarating rides and games, they took a break and found a quiet spot in the park with their picnic blanket spread out under the shade of a large tree. Crunching into their snacks, Biscuit turned to Radley with a smile. "This is the best day ever, Uncle Rad!"
Radley's heart swelled with happiness at Biscuit's joy. "I'm glad you're having fun, buddy. It's what today is all about!"
After finishing their snacks, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Seeing the joy in Biscuit's eyes made Radley want to delve deeper into their bond. "You know, Biscuit, you can always talk to me about anything. How's that been going for you, the um... anxiety and all," he asked carefully, hoping to open the door for Biscuit to share more.
Biscuit looked at the ground for a moment, his expression shifting as he took a deep breath. "It's been better since we talked. But sometimes I still worry. Like, with my asthma," he admitted, his voice softening. "What if I can't breathe again, or I have a panic attack? I get scared, especially when it's crowded."
Radley listened intently, his heart heavy with concern for Biscuit. "I get that. It's tough to deal with those fears. Your asthma is something you can manage, and I'm here to help you through it. Just like today; if you ever feel overwhelmed, we'll take a break and get some fresh air."
"You really mean that?" Biscuit asked, his eyes wide with hope.
"Of course. You're my buddy, and I want you to know that you're never alone in this," Radley reassured him. "You can trust me to help you with anything—your fears, crushes, and even the things you shouldn't have done."
A wave of relief washed over Biscuit, feeling completely safe sharing his feelings with Radley. "Thanks, Uncle Rad. I think… I think I have a crush on someone, too," he confessed, his voice dropping to a whisper.
Radley smiled knowingly, encouraging him. "Oh really? You can tell me anything about that. It's all part of growing up, right?"
Biscuit nodded, his little face lighting up with newfound courage. "It's someone from school. I just get all weird and can't talk to them. What if they don't like me back?" he rambled, his worries spilling out.
"That's a normal feeling," Radley said with understanding. "But you can't let fear stop you from expressing how you feel. Just be yourself, and you'll be plenty charming."
As their day at CrazyWorld continued, Biscuit felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. With Radley by his side, he laughed and explored the park, relishing every moment of their adventure together. The bond they formed that day only deepened as they shared stories about life, fears, and dreams amid the rides and laughter.
After finishing their picnic and playing several more games, Radley led Biscuit to the bumper cars. "Are you ready for some friendly competition?" he asked, grinning.
Biscuit's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Definitely! I'm going to win!"
They climbed into their respective cars, and as the game started, vigorous laughter erupted as they crashed into each other, squeals of delight filling the air. Biscuit couldn't help but revel in the fun, his earlier anxieties all but forgotten as he focused on the thrill of the moment.
After a few rounds of bumper cars, they took a breather and found a quiet spot near a small pond. Sitting on a bench, Biscuits took a moment to catch his breath from all the excitement. He leaned back, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
"Thanks for today, Uncle Rad. I really needed this," Biscuit said sincerely, looking over at his uncle.
Radley looked back, his smile warm and genuine. "I'm glad. I had a great time, too. It's important for us to have adventures together, especially when things get a little tough," he replied.
Biscuit reflected on how safe he felt sharing his worries. "Sometimes I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack when there are a lot of people, especially when I can't catch my breath. I really don't want that to happen, especially if I'm playing." His voice dipped into a more serious tone.
Radley nodded understandingly. "I get it. Panic attacks can feel very overwhelming. But knowing how to recognize what's happening and having techniques ready really helps."
"It was really nice to talk to you about everything. I think I'll be able to handle it better next time."
Radley's heart swelled with pride, knowing that Biscuit felt a sense of trust and comfort with him. "You've come a long way, Biscuit. Just keep being brave, and remember that I'm in your corner no matter what."
After some time at the pond, Radley suggested they go on one last ride before heading home. "How about the Ferris wheel? We can see the entire park from up there!"
Biscuit's eyes lit up at the thought. "Yeah! I want to see everything!" He bounced to his feet, excitement flooding back as they made their way to the towering ride.
Once they reached the Ferris wheel, they climbed into a car, and as it started to ascend, Biscuit gasped at the view. The park sprawled out below them, a tapestry of colors and laughter.
"Wow! Everything looks so small from up here!" Biscuit exclaimed, marveling at the sight.
Radley chuckled, enjoying Biscuit's sheer joy. "Just wait until you see the sunset. It's even more breathtaking!"
As they reached the top of the Ferris wheel, the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Biscuit sat in awe, feeling an overwhelming rush of happiness mixed with gratitude.
"It's beautiful, Uncle Rad. Thanks for bringing me here," he said, leaning against his uncle, who had an arm draped casually around him.
Radley's heart warmed at the trust and connection they were building. "You're welcome, mate. Just remember, no matter what happens, you've got me by your side."
As the ride slowly descended, Biscuit took one last look at the view, feeling hopeful about the adventure they'd shared. He knew there would be challenges to face, but he also felt reassured by the newfound bond with his uncle.
They made their way back to the car, Biscuit brimming with stories to tell his parents. Today hadn't just been a day of fun; it had been about opening up and building a relationship with Uncle Rad that offered support and understanding.
As they drove home, Biscuit felt lighter, the worries of the past slowly fading away. With Radley by his side, he looked forward to the adventures yet to come and knew he could share anything with his uncle—a safe haven for both his fears and his dreams.
A/N Had a few days off and alot of inspiration, so three chapters in a row.
Actually already have the scenes written till chapter 20. So probably about 1 chapter a week should be possible now. But in a few chapters it will turn a bit more dark. Just a little snippet from chapter 11
Before they could process their surroundings, Biscuit heard a distant rustling, an ominous sound that sent shivers down his spine. As they backed away, the ground beneath them began to feel unstable. "Whoa, wait—!" he barely said before he lost his footing and felt the earth give way beneath him.