This is the last time, I promise
So, shall we head home? Ben asked with a warm grin, sliding into the car.
Emily sat in silence, nervously nibbling her lower lip and casting worried glances at him.
I honestly dont know how to say this. Please, just promise you wont shout, all right? she said gently, squeezing Bens hand and then pointed to the back seat with her eyes
*****
Honestly, they might never have met if it hadnt been for a stroke of luck. Ben was driving to a work meeting in another city, and halfway there, his car sputtered and died.
Come on, old girl, not now! Dont be difficult. Start for me, will you? Ben pleaded with his battered old Ford, which had just passed its MOT the month before.
But no luck. The car wasnt having any of it.
The thing was, he was a decent driver not a scrape on his record. But a mechanic? Not really. Hed have loved to revive his Ford, but he hadnt the faintest clue where to begin.
After five minutes of peering under the bonnet, he gave up, closed it with a sigh, and looked around.
Hed broken down right by a junction, where a muddy lane met the tarmac road. The sign said it led straight to Cloverfield village.
It was getting late, and there wasnt much else to be done. So off he went, trudging to Cloverfield to ask for help.
Ben secretly hoped there were actual people in Cloverfield, not just clover and fields. Thats probably why he was genuinely relieved to see a girl emerging from the woods with a kitchen knife in one hand and a plastic tub of fresh-picked mushrooms in the other.
Excuse me! Hello there! Ben called, picking up his pace, and then half-running to catch up.
The girl paused and turned to look. The second Ben caught her gaze, something in his chest gave a hopeful thump.
It was one of those clear, unmistakable feelings.
He remembered his dad telling him about meeting his mum: My heart nearly jumped out of my chest, sonthought it might pack up altogether, honestly. But no, it was just love.
Do you need something? the girl asked, seeming a little impatient as Ben stood there, caught off guard by her.
Yeswell, uh, yes, I do, Ben stammered.
So why were you calling me? she asked, amused.
Oh! Yes, he said, remembering himself. My cars broken down, just back on the main road. Cloverfield is supposed to be the closest villageis that right?
Spot on. Theres not another village for miles. And youre headed the right way.
Is it far? And do you know if theres anyone there who knows about cars?
She smiled. Its only about ten minutes walk. My dads pretty handy with cars. Hes a mechanic, actually.
Really? Brilliant!
And just like that, they got to chatting on the way. The conversation flowed so naturally, Ben hardly recognised himself.
Normally, hed turn into a tomato around women he likedtongue-tied, awkward, painfully shy. No wonder dating hadnt come easy.
Girls usually wanted a confident bloke, and he just wasnt that way on first dates. But with Emily, it was different.
It felt like fate had simply sent her his way. Maybe fate got tired of watching him fumble introductions with pretty strangers and decided to lend a helping hand.
While Emilys dad, Greg, worked under Bens car (which hed towed back in his ancient Land Rover), Ben sat in the garden gazebo, sipping tea Emily and her mum, Margaret, had poured him.
To his right and left, cats nestled in the chairs. He counted five, but imagined more were likely hiding. No surprise reallythe village is called Cloverfield, after all, he laughed to himself.
So you were just passing through? Margaret asked, refilling his mug.
Yeah, just a work trip, really. But my old car had other ideas.
Are you from the city, then?
I am. Like they sayborn and bred, and useful where you started, Ben grinned.
Thats just what I told Emily too, but shes always saying she needs to be in the citymore opportunities, you see. Still, at least she comes home to us. She hasnt forgotten her roots.
Well, its true, theres more going on in town, Ben said thoughtfully.
More going on, sure. But the people are different. In the village, we look out for each other, like family. In the city, its normal to walk by someone in trouble. And so many catsjust tossed out on the street! Whats become of us?
She scooped a cat onto her lap and stroked it fondly.
Out of the nine cats living here, only Millie and Alice are true localsour neighbour gave them to us as kittens. The rest we rescued from the city. Thats how it is
Yeah, its sad, there are so many strays, Ben agreed.
They chatted through pots of tea, and before long Greg appeared, beaming, to say the old Ford was running again and ready for the road.
Thank you so much! Ben said gratefully, pulling out his wallet. What do I owe you?
Greg and Margaret exchanged surprised looks, then fixed Ben with a four-eyed stare.
Son, we dont take money for helping folk out. Its just not the way things are done here. Put your wallet away.
R-right Sorry. Well then, I guess Ill be off. Its getting late.
Exactly, it is late, Margaret smiled. Stay the night and head off fresh in the morning.
Ben tried to politely decline, but he didnt stand a chance. Between three adults and the cats (now clearly more than five), he caved and stayed over in Cloverfield.
Next morning, after a hearty breakfast, Ben finally continued on his way.
But a week later, he couldnt help but pop by the village on his way back just to say thank you.
For Greg, Ben brought a top-notch car tool set; for Margaret, a lovely new tea set; and for Emily
He brought Emily a gorgeous bouquet. And not only that, he gave her a lift back to the city, even helped carry her bags into her student accommodation.
Their chance meeting didnt end there, of course.
Ben kept in touch with Emily, and before long he was asking her to marry him. She said yes without hesitation.
Now, it was time to inform the future in-laws.
Ben, tell me something began Margaret thoughtfully. Do you like cats?
Absolutely! Ben fibbed instantly.
And added, But I love your daughter most of all.
Well, thats lovely, said Margaret approvingly. Still, it would be wonderful if you could take one of the cats with you. Its not right for a flat to feel so empty.
Erm Im afraid well be renting for a bit until we can manage a mortgage. The landlady, well, she wouldnt allow it.
I understand, Margaret nodded. It is a shame, though. Every home ought to have at least one cat.
For Ben, cats were fineso long as they were someone elses responsibility. Thats what his parents had always thought, and hed grown up believing the same.
Or maybe it was just that he wasnt ready to be a cat owner himself. Either way, he decided to clear things up with Emily before the wedding.
Em, just checkingyoure not planning to have nine cats like your mum, are you?
Dont worry, I get it, Emily grinned. A flat isnt a cottage.
Exactly. Plus, its rented.
But despite their differences on the feline front, Ben and Emily got on beautifully. Not a single row since theyd gotten together. Not one! Which really says something.
Emily was a wonderful wife and a brilliant homemaker, balancing her final year of university and keeping their home in order.
Their lives settled into a peaceful routineuntil Emily discovered a hidden talent: on her way home from uni or when out and about, shed spot cats and kittens desperately in need of help.
And of course, shed bring every stray home to feed, warm up, nurse back to health, and take to the vet if needed.
The first kitten Emily saved from a gang of teenagers tormenting it outside their block.
If shed done nothing, who knows what would have happened to him.
Em, you know the landlady doesnt want pets in the flat, Ben murmured when Emily came back with the kitten.
I know but you knew what you were signing up for when you married me. I grew up in Cloverfield, and helping cats is just what you do.
Yes, but
I remember our dealno pets in the flat. But I never promised Id just walk on by. Well find him a family. We cant leave him out there, can we? Hed only end up back in danger.
Emily nursed that kitten back to health, and Ben took him to his cousin, who happily agreed to keep him.
The second cat, Emily discovered curled up under the neighbours carthe poor thing could hardly stand and looked like hed had a rough go. With a little love (and some fluids and vitamins courtesy of the vet), he was back on his paws in no time.
Ben arranged for him to go to a friend living in a house who was after a young mouser.
Perfect timing! Pete laughed.
Brilliant! Ben breathed in relief, knowing the landlady wouldnt be able to complain.
But as youd guess, that wasnt the last stray.
Heaps more came after that: third, fourth, fifth, sixth Emily found the cats, and Ben found new homes. Nearly all their friends and relatives ended up as cat parents. Even Bens boss, Ignatius, ended up with two kittens who promptly trashed his office on their first day.
Ben had secretly feared his boss would return the kittens and sack him, but instead, Ignatius was over the moon.
Not only that, but Ignatius later offered Ben a promotion and a pay risewhich was just what they needed to finally get a mortgage.
And Emily found a great job too, thanks to a recommendation from her universitys chancellor. Life was definitely starting to look up.
*****
Wait in the car for meand please, whatever you do, dont get out! Ben said, glancing around as he hurried to the motor shop across the way.
Emily nodded, settling in and flipping on the radio. She lasted about thirty seconds before turning off the latest pop music, which just wasnt her thing. She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her news feeds. Boring.
Ignoring Bens instructions, she stepped out of the car, stretched, and paced up and down the pavement, loosening her stiff legs after three hours on the road.
Theyd just driven back from Bens great-aunts place in another city. Shed happily agreed to take in a three-legged cat Emily had rescuedfound him on the roadside in the rain, but at least she could give him a loving home.
If only Ben would finally agree for us to keep a cat Emily thought quietly.
But tomorrow was moving daythe day theyd leave the rented flat and move into their very own place, bought with their mortgage.
Theyd done the renovations, ordered the furniture, all that was left was to move in. And perhaps, just maybe, Ben could be persuaded to finally get a cat.
Emily looked up as sparrows chattered in the trees above, trying to guess what they were saying. She had no luck, but smiled at the thought.
Then she spied, not far from her, a little ginger kitten sitting by a bench, gazing at her as if to say, Im ready to go home, just say the word.
Oh, I would but Ben would never understand, she sighed, pretending to look away but glancing sideways at the kittens hopeful face. The tiniest beam of sunlight shone through his whiskers.
Should I try speaking to Ben? flickered through her mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
Ben had been looking weary lately, probably knowing their friends and family outnumbered only by all the stray cats Emily had rehomed.
The kitten stayed put, watching her. Then, as if deciding, he trotted over to her.
Oh dear… what now? Emily thought.
She watched, then hesitated, sliding back into the car but not quite closing the doorshe didnt want to seem heartless.
The kitten marched up, meowed indignantly, and then, to Emilys surprise, squeezed his little face through the gap in the door.
What am I supposed to do? Emily worried aloud. What on earth will I tell Ben?
After all, Ben had warned her quite clearly: this is the LAST TIME.
And she had promised him.
But she just couldnt pretend the kitten wasnt there.
She opened the door, gazed into the kittens eyes (almost drowning in them), then didnt resistshe stroked his head.
Sorry, little one, but I cant You understand? Ben, my husband he really wont get it. I made a promise this morningno more pets, not again.
The kitten nodded solemnly, before hopping inside onto her lap and curling up, purring contentedly.
Emily stared at him and simply couldnt move him. He gazed up silently, as if reading her soul.
How can anyone remain cold when something so precious chooses you? she wondered.
He wasnt stopping there, eitherhe climbed up, hugged her neck with his front paws, squeezing so tightly and gently, as though scared shed give him up.
I wont give you away, Emily whispered, hugging the little thing back. Not to anyone.
She felt certain hed chosen her himself. Who was she to refuse him a home?
But, what about Ben? Would he understand? Emilys heart pounded as Ben strode out of the motor shop
*****
So, shall we go home? Ben smiled as he slid back in the drivers seat.
Emily just stared, biting her lip, eyes wide and nervous.
Erm Ben? I honestly dont know how to say this. Please, dont get cross, okay? Emily whispered, squeezing his hand and giving a meaningful look toward the back seat. We need to make one more stop. Maybe two
Realising something was up, Ben twisted round sharply.
Are you serious? Again?!
Im sorry, it just happened, Emily started to explain. Honestly, I didnt do a thinghe came right up to me.
But you promised
The kitten, tiny as he was, wasnt daft. He knew he had to pull out all the stops or risk ending up back on the street.
He jumped onto Bens lap, leaned in as close as possible, and began to meow ever so softlya tune meant to tug at the heartstrings. He mewed as if it were his very last chance.
What could you compare it to? Maybe the way the band played on, for the last time, aboard the Titanic.
Thats how he mewed.
And, at last, Bens icy resolve melted.
No, not the icebergs in the Atlanticthe barrier around Bens heart.
Ben hesitantly reached out to stroke the kitten, who instantly went quiet and started purring.
Em I honestly dont know who else I could possibly offer him to. Everyone we know already has a cator threethanks to you.
So why bother offering him to anyone else? Emily asked hopefully.
What do you mean?
Lets keep him ourselves. Weve got our own place now; theres no landlady, no rules. Besides, you know what they say
Whatthat old wives tale?
When you move into a new home, you let a kitten in first. That way, youll never want for anything.
Ben paused, then, much to Emilys surprise, said, All right. But it has to bethis is the first and
And the last time! Emily finished for him, beaming.
Exactly.
I remember, love. And thank you. Seriously, youre the best husband I could ask for.
The very next day, Ben and Emily stood at the threshold of their new flat, door wide open, and set the ginger kitten down on the doormat. With tail aloft, he padded confidently into their home.
Ben and Emily followed, laughing themselves silly when they found him sprawled out in the middle of their bed.
We know whos the boss around here, then! Ben chuckled.
I think he just wants to be near us, Emily replied. Because house cats they just need people.
Youre probably right, Ben smiled, hugging his wife.
Emily kept on helping strays, finding them loving homes, with Ben by her side for every rescue. And yes, hed still say, This is the last time.
And every time, Emily would promise.
But you and I both knowthe last time will only come when every cat and dog has a home, with their people, warming their hearts indoors where they belong.
