Clearly Not Meant To Be
Young man, what on earth are you… Are you not ashamed of yourself?! The girl stared at Andrew in horror. He was so baffled by the accusation he could hardly find any words.
Wait, youve got it all wrong, Andrew managed weakly.
But the girl wasnt interested in excuses. She simply marched up, snatched back her purse, and gave him a resounding slap across the face.
*****
Since last evening and all the way through dawn, Andrew had done little else besides drink copious amounts of tea and chat online with a user called LovelyDaisy.
Hed messaged her first, something dull like “Hello!”. She replied a minute later with the same, and soon one word led to another Suddenly, they found themselves in a real conversation.
Everything flowed so effortlessly, his fingers flying across his keyboard, that Andrew started to believe that he and this sweet, blue-eyed blonde (he hoped her profile photo was real) could actually become something. Friends, lovers it hardly mattered. What mattered was that she seemed open to getting closer. When he asked,
Want to grab a coffee at a café soon and get to know each other the real way? she replied, You never know, and sent a winking emoji.
Then she asked him what he did for a living and
things quickly went off script.
Why did I ever tell her what I do? And then I even sent that photo from the office…, Andrew scolded himself.
He wasnt angry at her, but at himself.
Yet, in another way,
Shed have found out eventually. So what then, Andrew?
No need to answer: he already knew. Shed have said, or maybe worsetold him to his faceexactly what she just had.
Reading once again her dismissal that a sysadmin spending all day in an office chair had no hope of a personal life Andrew wanted to fire back something sharp.
But after a pause, he decided she didnt deserve the effort (let her think her words hadnt touched him at all).
So instead he just sent her a laughter-through-tears emoji, then slammed the laptop closed. Good and hard! It was for all those other sysadmins whod been rejected for the same reason.
He almost thought something cracked under the hinge maybe the screen, or a key. But he wasnt about to check, to avoid more disappointment. Hed had enough for one morning.
After all, for three months hed spent nearly all his free time exploring dating sites, hoping to find The One
But it all felt so futile. No one would come from any of this.
Like with this “LovelyDaisy” an entire nights conversation, and nothing to show for it. Brushed off. So many women, it seemed, only cared about men who ran their own businesses not blokes who installed Windows for a living.
Yet he didnt just install Windows he had plenty of other duties, for which he was paid rather well.
But what was the point?
Andrew switched on the oldies radio to distract himself, but instantly regretted it when the DJ fed him a sad ballad:
Seems its not meant to be, never meant to be sang the artist, as though mocking him. Must be theres nothing like love, never any love…
He switched off the music, but silently agreed with the lyrics not meant to be, theres no love.
Why did I bother with those dating sites? Such a waste of time.
Yet, he couldnt not try it was Michael, his best mate, whod insisted. “Thats how I found Joanne!” Michael had said, swelling with pride, enough to make Andrew feel a little slighted and just a bit envious.
“I’m no worse than him, surely? Can’t I find a girl just as wonderful as Joanne?”
But meeting someone like Joanne online, it seemed, was one chance in a million. And that chance had fallen to Michael.
As for him… Hed have to make peace with sysadmins being out of fashion. Or, more simply, that it just wasn’t meant to be.
Enough of this moping! Andrew scolded himself. Who knows if it would have worked out anyway?
He glanced at the clock half past seven in the morning yawned wide and decided to get some much needed sleep. He had a day off and nothing urgent on the docket.
*****
Just as Andrew lay down, phone in hand to set it silent, it rang. Michael.
“Speak of the devil.”
Andy, hello! Listen, mate, I need your help. Urgent!
Hi, Mike, Andrew yawned again. I havent slept all night. Any chance we could leave this for another time?
No, cant wait. No one else I can turn to.
Here we go
More to the point, I just trust you more than anyone, Andy. Its not a life-or-death thing but serious. If you cant help, my fragile family happiness may suffer terribly.
How does he do that? Andrew smirked. Says practically nothing, and yet I already feel obligated
Though, perhaps that was to be expected, Michael being his boss at the IT department, and Andrew his subordinate.
What is it? Server gone haywire? Another database meltdown? Didnt I warn you this might happen?
No, nothing work-related. Anyway, can I pop round now? Easier to explain in person. Just dont go anywhere.
Fine by me.
Moments later, the doorbell sounded, and, not having had a wink of sleep, Andrew went to the door. There he found Michael, beaming, and
Barney.
Why’d he drag the dog along?
That was quick, Andrew snorted. Bet you were loitering outside my flat and only called so you wouldnt have to scale four flights for nothing, eh?
Spot on, said Michael, reaching out for a handshake.
Andrew went to shake his hand, but Michael placed a leather leash in it instead.
Andrew looked from the lead, clipped to Barneys collar, to his grinning friend.
Hang on Whats going on?
Joanne won a holiday week-long tour of Italy, two people, five-star hotel, tours, all the works. She wants to go. Fly, that is.
Not your cup of tea? Andrew knew Michael dreaded flying.
Absolutely not. I told her, Take a friend and go! She said, Only with you. Then she threatened that if I dont come, shell stay there for good.
Blimey, Andrew eyed the leash, and the dog, who gazed back at him somewhat accusingly. As if Andrew had made a personal promise to the canine. Something about this already felt off.
Andrew glanced wryly at his mate, though he could already guess what Michael wanted.
I know shes probably joking, Michael said. She’d never actually move there… probably. But, sensibly, I cant let her go abroad on her own.
True enough
Nor with a friend. You know what they can be like. In the end, I promised to go with her.
What about the job?
And, surprise surprise, our boss didnt protest for once. Of course, Michael, take your break! Can you believe it?
Hard to, actually, Andrew smiled. Two years, not a proper holiday to our names. On paper, yes; in reality? Chained to our desks.
Thats what I thought. Maybe Joanne called himwhatever, doesn’t matter. Anyway, youll hold the fort while Im gone.
Blimey!
Knew youd be thrilled.
Oh, pure joy, he thought.
Its just Barney cant come with us. And no-one else to take him. Andy, could you look after him?
Mike You know how I am with dogs. Ive never kept one.
You dont need experience, Michael beamed. Food, bowls, his bed Ill leave it all. He wont be any bother. Hes not a puppy.
If you say so Andrew thought.
Just walk him morning and evening. I wont insult you by offering money but I can pay you in time off.
Doesnt bite? Chew shoes? Wont bark up the place at night?
No! Barneys clever and never does any of that. You can trust me! Well Michael looked at the dog.
What?
Out and about, he loves to run off. Hates the lead. Wants to be free.
You mean Ill have to run all over town after him?
Nah Michael laughed Barney always finds his way back. Hes too clever. Still, best keep an eye on him. You never know.
Fine. Ill look after your mutt, Andrew sighed, squeezing the leash tighter in his fist.
Michael hadnt even left, and already Andrew felt the weight of responsibility for the shaggy creature.
Knew I could count on you! Thanks, mate!
But I warn you, Mike: if your Barney trashes my flat, youre paying for the repairs, deal?
Deal. Im sure itll be fine.
*****
When Andrew woke up, dusk was falling. He poured out dog food into a bowl and set it by Barney, who’d laid silently on the floor all day while Andrew slept.
Dinner time, old chap? Seems about right, Andrew rubbed the dogs head.
But Barney merely looked at him with a distinctly human expression of puzzlement…
and didnt budge. Didnt even glance at the bowl.
Not hungry? Or oh, right, Andrew remembered. Mike said you had standards. Only eat after a walk in the fresh air.
Come along then, lets get some air. Truth is, I could use the company. Might catch a glimpse of some happy people I havent had much luck with love myself…
At this, Barney livened up considerably. He bounded up, wagged his tail, fetched the leash himself, and waited for his temporary carer.
*****
Outside, they strolled an hour or so. Curiously, the dog didnt once try to bolt.
He just pulled a little more on the lead whenever Andrew stopped for longer than a minute.
Really, a very reasonable companion. No trouble at all though trouble knocked soon enough.
Next evening, Andrew took Barney for a walk in the nearby park. He only looked at his phone for a minute, to text Michael Everythings fine, when he realised the lead was limp, the dog gone, the collar empty.
Oh, perfect grumbled Andrew, and set off hunting for the runaway.
He roamed the park, which was familiar enough, though what the dog might fancy he had no clue.
Half an hour passed with no sign, when he came across a girl.
A striking girl, looking a little preoccupied and, for some reason, a bit sad.
Excuse me, have you seen a dog here? Small, gingery with white patches.
What?! The girl didnt at first realise he was speaking to her.
Charming Andrew thought, but he repeated himself.
I mean, have you seen a stray dog running about? No collar, no lead.
A dog? No, not here, she replied, and moved away, not wanting more conversation.
Andrew was ready to continue searching, but hesitated, then caught up to her.
Are you alright? You look a bit upset. Has something happened?
Something has.
Can I help at all?
I doubt it. I lost my purse and I can’t remember where. Had money in it for my mums medicine. Unless youve magically found a purse?
No, I havent, sorry.
Ah, well. Still, thanks for your concern. Nice to know there are still kind people out there.
Nothing more to be said; their purposes differed, and each went their own way.
It was unknown if the stranger ever thought of this odd meeting again. Yet Andrew, for his part, couldnt forget her. She wasnt some random blonde off a dating site she was real, strikingly so.
Barney! Barney! Andrew called all through the park, then sagged on a bench, nearly ready to message Michael the bad newswhen a dog-shaped shadow appeared in the distance.
“Barney…” Andrew breathed in relief.
Wagging his tail, Barney trotted towards Andrew. And in his mouth, he carried something.
It wasnt clear from afar, but up close Andrew saw it was the girls purse.
Pink, with diamond patterns and a golden crown in the middle. The very one the girl described. Precisely.
“What luck!” Andrew almost shouted with delight, picturing himself a hero right out of a fairy tale.
He would return her purse, invite her for tea, and maybe
Just as he opened it, looking for a card or contact number, she appeared out of nowhere.
What are you doing? Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?! the girls horror-struck eyes fixed on him. Andrew was so flustered he could barely speak.
Certainly, it looked terrible.
Youve got it wrong Andrew stammered. Let me explain.
But she didnt care for explanations. She strode up, seized her purse from his hand, and walloped him with a slap.
For what? I did nothing! It was your pursemy dog found it! I was just looking for a card to call you.
I thought you were a decent person. Youre just a liar. And inventing a dog, as if!
What do you mean “inventing”?
Then where is this dog?
Andrew glanced around, suddenly noticing Barney had disappeared. “Run off again!” The girl walked off in silence, while Andrew sat there, rubbing his blazing cheek.
Just my luck Of course Id get caught like that. Barney! Andrew called out.
Barney leapt out from the shrubbery, and looked at Andrew with loyal, apologetic eyes.
Cheers, old boy. Big help you were!
Barney wagged his tail ever-so-slightly, as if to say, “Dont mention it!”
And then they headed home together
*****
For the next four days, Andrew and Barney returned morning and night to that same park, hoping to see the girl again.
He wanted to apologise, to explain everything but the beautiful stranger never returned.
At least Barney was loving it: three times as long on walks as usual.
And something curious not once did the dog stray, always sticking close to Andrews side.
But Friday brought a surprise. Andrew spotted the girl on a bench.
Hello there…
You again?! What do you want?
I just wanted to explain. Things went wrong last time.
I dont speak to thieves or liars. Thats all the explanation I need.
Honestly, do I look like a thief? I gave you the purse back, didnt I?
Gave it back?! I took it from you myself. If I hadnt come at that moment, youd have made off with it! And that money was for my mums medicine.
I dont want your money, I earn enough of my own. I opened it looking for your card, to call you. And, honestly, your purse was brought to meby my dog.
Oh, enough! she snapped. What dog, anyway? Why do you keep mentioning this imaginary dog?
Not imaginary! Here Andrew yanked on the lead. But
Barney was gone again.
Clever mutt had again slipped his collar while no one noticed.
Andrew silently cursed, then set off to look for his wayward charge.
Sorry, I have to go… he muttered, disappointed he hadnt managed to explain.
The girl, though, brightened at his departure.
Dont let me keep you. I honestly hope Ill never see you again!
*****
Andrew failed to find Barney before night fell. He wandered down deserted avenues, listening for every sound.
And in his mind:
“This dog always runs off just when you need him most… almost as if hes doing it on purpose.”
Suddenly, he heard voices. A womans, and two mens. The womans, he recognised the girl from before. The mens were new, their tone unpleasant.
Oi, love, come and join us! Its cold, well keep you warm.
Sorry, lads, Im meeting a friend.
We can keep her warm too, once she turns up! one guy jeered. Come here!
Come on, guys, lets not make a scene. I could scream, you know her voice quavered.
Go on then! But whos around to hear? Come over, lets have a laugh… Or shall we come to you?
Dont come any closer! she cried.
Andrew realised he had to act, and rushed towards the voices.
Hey there, why are you hassling the lady? he called, with as much bravado as he could manage, aware the two were big blokes.
Who are you, then? What brings you here? One grinned, tusk-like.
I Im her boyfriend Andrew blurted. And my dogs coming in a moment. Doesnt like strangers goes for them instantly, no warning. See, the leads right here
The two hesitated, but one smirked.
Dont believe a word.
Me neither.
They started towards him. But suddenly, inside the bushes, a dog growled dark, deep, menacing.
Even Andrew felt a shiver He hurried over, standing next to the girl to face whatever came. But the men thought better, and quickly bolted.
When all was quiet, Barney trotted out, tail wagging, planted himself by Andrews side.
Thanks, mate. Saved the day, Andrew ruffled the dogs fur, as he clipped his collar back on.
So this is your dog? the girl asked.
Yes, Barney. Not strictly mine belongs to my mate, whos on holiday. Asked me to dog-sit.
So you werent lying.
No, I wasnt. Barney really did bring your purse, and I really was looking for your business card. Only, he keeps vanishing at the wrong moment.
Why was he hiding in the bushes?
Well, Andrew grinned, clever dog. He figured, if he appeared, those blokes might not be scared. He isnt a mastiff, after all.
Smart as anything the girl laughed. Does he bite? May I?
He doesnt. By the way, Im Andrew. And you?
Veronica.
Pleased to meet you. Though… what are you doing here this late?
Waiting for a friend. She never showed. Isnt answering her phone… So, best head home.
If you dont mind, Barney and I can walk you back just to be safe.
I wouldnt mind…
*****
After that night, Andrew and Veronica took walks together through the park every evening. Then hed see her home. Soon, no more Barney, as Michael and Joanne returned from Italy and reclaimed their dog.
Honestly, it was a little duller without the mutt. They still had plenty to talk about but something small and important seemed missing…
One Sunday, while Andrew and Veronica walked in the park, a puppy burst out of the bushes towards them a tiny thing, and, incredibly, it carried a wallet in its mouth. A big, real leather wallet. Clearly pilfered from some unsuspecting businessman.
The puppy dashed behind their legs, just as a well-dressed, red-faced man appeared.
Oi, you rascal! Hand over my wallet! he roared, flapping his arms.
The wallet was returned. The puppy?
Andrew decided on the spot to keep him.
And Veronica agreed.
Lets set the ground rules, Andrew said, perching the pup on the bench and waggling his finger at him. No stealing from anyone, understand?
The little dog sniffed his finger and gave it a quick, slobbery lick which Andrew took for agreement.
Since then, the three of them strolled everywhere together. Not long after, they moved in together as well. All three, blissfully happy, each finding what theyd yearned for. Only
Oi, you little rascal! Give it back! someone yelled nearby.
Andrew and Veronica shared a look, then saw Sherlock dashing toward them.
Why Sherlock? Because he always found adventure one way or another.
This time, tail wagging, he bounded up with a hot dog clamped in his jaws. His people would never let anyone harm him.
Shall we run? Andrew grinned at Veronica.
Lets! she laughed.
Andrew left a fiver on the bench for the bereft hotdog owner, just to lessen the blow.
And then, hand in hand, they ran. And by their side raced Sherlock, hot dog in mouth, delighted as ever.
What can you do?
Their happiness was a little shaggy, a little mad but true. So it goes, in dreams and otherwise.
