The Procedure by Tabatha Vargo, Melissa Andrea Page B

nice petting behind his ears.
    “What the fuck is that?” Michael said behind me, breaking the moment of happiness, and making both Duke and me tense.
    Duke growled softly at my side as if he was already my great protector, and I reached down and soothed the top of his head.
    “I… um…” I stuttered.
    “Where did that vile thing come from?” Michael asked.
    “I got him from the Miami Animal Shelter. He’s just a big, old sweetheart,” I said as if I were talking to a baby.
    Bending over, I gathered Duke’s face in my palms and burrowed my fingers in his fur.
    “Take him back,” Michael demanded. “I don’t want some big, ugly mutt smelling up the house.”
    He could be rude to me all he wanted, I was used to him, but being mean to an innocent animal didn’t sit well with me. Standing, I wiped at my pants and blew the hair from my face.
    “I’m not,” I said strongly.
    Michael’s face transformed. His lips tightened and his eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
    “I said… I’m not taking him back. He’s mine.” I took a step forward. “You leave me alone in this house that’s too big for two people while you go off doing God knows what, and I’m sick of it. He’s here to keep me company. He stays,” I said sternly.
    Michael looked at me as if I were someone he’d never seen before he turned on his heel and went back into the house. I didn’t miss his words when he called out through the house, “Fine! Maybe he’ll fuck you!” before the front door slammed and Duke and I were alone again.
     
     

 

 
     
     
    I DIDN’T SEE Michael for the rest of the afternoon, and he didn’t come home that night. It was different this time, though. Instead of sitting up all night and wondering what or who Michael was out doing, I went to bed without a care. Staying in the house alone wasn’t terrible for once since Duke decided to take up residence on the floor at the foot of my bed.
    I watched television before falling into a peaceful sleep.
    The following morning, I took Duke outside to handle his business and we sat together in the kitchen and had breakfast. I wasn’t delusional, I understood Duke was a dog, but I had to admit that it was nice not being alone. The way he looked up at me with a smile was enough for me.
    It was around nine in the morning when I received a call from Roman’s office. It was the pretty nurse that always ushered me to Roman’s office. I knew this because her voice was familiar, and I’d gotten to know her name, Melanie, since going to the office.
    “Mrs. Aldridge, Dr. Blake would like you to meet him at David T. Kennedy Park at ten. I’m supposed to call him back and let him know if you’re available.”
    I smiled secretly to myself. Roman had somehow became a friend, and I was excited to spend time with him again. It was like I was able to step away from my life and just be myself. Roman didn’t judge. He didn’t look at me as if I was the most disgusting person alive, and that was exactly what I needed.
    “Please let Dr. Blake know I’ll be there.”
    “Perfect. He also requested that you dress comfortably.”
    “I can do that. Thanks so much.” I smiled into the phone.
    “Mrs. Aldridge?” the woman rushed.
    “Yes?”
    “Dr. Blake would like you to bring Duke.”
    I smiled into the phone. “Thank you.”
    Hanging up, I made my way upstairs. There was a pep in my step, and I was excited to see what the next step in Project Samantha would be.
     
     
    I DROVE THROUGH Coconut Grove with the windows down and Duke’s head sticking out of the window. The smell of the ocean filled my car, and the salty breeze moved through my hair. Stopping at a red light, I smiled at a couple who sat on the sidewalk of a local bistro. Leaning across the iron table, they smiled happily, completely lost in each other’s eyes. I sighed and enjoyed the view until the car behind me honked loudly, letting me know the light had turned green.
    The palms that lined the street moved in