K-9 Trials

[Mattie Chappel]

"Well, I can't assure you that there are any good books, but if there is one, I'm sure your name is in it." Mattie looked over at him with a wry grin, shaking her head. "Man, if you think I look great with dark circles under half-closed eyes, you're more exhausted than you look! Is it really safe for you to be driving?"

She chuckled, then shrugged. "No pop-up hotel room...sure, we can have a few amenities, but we need the 'roughing it' factor to get the full fun of camping!"

Yawning again, she relaxed in the seat. "Gotta smell the pine trees, hear the blue jays at five AM waking you up...then the racoon paw-prints over the sleeping bag..." Her eyes started to droop and her voice was fading. "Dodging poison ivy, nettles, rapids, falling pine co..."

And she was asleep!

Kev Allison

[Kev Allison]

“Hey I got the driving side down and nope pretty sure that I’m wide awake. You look amazing even if you do have dark circles under half closed eyes.” Kev said grinning at her, sure he was tired but then he had no doubt that Mattie looked great no matter what. Exhausted, sure he was but that didnt stop him from seeing her at all.

“Ah okay then roughing it is the way to go then. So no microwave right?” He joked as he got into the driver’s seat and listened to her talk about the blue days, racoon paw prints thought he had barely started the car when he heard her voice fade off. Kev looked across to see that she was okay though when he saw she was asleep he decided to leave her be.

It had been a long day as he pulled the car out onto the road and headed back to her place. It was a reasonably good drive that far as he parked up as he debated waking her or not. Then again he wasnt entirely sure that she wouldnt want to be woken up and he couldnt invade the house with her as he didnt want to scare her mother. Kev reached out a hand to nudge her shoulder lightly. “Mattie... Mattie, you’re home.” He said quietly as he tried to be gentle about waking her.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"Hmmm..." Mattie shifted and rubbed her eyes, still caught in sleep, not yet ready to be awake, after all, she was warm, fed and reasonably comfortable. Slowly, she opened her eyes and looked around, a little confused at first, until she saw Kev, and then she was hit with a pang of embarrassment at falling asleep on him. She was about ready to apologize when there was a loud ruckus outside, someone pounding on the driver's window.

"You two stop that now!" Her mother's shrill voice was sure to wake the neighbors. "Mattie, you little slut! Annie would never do such a thing! God took the wrong girl!"

Kev Allison,

[Kev Allison]

Kev smiled watching Mattie, even asleep she looked gorgeous though he stayed silent not wanting to wake her up too quickly. He knew all too well what a rude awakening was like, the military had managed to have him eyes open before five in the morning most days without even having to set an alarm. So if Mattie could sleep he was willing to let her for as long as he could. Kev was about to say something when he jumped hearing someone pounding on the window. His first thought was that he had blocked someones drive though when he saw the woman there.

There was a family resemblance and what she was saying explained about as much to him. Kev held up his hands inside the car, no he hadn’t done anything but try to wake her? What was she talking about though when her mother called her a slut and spoke about her sister. All he could say was that if it had been a guy talking that way, he would have no issue in getting out and knocking the guy flat on their back.

Her mother on the other hand... yeah probably not the best approach. Kev opened the car door careful not to push it into her mother as he got out of the car before shutting the door. “Mrs. Chappel, it’s okay there was nothing going on I promise you.” Kev said wanting to put her mind at rest about that though how easy that would be he wasnt sure. “Mattie fell asleep on the way back here, it was a long day for her. I just woke her up because she’s home. Nothing was going on, I would never do that.” Kev said not wanting to drop Mattie in anything.

“Mattie saved two children today from drowning, she is an absolute hero.” Kev said with a smile, “I just took her out for pizza to congratulate her on being a wonderful person and cop. God shouldn’t have taken Annie but Mattie is a wonderful woman.” It was true and yes he had no issue in singing her praises to her mother or anyone else for that matter but the one thing he didnt want to do was get Mattie into trouble over anything.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"You might be a gentleman, but she..." Tabitha pointed at her daughter, who had curled up on the seat and covered her head, "she can save some stranger's brats but not her own sister!"

The woman backed away a step, unable to get directly at Mattie, what with Kev in her way. "God didn't want that one," she snarled, pointing at Mattie again, "so He took my Annie, left me with her and that dammed dog that barks its fool head off until I shut it up!"

"MOM!" Mattie was out of the car in an instant, running for the house. She skipped half of the steps to the porch, yanked open the door then skidded to a halt in the entryway, in front of the door to a small closet. Inside, the poor dog was sitting uncomfortably amid the vacuum, mops, brooms, shoes, coats and whatnot...

"I told you not to do that..." Koda really hardly barked, but the really bad part was the affirmation that her mother was sinking deeper into her disease and would need more care than Mattie could provide.

Kev Allison,

[Kev Allison]

Kev glanced at Mattie as he just smiled for a moment, he was trying to be at least a little positive about things. “She was just a child herself, it wasn’t her fault at all. None of us know what to do with something like that as a kid.” Kev said though he remembered Mattie had said her mum required care though if he could put himself between the two. Maybe things would be a little better.

He had to wonder what her mother had done with Koda for a second though when Mattie took off running for the house. He just hoped it wasnt anything too bad. “He left you with one fantastic daughter, one that is smart, funny and amazing. Be thankful for the daughter you have because she is an amazing person.” Kev stated as he tried to keep calm about what was being said though it didnt seem exactly possible.

How Mattie managed to deal with it was beyond him as he reached out a hand for her mother. “Look why don’t we go inside and get a cup of tea or something? Just relax for a moment. Mattie’s back so Koda will be quiet now and you can get some rest.” He suggested glancing toward the door for the house to see if Mattie was okay.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

It worked, the woman instantly softened, hooking her arm into his as she steered him toward the house, chatting as if she hadn't a care in the world.

"I have some cookies I just made, peanutbutter with chocolate chips, just like you like." She smiled up at him and patted his hand. "I don't know why you keep dating Mattie, but at least I don't need to worry about her complaining she doesn't have a date to the prom."

Inside the front door, Mattie had the door to the coat closet open and was removing a thick rubber band from Koda's nose, and she looked up at Kev with a sad smile. "He's fine," she whispered, then stood and followed after them.

"Mom, it's late, and a school night. Kev needs to get home." Mattie took a breath and stuck her hands in her pockets, looking down at the floor and hoping that her mother didn't smell the beer on her breath.

"I suppose you are right." Sighing, Tabitha let go of Kev, but patted his arm. "Let me get you some cookies to take. Just a minute."

As she headed for the kitchen, Mattie shook her head and muttered, "I'm sorry..."

Kev Allison,

[Kev Allison]

Kev kept up his smile as Tabitha seemed to soften a little as he was steered toward the house. Well if it worked it worked he thought walking with her. At the mention of cookies Kev just smiled again though they did sound good he wasnt entirely sure that he hadn’t regressed a good ten years more. Then again was anyone ever too old for cookies.

It wasnt until Tabatha mentioned he was dating Mattie that he realised she didnt have the right person at all. “Thank you the cookies sound great and Mattie is great. I’m the lucky one for being able to date her at all.” Kev said though sure he wanted to date Mattie but after getting pizza together, sure it could be classed as a date.

“Good to hear.” Kev whispered back when Mattie told him Koda was fine, well at least he was okay and there wasnt any damage done he thought. Kev kept following Tabatha until Mattie mentioned it was a school night and being tired. Well one of the two was right he thought as he just smilled. “Thanks, I’m sure they are fantastic cookies.” Kev replied when she went to get some though Kev had no idea if she had them or not given that he was not Mattie’s prom date.

Kev turned to Mattie and shook his head, there wasnt anything to be sorry about at all. “Hey don’t be sorry, it’s nice to meet your mum and at least she likes me now I think.” He said trying to be optimistic about things. “Are you okay?” He asked Mattie as he reached out to rub her arm lightly. “Do you want me to stay for a while until you’re both settled?” He offered not sure if it would help or hinder though it was clear to see that Mattie had a lot on.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"I'm fine," Mattie muttered, trying to reassure him, even though it was difficult under the circumstances. 'Fine' encompassed a good deal, although it was a relative term. Sure, she was alive, without any of her own health problems, she had a job and a roof over her head, food...and honestly, it was hard to complain when she dealt every day with people who were far from 'fine' and stood little hope of ever getting there.

Besides, it was foolish and wasteful to let her mother's illness ruin what had turned out to be an exceptional day, after all, two children were alive and healthy because circumstances had put her and Kev in the right place.

"Listen," she whispered to him, "make her happy, take some cookies -- she really is a good cook -- then go out the front, but come back in the side gate. My window is the first one at the top of the trellis."

Seemed like maybe she'd sneaked boys in before, but at least now she was an adult, even if her mother's muddled head still thought she was fifteen. And it wasn't as if they were going to 'do' anything.

"Good night, Kev," she said more loudly, giving him a quick squeeze of the hand, the she kidded her mother on the cheek and hugged her. "Night, Mom, don't give him too many cookies, he'll get all fluffy!" She patted Kev's stomach, smirking, then bolted for the stairs.

Kev Allison,

[Kev Allison]

Kev wanted to believe that Mattie was fine but he would take some convincing of that from what he had just seen. Fine was a relative term and rarely was anyone fine but for Mattie, seeing her mother and just what Mattie had said about her. Well it was a reality he never really expected to be like it was. Then again cookies well that was very much a different kettle of fish.

“Sounds like you’ve done this a time or two before but yeah I’m always up for cookies.” He said grinning at her though he was glad he was getting to come back. Then again sneaking into a house was the thing the usually took people to court for. He just hoped that Mattie didnt have any overly suspicious neighbours.

Kev knew that they wouldnt be getting up to anything, he simply wanted to know that Mattie was going to be okay. “Good night Mattie.” Kev replied smiling squeezing her hand right back and he watched her with her mother. At the mention of too many cookies Kev just teasingly glared at her when she patted his stomach. “I’m not fluffy no matter how many cookies I eat.” He joked before turning to her mother.

“Well thank you for the cookies and it’s been lovely meeting you Mrs. Chappel and I look forward to seeing you again.” He said smiling at her for a moment, “But I should go, it’s getting late and I have school to get to and can’t be tired for lessons.” Kev explained going along with things.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

Once in her room, Mattie closed her door then moved over to open the window and pop out the screen, something she hadn't done since she was a teen, not that she'd had an un-ending stream of boys in her room. There had been a few, friends, and nothing untoward had happened. More, she used the window and trellis to slip out unnoticed to go on walks or just get away from the pall of darkness that had possessed all in the house after her sister's death.

As she walked, she kicked off her shoes then started to idly scratch Koda's ears so that the dog didn't start barking when Kev came around.

Not that she actually expected him to. Most people were put off once they met her mother, and honestly, Mattie couldn't blame them -- dementia was difficult to deal with, and with her mom's ever-changing moods, it was awkward and confusing, and who needed that?

She leaned out the window, looking down to see if Kev was going to follow through, and if he was going to think it was kind of odd to be climbing up to a second floor room.

Kev Allison,

[Kev Allison]

Kev drove the car away from the house as he parked a few streets away just to make sure her mother thought he was gone for the evening. Not that he went to break into a lot of homes on his time off but Mattie, yeah she had asked him to so he would attempt it. When he was younger he had tried to sneak his way around houses, usually to go to a party his parents didnt approve of but nothing untoward.

Walking back the few streets Kev made sure that he did exactly as she said, he had snuck through the side gate and glanced up. First window at the top of the trellis. Easy enough he thought as he considered throwing a stone at it to get Mattie’s attention but know his luck he might break the window. Then her mother would think he was trying to break in and explaining all of that to a police officer.

Yeah better to stay quiet and attempt to climb up there himself he thought. Kev knew that every family was different and despite the first meeting, her mother had given him cookies and really. Food made up for most things though he could see Mattie was deal with a lot, he just wanted to make sure she was alright.

“Pssst.” Kev whispered as he grinned waving at Mattie from the ground floor. Sure it was odd to be climbing up to see a girl at his age but then. Well it was worth it and after all it wasnt like they had been on a conventional date. Saving two children, a hospital and pizza later. Sure it was a date with a difference he thought. “Can I come up?” He whispered not wanting her to feel that she had to let him or if it was going to get her into any trouble. He didnt want that either as he glanced around trying to look like he wasnt a burglar.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

She couldn't help but chuckle at his request and Mattie leaned out the window, nodding. "Permission to come aboard!"

This was so absurd, but made her smile, so what more could she want?

"Just start with your left foot, right hand, so you are in a better position to get in the window." She laughed again. "Done it enough times myself!"

Scooting away from the window, she took Koda by the collar to keep him from getting too worked up about a visitor, then looked around her room and rolled her eyes.

It was much as she'd had it years ago as a teen -- an obviously home-made quilt was on the bed, covered in old stuffed animals, the walls were covered in pictures of horse, sailing ships, post cards, pictures of family, there was a book shelf that had books as well as trophies and ribbons of Koda's successes, and knick-knacks of all sorts. It was all a lot of clutter, but underneath, it was clean.

Kev Allison

[Kev Allison]

“Thank you. Coming aboard.... eventually.” Kev said grinning as he took her advice and started with his left foot and right hand. There was no doubt in his mind that Mattie had done this a few times before as she seemed to know the best way to start climbing as he did just that chuckling.

He was thirty something and still climbing through peoples windows, he felt like he was a teenager again. Kev reached her window ledge as he pulled himself through the window as he stood there for a second to get his bearing straight.

Kev smiled as he saw her room, it was great and it beat his never there look of his own room. He didnt have much stuff mostly because he wasnt really home that often to collect stuff. His desk had a more personal feel than his apartment as he grinned at Mattie. “You really do make a guy work on a date.” He teased her grinning.

“And thanks for inviting me up, you have a great place here.” Kev said smiling as he tried to be as quiet as possible. It wasnt that he was doing anything wrong but he didnt want Mattie’s mother thinking there was something wrong or causing her more of a problem. Then again the cookies, those cookies were the best he had ever tasted though he had only managed one on the walk back.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"Thanks, it's a combination of long-gone teenage angst and modern 'the woman needs to grow up'."

Mattie laughed, nodding to a wooden 'captain' style chair in the corner as she settled on the bed with Koda. "Have a seat. We lived here a while when I was a kid, then I got a job in Tulsa...came back when Mom started getting too lost in her dementia."

She chuckled as she looked around. "This kind of tells you mostly all about me. And Amy's room is next door. Mom keeps it like a shrine. Sometimes I can hear her in there talking to her. Of course, I talk to her, too, sometimes, so I guess that means we're both a little crazy."

She shrugged. At least her mom had an excuse for talking to the dead.

Kev Allison,