Jackie by Littlewing 1957
Extreme AU Slice of Life
Ennis wasn’t sure what to do next! The tiny kitten was rubbing against his legs, purring loud enough to wake the dead. He didn’t want this to get out, but Ennis was wild about cats. Jack Twist would know what to do. Ennis placed the call to Childress and Jack answered on the first ring. Their conversation went sort of like this:
Ennis: Hey, Bud, how you doin? I just thought I would give you a call to see what’s up and get some advice.
Jack: Well, well, well, Ennis Del Mar! What’s up, Cowboy? Everything okay? I don’t usually hear from you?”
Ennis: Oh, I’m okay; I just need your help, is all. You have a cat, right?
Jack: Well, yeah, Lureen has an orange tabby cat. Why do you ask?
Ennis: I found a cat, a little kitten on my stoop last night. It was crying and wouldn’t leave.
Jack: I see! Where is the cat now?
Ennis: In my kitchen. I let it stay the night. Jack, does your cat like to sleep with you?
Jack: Sure. Moppy sleeps at our feet almost every night. I guess they like to be close to their owners. Ennis, this call must be costing you a lot of money. You want to get to the point? Don’t get me wrong, friend, I love to hear your voice, but long distance ain’t cheap.
Ennis: (clearing his throat) Yeah, well, I wanna know what sort of food to feed it.
Jack: You mean you’re gonna keep the kitty? Ennis, I didn’t know you like cats!
Ennis: Yeah, well keep it under yer hat. I don’t want this getting’ out. What should I feed a baby cat?
Jack: Kitten food?
Ennis: What kind of kitten food?
Jack: I don’t know.. kitten chow usually works. Moppy loved kitten chow. If you want, I can send you a few cases.
Ennis: Oh no, no Bud, I got this. Thanks for the tip. I’ll go get her some kitten chow. So how is everybody and everything?
Jack: Oh, we’re tolerable. Work is a bitch, but what else is new? Kelsey just had a litter of 5 pups. Friend, you should see em! I’m gonna bring one of them to you next month when we meet up.
Ennis: C’mon Jack, I just told you I’m keeping the kitten. I can’t take care of 2 pets.
Jack: Oh yeah, that’s right. Well, anyways, I’m lookin’ forward to our next trip. We still on for the 5th of next month?
Ennis: Hell, yeah. Wouldn’t miss it.
Jack: Anything else you need to know? Make sure you get the cat her shots, and change her water bowl often.
Ennis: Yeah, I’ll remember. Thanks again, Bud. Keep it warm for me until we meet.
Jack: I will. (chuckles) Bye!
Ennis: Bye.
Ennis picks up his little kitty and scratches behind her ears. The tiny feline is small enough to fit in the palm of his hand. He places her in his lap and rubs her tiny back. He decides to name her "Jackie."