It is a day just like any other; eight long hours of school, chores, and a hot date with my new book. But today, I remembered as I climbed into the passenger seat of my brother's car, we are going to Graveline's animal shelter.

After years of moving around and constant begging, my parents have finally agreed to get us a dog now that we have settled down in our new home. A little over a month ago we moved here from Pennsylvania, the biggest move we have made in all my eighteen years. It didn't take long to make friends, even for my brother who is normally a pretty shy person. Overall, we fit in perfectly here.

"So, are we supposed to meet mom and dad at the shelter, or stop home first?" I asked, tossing my backpack into the back seat next to Vincent's messenger bag.

He changed the radio station. "They told me to drive right there after school. They're probably already there, so we should hurry. You have all your stuff, right?"

"Yup, I do," I nodded.

Vincent turned the radio up and pulled out of the school parking lot, peeling out onto the main road and driving at a steady pace behind all of the school buses we somehow always manage to get stuck behind. Vin groaned and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his left leg jumping up and down impatiently. I shook my head and lifted the handle on the side of the seat, reclining the chair, and curled up.

After a long day like this, even the excitement of getting a new dog isn't going to keep me awake.

"Finally!" Vincent said, a little too loudly, and sped down Little Creek Road. When I just about flew into the driver's seat, I sat up and glared at my brother.

"You know, I really don't plan on dying anytime soon, Vincent. And your driving isn't helping that."

"Sorry," he grumbled. "You know how dad gets when he's kept waiting."

I grimaced. "Yeah, you're right…but try not to kill us on the way. Please?"

"No promises," he laughed. "Just go back to laying down, we'll be there in a few."

"Never mind that nap, not after that," I widened my eyes. "How you got your license is far beyond me. You're worse than mom."

He glanced at me. "Hey! I am not that bad."

"I beg to differ," I said, laughing. "You two are the same; lead foot, and no control at all - and that last turn proves it."

"Alright, alright, I get it. You don't need to go on and on about how much I suck."

I frowned playfully. "But that's what I'm here for."

We arrived shortly at the animal shelter, our car, and presumably our parent's car, the only ones parked outside. I undid my seatbelt and began walking to the front doors, the glass adorned with large white paw prints. Even from outside, I can hear the muffled barking of the dogs caged in the back room. Vincent hurried along and I opened the door for him, following close behind and meeting our parents in the front room.

A short woman, clad in a green t-shirt and jeans, spoke with my parents. The three of them turned around and smiled as we approached.

"There you guys are! Amy," she said, turning toward the girl who couldn't have been much older than I, "these are my children. Vincent and Adrian."

"Hi," she greeted and glanced back at my father. "Would you like to go and take a look at the dogs now?"

"Yes," he pushed his glasses up his nose.

. . .

Fifty or so dogs jumped at the cage doors excitedly, all begging to be noticed. Taken home. Loved and spoiled. I watched my family stick their faces into the metal, ogling the small dogs, oohing and ahhing at how cute they were. I drifted away from them, walking down the hall toward the bigger dogs and paused before a large Dalmatian. The dog, named Spot - I rolled my eyes at the name - licked the cage wildly. I smirked and continued on to a quiet corner.

A Border Collie sat in the corner of its cage, staring sadly ahead of him. I looked briefly at the placard. No name, I noticed. He must have been a stray. I crouched down and offered my hand to the dog, squeezing it through the wiring. The dog turned toward me, an almost shocked look on his face, and stared at me a long moment before approaching me, the most beautiful grey eyes sizing me up. I cocked my head to the side, watching the dog curiously as he did the same to me.

He didn't seem like a normal dog, but I didn't care. I smiled warmly.

"Come here, boy," I said softly. His tail wagged, slowly at first, then faster as he began licking my hand.

"Adrian, see something you like?" my father called from down the hall. I looked over at him. He stood beside my mother with his arms crossed over his chest, staring at me expectantly. I nodded.

"Yeah, this one."

The worker nodded, smiling. "He's one of the calmest ones we have here. Definitely great for your family."

They walked over to look at the dog. "Oh, he's such a beautiful dog. Look at the coat!" my mother marveled. "Oh, Adam, can we get him?"

"Do you guys like him?" my father looked between my brother and I, waiting for an answer.

"Yeah," we said in unison, and my father turned to the young girl that accompanied us while we looked for our new pet.

"Well, we'll take him, then."

She smiled. "Alright. Come around front, and we'll get the papers together."

. . .

On the way home, we made our way to the pet store, purchasing toys, leashes, and just about everything else the dog needs. I had the honor of bringing him into the house, and once inside the living room, I unclipped his leash and allowed him to inspect the house. Instead of running off and sniffing everything in sight, he stayed close by my side. I looked down at him, and was met with a powerful gaze, one that had me frozen in place.

"Go on," I said quietly, waving my hand.

Tentatively, he walked away and looked around, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor as he darted in and out of each room. My father stepped beside me, a bag of the dog's belongings in one hand.

"He seems to like you," he squeezed my shoulder. "What are we going to name him?"

"How about Shadow?" I asked.

My dad pursed his lips. "I like it. It fits, seeing as how he's glued to your side," he pointed down at the floor.

Shadow had returned and sat patiently on the throw rug. I reached down and pet him behind the ear.

"You really are turning out to be my shadow, huh?" I laughed quietly to myself.

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Author guidance for This story

I'm just messing around with this idea for now. Later, I'll probably add on to whatever I post. Or rewrite it, make it better.

Anyway, enjoy.

updated Feb 19 by Ashlie