Page 14 of Christmas Shelter

Vanesa turns to Carlota with a huge smile on her lips, the same one they both get when they find a good home for any of the shelter's animals, but Carlota stands stunned and doesn't react, so she turns back to Patricia.

"Alright, you'll need to fill out all the documents for us to do the evaluation, but I assume there won't be any problems," Vanesa says.

"Yes, I know how it works, though I'd like to take him now so he doesn't spend another night in the shelter," Patricia says, crouching in front of Coco.

Carlota exchanges a glance with Aida and for a moment feels she can't compete with those blue eyes, but immediately reminds herself that tonight is about Coco's well-being and not the emotional mess dancing in her mind.

"Take him," she says, surprising all the women.

"Really?" Patricia perks up and gives Carlota a smile that warms her heart.

"Really. You rescued him, and besides, we know each other. Get him out of here tonight and come by the shelter tomorrow to sort out the paperwork."

"Did you hear that, Coco? You're coming home, thank Carlota," Patricia says, unhooking the carabiner that connects Coco's leash to a chain.

"Well, that's settled then," Vanesa resolves. "We'll give you some kibble until you can buy some, and you can take that bed over there."

"I'll take the kibble, but the bed isn't necessary. I'll prepare something comfortable for him, and tomorrow I'll go out and buy him everything he needs. Right, Coco?"

"Good thing you didn't want any pets," Aida laughs and takes the leash while Patricia accepts the bag of kibble.

"Shut up," Patricia responds playfully, and Carlota feels a strange and very uncomfortable sensation in the pit of her stomach.

She doesn't need to be a scientist or love expert to identify what she's feeling - she's sure they're jealousy pangs, but she can't understand why she feels this wayabout Patricia when, although she's known her for many years, the truth is she doesn't know anything about her.

"Well, then I'll stop by the shelter tomorrow and formalize the adoption. Thanks for letting me take him tonight," Patricia says.

The two volunteers say goodbye to Coco, and when Patricia and Aida leave, Carlota watches them until they disappear into the crowd.

"She's cute," Vanesa says.

Carlota nods like a robot.

"And friendly."

"That's because you were here. With me, she's very unpleasant," Carlota counters.

"I find that hard to believe," Vanesa says, raising her eyebrows.

"Well, believe it. I ran into her the other afternoon at the Christmas store, and she was really rude when I greeted her," Carlota comments with a weary sigh.

"That sucks," Vanesa laments.

"Why?" Carlota asks intrigued.

"Because, even though you insist on denying it, it's obvious you like Patricia, and it bothers me that she treats you that way."

"I don't like Patricia," Carlota responds so quickly that even she realizes how false it sounds.

"Whatever you say," Vanesa smiles and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

Chapter 11

"Are you nervous because you recognize this place or because you're going to see Carlota?" Patricia asks Coco as they get out of the car to enter the shelter.

This morning veterinarian Patricia Burnet is in a different mood. She woke up to licks and, although she didn't enjoy having to go out so early in that dreadful cold to walk her new pet, having Coco at home has brought her a joy she's rarely felt. She can't explain it, but it's a feeling of love and happiness that confirms she made the right decision in adopting the dog. They went together to the pet store to buy food, a bed, and all kinds of items so the animal would be comfortable and adapt well to his new home. Patricia didn't want to leave him alone at home on his first day, so she decided to bring him to the shelter with her to finalize his adoption.

They walk along the path that separates the car from the shelter's gate and, after a few minutes, a metallic voice answers and lets the two visitors in. As soon as the veterinarian steps on the step before the door, it opensand Carlota appears, watching in horror as Patricia comes accompanied by Coco, which can only mean one thing; that she's changed her mind and wants to return him.

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