After seeing all of the children back to the Tunnels, Andrew and JenniAnn hopped into the van and drove to the Fields of Gold to check on Beth.  While she still seemed blue, her outlook appeared to have improved.  She happened to be working intently on a case for work, however, and they both hoped she wasn't merely hiding behind her job to escape her emotions.  Not wanting to keep her from her work, they left soon after and from the coast of the Glen, sailed for Pure Imagination.

The sun was setting and they admired its reflection on the water as they rowed. 

"Ya know, we should all do this more often.  It's pretty relaxing," JenniAnn commented, inhaling the fresh air.

"We should.  That's another thing I like about these interviews.  Sometimes we just don't get around to each other's places very often the way we tend to meet at the Cafe."

"Yeah.  And I must say... the journeying has been much more fun with you.  Plus... I haven't had to worry that my poor directional abilities will get me in trouble."  JenniAnn laughed, recalling all the times she'd wandered off course in Dyeland.  "Does it worry you that it's only gonna get worse the older I get?  Ol' Laja wandering around oh, I dunno, Skellig and there you'll be running after me... handsome as ever."  She giggled and looked away from the sea and to Andrew.  To her surprise, he didn't look at all amused.  It was that darn confusing look again!  She cursed herself for making light of something that clearly upset him.  "I... I'll be less reckless when I'm older.  I promise, Andrew." 

Andrew heard the tremble in her voice and snapped back to attention.  "I know you will, Laja.  Everything will be just fine."  He smiled to assure her.

JenniAnn was anything but assured.  However, the boat had come ashore and they had an interview to focus on.

Andrew was once again in JenniAnn's office at Willowveil.  Though it was quite late by the time they'd returned to Dyeland City, JenniAnn showed no signs of slowing down.  The only reason she wasn't giddily gushing over the footage was because she was taking a "business" call in her bedroom.  He could hear her pacing.  Sometimes Andrew wondered about the moral repercussions of sneaking into her kitchen and slowly replacing her chai with decaf.  He didn't want to send her crashing down with a caffeine withdrawal headache but figured if he replaced the chai tablespoon by tablespoon, the switch would be gradual enough to avoid any problems.  But, alas, that was something more intrusive and deceitful than he was willing to do.  As it was, he had bigger concerns. 

The angel had suspected his friend... and possibly more than one of them... knew something was on his mind.  He didn't think they had any idea what it was although of that he couldn't even be sure.  There was that fleeting sixth sense of JenniAnn's, too.  At least four times she'd been able to "see" him while he was on assignment.  What if that had extended to any random moment?

"You rang?"

Andrew jumped and turned around to find Eli standing behind him.  "Hey, Eli.  How are you?"

Eli laughed.  "Doing good, thanks.  Sorry for the abrupt appearance.  We do it all the time but it seldom happens to us, huh?"

Andrew nodded and smiled sheepishly.

"The Father said you wanted to see me.  Although... this doesn't exactly seem like your scene."  He surveyed the room which was orderly but also far more cluttered and colorful and lacey and frog-filled than any room his fellow angel of death had ever had.  Finally, his gaze landed on a shelf lined with photos.  "Oh, okay.  So this is one of JenniAnn's rooms.  Got it.  Never been in here before.  I thought you'd put a swing in?"

"That's her bedroom.  Next door," Andrew explained.

Eli nodded.  "Oh, hey, I stopped by Tess' place.  She said to give you this.  She's graduated to trail mix.  Knock yourself out.  It's actually really good.  Got my own bag."  He tossed a twist-tied bag to Andrew.

Chuckling, Andrew surveyed the contents of the bag.  "I'll have to thank her."

"So why did you want to see me?"

Andrew looked nervously at his hands.  "Have you talked to JenniAnn or any of the girls much lately?"

"The last time I talked to JenniAnn was when I dropped you two back off at her parents' place on Monday.  And as for the others...  I guess that was about three weeks ago when I stopped into the Cafe and thought I was going to have to call Al when I found you three AOD Banders and Tess and the aforementioned girls playing what looked suspiciously like 'Spin the Bottle.'  By the way, you do a mean rendition of Neil Diamond's 'Walk on Water.'  But why do you ask?"

Andrew chuckled then looked at the door to JenniAnn's room.  He could still hear indistinct talking.  She was distracted.  "I don't know.  I have a sense lately that they know or at least think... some thing's up.  So I wondered if maybe you'd mentioned or hinted at what we talked about right before Christmas."

Eli adamantly shook his head and took a seat in the chair beside Andrew.  "No way.  I wouldn't go behind your back like that.  I know you decided to bide your time."

"Okay, thanks.  I didn't think so.  It's just...  I don't think the time's right, yet, to tell them.  I mean I haven't even made a decision."

Eli set a hand on Andrew's shoulder.  "But you're contemplating it.  I know you didn't want to say anything until it actually became an issue but I think you need to face the facts that you were created with a very limited ability to hide what you feel.  Combine that with very attentive friends... time's not on your side, Andrew."

Sighing, Andrew looked back at the computer.  He'd paused the video on a shot of the group huddled together after the football game the day before.  "I know.  Soon.  I'll tell them soon."

"Good idea.  But now... I need to get back to work.  And you need to get back to your video." 

Andrew smiled.  "Right.  Take care, Eli.  Thanks for stopping by." 

"Any time, my friend.  Have a good night.  I'll see you soon.  And just... enjoy these next few days.  Don't let this weigh you down."

"I won't."

"Good."  Eli smiled encouragingly at his friend then disappeared.

Andrew turned back to the computer, laughing as the footage shifted to the craft party and revealed some of the smaller children with paint and glitter smeared faces.

The door creaked open and JenniAnn re-entered.  "Sorry that took so long," she apologized before glancing at the screen. "Aww!"  She giggled and took the seat Eli had recently occupied.  "I have a feeling that we're going to have a hard time cutting anything!"

Andrew smiled.  "Director's cut?"

"Totally!  And then three years from now we can release the Special Limited Edition Re-re-release with Exclusive Extras!"

Chuckling, Andrew nodded.  "Sounds like a plan to me." 

For the next couple of hours, the two worked away at the film.  To Andrew's relief, he saw no more evidence of concern on JenniAnn's face.  He began to think that, perhaps, he'd made more of it than he needed to.  He prayed that was the case.

Once they'd set up their cameras, Andrew and JenniAnn checked on the turkey pens with Adam whose interview was starting their fourth day of interviews.  They thought their visit to his feathered friends was nearly through when he brought them to a small, shed-like building.  "And this mom and dad didn't seem to get the memo about hatching season being in May and June.  I had to build this to keep the lil guys warm."

Adam bestowed a sheepish grin on them both.  "When have I not used it?  Actually, cheekiness aside, there have been moments when humor was the only thing I had at my disposal.  It was sort of my way of conveying what I felt at that particular moment or time.  Sometimes people have misunderstood me, but that's sometimes the only way I could show my assignments or other angels that I care.  Love and laughter seem to go hand in hand, at least from my point of view.  Just look at how fondly Dyelanders regard Alexander and his brothers and sisters and the two of you with those babies."

JenniAnn looked longingly back to the shed.

"Later," Andrew promised.

Adam chuckled.  "Thanks for making my point.  If I hadn't joked with Tess that year about the 'noble turkey', then things would perhaps be different than they turned out to be.  We may not have had the heartache of fixing turkey pens or keeping them from drowning when they try to get off of Tourkia, of course."

"I think the good... and cuteness... definitely out weighs the bad," JenniAnn responded.  "And I, for one, am very glad you took on Tess.  Dyeland just wouldn't be the same without Alexander and Company!  So, along the same lines, can you tell a little about a time someone used humor to show how much they care about you?"

Adam contemplated his many memories.  "I can't really recall any Dyeland incidents, but I do recall the conversation I mentioned just now with Tess about the turkey as the national bird.  When she made that comment about Ben Franklin being a loud mouth who didn't know better than to come in out of the rain, I genuinely was amused.  Of course, I would be the first angel to admit that she probably did not mean it that way and instead of being humorous, she was being serious."

Andrew shrugged.  "Whatever her intentions were, I'm for anything that brings us a smile during assignments."

"True.  There was another time when you and I were jamming in the Cafe and something amusing happened.  I don't remember what specifically, I just remember being happy, but not really knowing why.  I suppose if I stopped and thought about it, there would be a great many moments when something someone here said or did would make me laugh or smile.  It's just hard to pin down the specifics in a ten minute interview."

"I understand that.  Sometimes I wish I remembered more about all we've experienced than I do.  Maybe that's why I make all those scrapbooks.  But a general sense of happiness and well-being is probly more important, anyhow," JenniAnn concluded.

"I think so," Adam agreed.

"How we doing on time?" Andrew checked. 

"I have fifteen minutes."

"I don't think we'll have any problem getting through these next three before you need to leave.  Let's start with..."  Andrew had memorized Adam's set of questions... or so he thought.  He'd drawn a blank.  Clearly he had too much on his mind.

"Being serious," JenniAnn reminded.

"Right, thanks!  Speaking of wishing we could remember more..."  He let out a self-deprecating laugh.  "Adam, do you ever find it difficult to know when someone might be helped by humor versus when they really need you to be serious?"

The elder angel of death shook his head.  "Not really, because I do know that there is a time to be serious and a time when humor is a workable solution.  I don't want to give off the impression that I don't know when to be serious and when joking is acceptable.  I honestly do know when it's appropriate.  Some may think that I'm a very blunt or dry humored angel, but the Father creates all kinds, and somewhere out there, there's an applicable place or situation for someone with my, shall we say, gifts?  Yet, with that said, I do know the distinctions and so it's not really that difficult for me to decipher between the two.

"I'm not surprised.  I love it when you make me laugh but you've also been there for all of us at much more serious times and you were amazing then, too," JenniAnn complimented.  "I'm very fond of your gift.  I know we all are... even Tess."

"Thanks, Lady Luscious.  I'm glad about that."  Adam squeezed her hand and smiled.

JenniAnn returned it then moved onto her next question.  "So speaking of that gift of humor, I wonder how often you come across it in others.  Do you often have assignments who use humor to show their love to others?"

Adam nodded with enthusiasm.  "All the time, and some of their creative outlets leave me constantly amazed.  Recently, Yva showed me a film that outlined that idea perfectly.  It was called The Court Jester.  It was a very amusing film, but it also had very touching moments with the main character.  During certain moments he could be quite comical and funny, but during other moments, he was a rather soft spoken, kind, and loving individual.  I hope that I emulate that same sort of idea, although not as slapstick-like as the film depicted."

"I can't say I ever caught that one but I'm sure ya do!" JenniAnn gushed.

"Me too.  Although I've definitely seen you in some slapstick moments.  In fact, the whole Alexander at the table incident..." Andrew raised an eye brow and grinned at his friend.

Adam chuckled.  "That was definitely a slapstick moment.  I agree."

"Maybe ya should do a lil recap for the others since we didn't record that bit," JenniAnn suggested.

Thinking it a good idea, Adam did so.

Once Andrew had stopped laughing, he gave Adam his final question.  "Have you always been humorous or is that a trait that's developed over the years?"

"Am I really funny?" Adam questioned.

"Definitely!" JenniAnn assured.

Adam smiled.  "Thanks, I'm glad you think I am.  But for me...  I mean; that's a really interesting question.  It's sort of the same when Yva told me about someone asking her if she sang well.  She said that she didn't know how to answer that because the question was quite subjective.   I suppose the same sort of response could be conveyed about my humor.   I like to make people laugh and smile.  You might think I'm funny, but someone else might think I am a total fool.  As for how long I have been this way, I don't really know.  Maybe I always have been to some extent.  I have truthfully never fully contemplated whether or not it is present, so I would say it's been a gradual change.  I know that I didn't wake up this morning and say 'I think I'll be funny today or make you laugh'.   I don't believe that any character trait happens from one day to the next, it is all gradual and develops through the person's experiences."

"Cool, sounds right to me."  JenniAnn frowned.  "And as for the people that may think you're a fool... well, I'd feel sorry for them.  They're missing out on knowing a great person."

"I would, too," Andrew agreed. 

"Thanks.  And as much as I would love to remain here and be showered with praise, I have to head out," Adam jested.

"Alright.  We can reschedule the praise shower for later," JenniAnn joked back.

Adam hugged her.  "Something tells me you actually would schedule something like that."

"And decorate for it and print invitations," Andrew teased.

JenniAnn stepped away from Adam and began to help Andrew with taking the cameras down.  "You know me so well."

"That and Andrew knows that we need little excuse to throw a party," Adam added.

Andrew chuckled.  "There is that."  He stepped away from the camera case he was packing and hugged his fellow angel of death.  "Well, buddy, I hope your tentative goes well and I guess we'll see you Sunday if not before?"

"Count me in.  You two enjoy your interviews and if you stick around, have fun with the turkeys.  Just make sure the pens all get closed.  I don't want my kitchen invaded again."  Adam winked then strode away and disappeared.

Andrew and JenniAnn finished stowing away their cameras then made one last check on the turkey babies.  They were fast asleep and they both laughed to find themselves yawning.

"I need more chai," JenniAnn whispered as they exited the shed.

Andrew shook his head.  "I think you need more sleep."

JenniAnn shrugged as they stepped out into the sunlight.  "Okay, but I *want* more chai... although you're especially cute when you're being all... advisory."

"Yet not cute enough to be listened to?"  Andrew smirked.

"Yes, definitely cute enough.  But I'm stubborn enough to resist!"

The angel of death laughed.  "Alright.  If you're not going to rest, I advise that we head to the Cafe.  It'd be good to go over Nigel's questions one more time and I think I could manage a scone and some coffee."

"Second breakfast!  We can eat like hobbits!"

Andrew smiled.  "Sure.  So let's head on back to the Shire if you're ready."

"Definitely.  The chai and scones are calling me."

"Might want to see a doctor about that.  Sounds like a hallucination to me."

JenniAnn laughed giddily then started a race to the shore, not even minding that she was doomed to lose.


"I just need a little more time to myself... to think things through but... I tend to think that when an angel makes a suggestion, it's worth following.  After all, you were right about the scones."  Beth took another bite and rewarded Andrew with a goofy smile.

The discussion left all three feeling much more hopeful... and just plain full.


"To start, I must say that it would take quite some time to elaborate on the traditions of courtship in my time," Nigel began.  "There are vast differences between that and what transpires in today’s world.  Romantic love is the primary requirement in that sense.  In order to court a lady a gentleman must make his intentions known.  He cannot simply approach a lady and ask her out.  They must go through a formal introduction first and then he would present her with his card.  The lady would then look over the options and through giving her card to the gentleman, then he would know that she was interested in knowing him."

"Kinda like how nowadays prospective dates exchange phone numbers and email addies... only fancier?" JenniAnn asked.

Nigel was thrown by the idea.  "And how is that done?"

"I dunno.  I think they just write them down on a napkin or scrap paper or something."

The guardian angel tried to hide his dismay at the idea of using a napkin in place of one's card.  "Perhaps something like that, yes.  I am not quite sure how it is done in your time."

JenniAnn blushed.  "To be honest... I'm not, either."  She smiled when Andrew briefly sat his hand on her shoulder.  "Okay, so after the card exchange then?"

"The gentleman would then escort the lady home," Nigel continued.  "The act of courting would take place in the lady’s home and under the watchful eye of the parents.  There is generally a chaperone present and marriage proposals are handwritten messages.  Of course, this is based on a class system.  In lower classes the traditions may vary."

"Thanks, Nigel, for that great overview!  Andrew, you're up next."

"This sort of came up with the card versus napkin discussion but what aspects of Victorian courtship do you find to be better than modern courtship rituals, Nigel?" the angel inquired.

"I find the traditions of my time to be quite stringent, but many are nice, and it seems much safer than a young lady trying to infer if someone is interested in a relationship with her through a dance club or a movie house."  Nigel looked to JenniAnn, concerned he might seem to be putting down her own era.

She shrugged.  "I've always thought that must be so nerve-wracking.  The very idea makes my head spin!"

"Mine, as well.  I am not sure I could work as Andrew does, occasionally lending counsel to couples in your era."

JenniAnn recalled earlier at the Cafe with Beth.  "Oh... he does remarkably well," she complimented.

"Thank you.  But I had my stumbles through the Victorian era so I imagine Nigel could teach me a thing or two."  Andrew smiled at their subject.  "Is there anything else?"

Nigel nodded.  "Indeed.  To me, telephone conversations seem rather impersonal, and I like watching as young ladies receive a proposal in a neatly written letter.  That is, to many young ladies, the most romantic aspect of courtship.  The proposal letter is quite a lovely item, and I am certain that today, many ladies would treasure that."

"I'm sure.  I treasure letters that aren't even proposals so... definitely," JenniAnn agreed.  "I mean I'm all for the whole down on one knee with a ring thing a la my parents and Vincent and Catherine but I bet lotsa ladies would love to have a letter to reread.  That was a really nice answer.  Thanks, Nigel!"

"My pleasure.  I quite enjoy speaking of my time.  Before we move on, can I get either of you more tea?" he checked.

Andrew and JenniAnn shook their heads.  The latter waited for Nigel to fix his own cup then moved on.  "As the counterpoint to what Andrew asked, are there any aspects that you think have improved in modern times?"

"I believe that the family always having control and dominant influence over a couple has become somewhat lightened in today’s world."  Nigel frowned as he recalled some examples of how deeply troubling such enmeshment could be. 

JenniAnn could nearly see Andrew's mind drifting back through the years, as well.  However, she only patted his hand and focused her attention on Nigel as he continued to speak.

"Whenever I stop and consider the vast challenges that many individuals face in today’s world regarding their family, I must say that I am quite happy that the couples have managed to court one another with a focus on the couple as opposed to the outside family influences," Nigel continued.  "I recall watching this film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and seeing traces of the past in the present day, so perhaps people are finding that sense of balance in their relationships with one another."

"I think so.  Many weddings I go to have a lot of traditional elements to em," JenniAnn mused.

"And that's great to see as long as they're traditions the couple wishes to uphold.  And many do.  I've also been to some weddings where families found really inventive ways to compromise," Andrew added.  "Some even incorporate Victorian traditions even if they don't realize it.  And it's not just weddings.  Laja, that's where your 'language of flowers' you like so much came in."

"Yeah, I think I read that somewhere... or maybe you told me before.  That's definitely a cool tradition!"

Nigel smiled.  "I am pleased that some traditions have continued to flourish, even in Dyeland."

"Me too."  Andrew responded, smiling himself.  "But moving on from the romantic aspects of love in the 19th century, do you see many general changes in other types of love from the Victorian era to the 2000s?  Like the bonds between parents and children, friends, etc., maybe?"

"Actually, I do see the love that emanates during both times, it is simply demonstrated in different ways.  The bonds between parents and children are perhaps the most empowering when one considers the distinctions between my time and today.  I must say that with all of the advantages of today, I tend to prefer the days of old, where the word of a person meant more than it does in this day and age."

"I do miss that," Andrew agreed. 

JenniAnn let out a melancholy sigh but seeing that Nigel was growing concerned, smiled at him to encourage him to continue.

"I must also say something with regard to the distinctions between carrying oneself in a friendly and casual manner as opposed to a formal mode of address," the guardian angel pressed on.  "This is present in many languages outside of English, but in the past it existed whereas today, there is no distinction."

"Yeah, I remember learning that in Spanish class and wondering how we modern English speakers lost that.  I mean, sure, we have 'thee' and 'thou' but no one really says that much," JenniAnn pointed out.  "Cept sometimes in prayers."

Nigel nodded.  "I must admit I have not heard it much at all in your time.  Perhaps that is what I miss the most when I look at the past in relation to today.  I hope you understand what I am saying.  It is not to say that the way individuals relate to one another is false, but when I recall the day I first made myself known to Yva, she asked me why I was behaving in such a formal way with her.  She did not understand that that was my way, and perhaps that is the grandest of all distinctions between the two; whether it is the love expressed between parents, children, friends, or those whom one courts."

"Could be," JenniAnn responded.  "It's definitely cultural.  I can understand Yva being thrown."

"It's definitely been interesting watching the languages evolve," Andrew added.  He smiled brightly.  "But the love's still there and that makes me very happy."

"Most assuredly," Nigel agreed.

"And now... wow, last question already?"  JenniAnn glanced at Andrew for confirmation.

He nodded.  "These have really been flying by."

"I hope our interview subjects have felt the same way!"

Nigel laughed.  "I am quite sure they have.  I have found this discussion to be delightful."

"Aww, good!"  JenniAnn smiled gratefully at him.  "So... last question and it's my personal favorite.  Nigel, can you give us an example of something truly loving you've seen in your time?"

"I recall seeing the empowering love between a young man and a lady.  Unlike the issue depicted in your first question, the lady’s home life was rather an unhappy situation," he recalled.  "The young man came from a family rich in nobility and the young lady was surrounded by her alcoholic father and brothers who demanded her attention to work and home.  She was the only girl in this family and it was expected of her.  They did not wish to let her go because of her working the home.  The young man was quite determined to bring her to his home, contrary to the objections of his family.  Eventually, the couple found their way to one another through the Father’s love."

JenniAnn had been holding her breath but exhaled with relief.  "Oh, good."

"Yes, it was one of the most empowering and emotional assignments that I have ever had."  Nigel's smile grew as he recalled that joyous day.  "I was quite honoured to be there for them and when they married, there was a great celebration of their love.  It was a beautiful event that detracted from tradition, but showed that even in the most stringent of places and times, that the power of love is the most beautiful and wonderful of things."

Andrew smiled.  "And I think we can all agree with that no matter when we were born!"

"Oh, yes, definitely.  And when was that again?" JenniAnn asked, looking innocently at Andrew.

Nigel laughed.  "Yva spoke to me of the game you share with Rose."

"They're very persistent about it," Andrew informed good-naturedly.

"That probly wouldn't be considered very good in your time would it?" the woman asked.

Nigel considered the question.  "I believe young ladies of my time were, perhaps... more delicate in seeking information about their gentlemen acquaintances."

JenniAnn giggled.  "I think that's a very polite way of telling me to leave you alone, Andrew."

He chuckled.  "Thanks, Nigel."

JenniAnn shrugged.  "Eh, it's not as much fun without Rose, anyhow."

"Good point.  But now how about we get these cameras down?"

"I'm all for that.  They really look clunky in here."  JenniAnn wrinkled her nose as she eyed the cameras and their tripods, obscuring a gorgeous curio and grandfather clock.  "I'm glad that some of your time's traditions made it into my own, Nigel.  But I'm really not that fond of my time's technology in the midst of this!"

"It does not seem quite right," Nigel agreed.  He was greatly relieved when Andrew and JenniAnn had their equipment packed away and the room was once more the peaceful, elegant yet cozy parlor of his time. 

After spending some time visiting with the guardian angel, Andrew and JenniAnn returned to Willowveil where they were greeted by excited, hungry dogs.  After getting both their pets and themselves fed and out for a walk, the two settled in her office for a long night of editing the day's interviews.  Time consuming as the work was, Andrew and JenniAnn were aware at every moment that it was a gift to see the people they cared so much about talk so passionately and tenderly about what they and the Father held so dear: love.

Neither had any sense that, by the following night, the friendship Andrew and his friends had all come to count on in their own ways would be forever altered.

After ensuring that both Rose and JenniAnn were settled, Andrew turned his attention to the interview.  "Thanks, Rose, for talking to us about love and pets."

"I've been looking forward to it, Amish Boy!"

Andrew chuckled.  "You're really stuck on that one, huh?"

Rose smiled.  "Maybe a little... just a little."

Still laughing, Andrew gave her the first question.  "We were thinking some history might be good first.  So what was your first pet?"

Rose's face softened with a nostalgic look as she remembered.  "It was this small, tabby cat that lived in my uncle's garden shed in the backyard.  I don't even know if my aunt and uncle ever knew she was back there.  But I found her in there one day when I was probably about six.  I called her 'Kitter' and fed her little scraps and stuff, since we didn't have any cat food.  Some days I'd just sit in there and do my homework while I scratched her head.  She was a really sweet cat.  She did eventually die when I was in about the 9th grade.  And a few years later I got Theo and moved here.  But Kitter was definitely an awesome first pet."

"That's amazing you kept her hidden for so long," JenniAnn marveled.  "But I'm glad she was there for you.  Kitter sounds very sweet."

Rose nodded, wistful.  "She was.  She didn't have the evil streak you know who has."  She tilted her head to Theo with a smile.  "But I love him."
 
"Of course!"  JenniAnn looked to the three pets who were merrily playing.  "And I know Theo loves you.  What do you think makes a pet's love so meaningful to you?"
 
"I like that they don't care what you look like or say really.  I mean, yeah, they definitely want you to feed them!"  Rose laughed, recalling Theo's grouchiness in the morning before she got the food out.  "But they love you with this awesome, loyal love.  It's great.  If you've got a dog or a cat, then when you come home all they want to do is snuggle up with you on the couch and have you pet them and talk to them.  And you can tell 'em secrets and I guarantee you that they're not gonna tell anybody!"

JenniAnn shivered.  "Imagine if they could.  Eek!"

"Maybe Lulu could tell us Andrew's age."  Rose laughed and looked from Lulu to Andrew with a mischievous grin.

"Tough luck there, ladies.  I never told Lulu.  I was afraid you'd hire one of those dog whisperers and bribe her to reveal it."  Andrew laughed at the mental image.

JenniAnn smirked.  "Right.  Cause we'd actually do that..."

Andrew crossed his arms over his chest and shot her an "Oh really?" look.

"Okay, we'd totally do that," Rose admitted as JenniAnn nodded.

"I wouldn't put it past you!  But moving on from *that* topic...  Rose, how would you describe the love you feel for a pet?"
 
When she was finished giggling, Rose responded.  "Well, it's different, I guess.  For some people it is like having a child, I think.  But for others, it's sort of like having your best friend.  There's lots of ways to describe it.  Do we give pets their own kind of love?  I think maybe some people do.  They like their pet a lot and would be sad if they were gone.  But I don't know, I think some people see their pets more 'human' than others do.  And that's totally okay.  I see my pets as my best friends.  But not everyone does."

Andrew nodded.  "I think that's how I feel about Lulu.  She's one of my best friends."

JenniAnn gave them a diffident smile.  "I carry Fawn around like a baby.  At least when she lets me."

"And that's okay," Rose assured.  "Just as long as you don't starting dressing her up in onesies and feeding her from a bottle."

JenniAnn laughed.  "She would sooo not go for either of those.  Although she'd probly steal the bottle and just chew on it and then for weeks I'd be finding plastic bottle bits around Willowveil."

"That might not be a lot of fun," Rose agreed.

"Nope!  I'd much rather play catch or something."  JenniAnn smiled at her dog then turned back to Rose.  "And I guess it's my turn for the next question.  Rose, was there a time in your life when your pet meant even more to you than usual?"

"That would probably be Kitter," Rose decided after thinking for a moment.  "Mostly because I was sometimes a bit lonely growing up and she was always happy to see me.  But I love Theo, too.  Even though he can be a little ornery at times!  But when I first moved to Dyeland and didn't know anybody yet, he was really great to have around.  I told myself that even if I didn't make any friends here, I'd always have Theo.  Of course, now I have all of you, and my aunt Josephine, and Theo!  So I am very blessed!  But yeah... I don't think I can narrow it down to one time in my life.  I think having a pet has always meant a lot to me."

"Then I'm glad you've had them for most of your life.  And I'm very, very glad you came here."  Andrew beamed at her.  "I can't imagine Dyeland without you now."

Rose returned his smile and moved to hug him.  "Thanks, Andrew.  I can't imagine not knowing all of you!  I know the people here will always be a part of me and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Good!" JenniAnn cried. 

Andrew nodded and smiled again at Rose.  "And here we are at the last question already."  He grew more serious.  "What would you say is a difficult aspect of loving a pet?"

Rose sighed.  "They don't live as long as we do.  So it's really, really hard when they get old and eventually die.  We tend to look at them like they'll be here forever, even though we know they won't be, it's not something that I think most people really think about.  And when you've had a pet for maybe three years or even fifteen, it's sometimes kinda shocking for them to just be gone.  And it's always sad.  It takes some time to get past.  But we usually have a lot of good memories."

The three silently watched their beloved pets for a while then.

"And we are awesome at choosing a good note to end things on," JenniAnn finally said sarcastically.

Andrew and Rose both laughed.  She'd said exactly what they'd both been thinking.

"I'm sorry," Andrew apologized.  "We were so excited to write the questions, I don't think we gave much thought to ordering them."

"It's okay," Rose assured.  "But maybe you can just end with some footage of us playing?"

"I think that is a really great suggestion!" Andrew agreed.

Moving the cameras outside, they captured the two dogs and their new cat friend running wildly around the yard to the sound of their keepers laughing.  Soon, the angel and two women joined in and Rose's interview ended on a much happier note than her interviewers' poor planning had promised.