The scarlet-haired Fairest sits in a waiting room, hands anxiously fidgeting in her lap. Soon. She just had to wait a little longer, but each passing minute felt like an eternity. The phone in her hand could not distract her enough, not while she watched person after person walk in and out with their own precious floofs.


Just a little bit longer.


She didn’t quite know why the idea of having a cat again made her so happy, but it did. There is just something about the sweetness of having a companion that depends on you, their whole world being the one you provide for them. She could take home one of these sweet, fluffy, precious, little balls with claws and make sure the life they get to live is one filled with love, comfort, and safety.


Aria was found in an alley by her foster parents. She didn’t put up any kind of fight, just wanted someone to take her home, wherever home was going to be. Her last cat, Noodles had been like that. Noodles had been found in the parking lot of her favorite Chinese food place, it had been raining and the long-haired tabby with a white underbelly had been hiding under her car.


Cassandra might have missed her if it weren’t for her tail sticking right out from underneath. She’d been quick, picking up the unsuspecting cat. It earned her a good couple of scratches, but she just wanted to get the poor thing out of the rain. As soon as the soaked cat was in the car, she just curled up in a ball. No struggle, just immediate acceptance.


Cassandra brought her inside and Phillip had not been prepared. He didn’t like cats. Or, rather, they didn’t like him. Noodles didn’t particularly mind him, though he wasn’t her first choice for pets. Eliza took to her immediately and was the one who named her. There are so few memories she has left of Eliza, but this is one she kept.


That memory plays in her mind, giving her a feeling of warmth.


“Now, Eliza, with a cat, we have to be very gentle and respectful of their space. If they don’t want to be petted, they will tell you and it might not always be nice.” Cassandra is crouched down to Eliza’s size.


The black-haired, green eyed child nods, “What’s her name? Can I name her? Can I see her?” The excitement in her eyes was one that could melt any frozen heart.


Cassandra chuckles and gives her a hug, “Yes, my little dot. Soon. But do we understand we have to be gentle? She might be scared of you at first. Might not want to play or be petted.”


“Yes, mom. Pleeeeease. Can I see her?” A seven year old child had no right to be that cute and she knew how to abuse it too. She knew if she made her bright little green eyes a little more glassy and pouted in just the right way, she could get nearly whatever she wanted. Phillip was most certainly to blame for this behavior.


Cassandra pats her on the head, “Alright, alright. But remember: gentle.” And then she leads Eliza in to meet her future best friend. Noodles loved that girl to pieces. It made her heart hurt thinking about it.


When her name is called, Cassandra jumps up. She hadn’t realized just how tense she had been up until now. Her tiny little grey ball of fluff was brought out in the hard carrier she’d brought with and after a few more bits of paperwork were filled out… that was it.


Cassandra walks out into the parking lot carrying the kitten and carefully places her in the car to drive home. She mewed the whole way, tiny little sad meows. When she gets back to her apartment, it is evident she has more than prepared for this. There are a few cat beds around, a large cat tree next to the living room, auto feeder and one of those waterfall-like water bowls.


She sets the carrier down on the ground and carefully opens up the door, giving the kitten time to decide whether to crawl out or not. Almost immediately, the completely grey kitten walks out of the crate and begins exploring. Already, Cassandra can see how independent she is. She sets out a can of wet food for her and then goes to sit on the couch to read to give the kitten time to continue to explore and eat.


After about an hour, the kitten shuffles by Cassandra’s leg, her little tail wrapping around her leg for a moment. She looks down at her and reaches down to pet her head. The kitten leans into the pets and as Cassandra moves to pull away, she jumps up to get her hand as if they were playing. It makes her laugh and then she reaches down to pick her up, setting her on the couch next to her. Almost immediately, the kitten walks up into her lap and settles down. It’s odd, it usually takes them more time to warm up to people, but this kitten was already right at home.


Cassandra gently pets the kitten as she lays in a ball on her lap, “You aren’t very picky at all, are you?” She imagines that she would be happy in just about any home as long as she had food, water, and a lap to lay in. “Well, welcome home, Aria.”


Later that evening, Cassandra floods John’s phone with pictures of Aria, talking about the little mundane things she’s done and gotten into. Because what is a boyfriend for if not for being on the receiving end of excitement for all cute things?
LOOK AT HER.

She's so precious. T.T