Saadia Faruqi - Furry Friends Forever

For the real Imaan, and the real Sir Teddy

I have good news and awesome news. The good news: Its the first morning of summer vacation. No more Selena Elementary. No more teachers or disgusting cafeteria lunch. Especially no more tests.

The awesome news: Im going to get a dog.

Well, its just a plan at this point, but its going to happen, I just know it. My grandfatherDada Jeesays making up your mind is the first step to getting things done. So, Ive decided that Ill be absolutely, positively successful in convincing Mama to get me a dog.

Shes going to say yes very soon, Im sure. After all, how many times can a person say no to something before they get tired and say yes? Or before they forget and yes slips out of their mouth by mistake? So far, shes said nonope, no way, nada, NO!forty-two times in the last six months. Maybe shell say yes on try number forty-three?

Well just have to wait and see.

I stretch, then check the digital clock on my side table. Its almost nine oclock. I better go down to breakfast if I want to get a head start on my summer vacation.

The delicious smells hit me even before I reach the bottom of the staircase. Mama is making parathas and scrambled eggs in the kitchen. My brother, Amir, sits at the kitchen island, eating like its his last meal. His short black hair sticks out in all directions like hes recently been struck by lightning.

Hello, sleepyhead! Mama says, smiling. Shes already dressed in her work clothes: a plain white blouse and black trousers. Salaam!

Hello, sleepyhead! Amir echoes, his mouth full of food.

Ew, I tell him. Close your mouth.

Amir is six years old, and very gross. He laughs and opens his mouth even more. Youre Imaan the sleepyhead! he says, pointing a spoon at me.

I decide its better to ignore him. Hell never stop bugging me if I pay him any attention.

I turn to Mama. Theres flour and eggshells scattered all around her. Need any help?

She gives me a grateful smile. Just with the cleaning up, please, she says.

I already know this. Its always my job to clean up once shes done cooking. I pick up the eggshells and throw them in the trash can. Mama finishes the last paratha and puts it with the rest on the island. Can you get your grandfather from his room? Ive got to get to work.

I dont really understand her hurry. Mamas an accountant, and she works from a little office in the back of our house. It isnt like she actually has to go to work like other people. Then I remember I want her in a good mood so she can finally say yes to a dog.

Sure, you go work, I say, waving her out. Ill get Dada Jee, and then Ill clean up once were all done with breakfast.

Thats great, jaan! She kisses the top of my head, then turns to Amir. Stay out of trouble!

Amir laughs again. Its the first day of summer break! he replies. Of course Im gonna get in trouble. Lots of trouble!

Mama gives him a stern look. Dada Jee may have other ideas.

Dada Jee is our dads father. He used to live in Pakistan, but he moved to California to be with us after Baba died a few years ago. I was six years old, and Amir was one. Hes been our babysitter ever since, especially during vacations.

Dont get me wrong, I love Dada Jee. But his idea of fun is talking to his lemon trees in the backyard or napping in his favorite armchair in front of the TV. And if you accidentally wake him up, he yells at you.

Im ten years old now. I have my own summer plans. No grumpy grandfather or pesky brother included.

Mama looks at me, her arms crossed over her chest. What are your plans for the summer, Imaan?

How does she always know what Im thinking? Im so shocked, I almost blurt out, Get a dog. But I gulp it down and grin nervously. I er spending a lot of time with London, I guess.

Londons silly, Amir says.

I glare at him. No, shes not. Shes my best friend. You better not call her silly.

She is, he insists. Shes always wearing strange clothes and pretending to be a know-it-all.

Thats a suit jacket, for your information. And shes supersmart, I inform him. London wants to be a businesswoman like her mom, and shes the best student in our fifth-grade class. Like, straight As all the way. And totally not silly.

Hmph! comes a grumpy voice from the door. You girls better not be spending all day around me. Youre too loud and giggly.

I turn to my grandfather. I was just going to get you, Dada Jee! I say. Come have some breakfast.

Dada Jee shuffles up to the island and sits down next to Amir. Hes got white hair and uses a cane because he hurt his leg in some war a hundred years ago. Well, okay, not a hundred years. More like fifty.

Youre late for work, he tells Mama, pointing his cane at her.

Mama pops a piece of paratha in her mouth, then wipes her hands with a kitchen towel. Okay, Im going. Be good, kiddos!

She leaves before I can ask her about the dog. I run after her. Mama, wait! I was wondering

She stops in the hallway and turns around. Let me guess, is this about a pet again? She sounds annoyed.

Not just any pet. A dog! I tell her, trying to keep the smile on my face. Dogs are fun, and they make great friends. And they protect you from baddies. Theyre almost like people, really.

She sighs. Listen, Imaan. A pet is a huge commitment. You know I dont have time to take care of another living thing. Im already taking care of all of you, and working.

I hop from one foot to the other. Shes going to say no again, I can already feel it. I would take care of it, not you, I say, trying not to sound desperate.

Not really. Youre at school all day. And you cant drive. So, it would be up to me to take care of it, drive it to the vet, and everything else. Im not doing it. Sorry.

But

Mamas not finished yet. Besides, Dada Jee would never agree.

She walks away quickly. I stand in the hallway, trying not to stomp my foot. Even though she never said the word no, thats what she means.

Thats forty-three nos.

I need a better plan.

Whats on the agenda for today? Dada Jee asks after weve cleared breakfast away.

Well, Im the one who cleans. Dada Jee just points his cane and tells me where Ive missed crumbs. And Amir runs around and around the kitchen yelling, Im dizzy!

If you puke, you have to clean up the mess, I tell him angrily.

He laughs and starts saying, Puke! Puke! like its the most fun word ever.

Well? Dada Jee asks again. The childrens museum is free today

I cant believe hes offering to take us out somewhere. I look at Amir and shudder. Imagine going to a museum and watching a hyper kid bump into exhibits. No thanks. Maybe later, I say. Im going to meet London in the park this morning.

Okay, good, Dada Jee replies. Amir and I will watch some cartoons. We can go out in the afternoon.

He drags Amir to the living room, and I heave a sigh of relief. I cant wait to see London again.