Bette pulled in front of the Kennard residence, double-checking the address just to make sure. It was a cute little white house in the middle of the block. Light shown out from the windows on either side of the front door, and out of one window on the second floor. Yes, it wasn’t the large house that Bette had (it actually looked half the size of her own) but it did look warm and cozy (how cliche). Cutting the engine and getting out, Bette sighed, slinging her book bag over her shoulder.

Her heart began to quicken its pace as Bette stepped on to the walkway, reaching the peak of its flutter as she stepped up to the front door and cautiously pressed the doorbell. There was a soft ding-dong before Bette could hear the loud thumps and clicks of a large animal heading her way. She jumped when it started barking in loud, deep repetitions. Suddenly, she was afraid. What sort of beast lay ahead, just beyond the door?

"Jagger! Down! Down boy!" Bette could hear Tina shout over the dogs barking. "Who is it?"

It took a few seconds for Bette to find her voice. "I-It’s Bette."

There were a few clicks of the locks turning before Tina opened the door, holding a large rottweiler by the collar. She smiled. "Hey."

"Hi." Bette said nervously, looking down at the beast with severe apprehension. "Is-is he going to be okay?"

The dog barked one more time, making Bette flinch and Tina laugh. "Yeah, he’s just a little wary of strangers. Just let him sniff you and you’ll be fine."

"What?" Bette exclaimed just as Tina released Jagger. He quickly went to Bette, bumping his nose into her jeans, making her jump. "Oh Jesus, he’s huge!"

"He’s a teddy bear."

"All bark and no bite huh?" Bette laughed nervously, wriggling anxiously while the dog got acquainted with her scent.

"No, he bites." Tina said, leaning against the doorframe, laughing as she added, "But he won’t bite you."

"How can you be so sure?" Bette nearly yelled her eyes wide.

"Don’t worry." Tina waved it off. "See, he knows you now." Tina pointed to Jagger, who was looking up at Bette with curious eyes.