Chapter Text
It was an early morning in Brisbane. The sun was shining bright, and there was a cool autumn breeze out that day. Bandit Heeler was walking out this morning with a tie and suitcase. After all, he was going somewhere special. “I can’t believe they’re having me go to a university to teach…” he groaned as he walked a bit more quickly. “Look, it’s gonna be fine Bandit. You got this, mate. Look at it as a good learning experience. Maybe this will help in teaching Bluey and Bingo lessons…” he reasoned with his anxious mind. Going to the university for his archeology studies was quite a bit away. Normally, he’d drive, but this location can’t be reached without the bus service. He didn’t know how long this teaching gig was going to be, but who was he to deny this opportunity? Plus, he wanted to get paid. As he walked he reached the bus stop. Sitting there was this woman. He chose to sit across from her to wait for the bus. As he sat there, he couldn’t help but steal glances at this woman. He recognized her not by name no but by her face. After pondering, he recalled this woman. He decided to see if his suspicions were right. He turned to her and in a soft mannered voice he spoke. “Excuse me ma’am. I believe we’ve met before? Not formally though.” The woman looked at him with an uncertain look. Seeing his face he was sure of it. “Yes, I’m sure we’ve met. It was when I was playing one of my daughters’ games. I believe I went up to you and said don’t worry about the sun it’s meant to be there .” He smiled at her before briefly looking up. “I see it’s still there.” He then looked back down to her. He offered his paw. “My name’s Bandit Heeler. A pleasure.”
She took a moment to really look at him, bringing her paw to his and shaking it slowly. “Oh. I didn’t think I’d see you again, in all honesty.” She chuckled, looking back at that moment in her head. It was quite shocking, seeing him come up to her and acting like a total buffoon. In a way, it came off as kind of cute. “I’m Eileen. Though, most call me Mrs. Samoyed.” She gave him a small smile, turning back to look at the road before them both. She was used to sitting alone here, but company was always welcomed, most just didn’t have anything to say.
“It’s a pleasure to properly meet you, Eileen.” Bandit said pleasantly. “I first want to say sorry for our first meeting. I certainly was a fool huh?” He laughed gently at the thought. “Still it was for my daughters to learn a lesson so I’d say it was worth it.” Bluey and Bingo always gave him joy no matter what he did with them. Thinking of them now made him smile. He looked back to Eileen. “If I may, where would you be going?”
“Hmm? Oh, just into town. I have to get some groceries. Might check out a shop or two.” She replied. Eileen was used to going out quite often, and didn’t mind the exercise it brought along. In fact, she quite enjoyed being out and about. “What about you? You wouldn’t be wearing such a fancy tie if it weren’t for something important, now would you?” She remarked, looking at his attire.
“Oh this?!” Bandit said, looking down at his tie for a moment. “It’s not that important. I’ve been asked to teach at a university on my studies of archeology. It’s kinda my first time being a professor. So I didn’t really know what was appropriate.” He chuckled to himself.
Eileen smiled softly, looking down at her purse and fiddling with the straps on it. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for a professor, but I’m sure you’ll do fine.” She said, turning back to him and readjusting her glasses. “You certainly look fine to me, so I wouldn’t worry. Besides, you have plenty of time to see what works for you.” The way she spoke sounded very soft, like the tone of her voice echoed slightly.
“You sound like you have experience. You wouldn’t happen to have advice for me, would you?” He chuckled, kidding around. “Thank you, I hope I can do a decent job. I haven’t been to a university in years. It’s gonna be something that’s for sure.” The breeze came in brushing the leaves around. Bandit smiled. “It’s not all bad though. I got to meet and I hope, make friends with a nice lady this morning.” He turned to her, smiling eagerly. “Well tell me. Did I make a new friend today?” His tail thumped slightly on the side as he looked to her with anticipation of her answer.
Her own tail began to wag as she looked at him, his bright dopey smile igniting a warmth in her heart as she chuckled. "You sure did, mate. I wouldn’t mind being your new friend." She replied, her cheeks flushing red just from looking at him. It was a strange feeling, but she didn’t mind it that much. It reminded her of something pleasant. Soon enough, they both could hear the sound of the bus coming to where they were, breaking the silence they shared.
Bandit and Eileen stay in the back of the bus. The duo are now able to chat more. “So Eileen, let me ask you, do you have kids?” He grinned.
Eileen looked down at her purse in silence, sighing before looking back up at Bandit. “No kids, love. Would’ve been nice to have some, though. I would have enjoyed being a mum.” She gave him a faint smile.
Bandit sensed the tension of her voice from that, his smile wavering. He decided to change subjects. “Uhm, what do you happen to do? For a living I mean…” he awkwardly said, hoping to not lose the nice mojo they had going.
“I own a shop, selling flowers. It’s rather nice.” She said, perking up a bit. Her tail thumped against the seat, wagging happily behind her. “They’re beautiful, flowers… It's nice being able to take care of them. So many different kinds, with scents and colors that are so unique.” She seemed to really enjoy talking about her job.
Bandit’s tail thumped in his seat in return. He was thankful to be able to save the conversation. Normally, he isn’t that good at doing that. “That sounds lovely. I’d like to come by that shop from time to time. Maybe pick something up for my wife.”
Eileen smiled at Bandit, happy to hear that he’d want to come visit her while she worked. “I’d be happy to have you there. I’m sure your wife would love whatever we have in stock at the time.” She had to admit, he seemed like quite a nice dog to spend time with.
“I’m glad. Sounds more relaxing to work at a flower shop than to teach a bunch of young adults.” Bandit chuckled as he scratched the back of his head. He then looked down, placing his paws on his briefcase. “I’m just nervous is all. The only teaching I’ve ever done is to my girls. And performing a presentation in front of fellow professionals is vastly different to what I have to do now. I don’t even know how long this will be. I just hope I can do a good job…” Bandit sighed, trying to keep himself cool in the situation.
She could see how much this was affecting him, which hurt quite a bit. Even though Eileen didn’t know Bandit that well, she did feel for him. She lowered her paw, laying it on top of his. “That’s reasonable. It’s scary… and you’re feeling a lot of things right now. But you know what?” She smiled at him, holding onto his paw softly. “You’ve got a friend here, rooting for you. Lots of dogs could use that.” Eileen said, her eyes gleaming with hope.
Bandit smiled back at her. “Yeah, you’re right… thank you.” The bus stopped, and Bandit looked out the window. He realized it was his stop. Quickly, he got up. “I hope to see you again soon, Eileen. I’ll tell you how I did when I do!” He waved to her as he left the bus. She waved back to him, smiling. She felt content from this experience. She didn’t know when she'd meet Bandit again. But a part of her was hoping it would be sooner rather than later.