part 18 {lib}

The Zangler's house appeared to be asleep as Eliana crossed the street. She was about to knock on the door when she heard a loud thumping coming from the other side. Curiously, she opened the door, sticking her head around the corner. She could only bite her lip in an effort to keep from laughing at the sight that met her eyes. A very frustrated Addison was scrambling over a couch with a colander in one hand and a fly swatter in the other.
"He's loose!" Addison panted, without turning around. He fell off the back of the couch. "The lemur! Help me catch him!"
Eliana saw a flash of white fur as Addison ran into the kitchen. She followed him, but couldn't help laughing out loud when she saw the little furry ball perched on top of the refrigerator, surveying Addison with disdain.
"Distract him," Addison whispered.
"Um, ok. What's his name?" Eliana whispered back.
"Gregory."
"Gregory?" Eliana exclaimed.
The lemur turned to look at her, and Addison sprang forward, slamming the colander down on top of the fridge. "Perfect!" He grinned. "Thanks. I've been chasing him since 6:30."
"Sure," Eliana answered. The lemur was banging it's head repeatedly against the colander, which Addison was holding down.
"Hand me the kennel, will you?" He gestured with his head toward a tangerine plastic pet carrier on the table. Eliana brought it over and Addison reached under he colander to grab the angry lemur. "Ah!" he shrieked as Gregory bit him. Together, they wrestled the struggling animal into the cage, slamming the door shut and latching it.
"Whew! what a work-out," Addison said, collapsing onto the couch a moment later.
"Where's Hayden?" Eliana wondered.
"Still asleep."
"Yeah, I would be too if I was calling people at two in the morning," Eliana answered ruefully.
"I got up early," Addison said. "I couldn't wait to see Gregory. Unfortunately, he escaped pretty quickly."
The two rested for a moment, and the phone suddenly rang.
"I've got it," Eliana said, picking it up. "Zangler residence, how can I help you?"
"Ah, very good," a boy's voice said. "I would like a pickle and butter sandwich on rye, some strawberry jello, and a quart of wasabi chick-peas sent up to my room. Also, please make sure Gregory has his raisins, and a shot of rum."
Eliana was speechless. Was this guy for real?
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Yes, we're still here! Bear with me as I get back into the swing of this remarkable work. As Ernestine Ulmer so brilliantly stated, "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." The truth will set you free.

Cheers.

p.s. The hamster's name is Toby.