Marley put Raxus down between her feet and fished her keys from her pocket and opened the door to her one-bedroomed flat, it was small with only a lounge, kitchen area, one bedroom and a bathroom, but living on her own with only Raxus for company she didn't really need much space.

Raxus ran in and headed straight to his water bowl for a long drink.
“Bet you had a tiring run, you little shit.”
Marley grumbled at her dog. Raxus lazily wagged his tail and carried on drinking.

Marley was halfway through getting changed into her work uniform when someone knocked at her door. She pulled her top on and went out into the hallway to open the door.

Her neighbour, Taylor, stood there with a smile on her face.

“Hi Taylor, come in, I've just gotta finished getting changed.” Marley said, and headed back to her bedroom.

“Its okay, I was just wondering in you could pick Kerrang! Up on your way home? Paramore are in it and I've gotta go and meet my Mom and Aunt for dinner.” Taylor asked.

Marley sniggered “Mom.”

“Fuck off, you can't say anything, 'Mummy, is it time for afternoon tea.'” Taylor retorted, attempting a cockney accent.

“I'm not from London, you dickhead, I'm from Liverpool.” Marley replied, laughing.

Taylor and Marley often mocked each other for the way they spoke, there was no malice involved, but it was something they always liked to call each other out on.

“So will you pick it up for me?” Taylor asked.

“Okay, but ring my phone for me please, I can't find it.” Marley said, checking her jeans she was wearing before. Taylor pressed some buttons on her phone and held it to her ear.

“Is it ringing?” Marley asked, getting worried.

Taylor nodded then a look of shock passed over her face.

“Someone's answered.” She said, looking at Marley.

“Well ask who it is!” Marley whisper-shouted at her friend.
“Um hi, who is this?” Taylor said down the phone.

“Its a man, he says your dog tried to hump his at the dog park?” Taylor held the phone to her shoulder and whispered at Marley.

Marley flushed, “Oh my God, let me speak to him.”

Taylor passed the phone to Marley.

“Um hi Brian, is there any chance we could meet somewhere so I could pick my phone up?”

“Sure, what time?” Brian's voice sounded over the phone.

“Uh, I'm working until six, so it will have to be around then, is that a problem for you?” Marley replied.

“Where do you work? I'll drop it off for you.” Brian offered. Marley smiled at his kindness.

“Do you know the pet shop two blocks over from the park?”

“Sure I'll drop it off around four if that's okay?” Brian said.

“Okay, that's fine, if I'm not around the shop or on the front desk, just ask someone for Marley and I'll come get it.”

“I'll see you then.”

“Bye.” Marley ended the call and passed the phone to Taylor.

“I have to go, could you give Raxus some water and just let yourself out? I'm really late and John's been a cranky bastard lately.”

“Okay, don't forget my magazine!” Taylor shouted as Marley headed out.

The door slammed, and no more than two seconds later there was a knock at the door, Taylor opened the door and Marley look at her sheepishly.

“I forgot my keys..”

Taylor laughed and passed them to her. “John's gonna rip you a new one if your late again this week.”

“I know.” Marley sighed and jogged down the hall.