Leo's POV

"Leo, why did you gather us here?" Piper asked.

It was lunch and I had convinced Piper, Jason, and Calypso to sneak outside the school.  Piper and Calypso had immediately agreed. Jason proved to be the hardest, but when I had told him it was a test of friendship, he had caved in.

The sun shone on my neck, warming it up as I stood there in front of my friends. "I need to get Festus back."

     Piper smiled and Jason nodded, but it was Calypso's words that set my heart ablaze. "We're in."

****

     "Will the Boreads let you keep Festus there?" Piper asked as she drove us to the Humane Society. We had already checked out the pound and the ASPCA.

      I exchanged a look with Jason. "I'll take him in," Calypso offered.

    I looked at her in surprise and she tossed her head. "I can cajole my father into that. Spending time with me: hard. Getting him to let me keep a dog: piece of cake."

      "Alright," I said, "but you should know that Festus really likes Tabasco sauce and his favorite genre of music is metal."

     "Duly noted," Calypso said.

      Piper parked the car and we got out. It was already past seven, but Google said the Humane Society was open until eight. "Come on," I said. "Let's get this dog rescued."

****

     The shelter was noisy and smelly. Even at the front desk, I could smell the odors and hear the barking, baying, snorting, meowing, squealing, and hissing of countless animals. The receptionist, a woman named Fleecy, beamed at us. "How can I help you?"

"We're looking to adopt a dog," Calypso said.

"I'll message Iris and have her show you around," Fleecy said.

She texted someone and a few minutes later, a smiling woman with dark hair came in. I assumed she was Iris, judging from her rainbow-striped dress and name tag.

"You're looking to adopt a dog?" she asked. "We have plenty of them: puppies, full-grown, and senior pooches."

I stepped forward. "Actually, we're looking for a dog named Festus."

Iris and Fleecy exchanged looks.

"We don't have a dog named Festus here," Fleecy said.

"Please," I said. "He's a golden dog who is very friendly."

Iris bit her lip. "We have one dog who fits your description, but I cannot promise you he's the right one. I'll get him."

She came back a few minutes later. I ran forward and hugged Festus. His fur was soft against my skin and his coat was shiny. "Did you give him a bath?" I asked, looking up.

Iris nodded. "Each pet is bathed and given the utmost care we can here."

"Thank you," I said. "Thank you."

"Can I sign the adoption papers?" Calypso asked.

"Are you a minor?" Iris asked.

Calypso nodded.

    "Then, you'll need permission from a parent or legal guardian," Iris told her.

Calypso looked worried. "I'll ask my mom, then."

She moved away to make a phone call. The entire time, I petted Festus. If I couldn't have him, then I needed to cherish these moments together. Time seemed to crawl on and I saw Piper and Jason exchanging nervous glances.

Half an hour later, the door opened and Calypso greeted the woman walking in the building. She looked remarkably like Calypso and as she filled out the adoption paperwork, I realized the woman was her mother. At least my (hopefully) potential mother-in-law seemed nicer than Atlas.