“What are you doing down there?” Charlie asked, stepping into the room, and staring at Rosie.
Rosie lay on the rug, looking up at her brother. “Nothing!” she answered, desperately trying to catch Freddy, who was now leaping up and down like a yo-yo on her nose.
Rosie stared at the flea, her eyes becoming cross-eyed in concentration. She tried to grab him again, but Freddy leapt out of reach. Rosie’s hand landed with a resounding slap on her nose instead.
Rosie yelped. “OW!”
Charlie shrugged. “You are seriously weird,” he muttered.
“I’m not!” Rosie pouted. “I’ve lost something, that’s all.”
“You’ll lose your roast potatoes if you don’t hurry up,” Charlie threatened. “Come on, Rosie! I’m starving. It’s time for lunch.”
He marched out of the room, muttering something rude about silly sisters under his breath.
Rosie could smell the delicious roast dinner waiting for her.
“MMMMMMMMM,” she murmured. Her stomach growled.
She was starving too, but she couldn’t leave the room without finding Freddy the flea, her new pet.
“Freddy? Where have you gone?” Rosie whispered.
“I’m right here!” Freddy whispered back. He stood up as tall as he could on the top of Bernie’s nose, waving his front legs to attract her attention.
“I thought I’d lost you!” Rosie whispered, cupping her hands around him to lift him up.
“I’m safe, don’t worry! Who was that creature?”
“Oh, that was just Charlie – my big brother,” Rosie said, keeping her voice low.
“A just-Charlie.” Freddy shivered. “Yes, I’ve heard of those. He made my bristles all bristly! By the way, why are we whispering?”
Rosie frowned and gave him a stern look. “You started it!” she said, using a louder voice.
“I didn’t!” Freddy answered, stamping his back feet.
“You did! Anyway, never mind all that. The important question is, where can I hide you safely while I eat my lunch?”
They gazed at each other and then, at the same time, they stared down at Bernie. The old dog still lay sleeping on the rug, snoring gently.
“Bernie’s fur,” Rosie said, her brown eyes shining. “Of course! The perfect place for you.”
She lowered Freddy onto Bernie’s back, and watched as Freddy burrowed under the chocolate -coloured fur. Within a second, he was completely hidden.
“That’s amazing, Freddy!” Rosie said. “You’d be great at hide-and-seek. I’ll teach you how to play it later.”
Bernie snored loudly and his back legs quivered.
“Oi!” Freddy called out. “I’m not a baby’s rattle. Keep still, Bernie-dog.”
Bernie stopped trembling, instantly.
Rosie grinned. “I guess Bernie is a good listener too! Now Freddy, please don’t disappear again. I’ll only be gone for about half an hour.”
“Take your time,” Freddy answered, his voice muffled, his body hidden deep in Bernie’s fur. “I’ll still be here. I need to put my feet up. You’ve no idea what it’s like having six feet to care for.”
Rosie laughed and rushed away to the dining room, humming happily. Freddy the flea was safe, and she would have all afternoon to get to know her new pet properly.
Rosie only had one real worry now. She just hoped Charlie hadn’t stolen all the roast potatoes already.