The puppies barked playfully as they played inside the wooden box. Their mother, a flashy coat Dalmation sat behind the box with a lonely expression on her face as she watched her four pups. "Momma why so sad?" Caleb, the well mannered one propped his paws on the side of the box. Before the mother could answer, their father a purebred husky as well as lead dog had come closer without the mother realizing it. The run for the day was over. 

"I'm not sad sweety." The Dalmation spoke softly trying to not show her saddness.

"Gin..." The husky said warmly. She looked at her mate, her gold hazel eyes full of sorrow. The husky came closer and nuzzled her comforting her.

"I'm not ready for them to go Mitch." She chocked back her sobs. Mitch sighed.

"It's best for them to find homes now darling." Mitch said with his ice blue eyes closed.

Gind took a deep breath. "I know..."

***

Jazz was the only one left. She was the one that had the most flashest coat as well as the tornado personality. Jazz was laying on her stomach, her ears dropped to the side. Gin sighed as she looked at her daughter. "Don't give up Gin. Someone will take our little Jazz home." Mitch spoke.

A young woman in her early twenties was walking by. Jazz sensed this human and rose to her feet. Jazz let out a bark and put on the most friendliest face she could come up with. The human looked at the pup's odd markings being lured in by them. She knelt down and the pup allowed her to stroke her. Jazz wagged her tail and blinked her multi colored eyes. Gin held her breath and Mitch waited. What would the lady do? The ladie's gray eyes read the free puppies sign. She picked up Jazz and looked at her thoughtfuly. Jazz nipped the scarf end and started tugging it causing a chuckle to escape the woman. She held her close and Jazz licked her nose. "Hopefully you can make a miracle." Gin and Mitch looked at each other. What miracle was this lady hoping their rebellious daughter would perform? As the lady walked away, Jazz gave her parents a good bye look, forever remebering how they looked.

***

"Pearl I have something for you!" The mother's voice was soft and excited. Jazz was excited to. She had been stuck on a plane for hours and now was waiting in the kitchen area with the mother holding her. Jazz wanted to be let go and explore. She had to check out everything before meeting this Pearl. The mother put the husky/dalmation pup down and Jazz darted to the door, nudged it open and suddenly her eyes focused on a girl sitting by the fire place. She was pale skinned with black hair and looked as if looking to a far off place. Jazz was suddenly concerned. The pup walked closer and nudged the girl's side. The girl's dark blue eyes latched onto Jazz. Her eyes brightened and her hands lowered to pick the puppy up. Jazz yipped, wagged her tail, and gave the child kisses. The girl giggle but did not utter a word.

2 years later...

Pearl was know 14 years old and still did not speak. But Jazz was no longer known as Jazz. Her owner named her Arabella after the victorious female pirate, Arabella Drummond. Both dog and pirate enjoyed the water, were very clever and enjoyed thrills. Her mother, Carol was still running the cafe she and her husband started before his death. His death caused Pearl to take a vow of silence.

Pearl was in school and of course Carol at work, leaving Arabella home alone. Arabella sighed as she rested on the porch her nose still sore. The other day Arabella had an encounter with none other than a porcupine. Arabella rubbed her nose lightly.

"Hey Bella girl!" Arabella looked up with a growl. One of her friends who was like a brother, Banner...how could he not know the rule.

"Banner...my name's Arabella not Bella." She snapped.

The collie/malamute cross looked a little hurt. Arabella sighed. "Sorry Banner that I snapped."

Banner just smiled. "That's okay." Arabella sighed before Banner spoke again, "The gang's down at the beach waiting for you to come join." Before the collie could say anything else, Arabella had jumped to her feet, leaped over him and landed on the snow behind him.

"Well come on! What are we standing around here for? Race you there!" Before Banner could object to the race because of his injury, the crossbreed was already down the street.

"Wait Arabella!" He yelled. Arabella faced him as she ran, giving a madman laugh. She whipped her head around, seeing one of her least favorite people. She  stopped  but slid across the ice, colliding  into the black husky known as Cully. The two stumbled into the little bit of spring snow with yelps and growls. "Can't you keep our eyes forward?!" Cully snapped. Arabella growled as she stood.

"I was trying to avoid being blinded by your trashness." Arabella spoke coldly. Cully growled at that remark. "Now if you don't mind, I'm late." Arabella tried to step around him but the large husky moved in her way. She gave him a warning growl. "Move Cully." Cully smirked at her annoynance.

"Arabella come on." Arabella did ot realize Banner was standing behind her not too far off.

"Not until Cully moves."

Cully grinned. "Make me move then."

"I will." Arabella flattened her ears and growled deeper.

Cully turned his attention to Banner. "Why don't you raise your white flag and retreat?" He spoke without taking Arabella's loyalty in consideration. Arabella flew at the larger dog. Cully tried to sidestep but she was too fast for him. Loud barks and snarls took to the sky. Being a pacifest, Banner sighed and sat.

"Hey!" A human yelled as he had heard them. He quickly got a hold on Cully's collar as another human grabbed Arabella. Arabella growled. "Enough!" Cully breathed deeply as he glared at the female dog. "Cully looks more beat up than Pearl's dog. Let's take him to the vet's to get checked."

Arabella was released and watched Cully being led away. She smirked as she examined his shoulder. She only had a torn ear and a scratch on the snout. "That was not needed Arabella." Banner said darkly.

"He was making fun of you!" Arabella snapped.

"And I took it. Soon he would have gotten tired of it." Banner explained. Arabella growled causing Banner to roll his eyes.

"To the beach comrade!" Arabella said aloud before charging onward. Banner trotted after her.

***

"Where could they be at?" A blue heeler/husky male asked.

"Just take it easy Raggs." Rue a wolfdog female spoke before being tackled by her sister Lou. Suddenly, Arabella lept upon Lou causing her to yelp. Rue giggled.

"What took you so long?" Raggs asked. Banner came closer.

"We had a run in with Cully." Banner answered.

"Oh what'd you do to Cully Bully!" Rue asked eagerly.

"All I did was scrape up his shoulder." Arabella replied trying to look innocent.

Rue and Lou broke into laughing. Raggs looked at her muzzle and ear. "Looks as if he didn't do much damage to you." Arabella just smiled.

Before she asked about the other two, Rue barked, "Who's up for a race?" Banner quickly sat down as he had enough racing today. "Going to take it easy with your injury Ban?' Lou asked. Banner nodded.

"To the one mile post and back to Banner!" Raggs yelled.

Banner raised his noble head. "Ready..." The four racers readied themselves to spring forward. "Set..." Arabella narrowed her eyes. "Go!" They dashed forward. Rue was in the lead only by her head with Arabella right next to her. Raggs had his head next to Arabella's shoulder trying to get ahead. But she bumped into him causing him to stumble a little and growl at her. Arabella laughed. Lou was stuck behind Rue. Arabella lengthened her stride, getting past Rue and broke from the pack.

A whistle rung through the air. Arabella slid to a stop before looking toward Nome. The other three racers slowed and looked at her. Arabella glanced back toward her friends. "Sorry guys. Pearl calls."

"Hey Bella why doesn't Pearl speak?" Lou asked.

Arabella sighed. "You can figure it out. In the meantime learn my name is Arabella not Bella." Arabella left her friends behind as she headed toward Nome. As she came into Nome, she was at a slow run hoping to not run into anyone this time. Coming around a corner and then WHAM! She was on the ground, trying to get her eyes to focus. Before her, a large red/white dog was getting to his feet. He shook and then Arabella realized who it was. Saimar. She really didn't know him as they didn't talk much, then again he always looked so busy and with his siblings that she couldn't start talking to him. As she looked at him for some reason she could feel her throat tightening and she could feel herself becoming shy. Maybe that's why she didn't talk to him as she felt like she wouldn't be able to get her words out right. This was the first time someone else made her feel...numb in a strange but good way.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

She blinked before realizing he asked her something. "On yes I'm fine. Are you okay?" He nodded. "I'm sorry that I ran into you." She got to her feet.

"That's okay." He studied her. "You new here?"

She blushed. "Ah no. I've been here for a while actually. But we never talked with each other." He nodded.

"Hello I'm Saimar." He smiled.

"I'm Arabella." His smile was warming. "But you can call me Bella." What did I just do?!?! She thought to herself. "I wish I could chat longer but I have to go. My human was calling me." Arabella explained.

"Oh." Saimar gave a nod. "Well if you have to go then go ahead."

"Well maybe we could hang out sometime?" Arabella asked.

"Uh...sure."

Arabella smiled. "Well talk with you later." She started off at her run again.

Saimar watched her and then yelled out. "Hopefully no more run ins!" He wasn't sure if she heard him but he heard her laugh. He chuckled.

***

Pearl was waiting by the small barn next to the house. Arabella came trotting up. Pearl knelt down and ruffled the fur on her neck some before she drew something out of her pocket. She unwrapped it and the mint scent drifted to Arabella. Arabella licked her chops. Ah sweet! A peppermint just for me! Pearl held it up. Arabella still sitting, sat up, curled her paws in to make the pose sitting pretty. Pearl smiled and gave the treat to her dog. Arabella munched on it while Pearl disappeared into the barn to tack up her bay light draft horse. The horse was a gift from her father. The gelding whinnied hello before Pearl stroked his forehead. Pearl brushed him down before tacking him up. Arabella waited next to the entrance as Pearl came out and mounted up. She started the horse into a walk and Arabella followed along as the three retreated to what Pearl had written in her diary, "Safe Haven".

The gelding grazed from the fresh, young grass and Arabella rested near by the stream. Pearl was picking the young wildflowers for her mother. Arabella sighed as her eyes gathered in the beauty of Safe Haven. She promised herself if she had pups she would bring them to enjoy the simple beauty of Safe Haven. Pearl had gathered enough flowers to make a small bundle. She withdrew sky blue ribbon from her pocket and tied it around the bundle to keep it together. Holding the flowers close to her, Pearl mounted back up. She gave a short then long whistle. The call to go home. Arabella got to her feet and again followed alongside Pearl's steed.

***

"Oh Pearl these flowers are beautiful!" Carol spoke before hugging her daughter. Pearl smiled. Arabella was resting in front of the fireplace while Pearl was out taking care of her horse. Carol was in the kitchen finishing up on making supper. Suddenly, a sound awoke her. Arabella got to her feet and walked to the kitchen door then nudged it open. Carol was hunched over the counter having a coughing fit. Arabella whimpered before coming closer. Carol was silent as she was regaining her breath. She turned her head to face the loyal dog. "Come here girl." Arabella came closer for Carol to stroke her. "I'm going to be fine girl." Arabella sniffed the napkin in Carol's hand. It was bitter smelling. It was blood. Arabella whimpered.

"You're not going to be fine." Arabella thought.

Later in the night, Arabella was sleeping downstairs by the fireplace. The coals still warm providing her heat. She heard the coughing again from Carol. How could Pearl not hear her mother coughing? Arabella got to her feet and headed upstairs, creeping quietly. Once to Pearl's door, she nudged it open and at once leaped onto Pearl's bed. Her landing startled Pearl and the human quickly turned the lamp on by her bedside. Pearl looked at Arabella, glaring at her about waking her up. Then she heard the coughing. Pearl threw back the covers, scattering Arabella from the bed and went into the hall following Arabella. At Carol's door, Pearl opened the door slowly to find her mother hunched over, her back rattling from her coughing. Pearl sat beside her mother. "I just need a glass of water." Carol voice was weak. Pearl nodded and quick brought a glass up to her mother. Arabella sat by the door, ears to the side and tears at the brim.

The next morning, Pearl headed off to school and Arabella left home with Carol. Arabella sighed as Carol had another coughing fit. She would have been in the mother's room but Carol did not allow the dog in her room. "Not on my watch Carol." Arabella headed out through the screen door and under the fence into the alley. Hopefully, Carol's brother would be home.

"I'm coming! Keep your reins tight." The brother opened the door to see Arabella sitting on the porch. He smiled. "Well hello Arabella." He went to pet her but Arabella whimpered, lied on her stomach then moaned. He looked concerned. Arabella went to her feet, hopped off the porch and walked a ways a way. Once in a spot, she walked in place. The uncle thought about it for a while before Arabella came closer to him and tugged his coat sleeve. "Alright.... I'll follow." He closed the door behind him and followed Arabella back to her home.

Once inside, Carol's brother heard Carol having another coughing fit. "Stay here girl." The brother headed upstairs while Arabella waited patiently. A few minutes later, he came back downstairs and walked into the kitchen with a brisk step. Arabella heard the phone being dialed. "Hello. May I speak with Dr. Jenkins?" Arabella whimpered as she lowered her head. He came back out of the kitchen and stood for a while looking out into space. She walked closer to him and nuzzled his large hand. He stroked the top of her head. "Good girl Arabella. Why don't you go out and play?" He spoke without looking at her. Arabella slowly nudged the back screen door open when the uncle went back upstairs. As she was outside, wondering what was to happen next, a bird's cry alerted her. She looked to the sky to see a lone magpie. Arabella gasped before growling. "Not a lone magpie!" She knew a lone magpie was bad luck.

***

Arabella had been out sunning herself and had fallen asleep. Wailing slashed the air startling her awake. Arabella shook herself awake before bolting to the house. She had to find out what had caused the dreadful wailing. Arabella whined as she nudged the screen open. Arabella trotted briskly through the kitchen and into the living room where on the floor, curled up crying was Pearl. Dr. Jenkins and Pearl's  uncle tried to comfort her but she pushed them away. The sense of confusion, pain, and grief were strong. Arabella whimpered. Pearl's teary eyes looked up at her dog. Arabella came closer to her master. She started to lick the girl's cheek. Pearl choked back her sob but was unsuccessful. Her arms wrapped around her loyal dog and cried into her neck. Arabella laid her head on Pearl's shaking shoulder, sorrow sweeping through her whole body.

   ***

Late into the night, Arabella could not sleep. She thought of the troubles and was unsure how to deal with it. Arabella raised her head as she heard music come from Pearl's room. The crossbreed stood and crept quietly closer to the stairs then stood there waiting. The strange hum was heard again. She then remembered that Pearl when sad was often found, playing her uncle's harmonica. Music gave the girl much comfort. Arabella sighed before returning to her spot by the fireplace. But Arabella didn't want to hear the tune of it tonight, she wanted to hear comforting words. She stood and trotted to the screen door slowly. Once outside, Arabella realized that at midnight who would be awake to give her comfort. What fool would be walking around at night when they could be fast asleep? She would be that fool. She sighed and without another thought, started for the boiler room to be left alone with her thoughts.

Arabella laid, soaking in the warmth but feeling cold and numb. She tried to rid her sorrow but those thoughts kept returning. A tear rolled down her cheek from her dark blue eye. Her light blue eye soon shed a tear to follow. "I need to find a way to get Carol's fight back. To make her well again. I need to bring Pearl out of her deep realm. But how?" Arabella sat up and threw her head back to let a sad song flow from her throat. "But how!" She screamed before collapsing to the floor, crying for her human family.

"Arabella? Are you alright?"

To be continued...

Arabella- Mine

Saimar- Iditarod