Never Go To The Dentist On A Monday

By Ana Escudero and Belén Escudero

At only six years old the only thing Alexis worries about is inventing new games and having fun with his dog Sultan in the city of Mobile. His whole world crumbles when he falls into the hands of two enigmatic characters. His disappearance unleashes an exciting process where events unfold at neck breaking pace. Peter and The Collector embark on a wild search while the clock ticks away. Will they find him before nightfall?

This story is a sequel to Solamente Peter [Just Peter], the first novel I wrote with my sister Belén sentence by sentence. Here we introduce Alexis, Peter and Vivian's son. At only six years old the only thing Alexis worries about is inventing new games and having fun with his dog Sultan in the city of Mobile. His whole world crumbles when he falls into the hands of two enigmatic characters. His disappearance unleashes an exciting process where events unfold at neck breaking pace. Peter and The Collector embark on a wild search while the clock ticks away. Will they find him before nightfall?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tektime
• Release date: Feb 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9788893982702

Book preview

NEVER GO TO THE DENTIST ON A MONDAY

First edition: March 2019

© Ana Escudero Canosa

© Belén Escudero Canosa

© Never go to the dentist on a monday

Registered the original version in Spanish in Safe Creative: 1804076483175 - All rights reserved

Cover images: Creative Commons license

Origin of the images: Pixabay

Authors of the original images: Mysticsartdesign, martaposemuckel.

Translation: Susana Hayder

NEVER GO TO THE DENTIST ON A MONDAY

Ana Escudero

Belén Escudero

Chapter 1 - The Start

Chapter 2 - The dental clinic

Chapter 3 - Investigation at the clinic

Chapter 4 - Seven Marbles

Chapter 5 - Vivian begins running around in this story

Chapter 6 - Three-way meeting

Chapter 7 - Going to the amusement park

Chapter 8 - An unexpected trip

Chapter 9 - Observations of a tattle tale

Chapter 10 - Persnickety Alexis

Chapter 11 - Dumplings and company

Chapter 12 - Hamburgers and ice cream

Chapter 13 - Barks

Chapter 14 - A detour on the way

Chapter 15 - The candy store

Chapter 16 - The nest

Chapter 17 - The surprise message

Chapter 18 - Under the rain

Chapter 19 - Cookies and gloves

Chapter 20 - Franz

Chapter 21 - Granny

Chapter 22 - A walkman in the attic

Chapter 23 - Xenia, nurse and cat

Chapter 24 - Pizza rain

Chapter 25 - Syringe of betrayal

Chapter 26 - Dimwit and family

Chapter 27 - Two alphas collide

Chapter 28 - Katrina and Sultan

Chapter 29 - Reunion

Chapter 1 - The Start

Peter, remember that you have to take Alexis to the dentist today.

Peter nodded even though he didn’t feel like it at all.

And don’t forget to by the grocery store and get Sultan’s food, continued Vivian.

Peter threw a glance at the subject, who was resting very close to the fireplace. He didn’t move, only his ears twitched slightly at the sound of the word food.

Where are you going Vivian? he asked, even though he already knew the answer.

You know I have business to attend to, debts to collect. Speaking of which, when are you going to pay me back what you still owe me? The years pass and interest goes up.

Wasn’t that taken care of? Peter asked.

Why? Because we got married?

Yeah, wasn’t that the deal?

Really? I don’t remember. Listen, the nerves from the wedding made me say things I didn’t mean.

Peter remembered that day; everything went so fast, he thought they were going to kill him.

Vivian got up from the chair, came close to Peter and gave him a kiss before turning to her son who was playing with Sultan pulling on his ears.

See you later, she said, and don’t be late Peter. I’m not about to change the appointment again.

Peter watched his wife leave and he didn’t feel sorry, she was bossy and it was hard for him to follow that lifestyle with so many rules. It went against his nature.

Alexis, go get ready and don’t forget to bring your hoodie or mom will yell at you if you ruin your costume. After we leave the dentist we can go wherever you want.

Yes daddy. Really? Anywhere I want?

Yes, anywhere.

In Peter’s opinion a trip to the dentist deserved a reward. Twenty minutes later the two were heading out the door with Sultan in tow. The dentist’s office was not close. It was more than half an hour away so Peter said, We’ll take the bus, what do you think Alexis?

Yes! What about Sultan?

Sultan will come with us of course.

Alexis thought something didn’t quite make sense, but he listened to his dad anyway. The three made their way to the bus stop. Peter and Alexis were ahead and Sultan was bringing up the rear. It seemed he dragged rather than walked. When they were getting close Peter noticed there were a few people waiting for the bus.

I don’t like standing, he said. Come Alexis, we’ll go first.

Sultan shook his head and barked, but that was all, he didn’t have the same energy as before. In the distance he saw a bus appear while a car got ahead of it. The red light gave Peter a chance to get in place. The car stopped and the driver honked his horn a couple of times. Almost everyone looked. Sultan barked happily and Alexis clapped while Peter looked at the driver fearfully.

Hello, do you want to get in? he offered.

No, it’s all right we’ll be just fine in the bus, answered Peter.

The bus advanced and several people waved it down so it would stop. Peter pulled on his son as he called Sultan while heading for the bus ready to get on it. But Sultan didn’t come, he was lying comfortably in the back seat of the car.

Daddy, look at Sultan. He got in Uncle’s car, Alexis said explaining the obvious.

Peter turned to verify his son’s words while the bus stopped. People started to get on, some even bumping slightly into those that were next to them with the intention of getting on the bus first so they could get the empty seats. The Debt Collector was leaning on the hood rolling a cigarette waiting for Peter to decide.

If you think about it too much you’ll be late for your appointment, The Debt Collector said.

Fine, but I’m driving.

The Debt Debt Collector laughed like only he could, with a dark and eerie laugh that shook Peter to his core.

I’m about to get my license, you know, he protested without saying it was his twentieth try. The Debt Collector laughed again, if you could call that a laugh.

Get in. Look, your son is already sitting next to Sultan.

Daddy, get in or mom will get mad at us again, Alexis said.

They both got in and The Debt Collector put the car in drive. Where to? he asked.

150 Arribista Street.

And what are you going to do there?

You already know. We’re going to the dentist.

Me? How do you expect me to know little brother?

I think you’re getting old. Alzheimer’s is playing tricks on you.

You’re so funny little brother! You wish I’d lose my memory.

I worry about you. We’ve known each other for ages. How old are you?

I’d say about forty-two.

That’s all? You seem older. This job of yours is making you age quicker, Peter said. Look at me, I just turned thirty and look at my complexion," he added.

Yes, you’re still just a child little brother. Well, we better get going or we’ll both be in trouble with your wife.

The Debt Collector turned the steering wheel trying to merge into traffic. As they got closer to their destination Peter was becoming increasingly nervous while Alexis enjoyed watching the other cars.

Uncle, I have a question, what’s your name? The Debt Collector? Uncle? Every time my dad talks about you he says him or other words that mom says I shouldn’t repeat out loud.

Ha, ha, ha, laughed The Debt Collector. You can call me the Debt Collector like everyone else does.

Okay uncle The Debt Collector.

Why are you going to the dentist Alexis?

My mom says it’s because I eat too much candy. She also says it’s daddy’s fault.

How old are you?

Alexis raised one of his hands and extended five fingers, and then he raised his other hand and extended one finger.

Six. You still have your baby teeth. Listen to your mother Alexis.

I don’t understand you Uncle, what do you mean? I always listen to mom; she’s the one who rules at home.

By the way, your costume is cute, he said. He could see part of it because the child had the zipper of his hoodie down due to the stifling heat inside The Debt Collector’s car.

Thank you. I am Eridanus, he said, not knowing what he was saying but proud he remembered.

Peter wasn’t listening. His mind was somewhere else far away from there. How happy he would be at the beach in California!

Is it that building? asked The Debt Collector without getting a reply. Peter. Peter. Peter!

Huh? What’s going on?

Where were you? I’m asking you if it’s there, he said pointing at a building that had a Dental Clinic sign.

Well, I don’t know. I’ve never paid attention to the outside or the route we take.

I don’t even know why I ask, The Debt Collector mumbled to himself. He squinted to see the number. They all got out of the car, this was the right place.

You can go now. Good bye Debt Collector.

See you later little brother.

Seconds later he was going around the corner in his car. Sultan watched him go sadly and then he lay down by the building’s door. Father and son headed for the dental clinic, the father dragging his feet and the son happy with a bounce in his step.

Chapter 2 - The dental clinic

The receptionist looked frightened as they arrived and she quickly picked up the phone, Doctor, I need you out here right now, said the receptionist who was also the dental clinic’s nurse. You won’t believe what you see.

What’s going on Xenia?

The 9 o’clock patient and his dad are here.

The doctor looked at this schedule to see who the 9 o’clock patient was and he was also frightened but feigned calmness.

Have them come in Xenia.

Both of them?

Yes Xenia, and then he added, but more to himself than anyone else, It’s in God’s hands.

Good morning, the doctor says you can go in.

Peter looked in the direction of the door with horror in his eyes.

Let’s go dad, Alexis said tugging on him.

Was he a coward? How could he be like that in front of his son?

The doctor came out to meet them and taking Alexis by the hand said, Let’s go young man, we’ll be finished before you know it. Turning to Peter he said, Shall we?

Peter hesitated, he felt sick. The doctor saw how Peter was growing paler by the minute. He was afraid he would faint or worse, vomit right then and there.

Xenia, please show the gentleman where the bathroom is.

But Peter did neither; he started breathing as if he was short of breath, gasping like a fish out of water.

I’m all right now, Peter said even though it was obvious he was lying.

Sit down for a moment, the doctor said taking him to a chair, now breathe easy. Inhale, exhale…

Peter inhaled and exhaled just as the doctor said while Alexis looked on astonished and after thinking for a couple of seconds sat down next to his father trying to imitate him.

Xenia, will you please take the boy in and start getting things ready? the doctor asked. That’s it, very good. Inhale, exhale.

For how long doctor? Peter asked between breaths.

Until I tell you, he replied. If you feel better you can get up and we can go in. The next patient will be here soon.

The door to the street opened giving way to a middle aged woman who, looking towards the doctor and Peter stopped to wait.

Good morning ma’am. The nurse will be right out to take your information.

The woman, who had one cheek more swollen than the other assented with a nod and waited while the doctor and his companion disappeared behind the door. Alexis was comfortably seated in the chair with the bib on and the nurse had just finished organizing the instruments.

All right Alexis, let’s see that mouth. Does anything hurt?

No.

Good. Now open your mouth and I’ll check and see if everything’s okay.

The dentist began examining Alexis’ mouth, beginning with the lower jaw, then moving on to the upper part until he finished the visual inspection.

I see something, he said between his teeth. Are you sure this doesn’t hurt? he asked while he tapped on one of the lower teeth.

Sometimes, but it always hurts dad. He’s always complaining.

Me? I’m not a whiner! yelled Peter.

Dad, you shouldn’t lie.

What? I’m a liar? Is that what you think of me?

"No dad but why don’t you tell the dentist which one is the tooth that bothers you every day?

It’s nothing, it’s just a passing thing

"Dad, you escaped from an ogre, you have lived with giants and you know a witch, you can’t be afraid of the dentist, are you?

I haven’t explained it to you yet, joked Peter trying to change the subject. Alexis, why don’t you be quiet so the doctor can work?

The doctor who had not missed a thing said, We’re almost finished with you here Alexis, and after that I can take a look at you, he said, addressing Peter.

Finish with…? What are you going to do to my son? Murderer! exclaimed Peter with his knuckles on his hips.

Please sir, don’t scream. This is a prestigious clinic. The only thing I need to explain is that soon he’ll lose his baby teeth and the permanent ones will begin to emerge. Now please, have a seat here, he said this in an authoritative way. Peter obeyed and sat on the chair with his back straight, tense.

Please open your mouth.

Peter barely parted his lips showing his teeth partially.

No dad, like this, said Alexis opening his mouth as wide as he could.

Peter now in imitation of his son opened his lips some more now showing his gums and part of his tongue. Doctor Scalpel placed the light so he could