Dogfin

By Eva Francesca Jansen

Dogfin is an extraordinarily entertaining tale about a unique creature who Evie meets when she is allowed to roam free alone for the first time during the Easter holidays. Together they have a fantastic adventure when he introduces her to his amazing magical world. This colourful, vivid story will captivate and grip the attention of every reader as it unfolds, holding them there till the very last word.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jul 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398412903

Eva Francesca Jansen

Eva Jansen was born in London to her Singapore-born father and Austria-born mother. They had met in Hyde Park London and soon got married. Eva moved to Stockport with her parents and two sisters in 1968. After completing her schooling, she started full-time work at a food manufacturer where she has just completed 45 years of service. Eva has lived with her fiancé for 37 years and has a stepson and three granddaughters. She started writing Dogfin in 2007 with pen and paper while with her dog, Holly, who’s boney ridge on her head, gave her the idea for Dogfin.

Book preview

About the Author

Eva Jansen was born in London to her Singapore-born father and Austria-born mother. They had met in Hyde Park London and soon got married. Eva moved to Stockport with her parents and two sisters in 1968. After completing her schooling, she started full-time work at a food manufacturer where she has just completed 45 years of service. Eva has lived with her fiancé for 37 years and has a stepson and three granddaughters. She started writing Dogfin in 2007 with pen and paper while with her dog, Holly, who’s boney ridge on her head, gave her the idea for Dogfin.

Dedication

To all my family, especially my parents and their attitude towards life that made me who I am. And my dog, her ridged skull giving me the idea for the title Dogfin.

Copyright Information ©

Eva Francesca Jansen 2022

The right of Eva Francesca Jansen to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

ISBN 9781398412897 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398412903 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

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Friday

The school bell rang. Evie and her two best friends Jenny and Fran were buffeted along in the stampede of children – who raced out of the school gates, and along the now busy street.

Oh, I love the feeling of term ending, and I’m so excited about our trip to France, Jenny said.

And we fly out to Spain tomorrow, Fran screeched, clapping her hands with joy. I hope your mum and dad agree to you staying at your grandparent’s cottage Evie, Fran linked her arm as Jenny walked backwards in front of them.

Well, my sister is coming home for Easter and bringing a friend with her, so I’ve suggested that if I go, it will leave more room for them.

I know how much time you spent with your grandparents, don’t you miss them more when you stay there? Fran said clutching Evie’s arm tightly, a look of sadness in her eyes.

No actually; I feel happier! You see I have so many lovely memories of being with them, and they taught me all about the countryside and showed me many wonderful places to go, so having the cottage as a base means that I can easily get to them. I get just as excited about being there, as you both are about going to your foreign climes. And of course, while I’m there I can, do a bit of cleaning, air the house, and study.

‘O’Really! Evie, why are you so keen to study, have a break! I’ll be doing my work last minute as usual, Fran said, shaking her head.

I probably won’t do mine at all, and be in big trouble again! Jenny said, rolling her eyes and letting her mouth gape open making Fran and Evie giggle.

Reaching the street, where Fran and Jenny lived, the girls stopped.

Well, off we go then, home to pack, Fran said, hugging Evie.

Mum’s already done mine; so I can relax, I don’t think she trusts me to do my own, Jenny remarked hooking her arms around Evie and Fran’s necks.

Well, there’s a surprise. Fran poked Jenny in the ribs with a bony finger making her squeal.

Yeh I’m sure you’ll forget something, Evie said giggling. And if you don’t, it’ll be a first, she said hugging them both in turn.

Have a wonderful time, you two, Evie said, smiling.

We will; don’t you worry about that, Fran said as she kissed Evie on the cheek.

I’ll send you a postcard, Jenny called as they ran down the street towards their homes.

Evie continued walking, smiling to herself, she was happy her friends were so light-hearted, and they would be doing the things they enjoyed over Easter, it had been a hard term, and they all deserved a break.

She started to run over what she would say to convince her parents to let her stay at the cottage. Knowing the big issue was her age, 3 months off fourteen. Mum said it was too young to stay alone, Dad, more on her side suggested that if she phoned each evening, it should be OK.

Everyone in the village knew Evie, and she is a sensible girl, he’d remarked, with a glancing look he gave to Evie while mum’s back was turned that said ‘don’t you let me down’.

She could see the previous day conversation in her mind as clear as anything and thought the best thing to do would be to call in on them before heading home. Dad was the town’s dentist and, her mother worked with him as the receptionist. Evie entered the foyer, triggering the bell to ring as she walked over the doormat.

Hi, darling. Everything OK, how was your last day? her mother said looking up from the computer.

Fine, thanks, Evie replied, kissing her. I just wondered how long you are going to be.

Well, at least another couple of hours I’m afraid, it seems everyone wants the perfect smile for Easter, Mum laughed. Evie smiled.

I’ll make dinner! Thinking this would prove she was able to do things on her own, then you and Dad can relax when you get in.

There’s no need; I put a stew in the slow cooker this morning, it’ll be ready now, so you have yours if you’re hungry.

No, its all right, Mum, I’ll wait until you come home.

Evie was eager to show she was quite grown up, so she had to think of something quick.

Is there anything that needs doing then? Ironing? Hoovering?

You could give your sister’s room the once over ready for her coming home, Mum said, tapping her pen on her head. Evie wished she hadn’t opened her mouth but thought it would be a brownie point for her if she did it anyway.

Alright, I can do that, no problem, she said, smiling broadly. See you both at home later then.

Bye, darling, Mum called as Evie went out of the door, smiling to herself while chuckling – knowing what this was about, and wondered if Evie would make all this effort if she knew they had decided to let her stay at the cottage.

Evie was starving; the smell of the stew hit her as she walked through the door. She wanted to talk to her parents about staying away and thought the best time to discuss it would be while they sat together having their meal. So making do with a biscuit and a glass of milk she got the cleaning equipment and headed upstairs, where she polished and hoovered her sister’s room.

She then laid the table and opened a bottle of wine ready for dinner. As the clock chimed at 6 o’clock, her parents arrived home.

Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad. Everything’s in hand, take the weight of your feet; I’ll be with you any minute now, she called through from the kitchen. Her parent’s seeing the effort she’d made smiled at each other.

Evie brought the stew in and placed it on the table. Come on, sit down, Mum, Dad, I’ll fetch the bread. Evie returned instantly with a plate full of crusty buttered bread, which she offered to them before sitting down to join them on her chair.

This is wonderful, her dad said. You’re getting quite independent, aren’t you. Mum gave him a warning look and kicked his leg under the table. Evie smiled.

Well, Mum made the stew, so there wasn’t that much to do, besides cutting and buttering the bread, but doing that has made me more hungry than ever, I’m starving.

Well, let’s tuck in then, Dad said, dishing out the stew and handing a loaded plate to each of them.

How was your last day at school, Evie? her dad inquired, in between blowing a hot potato on his spoon.

Fine, thanks, Dad, and now I have two full weeks off, she hinted, desperate to know if they had made a decision but was worried at the same time about what they were going to say. So keeping her head down - avoiding eye contact, she dipped her bread into the rich gravy. The suspense was making her heart race, so to calm herself down, she decided to change the subject.

This is so tasty, Mum; I need to learn how to make this. Is it your recipe or one-off that cooking programme? Evie asked, wiping her mouth on her napkin.

OK, Evie, we know what this is all about, you have been trying so hard, her mum said.

No! I mean it, it’s delicious, Mum, Evie said before putting a spoon full of stew into her mouth.

Well, we’ll put you out of your misery. Your dad and I have agreed that you can stay at the cottage.

Really! Mum! Evie said, nearly choking.

Yes, her mum said with a big smile on her face. She loved seeing Evie so excited.

Oh, Mum. Dad, thank you so much. She pushed her chair back and crossed over to where they sat, giving them both a big hug and kiss.

There are rules to abide by though, Evie, her mum said, sipping her wine.

Of course, anything you say, I am just so very, very grateful.

Dad will drop you off tomorrow morning, and you are to carry your mobile at all times, and ring us each evening. Never be out after 7 o’clock and come home Easter weekend and spend it with your sister and us, you see so little of each other as it is. We will have two splendid meals, fish on Good Friday and turkey Easter Sunday.

That’s great, Evie said hugging and kissing her mum and dad again. Her head was swimming with excitement; already, she was making plans for what she was going to do.

Well, now you know, so settle down and eat the rest of your meal, don’t want it getting cold, Dad said pointing to her plate before mopping up the last of the gravy with a piece of bread.

OK, Dad, sorry I’m just so happy I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m floating on air.

Taking a deep breath, she sat back down. Her appetite had disappeared completely, but not wanting to upset her parents, she ate the rest of her stew.

When is Hayley coming home? Evie asked, placing her knife and fork down on the now empty plate.

Monday evening, we’ll pick her up straight after work, Dad said, sitting back in his chair.

I can’t wait to see her, Evie said enthusiastically.

I miss both of you so much when you’re not here, Mum spoke in a whisper, pushing her plate away, and placing her elbows on the table, and resting her chin in her cupped hands, she looked ever so miserable.

Mum! I haven’t even gone yet, please don’t be sad, Evie said a worried frown on her face. She got up from her chair and placed her arms loosely around her mum’s neck and started to rock her gently.

You and Hayley will have so much to talk about, and you won’t even miss me for a couple of days I’m sure.

Darling, don’t say that. I miss you already, I love having you both home with me, she said stroking Evie’s head while kissing her cheek.

Good gracious, woman. Stop fretting, after all, nobody is going to the other side of the world, it will soon be Friday and the nest will be full again, Dad said shaking his head and pouring himself another glass of wine.

And think of all the fun we can have in this big empty house for the next couple of days.

Really! Men. That’s all they think about! And what wrong with pouring me another glass of wine, just looking after yourself as usual, Mum remarked, waving her empty glass at him.

Well, I wasn’t sure if you’d start crying and water it down, be a shame to spoil it. Good wine this.

Evie giggled, she knew they loved each other dearly and was never concerned about the way they teased each other.

You cheeky beggar! Mum said, throwing her napkin across the table skimming the top of her husband’s head making his hair stand on end.

Evie found this very amusing as did her mum; they both cracked up laughing. With her stomach aching and tears rolling down her cheeks, Evie smoothed her dad’s hair back into place and kissed the top of his head, before collecting the dishes.

I’ll wash up; you both relax, Evie said, wiping her eyes dry, before disappearing into the kitchen.

She’s a good kid, you know, Dad said, reaching for his wife’s hand.

I know, she squeezed his hand tightly. And of that, I am grateful, but I do worry that she’ll be OK.

Well, that’s part of being a wonderful mother, he said, kissing her hand.

Saturday

Evie woke early, and in an excellent mood, crept downstairs. Not wanting to disturb her parents, she went to the kitchen and put the kettle on before helping herself to some cereal. As she opened the blind, the sun beamed through the window. It was a glorious morning, which lifted her spirits even more if that was possible. She watched a squirrel, foraging for nuts that had fallen from the bird feeder while waiting for the kettle to boil.

Morning, love, her mum called as she came into the kitchen. Evie jumped, she had been in a trance and hadn’t heard her mum come in.

Good morning, Mum, Evie said, crossing the room to where her mum was standing, and hugging her. Sorry I was so engrossed in watching a squirrel, and didn’t hear you come in.

That’s OK, darling, she said, kissing her daughter. Did you sleep well?

Like a log, but woke up with my stomach churning, I am so excited. Evie’s eyes were wide and twinkled with excitement.

Well, I’m glad you are happy, Mum smiled at her. You had better have more than cereal for your breakfast because knowing you as I do, you’ll skip lunch if you’re on your own. Do you fancy a soft-boiled egg? I’m doing some for your dad and me.

That would be nice, Evie replied. Then I can go and pack. I think Dad’s up; I can hear him yawning.

Good, we can all eat breakfast together then, Mum said, placing the eggs in a pan and switching on the toaster.

Morning all, Dad called as he walked into the kitchen, yawning and stretching out his night’s sleep, before kissing his wife and daughter.

You timed that nicely, Mum said flicking him with the tea towel once I’ve made the coffee, the eggs will be just right for dipping the soldiers in. Brilliant dad replied kissing her on the forehead.

Ready for the big wide world then, Evie? Dad asked, sitting at the kitchen table.

Dad, I’m only 5 miles away.

Just the same, you’ve never been totally on your own before.

I’ll be fine; thanks again both of you for letting me go, I won’t let you down, I promise.

Make sure you don’t, Mum said, placing a boiled egg and soldiers in front of her.

What time do you want to leave, Dad? Evie enquired,

Around 10:30, I’ll stay and help you unpack the box of supplies, mums made for you. Then once you’re sure you are going to be OK, I will leave you to it.

If you change your mind at any time and want to come home just let us know and we’ll come and get you, her mum said as she poured the coffee.

Thanks, Mum, but I know I’ll be OK. Evie smiled while scooping out the last bit of her egg from its shell.

Well, the offer is always there. She wished deep down that her daughter would change her mind and not go, but knew it was highly unlikely.

Evie felt sorry for her mum but was sure she’d be fine once she started going around doing the usual things she did at weekends.

Dad finished his breakfast first as always. Right, I’ll go and use the bathroom and get dressed; then I can get the car out of the garage and start loading up while you get ready, Evie.

OK, Dad, will you let me know when you’ve finished in the bathroom. I’ll get a shower; it will save me having one later, she called as he disappeared up the stairs.

Have you had enough to eat, darling, Mum asked stroking Evie’s head gently.

Yes, thanks, Mum. Full to the brim, Evie said tapping her stomach.

Mum began clearing away the breakfast dishes. Evie sat quietly working out in her head what she would do and in what order she would do them when her dad shouted that the bathroom was free.

Mum, if you don’t need a hand, I’ll go and get ready.

I’m fine, darling, off you go, Mum said, smiling at Evie as she placed a cup on the drainer.

Evie raced up the stairs full of excitement. After having a shower, she made her way to her bedroom. On the bedside table, under the clock was a list of things, which Evie had prepared the night before which needed packing. Placing her bag on the bed, she started to pack, ticking each item off one by one.

Looking out of the window, she could see her dad was putting her supplies in the car, she raced downstairs and went out of the front door skipping down the steps.

Shall I put my bag in the boot, Dad? she asked.

Can do; there’s plenty of room.

Mum came to the door. Are you sure you have everything, darling?

I’m sure, Mum, just my satchel to grab. It’s got my school work in it; I might as well take advantage of the quiet to do my homework.

Good idea. Right, come here and hug me. Take care, darling, and ring me later won’t you.

I will Mum, she said, kissing her goodbye before getting in the car. Evie waved as her dad backed off the drive and headed down the road until her mum was out of sight. Traffic through town was slow; there were lots of people shopping in the high street and at the market. The brightly coloured stalls were selling everything from food, clothes, hardware and of course Easter eggs. If Evie hadn’t been going to the cottage, she would have gone there with her mum and dad.

Are you still going to the market? Evie enquired.

We certainly are, once you’re settled, I’ll go back for Mum, but next week will be the biggy, all the goodies to buy for Easter weekend.

Do you still want an egg or are you too old for that now that you’re spreading your wings? Dad teased.

I’ll never be too old for an Easter egg, Dad. I enjoy them as much as you.

Oh, so I’ll be getting one off you then will I?

Well, seeing as it’s the only way to stop you eating mine, I thought I better had. Evie turned towards him and raised her eyebrows.

Very true, very true, Dad rubbed his chin while nodding his head in agreement. Evie giggled.

So, Hayley will be here Monday, I will be glad to see her, Evie said with a smile on her face.

And she’ll be glad to see you, Evie, Dad said glancing