The rest of the day was actually quite pleasant for Christina. For a considerable amount of time she sat on her owner's lap as Ethel talked to her in detail about her life. It was a one way conversation of course, but Christina felt good about providing the old woman someone, or at least something, to listen to her stories and mewed at the appropriate moments to demonstrate that she was paying attention.
Other than that Christina was basically free to move about the ample space within Ethel's house as any other cat might do. It was a little dull at times, but also nicely stress free and oddly relaxing. There hadn't been any other jobs she'd had that she could say that about.
Using the litter tray felt kind of awkward at first, especially when Ethel had to clean up her mess afterwards. But Christina reasoned that was just what cats did and she could hardly compare it to if she had done the same thing as a human. Dinner tasted better than lunch as well, seemingly a little more turkey and less fish. Or maybe she was getting used to the diet.
Just in time for 6pm she was left on the chair outside Jenkins office, the same one she had sat in at the beginning of the day as a human, in Ethel's cat carrier. Her now former owner was in there with her boss for a few minutes before she came outside to bid Christina a fond farewell and thank her for her company. Christina felt sad about the rule preventing her meeting owners in her usual form. She would have liked to have caught up with Ethel as a human and thanked her back for treating her so well.
Once the satisfied customer had left Jenkins stepped out of the office, a big smile on his face, and carried the carrier with Christina in it back with him. Once his door was secure he set Christina free and she scampered eagerly back to the spot she had been transformed in earlier.
"Ok, that should be enough space for you" Jenkins, still in a strangely jovial mood walked over and looked down at the black cat "Now, stay still and look into my eyes!"
Christina did exactly as she was told and, sure enough she quickly felt herself growing back into a more familiar shape. It was a relief to be human again, even if being naked on her hands and knees in front of her creepy boss felt just as unpleasant as it had earlier.
"Your clothes are on the chair there" Jenkins gestured for Christina to get dressed and, once she had stood up and adjusted to the novelty of being on two feet again, she happily obliged.
"Ethel is an extremely happy customer" Jenkins grinned, revealing the reason for his good mood "That was outstanding work for your first day. Most people don't get the hang of this job so quickly"
"Thanks, she was a nice lady" Christina enjoyed the fact she was able to speak again as she hooked her bra up as quickly as she could manage.
"You're a natural Christina. I think you deserve a little bonus for your efforts"
Jenkins rummaged around in his desk draw for a while before taking a pile of notes from an envelope. Once Christina was fully dressed he walked over and handed her the wad of money. She tried to remain calm as she saw just how much it was. Surely this had to be a mistake?
"Are you sure about this? It's incredibly generous" she checked.
"Perfectly sure" Jenkins smiled as he rested a hand on Christina's shoulder "This business succeeds by keeping it's best staff happy. And I see huge potential in you"
He walked back and settled behind his desk as Christina stood in silent contemplation of his words.
"Take care, I'll see you tomorrow at 9 am sharp" the boss nodded as she left.
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At 8:55 the next day Christina sat nervously on the chair outside Pets 4 You's small, one person office and wondered if showing up again a good idea. This all still felt very bizarre, even if the money was good and yesterday had gone well. She had felt sure standing Jenkins up would have consequences though, and that had tipped the balance in favour of her returning. The man clearly had powers way beyond her understanding, after all.
At 9am, practically on the dot, the door opened and Jenkins stepped out. It looked as if he were wearing a fresh version of the same suit as yesterday.
"Ah, my new favourite employee!" Jenkins greeted Christina with exagerated enthusiasm "Please step into my office"
"Your owner for today will be here before too long, so I don't have time to explain the nature of your next assignment in great detail" the Pets 4 You proprietor began once the door was safely shut and before Christina had the chance to say a word "But the most important bit is that you are going to be a..