Hilarious Housemates

Chapter Nine: Birthday Buddies

As winter gave way to spring, young Oliver's body experienced a growth spurt. His midsection became thicker, and his legs grew long and gangly. For a moment, he was afraid there was something wrong with him, but Georgette, through a bout of snickering, explained to him that it was all completely natural.

"So I'm not gonna get all stretched out, or something?" Oliver asked worriedly.

"No." Georgette sniggered. "You're just growing into yourself. Another year or so, and you'll be all grown up."

"Like you?" Smiled Oliver.

"Well, maybe not exactly like me." Shrugged Georgette. "But close enough."

Oliver breathed a sigh of relief.

Over the next few weeks, he continued slowly growing, becoming a little larger with each passing day. In the final week of March, the Foxworth family celebrated Georgette's birthday.

'Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you.' They sang. 'Happy birthday, dear Georgette, happy birthday to you!'

Oliver gleefully joined in the singing. The last birthday party he had attended had been Jenny's, many months before.

"Happy birthday, Georgette!" He smiled.

"Thanks, kid." Georgette smiled back. "My birthday's always the best day of the year!"

"I wish I could say the same." Sighed Oliver. "But I don't even know when my birthday is."

"You don't?" Asked Georgette.

"Nope." Oliver shook his head. "Cardboard boxes don't really come with calendars, after all..."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Georgette sympathised. "I can't imagine what that must be like."

"That's okay." Shrugged Oliver. "It's just one day. No big deal, right?"

As Winston prepared to bring out Georgette's cake (made out of dog chocolates), Jenny noticed that Oliver seemed a little down.

"I think Oliver's feeling left out." She noticed. "I bet he feels sad that we don't know when his birthday is."

"Well, since we have no idea of his real date of birth, I suppose we could just make any day his birthday." Suggested Mr. Foxworth.

"Why don't we make today Oliver's birthday?" Asked Jenny. "I'm sure Georgette won't mind sharing, especially seeing as how she and Oliver have become such good friends!"

"I think that's a wonderful idea, sweetheart." Smiled Mrs. Foxworth.

"What do you say, Georgette?" Jenny stooped down to talk to the poodle. "Is it okay if Oliver shares your birthday with you?"

Georgette yapped excitedly, then nuzzled Oliver with her nose.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'!" Giggled Jenny. "Winston, could you please take that special gourmet catfood out of the refrigerator? You know, the one we've been saving for a special occasion?"

"Of course, Jennifer." Winston smiled, taking another trip across the kitchen.

"Wow, Georgette." Oliver beamed, as Jenny placed a party hat on his head. "You're really going to share your birthday with me?"

"Why not?" Smiled Georgette. "We are practically family, after all."

"Thanks." Oliver nuzzled her leg.

"No problem, kiddo." Georgette rubbed his head with her paw.

The lights went off, and Winston brought in a tray, which was carrying Georgette's dog chocolate cake on one side, and Oliver's gourmet catfood on the other. Both dishes had candles on them: Five for Georgette's, and one for Oliver's. As Winston set the tray down on the floor, the Foxworth family started singing again.

'Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you.' They sang. 'Happy birthday, Georgette and Oliver, happy birthday to you!'

"You know, they say that if you make a wish before you blow out your birthday candles, it'll come true." Georgette told Oliver.

"I don't need to make a wish." Shrugged Oliver.

"You don't?" Asked Georgette.

"Nope." Smiled Oliver. "I already have everything I've ever wanted: A nice home, a loving family, and a good friend."

"Easy with the sweetness, Olly." Georgette playfully nudged him. "I'm already risking tooth decay from my cake."

"Funny." Oliver deadpanned, before going to work on his birthday meal.

What Oliver said was true: He had everything he had ever wanted, and he wouldn't have changed a thing about his life. He had a good home, a loving owner, and in Georgette, he had a friend who was like family. And now, he had his very own birthday. The young kitten couldn't be any happier.

The End

(Oliver and Company and all associated characters are the property of Disney.)