Hi, Dana. I got you something. Youre gonna love it, Alice said cheerfully, breezing right in with a box. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Shane. The two eyed each other warily.

Youve both brought me a gift, Dana explained, sounding tired.

Me first! Alice shouted.

No way! I was here first! Shane protested.

Stop! Dana broke in, massaging her temples. At the same time, both of you.

Both Shane and Alice opened their respective boxes, reach inside, and held out their gifts proudly. Then they looked at each other indignantly. You stole my idea! they shouted together, glaring at one another accusingly.

Dana stared at the tiny white kitten, who had a red bow around its neck, nestled in Shanes arms. Then she looked at the small orange kitten with the blue bow around its neck snuggled in Alices arms. Dana felt herself melting. Awwww, she drawled, a huge smile lighting across her face. She emotionally looked at Shane and Alice, and a tear escaped her eye.

Alice and Shane grinned at each other despite themselves. They both loved seeing Dana so happy.

Dana walked over to Shane and peered into the white kittens face before doing the same with Alices orange cat. I think Ill name them after you guys, she told them in a slightly shaky voice. She took the white cat and held him up. Im think Ill call you she glanced at Shane and smiled. Stud. Mr. Stud.

Shane laughed at this and watched as Dana kissed the kitten on the nose and set him down on the ground gently. The cat glanced about curiously, and then slowly began to sniff around.

Dana took the orange kitten from Alice, saying, And I christen you…Little *****. She glanced mischievously at Alice.

Hey! Alice protested. I thought you were naming the cat after me! Im not a little *****! Besides, you cant name him that. Thats, like, animal abuse or something. Gotta be. And why does Shanes cat get the cool name?

Shane snickered. Great name, Dana. You couldnt have chosen better.

Ill call him L.S. for short, Dana informed them, kissing the kitten and setting him down, watching as he scampered off after Mr. Stud.

You guys…thank you. Both of you. Its the sweetest thing anyones ever done for me, Dana said, tears once again shining in her eyes. She leaned forward and hugged them both tightly, one at a time.

Alice stuck her tongue out at Shane when Dana wasnt looking. So, Shane, try to come up with your own ideas next time, huh?

Hey, I was at the shelter first. You stole my idea, Shane accused.

Yeah, well, Dana was mine first, until you butted in and decided you liked her, Alice fired back.

Dana interrupted. Im not property, you know. And I dont belong to either of you.

Look, Dane, we both like you. Youre gonna have to chose. Which one of us do you want: me or Shane? Alice asked bluntly.

Neither of you, if youre both going to act this way! Dana fumed, turning on her heel angrily and storming into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her, leaving Alice and Shane staring at each other in silence.