Caws and chirps, meows and puppy yips were voiced all around as Bette strode toward Helena and Angelica. The smell was just slightly less unpleasant to her than the San Diego Zoo.

As Bette approached Helena and her daughter, Helena picked Angie up, holding her closely. They nuzzled together and pointed at the kittens, talking softly.

“She sweet, Ella,” Angie said, sticking her finger between the bars of the cage.

A furry kitten with a predominantly black coat and white paws, white-tipped ears and a white chest, lapped its tongue over Angelica’s finger.

She pulled it away quickly.

“Not feel soft,” Angie said, her eyes growing wide and looking at Helena bewildered.

Chuckling, Helena said, “No, kittens’ tongues feel a bit like sandpaper, Angelica.”

Angie cocked her head. “What san paper?”

“Hmmm. Well…” Helena struggled to explain. “It’s something carpenters use to make wood smooth.”

“Like loshun? Mommy put loshun on hands to make soffs,” Angelica said.

Helena giggled and kissed Angie’s cheek. “Yes, something like that, sweetheart.”

Bette came up behind Helena and Angelica. “Hey, Boo. Is Helena showing you the kittens?”

“Yup, Mama! Ella showed me kitty!” Angie said excitedly. “Tongue san paper. Make finger soffs. Feel!”

Angelica held her finger out to Bette to touch.

“Oh, that is soft,” Bette agreed, kissing Angelica’s finger.

“You know, Angie, I had a kitty just like this when I was little. Her name was Fluffy. And I took really good care of her,” Helena said, watching Angelica’s eyes.

“Me wanna kitty too, Ella. Mama! Wants this kitty. Can I hab her?” Angelica asked, her eyes filled with pleading desire.

Bette smiled and stroked Angelica’s cheek. I don’t know, Angie. Do you think you can take good care of her. Give her food and water. Brush her coat?

“Her not wear coat, Mama! She got furs!” Angelica objected. “We gets her coat too? Me bwush it. Me feed her. Gives her dwinks. All time.”

Bette and Helena laughed.

“Okay, Angie. We’ll take her home. Are you sure you want this kitten? There’s not another one you like better?” Bette asked.

“Me likes dis one, Mama! It like Ella’s!”

Bette and Helena exchanged grins.

“All right then. If you’re sure,” Bette agreed.

“Me sure! Me sure!” Angelica said, bouncing excitedly in Helena’s arms.

“Guess it’s time to check out and go then,” Helena smiled. “No wasted time here.” She looked around. “Where’s Alice?”

“Fighting with an ape,” Bette laughed.

“Who’s winning?” Helena asked.

“The monkey, of course,” Bette replied.

“Well, why don’t we find someone to help us and check out while she finishes her row,” Helena directed, laughing.

Helena insisted on paying for the cat. Bette went to rescue Alice.

“Yeah ‘oo-oo-oo’ to you too, ya big ol’ bastard,” Alice said, her thumbs stuck in her ears, and her fingers wagging.

“Alice, come on. We’re ready to go. Time to stop tormenting the animals,” Bette said.

Alice looked over and nodded to Bette that she had heard her. Then she looked back to the monkey.

“I ain’t done with you, Harry! I’llll be baaaack!” Alice fired off into the cage.

Bette put her arm around Alice and they walked towards the exit. “You bringing the Governor with you next time?”

“Ha! Good idea!” Alice replied. “Terminate the little fucker!”

Helena and Angelica were standing at the door holding Angie’s new kitten in a carrier.

“Aww! Angie, you got a new kitty! Can I see?” Alice asked excitedly.

Angie beamed and held out her carrier for Alice. She squatted and looked inside.

“Aww, sweetie. She’s beautiful!” Alice grinned. “What are you gonna name her?”

“Me name her Fluffy. Like Ella’s kitty,” Angie revealed, her face lighting up even more.