“Whoopee.” The girl said before returning her gaze to her magazine, reading about Brangelina and the child they named after a beagle.

Both women glanced at each other before Alice started to pull Helena toward the dogs. “Hypothetically, if you had to pick a puppy, which one would it be?”

“None.” Helena mumbled with disgust as she watched the various breeds hop around, barking, chasing their tails, chewing on worn toys, rubber mats and the corners of the cage. Some looked downright sad, laid back, having given up all hope of finding a home it seemed. Others barked furiously, displaying their sharp teeth as the girls walked by. “They’re nasty little creatures.”

Alice shrugged. “Nasty little creatures…or man’s best friend. Either/or.” She held fast to Helena’s hand, pulling her along. “Okay, no dogs…too much responsibility anyway. How about…” She stopped in front of the gerbil cages and her face lit up.

Helena visibly shuddered. “God no. No way! They’re worse than the dogs, with their beady eyes and gnawing teeth, ugh. Ghastly little rodents. Yuck.”

“Okay, no to the gerbils. I guess that’s a no to the mice too.” Alice shook her head, and pulled Helena along. “Okay, how do you feel about birds?”

“Good for shooting, not much else.”

“Oookayy.” Alice replied, her eyes as wide as saucers.

Helena smiled, feeling as if she were winning after all. “Mind if we go now?”

“I do. Helena, you have to pick something.”

“Why?”

Finally, Alice released Helena’s hand, but only to try to prove a point. “Look, you’re doing great. You got a job–”

“At the Planet.”

“As a manager, which with your skills is a great job. You’re lucky Kit didn’t start you off as a waitress.”

“I have skills.” Helena said indignantly. “I did help fund major corporations you know.”

“Whatever.” Alice waved her hand. “You got an apartment–”

“Yes, my fancy three room hole in the wall.”

“It’s a place of your own.”

“It’s a shoebox.”

“Compared to the castles you’ve lived in, sure. But it’s the first residence you’re paying for with your own money, right?”

Helena crossed her arms over her chest and leaned on one leg, frowning. “Right.”

“And sure, you haven’t seen your kids in a while–”