Free Chocolate Reality by Steena Holmes

question to both gals.
    “Well, there’s no reason to get your jimmies all in a knot.” Tracey shot back at me. “Besides, you haven’t answered the original question.”
    “What question?” I asked. “The one about whether or not I’ve had more dreams?” I answered. I’m not really sure I like how this conversation is going right now.
    “Yes, that question” Heather replied with a sigh.
    I took my cup of coffee in both hands and brought it to my face. I inhaled slowly, absorbing the aroma within my senses. There’s nothing like having the aroma of coffee surround you. I take a couple sips, trying to waste time before having to answer. Fortified with coffee, I finally answer.
    “Yes, I had a dream last night. We were sitting by a pond. There was a pink blanket on the grass, and he had a beautiful hatbox sitting in his hands. It was gold with a pink ribbon. He was handing me the box, but I was hesitant to take it. I felt a bit afraid, but I took it in my hands and slowly began to undo the ribbon. I didn’t open the box though. I think if I had, all the mysteries of my dreams would be answered, and I wasn’t ready for that.” I twirled my coffee cup on my hand while I described to them my dream from last night.
    “Wouldn’t you like to know who he is?” asked Tracey.
    “Why? Heather already thinks I know who he is, but just not willing to admit it.” I answered her back.
    “True” Heather answered. “Have you thought any more about trying to find him?”
    “Who? Trying to find whom? Okay, guys, I’m a bit lost here.” Tracey butts in before I have a chance to answer.
    “Heather seems to think that I’m dreaming of Rich. I think she’s wrong. Heather’s convinced that if I only try to find Rich, get in touch with him, that might solve all my single problems. But I think he’s married. So if I do try to get in touch with him I’ll probably end up talking with his wife, and then how do I explain?” Was my answer to Tracey. Evidently I haven’t kept her abreast of this.
    “And what if you find out that you’re wrong? What then Wynne?” Heather asked me. “What if he’s been single all along and it’s just your stubbornness that has been keeping you apart? What will it hurt?” she asked me.
    “It could hurt my heart. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take Heather” I answered.
    “TIME OUT.” Tracey yelled. Both Heather and I glance at her and found her to be leaning on top of the table looking at us rather sternly.
    “Yes’m,” I say meekly, while kicking Heather under the table.
    “All right. I can tell this is a somewhat sticky topic between the two of you, and obviously not going to be dealt with today. So can we please deal with the topic on hand … we have a party to plan.” Tracey lectures us in her ‘don’t give me any nonsense’ mom tone.
    While she is forcing us to calm down, I can hear a slight commotion in the background. I glance at Lily to see if she knows what is going on, but she is looking at me with a worried look on her face. She’s gesturing toward my office. What could possibly be making that noise in my office? The kittens are in their crate, and besides, I was told all they would do is sleep today. What could they possible do?
    I quickly get up and start to walk towards my office. That’s when I begin to hear more noise. I could hear something breaking, almost like glass. I walk faster. There is a louder noise, more distinguishable now … a loud meow or two. Oh boy. I did leave them in their crate, didn’t I?
    “Did you lock the crate gate?” Heather asked me as she followed me to the door.
    “I think so” I replied as I opened the door cautiously. I begin to peer around the door amazed at what I see. As I’m standing there in shock, out darts one of the kittens. Before I could react it was past me. The other one almost made it as well, but Heather grabbed a hold of it as it whizzed by me.
    Behind me I could hear Tracey and Lily calling for the