Ellin, Brinda and Katie Arrive to the Store.

Ellin walked through the mall slowly. Her short and thin stature wasn't helping her push through the crowds.

"Dam, this place is a zoo," Ellin said navigating through the hordes of people.

She turned a corner to see the Rebecca's Store sign at the end of the hall. But before she could reach the store...

Wack! Ellin was clipped in the shoulder.

"Shit sorry, ma'am, I didn't see you," Katie said in a rush.

"Katie?" Ellin said looking up to find the buff redhead.

"and Brinda?" Ellin whispered eyeing the chubby Indian.

"I guess we're safe now," Katie said looking around before putting Brinda down.

"What are you two doing here? I didn't see your names on the work schedule." Ellin said eyeing the pare.

"You sure are sweaty. Did you run here with Brinda in your arms?" Ellin asked.

"Well, Katie here ... beat up some guys in the food court," Brinda said patting Katie's arm.

"You did what?" Ellin exclaimed.

"Relax. Those pricks were sexual predators. They had it coming. Besides they were going to slow us down. We needed to get to the store before 1 o'clock." Katie said catching her breath while leaning against the wall.

"Why did you need to get to the store?" Ellin asked looking around for danger.

Katie and Brinda looked at one another for a moment.

"Can you keep a secret? Katie asked leaning down to Ellin.

"Sure I guess," Ellin said sheepishly.

"Shannon called us in for lunch and to make a store announcement, But keep the announcement a secret," Brinda whispered.

"That is cryptic as hell, ... well at least we are getting lunch. I can't stand another home-cooked meal," Ellin said remembering her past stomach aches.

"Your mom still trying to master authentic Japanese cooking?" Brinda said sympathetically.

"Trying is right. At least she uses a rice cooker. I would have starved without some edible rice in the house." Ellin said before sighing.

"Well, I hope lunch is good. I'm starved." Katie said eyeing the store entrance.

"I bet, you ran a quarter-mile with me in your arms. But, You should take a shower first ... and change your clothes before you eat. You're super sweaty and a little stinky" Brinda said sniffing the air.

"I am not that stinky" Katie said sniffing her shirt.

"I don't care, you're going to shower before anything else," Brinda said staring up into Katie's eyes.

"Yes ma'am," Katie said smiling.

"You two are a confusing pare. I need to clock in. It's almost one." Ellin said turning to walk into the store.

The three ladies enter the store one at a time.

"Hey, Ellin just on time. I was worried you wouldn't make your shift. It's crazy out there. Oh and welcome Brinda and Katie." Ashley said eyeing the trio.

Ashley looked over Ellin and wondered if her small friend had fallen victim to a 'Breeding Pass' on her way to work.

"What brings you two into the store on your day's off?" Ashley asked looking at Brinda and Katie.

"Well about that ... these two ... Shannon invited them into work for lunch," Ellin said eyeing Brinda and Katie.

Brinda smiled and nodded to Ellin in gratitude.

"Oh did she now," Ashley said with a smile.

Ashley remembered Shannon's declaration of making baby bumps a Store-Wide Policy.

"I am sure Shannon has her reasons. I am managing the store. You should head back into the breakroom. We are having catered meals from 'The Grande Donna'." Ashley said with a smirk.

"Oh boy, we're going fancy!" Katie said stepping towards the break room.

"Wait a minute there missy," Brinda said grabbing Katie's shirt. "Go shower and change first."

Smiling Katie swooped down and wrapped Brinda in a bear hug.

"Stop that you're all sweaty," Brinda yelled protesting.

"Oh no, now we're both sweaty. Now we both need to shower," Katie said smothering Brinda into her chest.

"Fine Fine, just let me go," Brinda said breaking free to breathe.

Both Ashley and Ellin watch the pare head to the locker rooms.

"Dam, are they a couple now" Ashley whispered to Ellin.

"I have no idea. They always seemed close. But showering together does seem like a new level for them." Ellin whispering back.

"That is a strange coincidence because me and Penny ..." Ashley said before going quiet.

"Coincidence? You and Penny?" Ellin said turning to Ashley.

The tall blond turn red before hiding her face.

"I don't want to talk about it," Ashley said with a squeak.

"Oh, now you got to tell me. Ellin said poking her friend in the stomach.