Tina poured a shot of tequila and downed it. She twisted her face as the liquor warmed in her chest and stomach. Aah! She sighed and threw herself into the couch. This is just what I need, Tina closed her eyes and let the tequila run through her tense body. A quiet moment alone to wind down.

Tina recalled the days events and how she was glad that she managed to get through it without any blunders. Her group had been impressed with her performance and that gave Tina great incentive to continue her path. She knew that as time went on, the job would become more and more demanding, but she was willing to accept the challenge and carve a niche for herself again. In spite of being accosted by Sparta and Pierre Tina considered her first day to be a good and looked forward to the next day. Within a few more minutes, Tina drifted off into a light sleep.

Later that evening
Hey Tina, how was your day? Alices voice was filled with anticipation.

Very busy, interesting, and eventful for a first day, Tina replied, rolling her eyes at the recollection.

Was that a good or bad thing? Alice sensed there was more to Tinas reply.

Tina considered how to answer the question and knew that Alice was good at seeing through her, so she prepared to recap the day and not miss a detail.

So, thats it in a nutshell, Tina huffed, a little upset that her tranquility was interrupted by Alices interrogation.

So, this Sparta girl, Alice paused. Is she cute?

Alice! Tina smacked at Alice. What difference does it make? Shes too forward for me is all I noticed, Tina shook her head dismissing Alice.

Hey, theres a fine line between an pest and a bugaboo, Alice sassed.

A bugaboo? Whats that?

Its someone who is always in your face as opposed to a pest who is someone who is annoying in the process of always being in your face, Alice explained.

Well, shes certainly a bugaboo then.

But is she cute? Alice insisted.

It doesnt matter what she looks like, Im not interested and havent figured out how to tell her without coming off like a *****, Tina tried to rationalize.