Tender Love and Care extended preview

Tender Love and Care.

             Nora sighed as she set the package down on the countertop. “Hmm, that is strange. I don’t remember ordering this.”

             “Ordering what?” Her girlfriend walked into the room. “What do you have there?”

             “Ugh nothing. I think the postal service sent us someone else’s package.” She sighed and leaned against the table, her green eyes scanning the strange package. “Can you get the phonebook? I need to send this thing back.”

             “What? Why?” Heather sat down at the table. “It came here, right? I think it’s a sign.”

             “A sign of what?”

             Heather ran her fingers along the wrapping. “A sign that we have gotten an unofficial gift for our umm. . . umm. . . bond. That is the word. Our special bond.” She giggled. “Let’s call it a gift from me to you.”

             Nora narrowed her eyes. “But this could be important for someone else.”

             “Oh, come on. It came to us. Now open it. For me.”

             “Ugh, you know I can’t say no when you give me that face.” Nora began to pull at the tape and paper. “Fine, we will see what is inside. But only see. Then we will look for the return mailing address.”

             “Of course, of course.” Heather giggled. “But I am sure it will be something fun for us.” She rubbed her delicate hands together. “Now hurry up. The anticipation is killing me.”

             “You don’t need to rush me. God.” The wrapping fell to the floor, and the two girls stared at the package inside. “Inner Doll?”

             Heather grabbed the package. “Inner Doll Industries brings you our home version. Have the fun of a life-sized doll with this spray. You won’t be disappointed.” She shrugged. “How do you get a doll with spray? They must be on some pretty damn good drugs.”

             “Yeah, I don’t think such things are possible.” Nora gasped. “What are you doing?” She tried to stop Heather as she pulled the can out of the box. “We are in enough trouble as it is.”

             “I just want to see it. Is there any harm in that?”

             “Give it here. I am putting that thing back where it belongs.”

             “No way.” Heather spun around. “Not until I read the instructions.”

             “You read the box.” Nora reached around for the spray can. “You know what it does. Now give it.” As they fumbled about for the can, Heather’s fingers pressed down on the trigger. With a cold blast of air and a fresh pine scent, Nora was blasted right in the chest. “Ughhhh!”

             “Oops.” Heather giggled. “Sorry.”