Myka was in the kitchen, boiling water for what she was about to make for dessert that night. She smiled as she picked through the boxes on the shelf. She tapped her finger to her chin. She finally selected a box and pulled it from the shelf. Fruit Fiesta was the title on the small cardboard box. She heard the kettle pop and she poured the powder into a bowl. Measuring out a cup of the boiling water she added it to the bowl and stirred. She hummed to herself as she dissolved it and added the cold water in. When it was done she looked in the freezer, she dug through Pete s Hungry Man boxes, Claudia s popsicles and Arties frozen fruit. She finally found the container of Cool-Whip and pulled it out. She added it to the Jell-O water and whisked it up. As she poured the mixture into parfait glasses she laughed at what her lover would think about the dessert when it was set. She could imagine it would be quite comical. It had all started when Myka, Pete, Claudia and Helena were watching television one day. A commercial had come on, about weight loss and Pete had made some offhanded comment about someone s Jell-O Jiggling . Helena, not being from this time was of course confused by the term. Myka had unwillingly explained to her what it meant, then that ended up being a discussion about what Jell-O was. Helena had never had it, despite the fact that she had been with them for over a year now. Pete was in shock You ve NEVER had Jell-O before?! He asked in surprise. Helena shook her head. I don t think one could be in this world their whole life and have every strange thing there is here to eat. Myka had laughed at that, stating it was true, and that there were far too many things to eat in this day and age.

Now she was more excited to see Helena eat the Jell-O than Helena herself was. She was a bit put off by the look of it as it wiggled in the parfait glass in front of her that night. Claudia had her hands covering her mouth, all that was stopping her from bursting out in uncontrollable laughter. Pete was scarfing his down with zeal and Myka had her first spoonful still awaiting to be eaten. Helena was moving the glass about, watching the desserts consistency. This is unnatural. She said seriously, without a hint of humour. That was all it took. Claudia nearly fell off her chair in laughter. She couldn t breath she was laughing so hard. It didn t take long for Myka and Pete to join in, they all giggled uncontrollably until they were crying. Helena just stared at them. Well, I m glad that you could find this amusing. She said as she poked the dessert with her spoon. Myka kissed her cheek. I m so sorry! She gasped out, still laughing. It s just I have never seen an adult s reaction to Jell-O quite like this before! Helena tried not to smile, but with Myka laughing so hard it was impossible. Well, she said, I suppose I am a woman of science. She took the spoonful put it in her mouth experimentally. The others watched, waiting for the reaction. Helena moved it in her mouth, an odd expression on her face. Then she swallowed the bite. Myka looked at her lover. And? She asked. Helena took another spoonful, not look particularly thrilled. Then a wide smile spread across her face. This is delicious! She said and ate some more. Myka laughed happily along with the others. Pete burped. They all looked at him in disgust and he grinned, patting Helena on the back. Wait till you try it with booze! He said. Myka gave him a look, but Helena looked intrigued. Jell-O and alcohol? She asked. Then she looked at Myka, a predatory gaze. That could be interesting. She said lustily. Myka s eyes went wide and her jaw dropped. Claudia finished her bowl. Well on that note! She said awkwardly. Both she and Pete stood and left the room. Myka was still in awe at what Helena s voice had suggested. The author laughed at the shade of crimson Myka had turned. She laughed her signature laugh. Myka gave her a gentle slap.

FIN