The young snake watched the mouse closely. It didn't sense her, it was unaware. Perfect for the young growing predator. She slithered closer, tongue flicking out as she gained it's scent. The mouse halted, ears flicking. It was starting to become aware. Now was the time to strike. Without a sound, the snake lunged forward, and ended up eating a mouthful of dirt. The mouse was too quick and scampered off. The snakeling rose up, feeling a bit weary as the impact had made her dizzy a bit.

"Pitiful. Truly pitiful."

The snakeling looked up and noticed a larger snake, one that looked very much like her, staring down at her.

"You're ssstill holding back.. Your sssiblings can make the kill. Why can't you?" The elder snake said disappointingly.

The young snake cast her head downward, "I'm sssorry Mummy."

"Adder!"

The daughter shot up and looked to her mother.

"There are no "I'm sssorry'sss" in hunting. You either make the kill, or you ssstarve!"The mother lowered herself, keeping her gaze firmly on her daughter. "Do I make myssself clear?"

Adder wanted to cry, but dared not show it in front of her mother. Mummy wouldn't like that. She merely averted her gaze and replied, "Yesss Mummy."

XXX

Ada awoke as a smell reached her nose. It was a familiar smell, one she had grown accustomed to. Slowly her eyelids fluttered open, and she rose with a stretch. She had a good rest, but she knew she looked absolutely a mess. Greg had taught her the basics of keeping herself presentable. Just a quick stop in the bathroom and she would look her best. But first? Breakfast.

Getting to her feet, she stretched again, her joints cracking a bit as she started to walk towards the wafting smell.

"Well good morning." She heard Greg's voice greet her.

Ada smiled and replied. "Good morning yourself."

Oh god the food smelled good, she thought to herself. Greg had introduced her to various foods, and this she knew all too well: Bacon and eggs. Before long, Greg set her a plate. Just how she liked them.

"Made your favorite." Greg said playfully.

Ada smiled up at him, "Much appreciated." She said taking the first piece of bacon and chewing it. "Oh my god. So good." She said as she swallowed.

"Well you've certainly made strides since I found you three months ago." Greg noted.

Three months had indeed passed. And they had gone by so quickly. Ada had made improvements since she was found. For example, she no longer spoke in fragments, gaining a broader sense of the English language. Still, a lot she had to be taught, like brushing her teeth, using the shower, but she showed a quick aptitude for learning. In fact, she showed a keen interest in learning how to cook and drive. One thing at a time though. Right now he was weaning her on how to cook ramen noodles.

"So what are we doing today?" Ada asked.

It was the weekend, so Greg was free from his job. Ada had quickly learned the concept of jobs. Or at least she understood while Greg was away from home for most of the day five days a week. Not that she was extremely lonely, she still had Sooty for company, but found she enjoyed Greg's company.

"Actually we're going shopping." Greg answered.

"Shopping?" Ada repeated.

"It's just you've been wearing hand me downs for three months now, so I think we should give you a little wardrobe change don't you?"

Ada looked down at her shirt, a shirt with a logo that said "Harvest Queen." She didn't understand what it meant, but she knew one thing for certain. "I like this shirt though."

"Trust me. This is going to be good." Greg said as he joined Ada for breakfast.

The pair ate away, and before long they were done. Dishes in the sink, bathroom duties done, and they were ready to go. Greg tried to convince Ada to change her clothes, but she was adamant in wearing her hand me down. Least she changed her pants and put some shoes on. Before long they were in the car and ready to go.

"You're still going to teach me how to drive right?" Ada innocently asked.

"One thing at a time." Greg answered. Of course, there was the process of getting her citizenship. After all, she was a Jane Doe with no record of existence.

They drove past the countryside and headed into the town proper. As they found a parking space, Ada couldn't help but be amazed. This wasn't the first time she had gone into town with Greg, but it always impressed her. After finding a parking space, they departed and began their trek.

"So where are we going?" Ada asked.

Greg searched around before coming to a stop. "Here we are."

Ada looked up and stared at the sign, Regen's. "Where are we exactly?" She asked.

"Clothing store." Greg replied.

Curious, Ada stepped out of the car and onto the sidewalk. Suddenly after being in the open air, she felt naked. Her clothing wasn't exactly best for outside wear. Least compared to Greg's. Greg seemed to have a better understanding of upkeep. But Ada trusted him, and if this little trip would help her blend in better, she would do it.

The door chimed as the pair stepped inside. Then all of a sudden, a woman popped in front of Ada making her gasp.

"Hello! Can I help you find something?" She said in a cheery voice.

"No we're fine. I'm just going to browse around and find something for my friend." Greg answered.

The woman smiled and nodded. "Okay! Just give me a holler if you need anything!" And then she was off.

Ada watched the woman carefully, still trying to shake off the nervousness the woman had presented to her.

My ssshe's certainly cheerful.

Ada put a finger to her forehead, shaking her head slightly to banish away the thoughts.

"Come on." Greg directed her to a series of clothing.

What followed was like a montage from a movie. The next several minutes passed of them trying on different clothing. So many options, all trying to find the right fit for her. At last, they had reached a choice. Ada gazed upon herself in the mirror. She was dressed in a green coat with a yellow undershirt, and a white skirt.

"So what do you think?" Greg asked.

Ada looked herself over before giving a smile. "I like it!"

"Really?"

"Yes. I think it fits me."

Indeed, the more she looked at her new ensemble, the more she felt it all the more fitting.

"All right. Those clothes it is." Greg said.

Greg paid the saleswoman, and Ada walked out with her new clothing. But their trip was not quite done.

"Now it's time we did something with that hair." Greg announced.

"My hair?" Ada asked confusedly.

"Yeah. If it gets any longer, you'll start looking like that woman from "The Ring"." Greg said jokingly.

"The Ring?" Ada replied.

"Never mind. There's the place." Greg said pointing to a building with a sign that said Final Cut.

Stepping inside, they were greeted by an older gentleman. "Hello there Greg. In for a trim?"

"Yes, but it's for my friend, not me." Greg answered gesturing to Ada.

The man looked over the girl, before remarking with surprise. "Goodness, the rumors were true. You do have a girl living with you."

"You didn't hear about this on the internet did you?" Greg frowned.

"No Brian told me all about it."

Had to be Brian. He wouldn't keep his mouth shut on something like this.

"Well yes. I have a girl at my house. This is Ada." Greg introduced.

Ada smiled and held out her hand. "Hello."

The gentleman took her hand and shook it. "Pleasure to meet you maam. So I take it you're here for a trim?"

"Yeah. If Ada's hair gets any longer, she's going to be a black haired Rapunzel." Greg chuckled to himself.

Ada didn't quite get it, but smiled nonetheless.

"Well I have no one waiting, so let's step her up." He said gesturing to Ada.

The young woman stepped up to the chair and what followed was a new sensation to her. She sat perfectly still as the man took a pair of scissors and snipped her hair bit by bit. She watched as bits of her long flow fell to the ground. Then, before she knew it.

"Alright. Done!"

Swirling the chair around, Ada was able to get a good look at her new style. Her hair had been reduced to going just to her neckline.

"Personally I think it's a good look for you. But what do you think?" Greg asked.

Ada looked herself over in the mirror, reaching a hand up, fluffing her hair a bit. "I like it!" She exclaimed.

And so she had a new look, and she would certainly enjoy it.

Stop acting so cheerful. It's embarrassing to us.

But there was a nagging voice in her head that told her otherwise.