DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

Hugs meowed in greeting and began rubbing all over Layla, loving her expressively.  When Geena returned, she chuckled softly.  "I think someone is in love with you."

Layla giggled. "He's such a good kitty." She agreed and kissed the cat's head before standing and promising Hugs she will be back. "Ready?" She asked Geena.

"Ready!" Geena agreed, picking up her purse.

Layla smiled and got the door for the older woman. Again, Layla reflected on how much Geena was to the mom she wished she had growing up. How much nicer it probably would have been, and probably would have kept Layla out of so many bad choices!

"What kind of desserts are you planning on making?" Geena asked, smiling at Layla.  "I was never that good a cook.  I can get by, but not much more."

"Cookies, brownies, tarts, a creme pie, and homemade chocolate pudding." Layla told Geena with a smile.

"You are far more talanted than I am," Geena praised.

Layla laughed softly. "Not really. All I know is how to cook and pleasure people. And drugs. Not exactly stellar resume material."

Geena smiled gently and placed a hand on her shoulder.  "Everyone has a past that's not so pretty.  What matters is what you make of yourself today.  And, for what it's worth, I think you are a wonderful young lady."

Layla smiled happily up at Geena, thankful for the compliment. "If you want, I can teach you the recipe I use for cookies. It's super easy and leaves a lot of room to be creative if you wanted." She offered.

"I would love that!" Geena agreed enthusiastically.  "I'll have to make it my own and make them for William.  Ah, here's the store.  Where do we start?"

Layla smiled and brought Geena to the baking isle, getting everything needed into the shopping basket. "The secret to the cookie recipe is cake mix. It makes them super rich, and also soft and easy to make, only needing a couple other ingredients."

"Sounds like cheating to me," Geena giggled.  "I love it!"

Layla giggled too. "Lex at least loves the recipe, although he doesn't know I 'cheat' at that one."

"I don't think he knows the difference.  I think the only one who would would be Shuni," Geena said in amusement, placing the cake mix in the basket.

"Probably." Layla agreed as she collected the rest of the ingredients and headed to the check out line.

"Oh!  We need milk," Geena suddenly remembered, turning to grab said item.

Layla smiled and followed Geena. "I completely forgot to check if we needed it!"

"That's fine, I just noticed this morning," Geena said, picking up two gallons.  "My word, I've never seen a household go through milk so fast!"

Layla giggled. "Lots of growing boys. What did you expect?"

"This is true," Geena agreed.  "Alright... looks like we're ready to check out!  Unless you'd like a treat of your own?"  Geena smiled and touched Layla's shoulder.  "You've certainly earned one.  Pick anything you like, dear."

Layla blushed a little. "I don't need anything, thank you. I'll probably 'taste test' half of what's being made anyway."

Geena tsked.  "Please, dear, I insist!  It doesn't have to be eatable.  Perhaps a new shirt or jacket or something?  A new book?  I've noticed you reading a lot."

Layla hesitated and finally caved. "All right. Maybe a new change of clothes? Or even some jewelry? I haven't had any decent jewelry in quite a while."

"Of course!" Geena agreed.  "How about a necklace?  I saw some pretty ones on display over there."