Abby bit into her portabella burger with an appreciative moan. The mushroom sandwich was particularly well-made with her favorite veggie toppings. Even so, she did miss being able to have a real hamburger. If there was one thing that Abby regretted about becoming an Animalian, it was the restrictions to her diet. If there were some way she could eat meat, chocolate, and other foods without having digestive problems, she'd be content. But this portabella burger was the next best thing.
Samson was watching the football game with mild interest. "So, the way they get points is by getting the ball to either end of the field by any means necessary?" asked Samson.
"That's basically the point," said Roger, "There are a couple of other rules though." Jessica's dad had been trying to teach Roger the basics and rules about football as they watched games together, some sort of 'male bonding experience'.
"Seems rather silly to me," said Samson.
"I would think someone as big and strong as you would find it fascinating," said Jessica.
"Not really," said Samson, "Well, maybe a bit. But I can't wrap my head around it."
"It's a bit beyond me too," said Abby. Ironically, after she had been converted, the football coach tried to talk her into joining the team. Of course, that would have been an unfair advantage even if Animalians hadn't been prohibited from participating in professional sports leagues yet. Besides, Abby didn't really care for the game. "The only girl I can think of who likes football is that one Pachycephalosaurus woman."
"I think our dads wish they had more sons so they can talk about this stuff more," said Jessica.
"Well, our dad has a son," said Sarah as she and Malice walked over, "But right now he's more interested than chewing on balls than tossing them around." The two huskies were wearing halter tops with the same colors as the team they were supporting. But it seemed more about them being able to show off their stomachs and arms than anything else.
"That training you two have been doing is really paying off," said Samson. The sisters' stomachs had never been flabby, but now their abdomens were clearly defined. Their arms were also a bit thicker with muscles, their legs even more so.
"Well, you can't drag a loaded sled around without building up some muscles," said Malice, flexing her arms.
"Well, you two definitely look like you could win 'Best of Breed' in that pageant," said Jessica.
"Not 'Best of Show'?" asked Malice.
"I haven't seen enough of the other competitors to really be sure," said Jessica.
"Say, where's Sophie and Roland?" asked Sarah.
"They're over at the buffet table, having whatever they want," said Abby with undisguised envy.
"They should relish being able to have different kinds of food before they're converted," said Roger.
"And before Lent starts," said Sarah.
"Wait, Lent's starting soon?" asked Abby.
"Starting on Valentine's Day," said Sarah.
"So the day before that would be Mardi Gras," said Jessica.
"Yeah, but I wouldn't expect as big a party as last year," said Sarah, "We're pretty stretched out with Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year."
"Still going to be fun," said Samson, remembering fondly what he and Abby were up to on both Mardi Gras and Valentine's Day last year.
"Speaking of fun, where are your boyfriends?" asked Abby.
"They're with their families right now, enjoying the barbecue," said Malice.
"Lucky them," said Abby dryly.