Moe looked at Karen as he considered her question. "Well," Moe said, "We know the work and arrangements that you've made with Peter. Reaching out to the various weres, finding out what they're like and what not. How far are you in your research?"
"Well," Karen thought for a moment, "The only were group that I haven't talked to are the werelions. Peter set something up so I'll meet one later this afternoon. Once I get information from them, I'll be ready to make a decision."
"So soon?" Moe asked. "I mean, you only have one chance to make this decision."
"I...I know," Karen said. "But I've been thinking about it all this time, so I think with just a little more information, I should have all I need to make my decision." I might already have made my decision...
Nichole took a sip of her coffee before asking a different question. Her recent dream was on her mind. "Karen, is there anything you need to tell us?"
"No...not really..." Karen said with a rather nervous smile. I can't let my parents know that I've been going out. If they knew...they'd ground me for life!
"Well, anyway, since you've already put in work for this, your mother and I have decided to let you continue on if you want. Just...there's no pressure to join," Moe said smiling.
"I wouldn't say that," Karen said, "If I join first, that moves pressure off of you. On the other hand, if you join first, then the pressure's off me. Either way, one of us needs to join first. And since I'm closer, I think I should be the one to go first. You and mom can take your time." And maybe I can work something out without my parents knowing about my nightly activities...
"Anyway," Karen continued, "The werelion person is going to be here soonish. I should probably get ready and make a list of questions."
"Would you mind if we sit in on this meeting?" Nichole asked.
"Ah," Karen asked, "That's okay. If you guys aren't interested in becoming werelions, you guys could go to your bedroom and study the book to discuss things. After all, wouldn't you guys rather be werebears or werewolves or werefoxes or something?"
Nichole looked at Moe who just simply shrugged and then she turned to Karen and said, "All right. If you need to talk to us about anything...and I mean ANYTHING...you know where to find us."
The mental image in Karen's head was her giving a sigh of relief. The family finished their breakfast before going to their respective rooms.
Once back in her bedroom, Karen's thoughts started to bubble to the surface. Was she a weretiger already, but hasn't changed yet? What if she was? It'd be really hard to hide from her parents that she's been going out at night. How would she get the birth control pills? Keep up the illusion that she hasn't changed yet? Karen could feel the beat of her heart in her head as she tried to work things out.