You have to admit that you are slightly scared as to how Sheila will respond. Will she think both of you are freaks, and turn you over to the authorities? Will she hate you for putting her in this position? The other you seems oblivious to your worries, blissfully ignorant of the unappealing possibilities.
Under your pitiful gaze, Sheila sighs and looks into the distance as she appears to consider your far-fetched tale. Nevertheless, she has the most convincing evidence of its reality twitching its tails on either side of her. Finally, she appears to make a decision, and stands and turns to look at both of you with a resolute look.
"Well," she states determinedly, "You can't exactly go anywhere looking like that, and who knows how else you might change. Someone's gotta keep an eye on both of you, so I guess that means I'm staying here tonight. We'll try to figure this out in the morning. I'm guessing you guys haven't eaten yet?" she asks matter-of-factly.
For a moment you are too stunned to react. You had hoped for her help, but she is taking this far too well. Is she just in shock? The other you has no such compunctions, and nods happily in response to her question. You, on the other hand, feel your stomach answer for you as it growls loudly. You blush so strongly it shows even through your new fur. You look up at Sheila, embarrassed, only to find that she is grinning at you as though nothing were wrong.
"Guess that answers that," she says smiling, and turns to the kitchen. "Let's see if you have anything decent in the fridge."
The other you leaps up and bounds after her, eager to put in his two cents. "I'm pretty sure there's chicken, and steak," he yips happily, tail wagging. You are still rooted to the couch in disbelief at how lucky you are. Any other person would have probably panicked, or thought they were going insane, but Sheila not only believed you, but decided to help you as well. For the first time that day, you feel like something has gone right. Your tail gently wagging, you get up to join your double and Sheila in the kitchen.
Only to find the other you drooling in anticipation, his canine-length tongue lolling as he eyes the chicken Sheila is preparing to put on the skillet. You sigh inwardly, your prior optimism spent, realizing that if your doppleganger's tongue has changed, so too has yours, most likely. You don't want to stick it out right then and there to find out, but you do roll it about a bit in your mouth, wondering what else will change before the night is over. The smell of the chicken nearly overpowers your new nose, but you hold yourself in check and wait patiently until Sheila takes it off the stove and places it in a dish to settle for a few minutes. The other you, however, has no such self-control, and hangs about Sheila like a puppy begging for scraps. For some reason, this irritates you, and the fact that he has no clothes on but the boxers with a tail hole annoys you even more. You, of course, are fully dressed in a t-shirt and sweat pants you altered for your own tail. By the time Sheila finishes cooking, you can take it no more.
"Go get dressed already," you snap at the other you. "You're gonna get fur in the food."
The other you and Sheila both start a bit, surprised at your tone. "What's your problem?" the other you retorts. "It's not like you're any less furry than I am."
"Yeah, but I'm not bouncing around in my underwear," you scowl back. "You got Sheila into this, you could at least have a little consideration."
Now you're both starting to get your dander up as you face off against each other. "Look, just because you're ashamed of what happened, doesn't mean I am!" your twin snarls angrily.
"Damn right I'm ashamed! Not only have I turned into a half-dog, I've got a double that actually wants to be a dog, and keeps acting like one!" you bark back.
The two of you lock eyes and begin to growl at each other. You both are so intensely focused that you don't even realize that you sound exactly like a dog, but you both sense that this won't end well. Suddenly, you feel an arm around your neck.
Without warning, Sheila steps between the two of you and grabs you both, holding you close, one in each arm. "Stop it!" she demands in a tone of voice that pulls both of you out of your trance. "I don't want anything to happen to you," she says softly, and your nose twitches as it picks up the salty scent of tears. "I see you when you smile..." she says, turning to look at the other you, "...and I see you when you worry," she sniffles. "I love all of you, so please don't..."
You are stunned. You never knew Sheila felt this strongly about you. You feel a strong urge to comfort her, and turn to kiss her cheek. The other you seems to turn toward her on the other side of her with the same intention. However, instead of kissing her, both of you as one lick the tears off her cheeks with your rough toungues. The other you, of course, doesn't care, but for an instant you are horrified. Did you actually just do that? What could Sheila possibly think of you now? You stiffen a bit as you feel her body tremble, but you do not expect what happens next.
"That tickles," Sheila says, still hugging you both, and laughing through her hiccups. You feel a rush of warmth for her, and have the sudden thought that you would not mind even being stuck as two half-dogs as long as you have Sheila with you. Your eyes meet that of your twin over Sheila's shoulders, and you realize there is one thing the two of you definitely have in common as you both envelop her in a hug from either side: you both love Sheila.
In the serenity of that moment, you come to a decision. You will...