“I just can’t believe it,” Ophelia said, for what seemed like the hundredth time.

“I know,” Emily replied, patting Ophelia’s back. “It’s kind of a shock.” She reached over to the coffee table, where a teapot and several cups were. “Maybe some tea will help?”

“Tea?” Ophelia scoffed. “Do you really think tea will help with something like this? I can’t believe this. It’s… it’s just not fair!”

“What’s not fair about it?” Emily asked, pouring some tea for herself.

Ophelia sighed and shook her head. “You just don’t get it, Em. It’s like everyone else is having kids and all, even my little brother, and I just feel left out of it.”

“I thought you said Tacita was finally doing the paperwork to let you adopt Lisa,” Emily responded, genuinely confused.

“She is. But… I don’t know. It’s just not the same as having your own kid, you know?”


“Lia, you have a life most people can only dream of. You have a partner who absolutely adores you, the job of your dreams, enough money to do whatever you want, and a great adopted daughter. Isn’t that enough?”

“Look,” Ophelia snapped, “Emily, not everyone can be satisfied with the life of a workaholic. Some people actually want to do something with their lives.”

Emily set her teacup down, and in as calm a tone as possible, responded, “So, heading a highly successful feminist magazine and publishing several well-received books doesn’t count for anything, unless there’s a biological kid or two to go along with it?”

“I’m just saying, normal people want to have a family!”

“I do have a family,” Emily responded. “I have Louie, and we have our parents and siblings and in-laws and nieces.”


“But, don’t you want kids? Do you really want to look back at your life someday and feel like you should have had one? Don’t your parents want more grandkids?” Emily shook her head. Ophelia sighed exasperatedly. “There must be something wrong with you. You‘re freaking selfish.”

“Bingo,” Emily muttered.

“What was that?”

“All the crap people tell me, trying to convince me that Louie and I should have kids. Could pretty much put them onto a bingo card and mark off when someone uses one of those. Never thought I’d see the day when you’d pull something like that on me.”

“I’m just saying, it’s normal to want kids!”

“And I’m saying that if that’s the case, then I’m fine being abnormal,” Emily snapped. “I have a great life. A fulfilling life. I actually appreciate what I have, instead of just whining about wanting more and more. Look at you. You wanted a fashion company, but you’re training Nathaniel to replace you. You wanted to adopt Lisa for God knows how long, and now even that’s not enough. If anyone’s selfish, Ophelia, it’s you.” Emily rose to her feet. “I think you should go home.”

“Why? Why the hell should I go home?”

“You want to know why?”

“Yeah, why?”

Emily stepped closer until she was nearly nose to nose with Ophelia. “Why? Because you’re being a goddamned b*tch, and I’m not going to take any crap from someone who’s supposed to be my best friend! Now, get out!”