*  *  *   *  *

You'd make a smashing redhead,"  Mark said.  He had stopped at an garishly neon-lit drugstore on Sunset Boulevard.

"Right,"  Sabrina said.

"You need a disguise.  Those goons might be in the hospital, but they could put out the word to their thug-friends to be on the lookout for tall blond twins.  Have someone else do their dirty work."

Sabrina didn't like it. 

"They know what you look like, now,"  Mark said.  "They want to kill you."

When they arrived back at Sabrina's apartment, Eve was watching television and reading a book.  She moved the pages so rapidly Sabrina couldn't believe she was really reading; merely glancing at the pages.

"The range of human behavior is amazing, isn't it?" 

She was actually reading.

"Do you mind stopping for a while?"  Sabrina asked.  "We need to change our hair color."

"Trimmings?"  Eve asked.

Mark shook his head, "A disguise.  So the thugs won't find you." 

"We got you lots of syrup,"  Sabrina said.  "Your very own supply.  Would you like to taste it?"

They went into the kitchen and Sabrina cleared off one shelf for Eve's provisions.  Then they watched as Eve tried each of the different sweets.  She liked them all, but her favorite was Marmalade.  She ate half of the jar.  Sabrina told her that after she opened something it had to go into the refrigerator.

"Microbes.  Bacteria.  Virus.  Mold.  Dirt.  Parasites.  Disease,"  Eve said rapidly, nodding and spooning up another glob of the preserves.

While Eve was eating, Mark explained very seriously that it was imperative for her to remember to blink.  All the hair color in the world would not disguise her if she forgot.

The hair dye was very messy and they ruined a couple of towels, but the results were quite striking.

Sabrina didn't think she would have a chance at that toothpaste commercial tomorrow with bright red hair.  Her agent said they were looking for blonds.  Oh well, she would try for it anyway.  She thought that maybe Eve could watch the store while she was away, and then reconsidered.  Sabrina did not trust Bea, who would be working there tomorrow.  Bea was an adorable air-head and Sabrina's best friend, who could not keep a secret for a minute if her life depended on it.  And Bea's life wouldn't depend on secrecy, but Sabrina's would.

As Sabrina blew Eve's hair dry, she explained that she was going to Mark's apartment to stay with him.  She cut bangs for Eve and thought they didn't look very much alike anymore.  "You look like Cleopatra, Eve, with your hair black." 

"Egyptian Queen,"  Eve said.  "She tattooed her body so that no man would feel he had seen her naked, and had possessed her."

"Really?"

"Yes.  Are you going to copulate with Mark tonight?"

Sabrina looked at Eve, but her expression was bland.  "Maybe."

"I would like to watch."

"It's something most people consider very private."

"Would Mark copulate with me, too?"

"You'll have to ask him,"  Sabrina said smiling.  She could hardly wait to go into the living room and tell Mark that Eve had a question for him. 

Mark nodded and smiled when they went into the living room.  "You still look exactly alike, except for the hair.  Turn around, Sabrina."

Eve, watching Sabrina's pirouette, turned around too.

"Mark, I think Eve has a question she wants to ask you,"  Sabrina said, trying to keep her face neutral.

"Sure.  What is it Eve?"

"I asked Sabrina if you would copulate with me.  She said I would have to ask you."

"What!"

Eve recited the sentence again.  Much louder.

"She took you literally.  Thought you didn't hear."  Sabrina was biting her lip to keep from laughing.

"I would be too heavy in the superior position,"  Eve said.  "To prevent injury, I would stay below.  Ferd said I should learn all of the human behaviors, and that's evidently an important one.  Every time I read a book they mention it."

Sabrina had watched Mark's coloring turn almost white and then an interesting brick color.  He was evidently very embarrassed and Sabrina was a little surprised.  Eve was just like a curious child and didn’t have any idea of the emotions involved.  She watched as Mark's eyebrows bunched.

"Eve, when people um...copulate, it's usually because there is strong feeling between them.  Sabrina is like my best friend, and I care about her very much.  You are very attractive, but I can't have sex with you because I don't feel that way about you.  I hardly know you."

Sabrina felt relieved.  She wouldn't have to be in such a rush to have Mark's baby.

"I am Sabrina.  With some additions.  And I am a little confused, Mark.  In books it seemed like people desired to go to bed with the opposite gender quite frequently.  Evidently they were overwhelmed with a strange desire."

"Sounds like Ferd had an extensive library,"  Sabrina muttered.

"He has shelves of books in his living room,"  Eve said.  "Very necessary stimulation for the computer.  I absorbed all his medical texts, the books on quantum physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, lasers, geology and physiology.  Those were easy, because they are logical.  But the psychology texts are not logical.  Or sensible.  Their theories seem totally irrational.  As do the novels."

"It sounds like you've read some trashy stories,"  Mark said.  "People make emotional bonds and want committed relationships, most of the time.  But sometimes they want variety, or are unsure of their feelings, and they sleep with other people.  It's a very complicated subject."

"It's perplexing because I don't have emotions yet."

"I don't understand,"  Mark said slowly, eyebrows bunching again.  "Are you going to get emotions?"

"In all probability, very soon.  Sabrina's hormones are in my system now.  It will be very helpful in understanding human behavior."

"Do you think you could have a baby?"  Sabrina asked.

"Yes.  I have your eggs, so the baby would be yours, Sabrina."