Hey guess whos back….I just wanted to say think you to everyone who sent their kind words of encouragement this past week. It was a crazy week for me between work, and the impending moment of telling my best friend at school Im *****. My coming out with my best friend at home was ten times easier since he pretty much reached in and dragged me out of the closet kicking and screaming…Ha that was an interesting Christmas…anyway You guys have been amazing. Trust me your comments really do help, and put a smile on my face every night. If you think youre comments dont help, and not just me but others online, youre wrong, some of the things you said were in my head when I finally told him. You were right if he loved me hed be okay with it…in fact he still wants to get married if were single in a few years :) Anyway Thanks again…I feel a lot more open…Ill put it into my writing….so, without further blabbing….

No music again…but Im up for a challenge, send me a song and Ill try to write a scene to it. Im also stressing where to make the characters go…if anyone wants to listen to me bounce some ideas off them can e-mail/im me.


Chapter 20



If we dont stand for love, we fall for everything else – JLO


Alice: I have a question

Shane rolled her eyes as she pulled her lucky cigarette out of the pack. After packing her cigarettes, she always took out the first one, flipped it upside down and replaced it, leaving it to be smoked last. She crumpled the empty container and tossed it in a nearby trash can.

Shane: Remind me to pick up a pack…

Alice: Do you always smoke this much? It seems like the past few days…

Shane: Ehhh….I go through about a pack a day…two if Im having a really hectic one.

Alice: Oh…

The two continued to walk down the street in silence. Alice started fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. Shane snuck a peek at her and smiled to herself

Shane: Okay…just ask your question already

Alice: Okay!

Alice chuckled and did a skip step as she began walking almost sideways while talking to Shane…who remained focused on her leisurely stroll.

Alice: Okay I know were dancing around this

Shane: *****…here we go!

Alice: So I just want to get it over with cause its like a cloud hanging over us…

Shane: Please dont ask what we are

Alice: Its just…you know…there are outside people who keep popping up and…

Shane: Dammnit…she wants to announce us to the group…Are we an us? Are we a we?...Just ask already Al ….cause I dont know either…God!

Alice: Okay…dont snap at me, I just wanted to know who Father Joe is….is he really a priest? Is he your priest? The priest?

Shane stopped walking and Alice stumbled into a bench. Alice stood up quickly

Alice: Im too smooth to be embarrassed!

Shane looked up from the lines in the pavement, she had been staring at during their four block walk. She looked at Alice, who innocently stared back at her waiting for an answer. Shane let out heavy sigh that caused a slight grumble in her troat. Alice took a step back expecting one of Shanes tirades about her privacy and Alices need to investigate everything. Shane stepped towards Alice and sat on the bench. Alice looked at Shane like she was crazy, but hesitantly sat down next to her when Shane patted the space next to her.

Shane: Well….honestly I wouldnt even know where to begin with that. Yes hes a real priest…and technically he is my priest, THE priest….

Shane put her elbows on her knees and rubbed her face. After three days, the swelling had gone down significantly in her face, but she still had cotton tubes stuck up her nose so far she swore they made her think of cotton. She played with the fresh bandages Bette had changed the night before. Alice swatted at her hands

Alice: Stop picking!

Shane gave Alice a cold look and just shook her head until she broke into a smile.

Shane: Jesus! Youre worse then Bette!

The two sat in silence for a moment. Shane looked at Alice waiting for her to ask another question. Alice popped up off the bench.

Alice: Alright lets get moving were already late to meet Tina.

Shane jumped up and half jogged to catch up to Alice who was power walking.

Shane: Thats it?

Alice: Excuse me?

Shane: Youre not going to ask anything else about Father Joe?

Alice: Nope…you answered my question..

Shane: Al…come on….I know this is killing you…

Alice: Whats killing me?

Shane: Not knowing everything…how we met…Why I have a priest…what he eats for breakfast…his astrological sign…

Alice: You know Shane, Im not as nosey as you think…I wanted to know the answer to my question and I got it…now Im good.

Shane: Thats it?…I know my little Snoopy Girl wants more!

Alice: Nope!

Shane: Last chance

Alice: Im good….anyway, were here.

Alice grabbed the door of the Planet and held it open for Shane, who stood on the sidewalk without budging.

Alice: What?

Shane: Well, you were supposed to meet Tina right? How about I just grab my drinks to go and meet up with you later.

Alice: YOURE PUNKING OUT!

Shane looked around self consciously and motioned for Alice to keep her voice down.

Shane: No Im not I just…you know Im going back to work, so I should…uhm get going.

Alice: Oh and youre not afraid to show your face in the Planet, where everyone might see your face and stare? You sure thats not it? Huh?

Shane: Come on Al…

Alice: Buck…buck ….BUCCUUUUCK!

Alice cocked her head like a chicken and flapped her arms like wings. Shane gritted her teeth and stormed past Alice into the Planet. She walked up to Marina and looked her square in the eyes.

Shane: Give me a doppio, and a Latte with double shots…Alice will have a vanilla soy latte, light on the foam….yes I broke my nose on Saturday, Ill be at our table.

Shane turned on her heels and quickly walked over to their usual table before Marina could get a word in. She walked over to Tina who had her back to her. She leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek before circling the table and sitting down. Alice was quick on her heels and kissed Tina on the other cheek before sitting down between the two women.

Tina: Christ…are you guys trying to kill me! Hey Shane…you in much pain?

Shane shrugged nonchalantly and looked around the room, occasionally meeting the stare of a customer.

Alice: Yes she is…but she has to be Shane and pretend like it doesnt.

Shane rolled her eyes while staring at the front door. Marina arrived with their drinks. She pulled up a chair and sat down, while dispersing the drinks.

Tina: Whos is this?

Marina: Its for Shane…its good for your system, and will help your blood repair the bruising faster.

Shane turned back to the table and downed her espresso, chasing it with her latte.

Shane: Thanks Marina…how have you been?

Marina: Ive been good, Ive hired another waitress for the morning shift, and Jenny has started helping out also….it was inevitable since I wake her up every morning when I come down to open.

Alice: Free labors the best!

::CRASH::

Marina buried her head in her hands.

Marina: Trust me…nothing in life is free…I dont think Ill have any dishes left by the end of the week.

Jenny rushed over beside Marina.

Jenny: Sorry…I broke another one of the purple cappuccino mugs…

Marina pulled Jenny into her lap

Marina: Its okay….they can be replaced…

Marina kissed Jenny gently on the lips. Shane watched as they snuggled into each other. She could feel Alice watching her and looked up to catch her smiling at her. Alice looked away and blushed. She covered her eyes with her hands and gathered her courage to look back. When she finally did, Shane curled the corner of lip up and gave her a sly wink while no one was the wiser.

Everyone was snapped out of their personal universes when Bette dragged over a chair and kissed Tina on the lips…a little too passionately for eight in the morning.

Tina: Babe what are you doing here I left you so you could sleep in its your morning….

Bette: Well Tee…I felt so incomplete without you wrapped in my arms and I couldnt sleep…so rather then lay in bed missing you I decided to come here…

Shane: God will you give me a break! You needed a fix nothing more, nothing less.

Bette gave Shane a fierce look. Tina laughed and ran her hand through Bettes hair in an attempt to calm her.

Tina: Trust me Shane, her charisma doesnt get past me….I know the caffeine is what she really wants to wrap herself around.

Tina gave Bette a kiss before she could say anything.

Bette: Mmmmm …Ms. Kennard, are you trying to distract me?

Tina: Uh huh…how am I doing?

Tina kissed Bette again while stroking her inner thigh.

Bette: Im sorry what were we talking about?

Shane: Why dont you two just take the coffee to go?

Bette: Thats it! (Bette turned to Shane) Whats your deal?

Alice: Shes just pissed cause I dragged her out into society again…shes been festering indoors and roaming the streets at night, rather than face the world with a few bruises.

Shane: This from the woman who calls me Frankenstein?

Jenny covered her mouth, but not in time to catch the hysterical laugh that she let out. Shane crossed her arms in a huff and stared at her latte.

Tina: Its not that bad Shane (Shane laughs) Really…I mean I thought it would be a lot worse the way Bette described the damage that was done….but I mean now it just looks like you broke your nose…I mean when people see it they know so they dont need to ask…you know? …I mean it does look painful though.

Bette: Speaking of pain…

Bette held out her hand and Shane gave her a look that made everyone at the table hold their breath. Shane looked at the hand floating in front of her face, then back at Bette. She slapped her prescription bottles in Bettes hand and went back to drinking her coffee. Bette opened the bottles one at a time and her jaw dropped. A look of anger was on her face as she stared at Shane and then at Alice. Alice picked up her latte and drank while looking off in any direction but at Shane and Bette.

Bette: Alice?

Alice Shrugged, and sunk down in her seat like a little kid. She sat in anticipation of the infamous Porter Temper. Bette turned back to Shane. Who was staring at her in a confrontational manner.

Bette: Why havent you taken any of these?

Shane shrugged

Bette: Shane this isnt funny…

Shane: Do you see me laughing?

Bette: Sullivan said…

Shane: Sullivan can kiss my *****…I could care less what..

Bette: Its obvious that you could care less! Why havent you taken these?

Shane: I dont need them

Bette: Yes you do these are for inflamation (she held one bottle up) and these are so you dont get an infection (she held up another bottle) and these are so your stubborn, thick-headed ***** doesnt have pain (she shook the last bottle at her).

Shane: I dont need them…Im fine.

Shane snatched the bottles and stormed off to the bathroom.

Tina: Bette…was that really necessary…I mean in front of all of us.

Bette: Why does it matter where I did it…shes acting like a child…

Alice: Because youre treating her like a child.

Bette: Well someone has to look out for her…and…we promised that no matter how difficult we became, wed look out for each other no matter what…so I dont care if shes being a brat she needs to take her meds…and you should have made her!

Marina: How would Alice be able to make Shane do it…its not like their together all day .

Tina: Gee here comes the old Bette…I guess the honeymoon is over!

Jenny: Abraxis wove his tangled web through their existential existence with his proverbial hands caressing their souls.

Alice: Did you ever think that maybe she wasnt taking the pills, because she knew youd check the bottle and wanted to show you she doesnt need drugs anymore… Or maybe shes not taking them because she doesnt like the way they make her feel… or maybe…just maybe Shane isnt taking her pills because a little over two months ago she tried to ***** kill herself and doesnt trust herself after she went cold turkey…

Alice leaned in and whispered so that only the table could here. Bette brought her hand to her forehead when she realized what Alice was saying. Tina rubbed her back as she drank her coffee. Bette got up and walked off to the bathroom.

Shane splashed water on her face, while trying to avoid the bandaged area around her nose. Her eyes were closed and she reached out for a towel. She could feel someone hand her a wad of paper towels which she used to carefully pat her face dry.

Shane: Thanks.

Bette: Anytime…

Shane opened one eye and looked at Bette in the mirror. She continued to dry her face as she turned around to face Bette, and leaned against the counter. Bette stepped beside her and leaned against the counter. Shane crossed her arms and stared at the floor, waiting for her lecture on responsibly.

Bette let out an long sigh and put her head on Shanes shoulder. Shane turned her head to look at Bette and kissed her on the forehead.

Shane: Apology accepted

She looked up at Shane with tears in her eyes.

Bette: Im an idiot…I cant believe I didnt think you were just trying to stay clean…I was being a complete ***** and Im sorry…I slipped right back into my old ways…GOD! and I was being so self-righteous in front of everyone.

Bette looked up at Shane who held the same emotionless expression on her face.

Shane: Keep going, you havent gotten to the part where you tell me how youre going to make it up to me.

Bette laughed and shoved Shane. She wiped her eyes as Shane wrapped an arm around her waist.

Bette: Look…Ill grab lunch today and meet you at class.

Shane: Im not going….and dont bother trying to convince me, Im really not in the mood to deal with that whole situation right now.

Bette nodded. They both sat looking at the floor tiles.

Bette: You know Shane….even if you dont trust yourself….I think you should know that I trust you…I mean….now that I know who you actually are…how far youve come…I trust that you can handle yourself.

Shane gave Bette a questioning look.

Shane: So what…I should just show up at class and teach…and all these kids will trust me again, because you trust me?

Bette: Uhm well…If you show up at class itll show youre not afraid Dash will whoop your ***** again…but thats not what I was talking about…you know… since you said not to bring it up in the first place…I was talking about the pills….take them… youre in pain and the last thing you need is an infection.

Shane: If you trust me…then why the whole Pill ***** thing?

Bette: That was just to let you know I care if you WERE to abuse the pills…its not that I thought you WOULD abuse them.

Shane nodded understanding Bettes actions.

Bette: So how are things with you and Al?

Shane squirmed against the counter. She starts pressing at the gauze on her nose.

Shane: Things are…Okay…

Bette went to slap Shanes hand, but she caught it inches from her face.

Bette: I see your reflexes are back up to par!

Shane turned to Bette with a steely glare.

Shane: They were never slipping….I let you hit me.

Bette rolled her eyes and pulled back her hand.

Bette: Yeah, yeah…So what do you mean by Okay?

Shane: Like I said…were Okay.

Bette sat staring at Shane.

Shane: Alright, Alright…Things are… difficult…at best.

Bette: Difficult how?

Shane: Well…I dont know… I dont think we should discuss this… you know?

Bette cocked an eyebrow at Shane, who rolled her eyes.

Bette: Trust me, Al will thank me for straightening you out. The two of you need a professional linguist to cipher through your mis-communications.

Shane: Thank you? Shes gonna beg you to tell her what I said…

Bette: And you know damn well I wont

Shane moaned like she was physically in pain, as she scratched at the tape on her face.

Shane: Theres too much…there…

Bette: Where?

Shane: Between us…I dont know, its like…I have so much history and I want to tell her… I know I need to tell her, but…will she still be able to look at me the same way?

Bette: No she wont…I know about your past and Ill never look at you the same…I love you more cause youre this amazing person after all the ***** that has happened to you.

Bette wrapped an arm around Shanes waist.

Shane: Yeah but its different being a friend as opposed to being the one she wakes up to… it might be too much for her to think about twenty-four seven.

Bette: Thats her choice, not yours… you need to trust her and you need to trust yourself.

Bette pulled the pill bottles out of Shanes pocket and handed them to her. Shane popped each open and removed what she needed. She threw them in her mouth and turned around to sip water from the sink. She swallowed the pills and stared at herself in the mirror.

Shane: I get it now.

Bette put her arm back around her waist and leaned her head on her shoulder.

Bette: Whats that?

Shane: Baggage…thats really what it is isnt it? …I never knew how much that analogy was true…I kept mine in storage for years…forgetting about it…ignoring it…now shes gone and brought it out…I dont know where to put it.

Bette gave Shane a weak smile.

Bette: Yeah but you dont have to lug it around with you everywhere you go.

The two sat staring at themselves in the mirror.

Bette: If four months ago someone would have told me wed be where we are right now…

Shane: Id have broken their nose!

They both laughed and walked out the door.

Bette: Hey, Dana and Lara are here.

Shane turned on her heel immediately to go back to the bathroom. Bette grabbed her arm and pulled her in close, to whisper in her ear.

Bette: Dont tell me Shane the Genius…artistic…ninja…is afraid of a little challenge?

Shane: I just dont want to hear it right now…between my face and Alice…we decided to keep things between us and if Dana starts today, I know Al is gonna defend me and everyone will figure it out.

Bette: So go defend yourself… I mean I know youre not that good at physically defending yourself…especially from children…but..

Shane: Watch it Porter! I still consider that your fault.

Bette held her hand up in defeat.

Bette: Okay, Okay… go hide in the bathroom all day…Youve been doing it at Als since…

Shane: Alright already!

Shane walked over to the table with Bette hot on her heels. Bette sat next to Tina and Shane hopped in Alices lap. She took her completely by surprise, causing her to choke on her latte.

Dana looked up at Shane and her mouth opened wide. A look of concern was on her face, but she quickly wiped it away and laughed hysterically. Bette and Tina looked at each other and then at Dana, as did Shane and Alice.

Dana: I mean I heard…but actually seeing the train wreck…Oh my God….this is truly priceless…I need a photo.

Shane leaned into the table…partly to talk to Dana, but mainly to stir something in Alices lap, which she successfully did causing a whimper to escape that only Shane and Bette heard.

Shane: Dane… you can dish out as much as you want, and Ill take it…I dont care what you throw at me…Im not gonna break, and Im not gonna snap at you cause thats what you want…Im just gonna sit back and chip away at you one day at a time.

Shane arched her back and shifted her ***** in Alices lap. Alice gasped and Bette covered her mouth . A smirk came across Shanes face as she killed two birds with one stone. Shane leaned back into Alice and wrapped one arm around her neck while sitting sideways in her lap. Alice wrapped her arms around her waist and gave her a warning look.

Dana: You can sit back with this Im Shane…Im too cool to care attitude but I dont buy it…you fucked up… BIG…and youre continuing to do it….Im not gonna walk on eggshells and kiss your ***** like everyone else.

Shane: Im not asking you too…Im just telling you the way things are gonna be from now on…so Tennis Star, if you can serve it…Ill return it.

Dana: Well bring it Hamburger Face, Im up for the challenge.

Shane slid her free hand down behind her and in between Alices thighs. Alice buried her head into Shanes back and bit her below her shoulder blade.

Shane: Thats Ms. Hamburger Face to you!

Shane crept her hand closer to Alices groin, and Alice bit down harder.

Shane: …and keep it coming…I can hold out longer than you can.

Shanes comment intended more for Alice then for Dana.

Bette: Al you okay? You look a little uncomfortable…you want me to grab a chair for Shane or something?

Alice: Huh? Oh…I …uh…

Alice gave her a look that said Back-off.

Alice: Uh…well…

Shane looked over her shoulder at Alice.

Shane: You okay? I thought I was light enough for your lap.

Shane wiggled in Alices lap and gave her a wink that only she could see.

Alice: Youre like a sack of bones…youre poking me…

Shane: Oh…my bad…Ill stay out of your lap for now on.

Alices face went flush as Bette grabbed Shane and pulled her into her own lap.

Bette: Its okay…I can take it…some of us have more….hmmm what is it Im thinking of? Will power?

Bette pretended to think hard, while Shane simultaneously did the same.

Shane: No… hmmm …Id say self control…or no Ive got it…inner strength…anyway… Ive got to run…I have work and perhaps a meeting…and Id like to get moving before the meds kick in.

Bette: You want a ride, I have the morning off.

Shane: Sure…I still havent fixed the truck… and Ill take care of those ends while were there…

Bette: Theres no way in ***** your touching my hair while youre on drugs.

The two rose to leave.

Shane: Bye guys…see you later.

Shane gave Alice a wink.

Shane: Bye Dane

Shane gave Dana her million dollar smile and Dana gave her the finger. Lara grabbed her hand and Dana pulled her hand from Laras grip. Shane and Bette went to walk out.

Tina: The two of them together is really going to take some getting used to….theyre like one extreme…I dont know…Diesel Circus!

Shane grabbed Bettes arm when they reached the door.

Shane: Hold up, Ive got to do something.

Shane pulled Bette over to Marina at the front counter.

Shane: Hey Marina, can I get a To Go cup and a pen?

Marina: Sure Shane, whats up?

Shane: Just chipping away at Dana Ice-Block Fairbanks.

Bette: Ice-Block? She could definitely take down the Titanic every time she sees you!

Marina laughed

Marina: She is going to need a lot of work Shane.

Marina handed Shane a pen, and Shane started scribbling away on the cup. She handed the items back to Marina.

Shane: Here…make one of those energy drinks she has on Wednesdays and give her a toasted energy bagel… tell her its from an admirer, but make sure she sees the note.

Shane handed the money to Marina and walked out.

Bette: So you think a smoothie and a bagel are going to do it?

Shane: Just wait.

The two women stood outside watching through the window as Marina walked over to Dana.

Dana: Marina, whats this I didnt even order yet.

Marina: Ahhh… breakfast from an admirer, and its already been paid for.

Lara:: Awww…Ms. Fairbanks has a secret fan.

Marina sat the bagel and smoothie down.

Dana: Okay, this is creepy.

Lara:: What?

Dana: They ordered my Wednesday breakfast.

Lara:: You have a Wednesday breakfast?

Dana blushed and covered her mouth.

Dana: Yeah my hardest workout is on Wednesdays…so I dont eat meat so Im not heavy and slow, and I dont eat dairy so I dont puke, and I…

Lara:: Ewww.

Dana: Sorry its just when youre running hills…

Lara:: I wonder how they knew?

Dana took a sip from her smoothie and put the cup down. The other women at the table picked up their conversation when Dana noticed the writing on the cup. She looked around to see if anyone was watching her and began reading.

D,
I know I hurt you , but I never meant to…There were, and are things in my life that you guys cant handle…that I cant handle. Please know my leaving was nothing to do with you personally. I know why youre pissed and why you are pushing me away, and I wanted to say…I missed you too, and Im in it this time for the long haul…Have a nice practice… I didnt forget your wed. special.

LUV…S

Dana looked around for Shane but saw she had gone already.

Shane and Bette stood outside on the sidewalk. They watched as Dana reread the note and looked guilty as she picked at her bagel. She smiled to herself as she read the note for a third time, while everyone at the table conversed about the days events.

Shane: Like putty in my hands!

Bette rolled her eyes.

Bette: Come on stud, lets get you to work so you can turn someone into a Shane Original

Shane: Man, the way Im feeling with this *****, I might discover the newest trendy style…Ill make the Faux Hawk look like the Jeri Curl.

Bette burst out laughing as she unlocked the door to the Saab. Shane saw her new laptop sitting on the floorboards.

Shane: Damn I forgot about that thing.

Bette: Hmm…Im sure you also forgot to tell Alice about it?

Shane: No…I told her the next morning over breakfast, thank you very much!

Bette: Im impressed…you offering up information, thats a first!

Bette walked around and climbed into the drivers seat.

Bette: So you going to teach today or what?

Shane: OR WHAT!

Bette: Chicken!

Shane: Im in no physical condition to be doing something that s dangerous…thats all.

Bette: Buck…Buck…Buccccuuuuuk!

Bette pecked her head like a chicken, while pulling out of her spot.

Shane: Im sorry…why arent you and Alice married?

Bette gave Shane a goofy grin and stuck out her tongue.

Bette: Because the gods decided that she should be inside taking care of my soul-mate, while I should be outside taking care of hers.

Bette winked at Shane as she slid down in her seat and played with the radio.

Bette: What?!?! No witty comeback? Could it be Shane agrees with me?

Shane: I just didnt want to indulge you with an answer.

Shane looked out the window smiling to herself as they drove down the street. They arrived at Lather, where Shane was bombarded with a thousand questions about her broken nose. Shane sat in the chair at her station swaying side to side as Bette talked with the girl at the front desk. She could see Bette pulling wires out of the laptop case.

Shane: Bette and her ***** gadgets!

Dylan the floor manager walked over as she conversed with herself. Shane looked up at him as he cleared his throat.

Shane: Hey.

Dylan:: I cleared your schedule today …I wasnt expecting you back for another day or two…so just take it easy . If your ego can handle it, you can be shampoo girl today. We have a new girl, so you can just train her.

Shane: Uhm…Okay… but why cant I just help the others out? Not that I mind its just…

Dylan:: I dont think you should be cutting hair today.

Dylan pointed to the mirror. Shane turned her head to see her eyes were barely open and she was drooped over her chair.

Shane: Shampoo girl it is.

Bette hurried over like a kid in a candy store.

Bette: Give me your mobile.

Shane handed it to Bette and watched as Bette hooked the phone up to the laptop. Shane rolled her eyes and let her head fall back in the chair, while her mouth hung open.

::Inspector Gadget Theme Song::

Bette took out her mobile phone. She had bought herself and Shane two top-of-the-line cell phones. For Alices ring she downloaded the Inspector Gadget theme song….an appropriate ringer for both.

Bette: Hey Al.

Alice: Bette, Hey…where are you?

Bette: At Lather

Alice: I thought you dropped her off over an hour ago?

Shane: I did but I have nothing to do this morning… so I found out I can hook up Shanes laptop to the receptionists computer and hot-sync her schedule for the year into it.

Alice: Uhm…okay.

Bette: And, Im setting up the laptop so it sends her weekly schedule to her new cell phone.

Alice: Yeah…okay thats great.

Bette: Al this is a big deal…

Alice: Okay Gadget *****, chill out…its a ***** laptop!

Bette: Woah! Whats your deal?

Alice: Nothing.

Bette: Alice!

Alice sighed into the phone as she leaned back at her desk. She kicked her feet up and lounged back in her office.

Alice: I dont know…just a little weirded out still.

Bette: About?

Alice: Whenever I see Shane pull on her boots, I think oh Cheri bought her those…oh nice bracelet Shane Thanks Cheri got it for me …now the damn laptop.

Bette: If it makes you feel any better, I bought the cell phone.

Alice: You can be a real ***** sometimes…

Bette: Woah, chill out vulgar mouth….Im just playing with you…trust me when it comes to material things, youve got nothing to worry about….shes not interested.

Bette looked over at Shane sprawled out over the chair.

Alice: If I had nothing to worry about, I wouldnt worry…Anyway…did you guys get to talk while you were in the bathroom?

Bette: Yep.

Alice: About?

Bette looked at a teenage boy who walked in the front door with a basketball jersey on.

Bette: The Sixers…

Alice: Bette!

Bette: Hey they could make a run for it this year.

Alice: Okay Hotshot, what sport are the Sixers?

Bette bit her bottom lip.

Bette: Think! Basketball?

Alice: Hmmm, I heard a little question in your voice…Okay, name me a player.

Bette walked over to the young man in the waiting area . She whispered Who plays for the Sixers? and the boy responded by turning around to show the name on his jersey.

Alice: This one is gonna make or break you Porter.

Bette: Come on Al…Iversons my boy….***** lead the team like always.

Bette crossed her fingers and the boy gave her the thumbs up. Alice was just silent.

Alice: Fine, I give up. I know youre full of *****, but this Twilight Zone you and Shane have put everyone through is making my head spin.

Bette laughed

Bette: Sorry Al…

Alice: So what are you up to? Want to do lunch?

Bette: Ehhhh sorry AL, I already made plans with Shane…we usually do Monday, Wednesday and Fridays….am I stepping on your toes?

Alice: No I wanted lunch with you, not her….weve spent like twenty-four seven together the past few days.

Bette: Howd that go?

Alice: Well it was like one hundred hours of the most incredible ***** I could ever imagine….and about twenty minutes of conversation.

Bette cringed.

Bette: Hmmm, so youre saying theres not enough *****?

They both laughed.

Bette: Alright I volunteered to be the go between for this project, but I cant tell you what we talked about. Same goes to her if you want to tell me things.

Bette walked over to Shane, who was still laying with her head slung back and mouth wide open. Bette climbed up and sat in her lap.

Bette: Okay since Shane has her hands full right now, I can talk for a bit.

Alice: I mean she has a rule that we have to talk everyday on the phone at midnight, but since weve been together Ive just been calling her from the other room and saying meet me at the couch

Bette laughed and grabbed a tissue from Shanes cart, and wiped the drool that was dripping from her mouth as a customer stared.

Pain Killers Bette mouthed as she pointed to Shanes nose. Oh The customer mouthed, and went back to her magazine.

Bette: Anyway, you two need to talk…about something, anything.

Alice: I dont know…what?

Bette: What would you two talk about over coffee?

Alice: I would ask her who she slept with …and how it was …and she would ignore me.

Bette: hmmm plan B…try watching a movie….then ask if she liked it.

Alice: Weve tried…twice.

Bette: What do you mean tried?

Alice: Saturday morning she fell asleep…and Sunday night I dragged her to see Blade 3

Bette: AND!

Alice: And…she went Scuba Diving instead.

Bette: Scuba Diving?!?!

Alice: Bette Im at work….(Alice clenched her teeth) Think hard….she went down…under the surface…to go SCUBA DIVING!

Bette covered her mouth

Bette: Oh…you mean Deep Sea diving…without a tank…in the theater?

Alice: Uh Huh…

Bette: Thats hot!

Alice: Yeah try keeping your mouth shut while watching Jessica Biel in tight leather clothes.

Bette: Mmmmm . Im definitely going to have to take Tee for a late night showing of Blade 3

Alice: Christ dont do that, then Shane will know I told you.

Bette: Ehhhh, Ill let her think its her idea.

Alice: Whatever…Maybe I can try cooking us dinner?

Bette: Ha!…..Thatll really give you two something to talk about.

Alice: Hey I can cook.

Bette: Al, the last time you cooked dinner, the salmon looked at me and said good luck.

Alice: ***** you Porter!

Bette: You might have to after you poison Casanova with your food.

Bette rested her elbow on Shanes collarbone. She watched as she slept away the morning. Bette looked in disgust as a bubble formed over Shanes mouth.

Bette: Speaking of things that could kill…Hows Dana?

Alice: Ehhhh…she chilled out after you guys left…some stalker sent her breakfast and she mellowed.

Bette stuck her finger in Shanes mouth, popping the giant bubble. She wiped her finger on Shanes shirt and turned the chair so they were facing the mirror together.

Bette: That was all Shane.

Alice: Ahhh…her plan to slowly drive Fairbanks crazy.

Bette: Yep.

::DING::

Bette: The cell phones done!

Alice: Huh?

Bette: I linked the cell phone to the laptop so it could download some software. Now they are linked, and I can send things to the phone whenever…

Alice: ::SNORE::

Bette: What?

Alice: You are such a dork!

Bette: I am not…I just like new technology…

Alice: No youre just the Gadget *****…Im outta here…Hail Hitler.

::CLICK::

Bette closed her phone. She looked at herself in the mirror, sitting in Shanes lap. She turned around in her lap and went to flick Shanes nose, when Shane grabbed her hand.

Shane: Youre always taking things to ***** far!

Bette: I knew you were awake.

Shane: Youre full of *****.

::CRASH::

Shane opened her eyes and looked in the direction of the noise.

Shane: New girl…looks like I have my work cut out for me.

Bette: Im gonna get going.

Bette: What time do you have to be at work?

Bette: Not til two…and Ill stay till eight. Thats my new Wednesday, and Friday schedule I worked out…you know more me time equals less crazy Bette time…at least thats what Tee thinks.

Shane: And what do you think?

Bette: I think Im bored out of my mind.

Shane: Man, my neck really hurts from laying like that!…why dont you just come up with something to do?

Bette started rubbing Shanes neck while sitting in her lap.

Bette: Well, you and I go to lunch those days so that covers like two hours, but in the morning….

Shane: Jesus Bette that feels good….Oh…just…. Mmmmm … sleep in late…

Bette: I tried that today.

Shane: And you had to go for coffee.

Bette: I had to go for Tina…

Bette winked.

Shane: *****…why not…ahhh…right there…….workout…clean…find a hobby……be my personal masseuse…Christ Ive got twenty jobs and youre complaining about time off from one.

Bette: Hmm …I have an idea…why dont I help out Father Joe…then thatll keep me busy and you wont have to skip out of work in the mornings.

Shane: Oh no…once he gets his hand on you its over….

Bette: Havent you learned yet…..Ive got magic hands myself.

Shane: Damn right you do…alright fine. …uhm you know what…If you go over now, you can help finish with piano lessons…you can dust the comb webs off these hands of yours….theyll be done by twelve and I can meet you there for lunch. That should keep you occupied for two hours.

Bette: Sounds good.

Bette jumped out of Shanes lap. Shane pouted at Bette.

Bette: Shouldnt have been faking that little nap of yours…you could have just listened to the conversation anyway.

Bette walked out of Lather and bumped into a gentleman rushing in. Bette turned around, but before she could yell he was inside. She collected the laptop she dropped and turned to find a brand new black Ford 150 pick-up truck in front of her. There was a giant red bow on the hood, and the side said Harley Davidson Edition on it in small orange letters.

Bette: Well, now thats definitely something for Al to worry about.