Its the last night of the Tournament of Lights at the Marina del Rey harbor. Amura is excited about seeing the boat parade and fireworks, will it be like the wedding?

A little like that, but different. I think youll like it. Amura let go of Tinas hand and ran up behind Tim gently slipping her hand in his.

Tim looked down at Amura surprised, then up, around, looking for someone to see, someone to explain why this little girl he hardly knew would do this. Amura looks up at him and whispers, I like you. You dont like Jenny either do you?

Tim is shocked at her blunt statement, What? aaaa why would you say that? Again he looks around this time hoping someone will rescue him.

She continues to whisper to Tim in confidence, Because, you dont talk to her, you dont walk with her. Everyone else does. I thought we could be friends. Tim begins to maneuver them in Marinas direction, getting close enough, her calls softly to her, Marina, Marina As she turns, he motions with his head for her to come here. She starts to say something to Jenny, Tim shakes his no.

Marina casually makes her way next to Tim, what is it?

Tim speaks low, merely mouthing most of the words, trying to keep them strictly between him and Marina, I think you and Amura need to have a talk about Jenny Marina gives him a funny questioning look; Tim raises his brows and nods emphatically. Tim turns to Amura, Amura I need to go do something, why dont you walk with Marina, he places Amuras hand in Marinas before she has time to respond and quickly walks towards Jenny.

Once he reaches her side, he simply says, Hi.

Jenny looks at him and in return says, Hi, she waits for him to say, whatever. Tim says nothing, Tim, did you want something?

He shrugs, moves his head nervously side to side, his mouth ready to speak with nothing coming out, Tim, what is it, what are you wanting to say?

Nothing really just um hi, how ya doin? Just being cordial, polite, you know.

Jenny squints her eyes and nods, as if hes making sense, oh Im fine thanks for asking

Sure, he smiles, well, gonna go say hi to Bette now. Later.

As they near the dock, everyone begins to look for a place to sit. Marina takes Amura to a bench a little away from everyone else, Amura, is there something you want to tell me about Jenny?

Amura just stares at her, saying nothing. Amura, is something wrong?

Amura sighs a deep exaggerated sigh, Tim told you, didnt he. Im sorry if I hurt your feelings. Amura hugs her tight, Marinas concern begins to grow.

Amura, why dont you tell me, what you told Tim? Marina holds her hand gently in her own.

Amura looks to the ground, with a firm voice she tells her, I dont like Jenny anymore.

Marina is shocked, her mind races with questions, trying to narrow them down to a simple question for a five year old girl, but you love Jenny, why dont you like her anymore?

Amura points to her belly, Marina squints her eyes as if that would make her meaning clearer, she shrugs, she struggles, her belly? You dont like her because she has a belly?

Amura frowns at how silly Marina is being, Nooo She lowers her voice to a soft whisper, because of the. you know the baby

You dont like that Jenny is having a baby, why Amura? Marina is horrified at hearing this.

Marina. Jenny ate a baby and I dont like her, her face is firm and unforgiving.

Marina almost chuckles with relief, but catches herself as Amura scowls at her, its not funny.

No, of course it isnt. Marina regains her serious look and continues, forewarned and cautious about how she proceeds, but Amura, thats not how the baby got there.

Amuras face shifts to surprise, suspicious of what this means, it isnt? How did it get there?

Marina takes a deep breath, pondering how to answer short of giving a little girl an anatomy class involving birds and bees. She chooses a simple answer, quietly praying it will be enough, God gives us babies.

Like a present?

Yes.

Was it her birthday?

No. It was when we were in Moorea.

Amura smiles and nods, A wedding present Marina smiles and says nothing as Amuras face turns into a big grin, lets go sit by Jenny.

*******************************

Amura watched from Marinas lap as the last of the fireworks made their way to the water, is everyday like this?

Marina brushes her long dark hair from her face, not everyday, we have specials day and we have other days to get excited about the special days.

Im gonna walk with Tim, is that okay? Amura looked to Marina, giving her a two-eyed wink, for her okay.

Marina gave her a soft warm smile, of course. Amura headed towards Tim, catching up to him, once again grabbing his hand.

Its okay Tim, you can like Jenny again. She didnt eat a baby, it was a present from God. God gave her the baby on Moorea, a wedding present. Amuras smile was large and contagious Tim nodded and smiled in response as he mulled over her words.

Shane yelled out, Hey Amura, wanna ride?

Amura said goodnight to Tim and ran to Shane who immediately threw her over her shoulders.

Tim slowly made his way to Jenny and Marina, Amura said everythings okay now?

Marina chuckled, yes, the minds of children, fascinating.

She did say something that made me wonder a little. Something about a wedding present and that you got the baby on Moorea. Whats that all about?

Jenny and Marina instantly looked to each other, silent conversation passing between them, Jenny breaks the quiet, Marina, do you mind? Marina kisses Jenny on the forehead and walks on to Shane and Amura.

Funny, everyone knows but you, yet youll be the first one Ive told. She breathes deep before proceeding, Tim, while we were on Moorea, something happened, something terrible. Tim listens in quiet horror to the telling of that day, the day they were given their baby.

His emotions rampant in their array of type and intensity, tears form involuntary and unnoticed by himself. He takes Jennys arm and stops her, staring disbelieving, why didnt you have an abortion? How can you have that ***** baby?

Amura. Amuras the reason. Havent you been watching dont you see how good she is for Marina for everyone here…

Youre doing this for Marina, bullshit, this isnt her decision its yours. She shouldnt have asked you to do this.

Jenny takes his hand, Tim, she didnt. I asked her, I wanted this baby. Marina and I decided this, together I had to persuade her with how I felt. Her first thoughts were the same as yours I needed there to be some kind of good to come from it. The baby is that good.

Tim continues to shake his head, not accepting her explanation, not accepting this awful discovery, Im sorry Jenny, I… I cant talk about this anymore tonight. Im sorry. Tim walks away from her, away from the rest of the gang, off to himself.

Marina sees and walks back to Jenny, touching the back of her arm tenderly, are you okay?

Jenny continues to watch Tim till hes out of sight, I am, but he isnt. She sighs deep finally turning to Marina, putting her arm through hers, lets go home.

*******************************

Vee, just walk up and ask if you can talk to her? The worst she can do is say no. Lets at least get in line, we can decide as we go. The thicker young woman grabs the small framed redhead, pulling her into the line.

They watched the dark haired author speak softly to each admirer, introducing them to the little girl next to her, full of life and energy. Vee noticed the little girl was running back and forth between the table and an attractive older woman, she presumed to be the little girls mother, Hanna, you stay in line, Im gonna try the little girls mother.

She nonchalantly made her way to Marinas side, is that your little girl?

Marinas proudly denied, No, but I wouldnt mind if she was. Shes our little friend from Tahiti.

Oh, you could easily pass as her mother she looks so much like you.

Amura once again runs to Marina, theyre all so nice, that last lady, asked me what it was like to be famous. I told her she didnt need to worry, we ate before we came here, Im not famoused?

Marina chuckled and rubbed the top of Amuras head, That was very polite of you. Now you need to try to stay with Jenny, so you can write your name for the nice people. Just a few more and well be leaving. Now, go.

So whats your relationship with the author and the little girl?

Jenny Schecter is my partner, my life-partner. Marina turns and offers her hand to the young red-head, Im Marina Ferrer and you are

Vee grabs her hand, Im Veronica Tyler my friends call me Vee. She points to her friend waiting in line, thats my friend Hanna Thomas. They call us T & T, you know, like the drink, shes the Tanqueray and Im the tonic. Were not partners, just friends.

Vee takes a deep breath and begins, Ms. Ferrer, I was w..

Marina, call me Marina.

Vee nods, Marina, I was wondering if you have time to listen to a story. A story I think youll find very interesting. Realizing she has Marinas attention, Vee unfolds the other reason she and her friend are there.

Why dont you and Hanna wait around until were finished and you can tell Jenny your story too? Marina is intrigued by what Vee has told her, irritated to the rules that govern even the most innocent of actions, rules dictated by an uneducated public.

The store owner pulls the blinds in the windows and locks the door, wow that was impressive. What a crowd!

Jenny stands up slowly feeling her stiff aching body revolting against her movement, ohh that hurts. I have to remember to get up more next time, I sat entirely too long.

Jenny, I want to introduce you to Hanna Thomas and Veronica Tyler, Vee to her friends. Vee told me a story I think you should hear.

Jenny shakes their hands, We really need to leave the store and Amura is tired. Can we go to the house and hear this story?

*******************************

Marina walks up to Jenny on the couch, leaning over and kissing the top of her head, Amura is bathed and fast asleep. I think we need to tell them she cannot remain so long next time, too much, for such a little girl.

Marina heads towards the kitchen area, Does anyone need anything? Im going to have a glass of wine.

Marina, I think we can help Vees friend. I was thinking she should bring her drawings to the next signing and we could display them around the table. What do you think?

Marina takes her glass and walks back into the sitting area, looking first at them then at Jenny, I think its late and we should think about what youve told us. We can get back to you with our thoughts.

Vee and Hanna immediately stand up, Youre right it is late, youve had a busy evening. We really appreciate your taking the time to listen. You have my number, call whenever youre ready.

Marina walks them out, Vee, Hanna, we will call you, but we must think about this before we act.

Vee walks back to the door to shake Marinas hand once again, Thank you, thank you.

*******************************

Vee found her young friend, pacing angry and hurt, at the entrance to the school art show. She ran up to the car and jumped in, lets just go. Theres nothing to see inside, nothing of mine.

Vee consoles her friend with a soft touch to her shoulder, what do you mean, nothing of yours?

Inappropriate subject matter, they didnt even tell me ahead of time. They let me come here to help with the setup before they have the nerve to tell me. I hate them, I hate them because they hate me. Its just like the Prom, when they wouldnt let Cindy and I have our picture taken together.

Vee had met Rae when her high school art teacher brought her to UCLA to discuss adding her work to one of their exhibits. Vee found her to be attractive and vibrant. They had dated a few times before deciding to be friends instead of lovers. The young Rae now a permanent part of her life, was distraught with rejection, Rae, theyre left over rules from a closed minded time. Its easier for them to adhere to those rules than to change them. Its their weakness and flaws not yours.

*******************************

Shane walks up to the table, leans and gives Marina a one arm hug, Hey guys. She lays her sunglasses on the table and sits down.

They both nod, Hey, and continue their conversation with Marina, so nothing played out. You will keep us in mind though?

Marina stands as they stand to leave, of course You know, you can stop by just to visit too. People here are very friendly you would like them. Tuesday is Radar night, a ladies night, you should come by later. Marina sits back down to visit with Shane, since youve moved in upstairs, I think I see you less. Shane doesnt hear at first, her attentions once again focused on the attractive redhead.

Oh, well, been tryin to stay clean, work more play less. Ive decided if I want to have a business, I gotta have customers, so Im focusing.

I can see you focusing. Shes attractive isnt she, her pretty red hair, fine features, and a ***** deep voice on such a small girl. How come you dont ask her out? Youve met her three times now and each time your eyes follow her wherever she goes. So, why havent you?

Im not her type.

What are you talking about? Youre every girls type.

Marina, she hardly even knows Ive walked up and sat down, trust me, Im not her type.

Marina shakes her head and smiles, will you be by later for Radar? Vee may be here.

You gonna be here?

No, were going to the movies tonight to see Shrek 2 with Amura.

Shane raises her brows as she nods, isnt that a cartoon? Have you ever been to see a cartoon?

*******************************

Shane leans against the hallway wall, watching Vee walk through the crowd. Three times shes stopped and hit on, three times she smiles and moves on. Shane has to wonder why a girl so pretty, one who could easily have whoever she wants, just walks on by.

She walks to the pool table, leans against the wall to watch, hey.

She turns to see Shane standing close behind her, her bright open eyes staring into her own, oh, hey.

You wanna play?

She shakes head Oh no, I dont know how, never taking her eyes off the table.

Shane walks up to the table, laying her quarters down, Ill teach you, right after I win the table.

They played partners, Shane taking the time to show Vee how to hold the stick, how to line the shots. Four games, back to back, Shane always winning in the nick of time, I think we better quit, those girls are very angry with you for winning.

Shane grins, standing close and looking into Vees green eyes, theyre not mad about the table, trust me.

Shane, Im not your type. You have to trust me on this.

A little uncomfortable, unaccustomed to having to pursue, you mean, Im not your type, right?

Vee hesitates for a moment, knowing what shes about to do isnt smart. On the contrary, its opposite everything she is. She leans her face to Shane and kisses her, warm soft and inviting never once letting their bodies touch. She leans back, as I said, Im not your type. I believe in relationships, you believe in something new. I wont be a notch on your belt. She turns and leaves The Planet. Shane watches her leave then turns and heads back upstairs.