Before I met Jenny, no one knew what I was thinking or feeling. Now, I wear it like a neon sign, bold and bright for everyone to see. I feel exposed, subject to their ridicule, open to their assaults.

Shane raises her head her eyes squinted, Sure youre not the one thats pregnant?

A relieved laugh escapes her, does seem that way sometimes doesnt it.

Marina. When you were with Fran, thats when you were exposed to ridicule and assault and shes the one you were exposed to. Jenny would never do that to you, as for anyone else, who cares what they think. Theyre not into you, so they cant possibly dig what you two have. Shane nods her head, I know whatcha need. Guys night out. Work out some of that stress you got buildin up.

Shane, we cant have a guys night out, were all women.

Shane waves her hand at her, yeah, yeah you know what I mean

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

They walked up to the bar, Shane ordered for them, three shots of Cuervo Gold and three Mic Lights. Marina and Bette looked at each, their eyes telling the other how they couldnt believe they were out barhopping with Shane. Shane looks at one then the other, okay guys, here goes 1, 2, 3 bottom up.

As the glasses are slapped onto the bar, they each breathe deep, the alcohol taking their air, in unison, whoa

Shane holds her finger up to the bartender, Nancy, give us one more.

Finished, they all three pick up their beers and turn, looking around at all the ladies, silently wondering what theyre doing here. Marina breaks the silence, Theres no one at my house. We could play Xbox. We have a racing game.

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

Bette raises her hands in the air, okay okay I lost and Ill keep our deal, but sooner or later guys, youre gonna have to let me win otherwise, Ill be passed out on the floor and cant play anyway She sucks it up and takes her shot.

As they get out of the car, Jenny pauses listening, do you hear music? They all stop to listen, sounds like Billie Myers. They open the door, watching the back of their heads as they croon out the words, with their game controls in hands Tell meeee Teeeelllll meeee… Teeelll meee would you like to be me yeah yeah yeah

As the song ends, Tina, Jenny, and Vee applaud. All three of the guys jump up, stumbling but nevertheless jumping up, never missing a beat with the next song, they swoon and dance their way to their respective gal, youououou you send me flyin, you send me flyin, flyyyin over the moon for joy

Each grabs their gal, pulling her close, one by one they kiss them. Excuse me Excuse meeee Im only five.

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

Vee pulls up next to The Planet and turns her car off and gets out. Shane hadnt expected her to do that, she opens the car door and Vee extends her hand, I thought you might need some help up the stairs.

Shane takes her hand, standing up with a slight stumble to the right, Im okay, I can deal

Vee smiles and puts her arm around her waist, and I can help too. Give me the key.

She opens the door and walks Shane to the couch, letting her plop down, are you gonna be okay? Is there anything you need, want before I go?

Shanes mind wanders to other meanings, other needs and wants, umm no, man… Im okay, really Her round eyes never leave Vees, the gentle wanting evident but unspoken.

Vee nods her head and turns towards the door, uh, Vee I uh Thanks, for bringin me home and all Vee walks back to the couch, standing before her, Shane looking up at her as desire floods her eyes. But its Vee that acts, its Vee that cups Shanes face and leans over and kisses her. Shanes hands instantly move to Vees thighs, stroking, pulling her gently. Vee reaches back and grabs them, raising back up, goodnight, Shane. Shane smiles softly and blinks her eyes in acceptance and understanding.

Vee closes the door behind her, leaning back against it, she breathes in the late night air to clear her head. Desperately she fights the urge to return to her, fighting the desire to touch her and be touched by her. Slowly, she walks down the steps to her car.

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

Marina sets the last bag by the door to the garage as the doorbell rings, Tim, hello, we missed you at Christmas. Come in.

Tim steps in the door, holding a Christmas gift in his hand, I went to visit my parents, just got back. I wanted to give this to Amura before she left. I understand shes leaving tonight.

Yes. She turns towards the stairs and calls out to Amura, Everyones on their way here, were going to the Pier with Amura, you need to come with us.

Amura ran up to Tim and hugged his leg, is that for me?

Tim squats down, and hands it to her, Yes, Merry Christmas Amura. She rips open the package and holds the dress up to herself. It has a small blue jean skirt around the bottom, a long waisted white t-shirt top, the lettering is in pink and purple with multi-colored flowers laced throughout the word, It says Friends, you know like were friends.

Jenny steps up behind Amura, watching Tim struggle with his emotions, wanting to comfort him then Amura holds out her hand, Thank You Tim. Friends, like us. He shakes her small hand, remembering how moved he was by the feel of her fragile touch.

Jenny tries to encourage him to join them, I wish you would go with us to the Pier, its such a nice evening for everyone to be together.

As he glances up, he cant help but notice the round shape of her belly, nah, not today, sorry. I uh got some things I have to get done. He turns his attention back to the safety of Amura, I hope you come visit us again. Ill be sure we spend at least one day at the Pier.

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

Pink lemonade?

Marina offers to go get their drinks, Amura clings to her, Ill help you.

She wont leave her side even for a second.

Tina warns of what may be to come, she may get pretty upset at the airport. You might want to consider some Childrens Tylenol a little before time for her to board.

One by one they say goodbye to Amura before heading to their cars. Amuras smile slowly dwindling into sad face, is it time to go?

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

Amura sits on Marinas lap with her head held tight against Marinas chest. Marina occasionally kisses her forehead, her cheek, rubbing her hand, her arm, holding her close and assuring.

Its time to board and the Stewardess suggests Marina walk Amura to her seat. She makes Marina promise to stand close as she hugs Jenny goodbye, Jenny, I dont want to leave you and Marina. Why cant you guys come back to Moorea with me? We were happy there.

Jenny kisses her face and hugs her tight, Well come visit you, we promise. You must come see us again too. I love you Amura. Jenny runs her hand down Marinas arm.

Marina helps her into her seat, preparing to fasten the seatbelt around her but Amura throws her arms around Marinas neck. Marina picks her up and sits in her seat with Amura on her lap, Amura, you know how we talked about Special Days. How we have to have other days to get excited about them. Well have many more Special Days. Days when you will come visit us again and days when we will come visit you and your parents. Today is a Special Day, today your mama and papa will see you again. They have missed you so much.

The Stewardess taps Marina on the shoulder letting her know the time has come. Marina kisses Amura all over her face and under her neck causing her to be tickled, they smile at one another. Marina helps her fasten her seat belt, kissing the small hands resting on her arms. I love you Marina. Im gonna miss you.

Im gonna miss you too. I love you so much Amura, Marina stretches her arms out, all the, all the world.

Amura mimics her, stretching her small arms as far as they will reach, all the, all the world.

As she walks back through the gate her tears are unwilling to be contained. Jenny walks towards her, gently wrapping her arm around her waist. They leave the airport, tears relentless in their journey, hearts bursting from the ever-expanding love inside them.

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

Marina, could we stop by The Planet for a minute.

Sure, but you know its closed right.

Yes, I know. Theres something in the office I need. The drive back from the airport had been quiet, unspoken words of love passed between their fingertips as they held each others hand.

Marina pulls up front and puts the car in park, Would you mind coming in with me, its late and its dark.

Oh okay Marina turns the car off and walks inside and to the back with Jenny. She reaches around the corner turning the office light on, motioning for Jenny to go inside, what did you need, maybe I can help you find it.

Jenny steps behind her and closes the door, turning and leaning back against it. Marina walks towards the desk, What were you needing Jenny?

You.

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

Shane hears the noises coming from below inside The Planet, she grabs the bat and silently heads down the stairs. As she reaches the bottom of the steps, she can tell the sounds are coming from Marinas office. She kicks the door open and yells as she jumps into the room, pulling the bat back into place, watch out sucker, cause I gotta damn good swing

They stare at her in wonder, amused at her stance, irritated she would try to single-handedly fight intruders. Thankful, they had taken a slow approach to their love-making, nearly clothed, and in not a too compromising position. For long seconds, no one moved no one said a word, Shane begins to explain, I heard noises.. grabbed the bat, I was gonna git em whoever they were for breaking in here, not my friends place, uh uhh.

Shane. Shane. Could we talk it about tomorrow, were a little busy right now. As she started to apologize, Marina interrupted her, Shane, tomorrow, please.

Feeling a little silly, she begins to smile, knowing what her friends are doing down stairs. She shuts the door and hears a knock behind her at the other door. She opens it and sees Vee, man, do I have a story to tell you. Youre not gonna believe what just happened.

Shane. I dont want to be alone tonight, can I stay here. Its just all the emotions from this evening with Amura and everyone, I just No. Thats not it, thats not it all. The truth is, I dont want to be without you tonight.