Shane shook her head in disbelief, numbed by the unexpected turn, I I gotta go I uhmm I dont know I dont know what I was gonna say two Ill see you at two

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

On her knees leaning against the bed, elbows supporting her head resting on clasped hands, Vee, Veronica, are you awake?

Eyes still closed voice deep and raspy, I am now. What are you doing up so early?

Coffee with Marina.

mmm of course, its Monday it is Monday right?

Yeah. Thats right, Monday, you gotta get up and go to school. Come on lazy head get up come on Shane begins to nudge her and nudge her, shaking a little here, there.

okay, okay Ill get up, She raises up, one-eye still refusing to open. She runs her fingers into her hair scratching a little, rubbing the red hair, dancing like flames. Leaning and contorting her body, stretching and yawning.

Finally waking enough to realize Shanes eyes are fixed on her, willing her attention, why are you staring at me? Better yet, why are you waking me up so early, the sun is just now coming up. I dont have to be in class till nine. She rubs her eyes, yawning once more, I mean if you were in bed waking me up, I wouldnt mind…

Shane grabs her hand as she stands up pulling Vee with her, come on She leads her into the bathroom, you go and Ill make coffee hurry up, I got news

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

Actually, these documents are well written and much to your favor. With the addendum I received this morning, Ms. Wolff has provisioned you sole benefactors should anything happen to her, not only to the property in question but to all that she owns. As for Ms. McCutcheon, a life-time lease afforded her with cost of living increases in three year intervals and not to begin until five years from her first day of business, again, Ms. Wolff has been very charitable. You were right to come here first before signing, but I would recommend you do, that is if you wish to assume the roles of benefactor, proprietor of the property, and trustee to Ms. McCutcheon.

Is there someplace we can speak alone, Shane will be here soon and we would like to talk first. He offers his office and as he closes the door, Jenny turns to her, Why do you think shes doing this? This is more than she described on Saturday.

Jenny searches Marinas eyes, looking to her for some light, Its a lot more I dont know Jenny… Ive known Francesca to be generous at odd times but never like this. Im surprised as you are.

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

Shane listens intently as he describes the provisions of the agreement, sixty days to put a business plan together Marina oversees the books start up costs payments, okay

Are you ready to sign?

Shane looks at Marina, anxious to hear her answer, yes, of course.

They each sign their names, one by one, reservation absent for all but one. Marina feels the foreboding growing in her chest, the sense of a great happening clouded by a wave of sadness approaching with it.

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

Now I understand why she said sixty days, it takes that long to learn everything you need to know, do everything you need to do. Ive learned so much, its unreal what it takes to have a business of your own.

Shane, doesnt Vee get out early today. Dont you want to go pick her up or something?

Ah, you need me to get lost awhile so you can focus not a problem Ill uh be back later much later

Marina smiles at her friends animated exit, marveling at the contagious excitement she shares these days. She turns back to the documents, ready to focus as her friend would say.

She studied the marketing strategy, reviewed the projected financial reports, tallying the startup costs. She lays the pen down smiling, stretching long and hard from the hours spent, scrutinizing one of the best business plans shes ever seen.

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

I dont think Ive ever seen you with a do-rag, its cute and *****. Marina looks down at her from the ladder, so tired of painting walls, she finds it hard to see the compliment or humor in her remark.

Ill be sure to wear it out some time. Jenny rolls her eyes and waddles out of the room.

Hey Marina, Im not sure I like this color in here, Shane stands in the center of the room, turning slowly.

Marina stops once again, staring down, this time at Shane, we are not changing the color. Shane, were nearly finished, you open in a week. The babys due in two weeks, please, can we just get finished. She wraps up painting the corner in pleasant silence having run everyone else out of the room.

Marina walks into the office just off the main area, all done. Wheres Jenny?

She left right after the do-rag thing. And dont get mad at me, she wouldnt let me drive her, Shane continues lowering her voice to a mumble, cause I have to take you home.

Its not safe for Jenny to be driving. Shes too close to having the baby.

Shane raises her hands to the expected response, Shane Im sorry for being so bitchy I should just go home.

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

Sitting up in bed, knees clenched against her chest, Man, shes been a real down for days now. Cant hardly stand to be around her.

Vee runs her fingers softly along her thigh, soothing, theres been a lot going on, getting all the legal papers settled, fixing up the shop, and, a baby.

She needs to get laid, thats what I think.

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

With mixed feelings she left Jenny sleeping. Knowing her own current mood did not lend itself well to solving problems, she was thankful for the reprieve, and headed for the shower.

For weeks now, Jenny had been cranky and overly sensitive to every remark. Marina attributed it all to the pregnancy, especially now that the bathroom had become her own private haven, given the constant need to be in it. The ever present pressure had Jenny frequently having to go, not to mention, the morning sickness had resurrected its ugly head again.

Marina knows her mood hasnt helped given the over demand on her time. The Planets business continued to grow requiring her to be there more than expected. The time and stress, of getting everything in order for Shane to open her shop, had left little time for her and Jenny, taking up every extra moment of the day and of recent including their evenings. Then there was the added strain of hiding her routine visits with her, ever worried how to fit them into the day.

It had been a day of gathering news and finally enough had been enough. She knows why she hid it that first day, why she couldnt share it with Jenny, fearing too much upset all in a given day putting her or the baby in jeopardy. It was after several days had passed, never finding the right time, that she had resolved to tell Jenny only after the baby was born.

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

In the beginning, Shane had been lost about how to proceed with making her dream come true, claiming now their early mornings to discuss the means and ways in which she must fulfill her part of the agreement. Often she left Marina to review information and ideas for her startup, this morning had been no different.

The comfortable relaxing morning talk traded for serious discussion surrounding the selection of equipment, the contractors fees, and lessons in financial reporting. She gets up to leave her office, heading to the front for a fresh cup of latte to help her through this mornings review. Just as she steps out of the office, the phone rings behind her. She sighs and turns to answer it, hello?

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

She watched from the door, noticing the glaring warning sign, the flush color of her face, the green tint of the vile liquid forcing itself out of her. Marina could feel the empathetic rumblings within her own stomach as she watched, now holding her hand, trying to provide whatever comfort she may. She wipes her lips once again, leaning back against the pillow, goes with the red in my hair, dont you think?

She smiles wanly wanting nothing more than to provide some level of comfort and assurance, realizing that it is she comforting her with her faint attempts at humor. Marina grabs the rag from the cabinet, warming it and then gently she wipes Francescas face.

For hours only silent thoughts pass between them, waiting for the raging inferno to calm inside her, the passing of the liquid fire from her body. Finally, the calm comes and she begins to explain, I didnt have anyone else to call. Im not usually such a baby about things, but this one has me a little worried.

Marina eyes are sullen and dark, fear and concern has overwhelmed her, how long have you known?

A little before Christmas, couldnt let a little thing like cancer ruin the holidays though, right?

Marina looks down as she nods her head in false agreement, right. Her eyes narrowed, concern pouring from the lines in her face, how serious is it?

I believe they call it Stage IV. Of course, they had to rip a few things out to determine that. Too funny, they cut me up and put me in bed for weeks just to tell me theres not much they can do. I shouldve gone to Antigua, a much more graceful exit dont you think. She smiled warmly but only briefly in Marinas direction, realizing her disclosing look and the betrayal of her eyes to her heart.

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

Marina. Marina, I need your help.

Marinas eyes remain closed, sleep her best friend of late, visiting too infrequent, what is it Jenny?

I need you to push. I cant get up, irritation fills her voice, frustrated, once again needing to go to the restroom.

Marina gets up, eyes mostly close, her black tank crinkled and high on her waist, she stumbles around the bed to Jennys side. She yawns as she reaches her hand out, watching with only one eye open. As Jenny waddles past her, she plops back on the bed, legs dangling.

Jenny returns, shoving at Marinas legs, move your legs. Marina, youre in the way, move your legs. Marina crawls to the opposite side of the bed, curling up, desperate to return to her restful slumber. Did you hear anything from your attorney?

She moans at Jennys insistence she wake and have a coherent conversation, no, Jenny I havent heard from the attorney. Marina scoots up next to her, sliding an arm under her head and pillow, gently resting her hand on Jennys arm.

Are you going to call and find out if shes doing okay? Marina. Marina.

Marina pulls her arm back out and sits up in the bed, rubbed her eyes furiously, yawning, Of course Jenny, Ill call today, scooting to the end of the bed, she slides off and heads to the shower.

Marina, you act like its an imposition, you set this up and I just want to know if my mothers okay. Whats so wrong with that?

Marina steps back to the bed, leaning to kiss Jennys forehead, its not an imposition, Ill find out and let you know. She turns and heads once again towards the shower.

Sitting at the kitchen table, drinking juice with a slice of French bread, the phone rings, hello. No, Shane Im not coming in this morning, I have too many other things to do today. Thats right, my mother arrives today. Shane, call them, find out. You have to start doing these things without me all the time. No, its not that. Its just Shane its your business, its time for you to run it, thats all. Sure, ten-fifty, okay. Ciao.

Marina, could you come help me?

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

Over the past weeks, Francesca had whittled away to this small fragile frame. Her color had paled, hair streaked with white and her skin a sad mix of gray and ivory, Marina, isnt your mother coming in today, what on earth are you doing here?

Im sorry about yesterday, it was so busy, and we painted till almost midnight. Marina goes about the room, throwing away the dwindling flowers replacing them with the fresh bouquets she had bought on her way. Checking the water pitcher, is there anything you need, I finally had a chance to go by the bookstore and get that book you wanted. She pulls it from the bag and thoughtfully places it on the stand well within Francescas reach.

She reaches out a weak frail hand, placing it tenderly on Marinas arm, please, sit with me, here on the bed. Its been a long time since I had you in my bed. Her words cause a sudden look from Marina, the one thing she tried to work up to slowly with each visit, seeing her like this.

I take it from your expression Im not looking especially attractive today.

Marina takes a deep breath, desperate to hold back the tears, since I saw you that night from the landing, all those years ago. I dont recall ever thinking you were anything but attractive. Her smile is warm and loving, remembering where they once were, what she once felt.

They sat and talked awhile of days past, memories shared. Even now, at the end of her days, Francescas wit and charm emanates the room and Marinas heart. They laughed about the silly things, they cried about the sad things, holding her hand, Francesca, I always loved you, you know that right?

Oh, I think you reminded me a time or two. Fond eyes, warm to her sentiment, Marina, no one was ever as important in my life as you were. I want you to know that. Marina head turns down, understanding what she is trying to tell her, You believe me dont you?

Finally, her eyes meet Francescas, yes.

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

Ill wait here, Jenny carefully maneuvers to sit down on the bench as Marina steadies her. She watches as she continues down the corridor to the gate.

Shane comes rushing up to Jenny, sorry man, runnin late business you know.

Marina and Ana are arm in arm as they approach where Jenny and Shane are waiting. Marina points them out as Shane helps Jenny to stand, Oh Jenny sweetheart you are definitely having a baby.

Ana pulls her close hugging her and kissing her cheek, yes, I am.

Shane you want to help me with the bags? As they return, they see Ana with her arm around Jenny helping her into a wheelchair, whats wrong.

Jenny looks up at her, sea green eyes wide and shining, Im having a baby. She sees Marina roll her eyes, no, really Im having a baby now