The burning smell of rubber, oil, and smoke roused Shane from her alcohol-induced dementia to find herself ready to be engulfed in flames.

Wha? What the? Shane mumbled, baffled by what she saw.

She forced herself forward feeling like shed been hit with a sledgehammer, still not completely aware of what happened. The heat of the flames scared her at first, but it warmed her into a perverse pleasurable feeling. A voice inside screamed out to her.

Get out of the truck stupid. Get out! Get out!

Finally realizing she was in danger, Shane forced the door open to escape. She fell onto the sidewalk landing carelessly, screaming in pain at the possibility that her wrist might be broken. Blood dripped from a wide gash on her forehead and her head and chest ached like *****. The lights and sounds of sirens filled the dark air as she heard the sound of voices heading toward her. Still not completely aware of what was happening, Shane crawled toward the approaching feet and reached out to the stranger with her unhurt hand. She felt the latex-covered glove grip her palm, and then she mumbled incoherent words and passed out.

****

Alice was pissed that Shane left her alone with Tina to play fill in. A part of her still had suspicions that Shane was harboring a secret crush and also felt a little rejected that Tina was spending more time with Shane than her. She knew deep down that there was nothing Shane wouldnt do for the gang in a time of need, but this just seemed to rub her the wrong way. Maybe it was because Tina had come to her first and she was the first to know what happened. Alice was also concerned for how Shane would react to Bette especially since shed been drinking. She knew Shane wouldnt cause any physical harm, but she had been drinking pretty heavily before she left, in addition to suppressing her own hurt feelings, which in itself was a pretty intoxicating cocktail. A wave of panic seized Alice, fearing that Shane showing up at Bettes at some ungodly hour of the night would push them both over the edge.

To clear her mind, Alice called Shanes cell to make sure that she was okay and that she wasnt going to blow up on Bette. She knew Bette wouldnt be prepared to face another enraged woman and even though she strongly disagreed with what happened, she still had some compassion in her heart.

The phone rang endlessly finally connecting to the voice message.

*****! Alice pouted, disconnecting the call. Maybe shes in a dead zone. Ill call back, she said.

****

Get what? Tonya asked in disbelief as Dana made circles in her thigh.

I want you to leave Tonya, Dana repeated. This isnt working, she stated calmly trying to diffuse the situation before it even escalated.

Tonya sat up in the bed still looking at Dana in disbelief. She was trying to comprehend what she heard, shaking her head to dismiss the words.

Did you just tell me that you want me to leave sweetie? Tonya asked sounding extra syrupy sweet. You couldnt have just said that, she said negating the statement.

Yes, I did. I realized that this just isnt going to work, Dana said maintaining both her distance and tone.

Tonya got up and walked toward Dana who stepped backward, which seemed to insight agitation in Tonya.

Stop moving Dana. I mean sweetie. Please, she said lowering her own tone.

Dana stopped moving, but put up her hand to block Tonya from coming any closer. Tonya outweighed her by at least twenty pounds and she might not be able to support herself if she was lunged at. She saw the anger brewing in Tonyas face and it slightly scared her. Shed never been good with confrontation and was having a hard time dealing with it. Strategy. Think strategy, she said in her mind.

Okay, Tonya lets have a seat and talk like rational people, Dana said firmly pushing Tonya into the living room.

*****

Bette laid on the bed and Candace ran her hand through her hair. Even with her disheveled look, Bette was still surprisingly alluring and *****. It was that raw, natural beauty she exuded that attracted Candace to her and she thought back to the first time they met. She smiled softly. Bette cradled Candaces legs as she stood before her, feeling a sense of warmth and security. Candace reveled in the moment, she too feeling warm and secure, and not wanting to entertain the outside world and its distractions for now.

How ya feeling?

You really want to know? Bette replied cautiously.

Sure or I wouldnt have asked.

Bette let go of Candaces legs and pulled her down beside her. She stared into her big brown eyes seeing all the sympathy and compassion a lover should have in a time of need, smiling shyly almost afraid to speak.

To be honest Im not quite sure, Bette admitted. Im still trying to make myself understand what happened and how.

Candace heard the double meaning in Bettes confession and the words shattered her blissful state. Reality was rearing its head and there was no avoiding it by hiding in hotel rooms, closed offices, or any other discrete quarters. She hated having asked.

I understand, Candace empathized not knowing what else to say. Hows your face?

Bette touched her cheek, feeling the swelling. It stings a little, but I hadnt really given it any thought. Im worried about her, she said sadly.

Im sorry Bette. Candace stated, trying not to lose her external composure even though she was crying inside.

*****

Alice called Shanes cell again. Still no answer. She really began to worry now. She knew the route to Bettes and there werent that many dead zones. It was LA and EVERYONE had cells.

As much as I dont wanna do this, Im gonna have to call Bette, Alice fussed nervously.

She called the house. No answer.

Where the ***** could she be? She snapped pacing the floor. Okay, calm down Alice, call her cell. But where the ***** could she be anyway? Especially at this time of night, Alice continued her tirade.

She dialed and waited. Finally Bette picked up.

Bette, have you seen Shane? No? She didnt call you? *****! This isnt good. Look, I dont care where you are and I know Im being rude right now, but get back to your house and Ill meet you there, Alice ranted and hung up, storming into the bedroom. Tina! Tina, wake up. Somethings wrong. I can feel it, Alice panicked as she woke Tina from her sleep.

Wha? Wha? Who? What happened? Tina asked startled.

Shane left to go see Bette a while ago. I called Shane and shes not answering, so I called Bette and she said Shanes not there and she hasnt heard from her. Ive got this horrible feeling somethings wrong. Come on, were heading to your place to find out whats going on, Alice babbled.

No, no! Shane? Please tell me youre wrong, Tina begged then paused. Al, I, I dont think I can go back there and I cant see that woman again, Tina whined, pushing Alices hand from her wrist.

After everything Shanes done for you, youre saying no? Alice retorted. Look, suck it up kiddo, this is Shane were talking about.

Tina let everything she heard process through her still half-asleep mind. Then, what Alice said hit her.

*****! *****! Youre right. Where are my shoes?

*****

Bettes cell phone ringing distracted she and Candace from their conversation.

It might be Tina, Bette jumped up to get her bag.

Candace stood by helplessly.

Hello? Tina? Oh, Alice! No. No. What? Okay, Bette responded breathing hard.

Candace realized something was wrong.

That was a strange conversation. Everything okay?

No, Bette replied still looking at her phone. That was Alice. She said Shane was on her way to see me, but when she called her cell she got no answer.

So, why is that bad?

Well, you have to know Shane to know that shes not typically the compassionate one of the group. Meaning she closets her feelings, Bette explained. Anyway, she never has her cell off, shes quite the stud and Alices gut feelings are usually on point, so if she says somethings not right, it usually isnt. She wants me to go back home so that we can all figure out whats going on.

And youre going even with what happened?

Yes. I have to. *****, its the least I can do for all the damage Ive caused.