Come on, Shane, dont be such a bore. Francesca said, still laughing. It doesnt suit you.

Would someone please tell me whats going on here? Robin asked remarkably calm, considering that she had just seen her new lover eat out another woman. And that woman being mysterious Marina of all people: Jennys former lover and one she had dated herself once or twice. Jenny certainly doesnt seem to be in trouble.

Oh, she is, Francesca said. In more trouble than she can handle.

Robin regarded her coolly for a moment. You want to mess those two up. And you were going to use me to do that.

Honey, theyre already messed up. Robins calm demeanor obviously confused Francesca and it was clear that she didnt like it when people acted differently than she wanted them to. And if you care for the little writer, you should get her out of here before the taste of Marina drives her completely over the edge.

Robin shook her head in disgust. Im not going to play the jealous lover for you, Francesca, if thats why you brought me here. My relationship with Jenny is not like that.

Shane cheered inside. Robin was clearly not about to play Francescas game. Shes one ***** of a woman, Shane thought with sudden interest. It takes a lot of class to deal so calmly with the mess she unsuspectingly has landed in the middle of.

A laud moan interrupted her thoughts and all eyes focused on Jennys apparently extreme pleasure.

Man, Shane thought. Marina must be as good as she looks.

Robin grinned and wriggled her eyebrows at her, and Shane returned the grin with a broad one of her own. Yeah, I really like that woman.

Francesca growled, eyes narrowing in anger.

An angry Francesca could be dangerous. Shane knew she had to do something to take some of the heat out of the situation. And shed better do it fast.

I think we should leave those two alone, Robin said and gave Francesca a look. And it goes for you, too, she paused, Fran.

Francesca stared at both of them like they were raving mad.

Shane stiffened in chock. Francesca wasnt used to that tone of voice – not at all. And Shanes next words stumbled out like she was a nervous teenager on her first date.
Please, Francesca. I know you care about Marina. Why hurt her by ***** with her life even more?

You dont know a ***** thing about what Marina and I have, Francesca snarled. Shes nothing without me. And you should know better than to mess with that, Shane, considering how much alike your backgrounds is. You better remember that small fact.

So much for reasoning with her, Shane thought sadly

Robins eyebrow lifted.

I just have to remind her of that, like I apparently have to remind you too. Youre walking on thin ice, honey.

Robin rolled her eyes at Shane.

Maybe she really loves Jenny, Shane said, really uncomfortable with the obvious threats made against her. She knew Francesca was capable of some serious damage. You cant mess that up.

I cant? Francesca laughed. You should know me better than that, honey.

Robin shook her head in amazement. When I got caught between Jenny and Marina, I thought I somehow had landed in the middle of a daytime soap, but she gestured at Francesca. arent you taking the concept a bit too far? Is this All My Children or something, with you as the villain of the season?

Shane snorted, surprising herself by nearly laughing. And dismissing the dangerous road she had taken, she said: Welcome to our world, Robin. Sometimes I have to ask the big soap question myself.

Listen, FRAN, Robin continued, serious steel had entered her voice. I care very much for Jenny and I believe Shane here cares a lot for Marina, so were not going to let you hurt them, at least not today when were here to stop you.

Francescas eyes widened in disbelieve.

I guess the plan just backfired, Shane mumbled and looked at Robin with admiration.

What the ***** is going on here? None of them had heard the window open, before Jennys head poked out of it and her voice penetrated the loaded air. Behind her stood Marina, stark naked and staring at Francesca with something close to fear in her eyes.

Robin? Jenny asked nervously. What are you doing here?

Im really sorry, Jenny. FRAN brought me. She told me you were in some sort of trouble and I was stupid enough to believe her, Robin smiled reassuringly.

Jenny sighed in obvious relief that things were still okay between them.

Marina, Francesca demanded. Get your clothes on. We have to leave now.

What?! Jenny shrieked.

Francesca, Shane warned and Robin moved closer to her, forming a massive wall between Francesca and the two lovers.

But Shane knew that it was up to Marina now. They couldnt break Francescas hold on her, it was something she had to do herself. All they could do was give their support and hope for the best.

Marina. Francescas voice was cold as ice.

Jenny turned around to face her lover, obviously expecting the naked Marina to say something.

Wow, Robin whispered to Shane. Hot body on that one.

Shane nodded discretely. But she saw something more than a body in great shape. What she saw in Marinas face surprised her.

Marina, who seldom shoved any emotion when she was expected to, practically reeked of turmoil, anxiety and fear.

Were going to leave now, Marina. Get dressed. Clearly an order, not a request. And Shane sensed some serious threats in those innocent words.

Jenny gritted her teeth. Marina?

Come on, Shane pleaded inwardly. Dont let her win, not again.

No. Marinas answer came out weak, but it was clearly a NO.

Francesca shook her head in surprise. Youll regret this, she hissed.

I know, Marina whispered.

And then Francesca left, leaving behind a chill air that scared all of them.

Marinas eyes met Shanes; both of them knew that they hadnt seen the last of The Big F. The aftershock of that NO and Shanes taking a stand against her, would sooner or later hit them hard.

Robin laughed uncomfortably. That woman must have her own chapter in The Book of Psychopaths, she managed to say, before she realized that Marina probably had loved the woman at one point. She looked apologetically at Marina. No offence.

None taken.

Now, Jenny said and dragged a startled Marina away from the window. We got to talk.

Marinas whole body stiffened.

So, Shane, Robin said. I saw a place further down the road. Maybe the two of us should go there and have a drink or something, while those two work it out?

Yeah. Shane nodded.

Bette and Tina were still taking and they seemed okay, and she really needed to relieve some of todays stress and emotional ups and downs, just leave the soap behind for a moment or two.

And she really wanted to get to know Robin a little better.

She grabbed her phone. Ill send them a note, so they know where we are.

Robin smiled warmly.

tbc
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