World Weary
Discovery of The End of the World
Part Two


Blaring radio filled the air inside the car as Jenny drove to Planet; she wondered what time Planet opened this morning. She glanced at the radio clock, “6 am” She murmured out loud. Jenny shrugged, thinking it should be open already because it was Monday and people tended to grab a coffee first thing in morning. She pulled into the parking lot and turned off her engine.

The door opened, Jenny paused at the entranceway. Unsure of what she is doing. Jenny took a deep breath and strode to the counter.

“Hi. Wheres Marina?” Jenny asked, the worker shrugged and replied, “She didnt show up and I guess shell be late.” Jenny frowned at her; worries grasped her as the worker turned back to work. Hurriedly, Jenny went into Marinas office, seeing her office brought back the memories and she sat on the desk, looking for some clues. Feeling uneasy, knowing Marina never miss a day at work since she owns a business and calling her employees to let them know that she cant make it.

“Oh, *****”. Jenny left Planet quickly, hoping she could find Marina at her home.

Unknowingly to Jenny, an envelope laid on the floor, unseen and unknown as Jenny quickly walked out.

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

Coming out of the shower, she dried her hair using the towel. She looked at the mirror, seeing her exhaustion. Sighing, she went into her bedroom to get dressed.

“Come on, Tina. Youre coming with me. If I have to drag you out, that’s fine with me.” Alice said, smirking at Tina. Tina glared at her; she dragged herself out of the comfy couch.

Tina disappeared into the bathroom, readying herself to face the world. She grimaced slightly at her disheveled appearance.
*********

At the Planet, Alice tapped impatiently on the counter as she waited for her coffee. Alice turned around to check on Tina, making sure she was interacting with people. Finding her, she realized Tina was doing okay in public, frowning as she noticed some patrons checking Tina out. Alice knew Tina is not ready for that kind of thing.

Alice grabbed two coffees as they appeared on the counter, walking to Tina.

“Hey. Heres your coffee” Alice said gently, noticing Tinas exhausted expression. Tina smiled in thanks.

Alice had figured out what happened between Tina and Bette and the first clue was Tina was drawing another line connecting to Bette and leaving some letters. She looked at her watch; she has a staff meeting in 30 minutes.

” Tina, I hate to do this to you but I have to go. Have a meeting in 30 mins. Will you be okay by yourself?” Alice looked at Tina, concerned if Tina can handle it alone. Tina reached over and squeezed Alices hand, she nodded.

“Get out of here. Im thinking about going away for a while. I have rented a cabin for several weeks. I need to figure out about what I want to do with my life” Tina said solemnly. They both stood up and hugged.

Alice leaned back, ” Tina, please keep in touch with me. So I will know that you will be okay.” Alice waved goodbye as she hurried out of the door.

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

Tina took a deep breath and stepped out of her car, seeing their house for the first time after everything that happened in that house.

Pausing in their doorway, she noticed that everything is empty and quiet. Tina brushed her blond hair and walked into the living room. Bette froze as she saw Tina for the first time since that night, but there is something different with Tina. She seems stronger and Bette admit she cant tell what Tina is feeling right now.

They stared at each other, keeping their distance. Both felt they were complete strangers to each other at that moment, not being able to explain what is going on in their relationship.

Tina felt that she wasnt in the mood to face Bette and not wanting to talk to her, all she wanted is to get her stuff together and put her life back together. She admitted to herself that she gave her life up to become a housewife and have kids with her. She closed her eyes briefly, knowing shes glad that she didnt bring a child to the term since they both lost their ways and would have made things worse. Now Tina feel shes growing apart from Bette and Bette couldnt share herself completely with Tina. It hurts that Bette wanted everything in her control, including protecting Tina and not letting her to see Bettes pain. But life had happened and everything is now out in open but their future is uncertain, not certain enough to fix their relationship. Tina looked at Bette, not knowing if Bette has admitted to herself that she needed help, to get her off the self destructive path since Bette didnt trust Tina enough to lean on her or talk it out. Tina looked into Bettes eyes, showing her sadness.

“Its over, Bette.”

Tina walked past her, into their bedroom to gather her stuff. Bette stood there, shell-shocked. Tina gave up on us too easily. She fell to her knees, in first time in her life that she lost something precious to her and shes not sure if Tina is coming back to her. Ever. Bette let anguish, anger, and frustration fill her, staring at the closed door between Tina and her.

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

Jenny dialed Tims phone numbers into her cell phone as she started her car. Staring into her rearview mirror, her blue eyes filled with anxiety and worry; her hands shaking slightly. Her instinct telling her theres something wrong going on but not sure what.

“Hello” came out Tims voice causing Jenny snap back from her thoughts.

“Hey Tim. I need your help and Im on my way to pick you up.”

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

She wanders along on the side of endless road as the dust swirled in the air. Shane took off her sunglasses and squinted, hoping to see any form of civilization. Sighing, she sat down.

Shane took off her long sleeved black t-shirt; the sheer sweat covered her body. She looked down the road hoping by the random chance that the car can just appear from nowhere. She put her shirt on her upper body, protecting from sunrays as she lay back, putting her arms under her head. Her hazel eyes stared upward, seeing blue skies. She smiled wryly as she took a brief nap.

Her memories swam in her, causing her to recoil. “Dont want to remember, dont want to remember” as those words ran through her thoughts. Her fists clenched as she struggled to push away her memories and trying to keep her mind blank.

The memories came through, feeling someone punched through her stomach.

” Get the ***** away from me” older version of Shane screamed at 14 years old Shane, Shane clamped her hands over her ears protecting from a shrill, high pitch voice piercing her eardrums. Mother grabbed Shane, pushed her out of her house, leaving her outside in cold, snowy winter as her mother slammed the door shut. Shane stood outside, unsure where she could go, shivering and rubbing her arms trying to conserve her heat.

” Hi, little girlie. Wanna to help me out,” Old guy leered at her, grabbed her. Shane whimpered as she tried to break away from his hold.
” Hey, hey. Dont do that or Ill hurt you.” Shane continued to struggle, ignoring his warning. The guy became furious and slapped her, started to drag her further into the alley. The cries of pain and fear echoed throughout the alley.

Shane tossed and turned, trying to stop more memories from overflowing her mind. In her exhaustion state, she finally fell into dreamless sleep. Not becoming aware that a car was approaching her.

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

“What the ***** is going on?” Tim groused, not wanting to be part of the drama between Jenny and Marina. He finally accepted Jenny and they managed to retain their friendship. He knew it still hurts, knowing he was not the one for Jenny.

He could see the serious and worry etched into her face, Tim laid his hand on her shoulder to provide some comfort and support. Recognizing the fact that Jenny still needs him gave him the feeling of being useful. Jenny glanced over to him as she drove to Marinas house. She smiled at him briefly. Tim is willing to wait for the explanation when shes ready.

Im just hoping Im overreacting, Jenny thought, frowning slightly. If Marina has done something really stupid, Jenny promised to herself that she would kick her *****. Why am I looking for Marina? Oh my god. Im really in love with her after all the ***** she pulled on me. Jenny rubbed her eyes, warding away the headache and feeling tired of all the drama she has been through this year.

Pulling up in Marinas driveway, Jenny parked her car in front of Marinas front door. Jenny touched Tims shoulder, ” Tim, the door is open. Do you think someone broke in?” Jenny looked fearfully at Tim.

” I dont know, well check it out,” Tim took her hand, pulling her along.

Approaching the door, Tim leaned inside of the entrance, calling out ” Marina, are you there?” No response. Tim looked at Jenny and nodded, ” I guess we can look around and make sure theres nothing wrong.”

As they looked through all the rooms on the first floor, they have seen nothing has been stolen as the television and expensive stuff remained around the house. They continued on to the second floor, seeing nothing as they walked down the hallway. Tim tripped slightly over the piece of clothing, Tim leaned down to pick something up. Jenny couldnt see what hes holding, Tim turned with raised eyebrows and wearing a comical expression as he held up the lacy black bra. Jenny sighed and looking past Tim, seeing the trail of clothing leading to the bathroom. Tim followed her glance and continued to go after the trail.

Feeling apprehensive, Jenny trailed behind Tim. Tim stopped at the closed bathroom door and Jenny drew up to Tims side, together they opened the door. Jenny tripped backward, losing her balance as she fell to the floor. She couldnt react or cant even think as the sorrow filled her. Tim continued to the bathtub, ignoring the fact shes naked. Feeling the pulse, but found none and the blue color tinged on Marinas lips signaled her death.