Carving Paths
Hidden Scars in Moon
Part Two


Shane slouched against the wall, observing the uncomfortable silence hove above them, as they surrounded Marinas bed. Dana had left briefly to check on Tonya. Dana returned, informing that Tonya had received stitches and shes not happy.

Hearing that, Tina tried to stifle her laughter in back of her throat, Alice grinned knowing what happened to Tonya. Bette discreetly watched Tina, happy that both of them are getting the chance to work things out later. Seeing Tina trying to clear her throat, Dana didnt find it funny that Tonya got hurt and wanting to tell Tina off but Alice stopped her with her look telling Dana that she will explain later.

Uncertainty remained in the group, waiting for Marina to wake up. Shane had enough of the tension, deciding to break it. Shane hopped on the edge of Marinas bed, much to everyones horror. Shane, sitting close to Marinas upper body, leaned close to Marinas ear and whispered something into it. Her brown eyes blinked several times then opened, Marina groaned. Smiling at Shane, Marina tried to clear her throat. Tina bought a cup of water to Marina, Marina looked at her gratefully as Tina helped her to drink it.

Her lips turned upwards, trying not to smile. They bought interesting look to themselves, all banged up and bruised. Shane looked much more worse, having split lip, raw knuckles, and more injuries but remain hidden from plain sight.

“You all look like you have been through ***** and back,” Marina said, as she couldnt contain her laughter. Grins broke out throughout the room, lightening up the tension.

“Stupid. Why did you do that to yourself.” Shane glared at Marina.

“Shane. I cant explain it to you and it is personal. But given the second chance, I have a reason to live for,” Marina said, a catch in her voice. Causing everyone get teary eyed and they jumped on the bed, hugging Marina. Thankful that Marina survived and getting a second chance that would have made her happy if she wanted to fight for it.

No more running away, she has great friends and they all cared about her a great deal. Now feeling part of the family, Marina closed her eyes in thanks. As she almost died, she missed something important which is life is rare one and worth living for. She forgot that. Light simmered in her mind, hope and love is now within her, she never lost it only it was cloaked in darkness.

“Who found me?”

Bette said gently to Marina, “It was Jenny.”

Pain pierced her heart, feeling guilty that she caused enough turmoil in that girls life. She vowed to work on getting Jenny back and convince her that she loved her.

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

Two days later


Jenny muttered, running a hand through her hair, concentrating on the story that she worked for three days straight without sleep. Havent slept or eaten, Jenny thought, this story is more important than the useless human activity. Her bloodshot eyes stared into the computer screen, her mind filled with sentences and flowing storyline.

Not seeing Tim standing right front of her, worried. Tim sniffed, the room stinks, the laundry sewn all over the floor.

“Hey. Jenny?” Tim waved his hand front of her face. Jenny continued to ignore him. Tim gave up, about to leave and looked at Jenny, determined to bring food to her and force-feed her if he had to. He left her alone in her writing world.

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

Looking around the office, it looks empty, it satisfied Alice as she hurried to get her necessary stuff to bring it home to work on her story. She didnt want to show up for work later in the day, not wanting to draw some attention since she has a faint bruise on her cheek.

Long legs rested on the desk, the body leaned back in the chair, giving the casual feel. Spikes of his brown hair stood everywhere, unshaven, and his eyes remain closed, resting. Wearing black t-shirt and old pair of jeans with holes in it, giving him the dangerous look. Alice wryly smiled; Jack is like a chameleon, can change into anything to fit the mood and blend into the surroundings.

Alice tiptoed around him, trying not to make any noise. Alice gathered everything she needed, started to walk past him, but his arm shot out and grabbed her waist. Curving into a lazy smile, jade eyes opened and Jack pulled her closer.

“Jack, please let me go. I have to be somewhere,” Alice pleaded, annoyed at the fact nothing can get past Jack.

“Darling, no need to be in a hurry.” Jack said lazily, but his smile faded as he noticed a faint bruise on her cheek. Jack abruptly pulled her down to his eye level; his hand gently brushed her cheek. Alice, overwhelmed with tenderness, met into Jacks concerned eyes.

“Just no big deal, got in a bar fight.” Jack burst out laughing, shaking his head. Attractive and feisty woman was involved in a bar fight. Very intriguing. They shared a secret smile, liking each other more.

***********

Moving to the beat of the music, her mind relaxed and enjoyed the moment, not caring what is going on around her. Feeling high, Shane continued to dance with two girls as they grinded against each other. Her mood remain solemn, cant get rid of those damn nightmares. Shane snapped out of it, needing more ecstasy to shut down her mind.

Dammit, its Cheries fault. Bringing those feelings and memories back, Shane pushed those girls away out of the way as the room started to close in making Shane dizzy and her anxiety started to increase.

Needing to have some air, Shane quickly walked outside. Breathing in the fresh air, Shane took a cigarette out, lighting it up as she drag it in, blowing the smoke out as it calmed her down. Shane closed her eyes in frustration, still feeling unsettled and vulnerable.

Those same girls that Shane was dancing with earlier came up to her, offered her the ecstasy and *****. Shane shrugged as she followed them into the alley, not caring as long as she gets what she wanted. Meaning thoughts and feelings disappear, it would satisfy her edgy mood. Flickering off her cigarette in the air, Shane disappeared with two girls, as the smoke still burned into the night.

Next morning, Shane groped for her clothes. Her gritty eyes squinted painfully against the sunlight shone into the bedroom; she crawled out of the bed. Quietly she dressed, leaving behind the girls she used. She needed coffee to wake her up, Shane walked downstairs in the apartment building, she set out to Planet, her safe haven.

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

Propping her arms on the order table, her chin rested on her hands watching Lara in action. Lara moved from food to food, checking on it making sure its good and having the correct placement. At the corner of her eye, she saw Dana watching her.

Lara walked over to her. She smiled, ” What are you doing here?”

With a casual shrug, “Just thinkin and watching you in action is fascinating.”

Suspiciously, Lara peered into Danas eyes, trying to figure out what Danas thinking.

“So how are you feeling?” Dana asked her, holding back the grin.

“Im fine. Why?”

“We had an interesting night together,” Dana said. Lara look in horror, hoping she didnt do anything stupid. She hate drinking, it can wipe out her memory when she get drunk. Laras hands fluttered nervously, Dana stilled them.

“Not bad. Im going to tell you a secret. You knocked out my girlfriend,” Dana smiled then Lara froze. Afraid that woman will get her back for revenge. “Luckily, you were behind her. She doesnt know who did it.” Laras shoulders sagged in relief, hoping she will never find out.

“Im sorry.” Embarrassed, Lara covered her face.

Dana pulled her hands away. “Its okay. After all we were in a bar fight.”

Lara squeaked, “A bar fight? ” No wonder where she got the bruises from.

Dana grinned, “No more drinking for you, Lara.”

“You can be sure of that.”

Dana squeezed Laras hands gently, Lara pulled her hands away, needing to go back to work, and Dana let Lara go. Having one more secret from Lara, its worth keeping from her. Whistling, Dana went back to her practice.

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

Jack insisted he should work with her, meaning he would have to hang out at her place. Alice rolled her eyes, their attraction keep growing, simply made her nervous. Alice hasnt had a solid relationship and falling in love can be easy but terrifying.

Looking like he made himself at home, whistling as he leafed through her music collection. Alice plopped herself on the couch, using the phone to order pizza. Her gaze wandering, following his lean and broad back. Just checking him out. Feeling unsettled, for the first time she felt comfortable with herself while shes with Jack.

Pieces of pizza continued to disappear, as they worked intently on their columns and occasionally they swamped their articles to see if they fit each other, keeping the flow. Jack nodded in approval. Alice grabbed their papers and threw up in air, flying gently around them. Now the work is done.

Jack bit his lip thoughtfully, “Hey. Alice, wanna play a game?” his jade eyes twinkled mischievously. Looking at him warily, wondering whats up with him.

Jack waited, humming under his breath, “scaredy cat”, to bug Alice and to get her play the game. Feeling uneasy in pit of her stomach, not liking the idea of game. It can turn out dangerous and revealing. Their eyes met, Jack held out his hands as he looked innocent, his brows raising and his eyes widen. Finding hard to resist him, Alice gave him go-ahead motion of her hand.

“Okay. Since we have been working together as partners. I dont know nothing about you, I want to get to know you,” Jack said straightforward and honest. The uneasy feeling disappeared; Alice tried to hide her blush as she turned her head, pretending to cough.

Jack pulled her out of the chair and put her on the couch, making her to sit up with her legs on the couch while Jack sat next to her but imitated the pose, as they sat back to back, they couldn’t see each others face. Jack thought it would be easy, when they get into the game. Jack cleared his throat as he started to explain the game

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

Bette held the door open, Tina stood there nervously. Her brown eyes softening, trying to reassure Tina. Both felt awkward, unsure how they act around each other. Taking the lead, Bette gently put her hand on small part of Tinas back, pushing her slightly into their house.

Tina flinched, not wanting Bette to touch her. Bette backed off, giving Tina some space. As she settled on the couch, waiting for Bette to make the first move.

Nothing, silence continued. Bette stood there, uncertain how to begin. Tina sighed.

“Im so sorry, Tina.” Bette blurted out.

“Im sorry too. Our relationship was in trouble for long time, I didnt notice it.” Tina stared down to her hands, “I need to be honest with you. I lost myself. We just stopped talking.” Tina glanced up, seeing Bette agreeing with her.

“Maybe we jumped in too fast. At the beginning, it was intense and exciting. It was the first time that I felt that way, and when we started to get serious, I became used to you. I think that time we stopped talking and ***** became nonexistent.”

Bette continued. “But I dont regret it at all. I found you. And fell in love with you. Nothing I would take back. I dont know why and how it did get to the point when we began to drift apart. No matter what, I still love you, ” Bette said earnestly.

Tina smiled wryly, but getting to ask this question is harder than she thought.

“Why did you sleep with Candace?”

Bette exhaled. The direct one.

“I dont know. To take the edge off, I guess. Maybe I was running away,” Frustrated, Bette still dont have the answer to give to Tina.

Tina became upset; still dont have the answer to that question. She started to lash out to Bette, “You dont want me. I just became someone who took care of you. You never needed me, just got bored with me.” Tina looked away in hurt, not wanting to look at Bette.

“How could you say that”, Bette said angrily. Not thinking at all, Bette simply reacted as she grabbed Tina by back of her neck, kissing her hard. Pure shock ran through her but hunger and desire fogged her mind as Tina kissed her back, devouring her mouth. Tina felt the jolt and burst of the heat as Bette struggled to hold on the edge of her control. Both of them let go of each other, felt the wild beat of her heart as Bette smiled. She proved her point. Breathing heavily, Tina stared at Bette; the desire of wanting each other has never stopped, just forgotten.

“We both know it is not good time to get back together and we have lost so much. But Im offering my friendship, as the starting point. I dont want to lose you, I still want you be part of my life.” Bette sat down, hoping Tina would at least consider it.

Wanting to make Bette suffer, “I dont know. I dont really like you and being part of your life is torture.” Turning her back to Bette and walked to the front door, Bette sat there quietly.

“Im kidding. I would like that. Friendship sounds good and well take it slow, let it build.” Grinning, Tina turned back, Bettes eyes started to water, sniffling as they shared a look. Tina opened the door, knowing they will see each other again.

When Tina left, Bette whispered, ” I will wait for you to come back to me.”

*********

Sitting on the table, sipping her coffee as the aftereffect are wearing out, pushing her out to the harsh light of reality. Her head pounding, Shane gritted her teeth, riding out the pain.

The cold hands clamped over her eyes, not seeing. Hands slowly fell away, the face appeared in her line of vision.

“Carmen. How nice.” Uninterested as Shane continued to sip; Carmen frowned at the formal greeting.

“Hmm. You look like *****.” Carmen brought the chair scraping the floor on purpose as she put it backwards, sitting. Shane grimaced, wanting Carmen to go away.

Carmen continued to talk to Shane, “I heard around here that you are a player. Thats interesting. Shane, I wondered why didnt you take advantage of me. Suddenly developed a conscience?” Carmen looked at her curiously.

“I dont give the ***** what people think. Im outta here.” Shane leaned close to her, “Stay away from me.” Her hazel eyes warned her, asking her not to get close. Shane stood up, walked out of the door, leaving behind the captivated audience. Staring at the door, worried there is something going on and Carmen will not stop until she finds out what mysteries laid with Shane.