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Carving Paths: True Elsewhere ( Part Ten )
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Carving Paths
True Elsewhere
Part Ten
Carmen craned her neck sideway, as it cracked and stretched her muscles. Sore from sleeping in her jeep, as she spent all night checking out the possible locations where Shane might have gone to. Parked in remote and empty parking lot, leaving the jeep and she stretched her arms as the sunset appeared in the horizon. Her eyes squinted, scratchy and red from restless sleep, rubbing her eyes. She was not giving up, she refocused at the task and shifting her concentration to something else, knowing where to start.
Pulling out her cell phone, as she made a phone call to certain someone who can help her to find someone who she knew so well in the past and getting that address. Not caring what time as she woke her friend up and asked her to find the information she needed. Thanking her and telling she owe her big, Carmen went back to her jeep and set out to see her old friend.
Knocking at the door, still no one answered. Carmen decided to go in anyways, the door always has been unlocked. The house look trashed, looking like they had a special party last night. Carmen sighed, as she stepped over the plastic cups, pieces of food she couldn’t identify, and used cigarette butts. Not liking this but having no choice, Carmen went upstairs and entered into her old friend’s bedroom, seeing him sprawled out on the bed with two girls. Kicking on the side of the bed, trying to wake him. He stirred and his left eye popped open.
“*****! Carmen, what are you doing here?” He gathered his sheet, trying to conserve his privacy.
Carmen rolled her eyes at him, ” What do you think what I’m doing? Here for the favor. Just get dressed and meet me outside. We gotta talk.”
Few minutes later, the man came out with bleary redden eyes and scratching his bare chest, wincing when the sunlight hurt his eyes. Carmen crossed her arms, frowning at him.
“Where do the drug addicts usually hang out after they have no place to stay?”
Her friend made innocent face, “Who, me? Okay, okay.” After Carmen gave him the look of exaggerated hurt frown, knowing him very well.
“There are several places I know still exists. I need a trip to memory lane sometimes to remember where I was in certain place of my life. Where is the paper? I’m going to give you the addresses,” Carmen gave him the mini version of notepad and he jotted it down as he continued,” Is it your friend?” Seeing Carmen’s expressionless answer, understanding it’s personal.
Carmen nodded in thanks and was about to leave, when he called out to her, ” Carmen. It’s nice to see you again. Be careful and good luck.” Carmen waved to him as her jeep pulled out of his driveway.
***********
Her fist pounded on the hood of her jeep in frustration, after few days of search and still no closer finding Shane. She haven’t ate that much, her sleep has been reduced to naps, and her energy level is low. Carmen looked down the notepad, seeing the last place she haven’t looked but it seems to be far-fetched and it’s out of West Hollywood. Why not, it could surprise her that Shane was desperate to escape to where no one can find her.
Gunning the engine, she hopped in and started to go ahead in that direction. Arriving at the remote location thirty minutes later, seeing the tattered white house looking it will about to fall over in any second. Broken windows and the door is crooked, Carmen stared at it for few seconds in disgust and proceed to the door.
Stepping into the doorway, Carmen coughed. There is so much dust covering the air, Carmen searched the first floor and finding nothing. She continued on to upstairs, she looked in the room number one, nothing and then number two, she opened the door and the room is completely dark. Her eyes quickly scanned the room and she was about move back out, but the shadow shifted.
Excited, Carmen pushed the door wide open and letting the light in, to give her the better view. Carmen smiled in relief, seeing Shane peering up at her suspiciously. She is okay and alive, but barely. Carmen wanted to cry after all she kept searching for her and her friends will be relieved at the fact Shane is still here.
When Carmen stepped through the smoke at the doorway, Shane thought she was seeing an angel. Carmen stared at the sight of Shane sitting against the wall in the corner of the room and she looks like a skeleton, so painfully thin and her eyes now hollow.
“What are you doing here? I told you before, just leave me alone,” Shane said emotionless.
“You stupid *****,” Carmen said angrily and suddenly pulled Shane off the floor and pushed her up against the wall with the force as they stood face to face while Carmen fiercely locked Shane’s wrists near her shoulders against the well. Shane didn’t resist at all.
Letting go of one of her wrist as Carmen pulled out the compact mirror out of her pocket, and using her other hand to hold Shane’s chin and forcing her to look into the mirror.
“Like what you see, Shane? You’re dying for what? A coward?” grunting, Shane tried to move her head away from the mirror but held steadfast. ” You need to get grip on yourself. Your friends who are looking for you and they love you. You have a choice now, a life waiting for your own making. A life is not meant to be used for escape from yourself. Or die and you will be meanless and worthless. Which sounds better?”
Shane still didn’t answer to Carmen, ” Fine. It’s all up to you, you will be all alone when you die or come back to your friends and they are there to help you.” Carmen let her go, looking sad and uncertain if she got through Shane. ” I’ll give you ten minutes to come home with me. Make the right one, Shane. You don’t know what you’re missing out on and memories with your friends are more precious and being there for each other than not being there.” Carmen brushed Shane’s cheek gently with her hand and turned around, leaving her behind.
Shane doesnt want to die. She doesnt want to be alone. Afraid if Carmen has left her, she will disappear. Dammit, Shane came so far and survived so many things and all she is doing by practically giving up on herself because she is afraid of herself and everyone leaving her behind. Shane took uncertain step, afraid what will wait for her but she is not a coward. Hearing the engine starting, a panic feeling pushed through the haze and she started to run. She skipped on the stairs and pushed through the front door, running to the car as it started to pull out.
Looking over her shoulder, Carmen started to back out but against all her will, Carmen gave the last glance toward the house, hoping Shane shows up. Carmen gasped as Shane stood outside just few feet away from her, looking frail but pissed off.
Carmen chuckled, relieved and overwhelmed with the emotions, as she parked the car and leaned over, pushing the passenger door open. Shane walked to her, entered in the car.
“Welcome back, Shane. Gotta get you cleaned up and get you back to your friends.” Shane grunted in reply. Carmen started a long drive back, not alone, with Shane. Carmen rubbed her eyes tiredly but she couldn’t stop grinning. Shane is back.
**********
Alice sat in Dana’s living room, watching Dana paced back and forth. The silence stretched between them, grateful that Tonya is not around. Come to that, she haven’t seen Tonya lately. Wondering if Dana had come to her senses. Not expecting what came out in Dana’s mouth when Alice looked up in surprise.
“I slept with Lara. And I don’t regret it at all. Oh my god, last night was so amazing and emotional,” Dana couldn’t keep the smile out of her voice, sensing Dana will continue more with details.
Dana, Alice started, really not wanting to hear the details. Dont want to know anymore. Dana sat there surprised; normally Alice will want to hear all the details but what have changed?
“You understand there are consequences. What about Tonya and the engagement? I bet Lara is confused about the whole thing.”
Dana had forgotten about Tonya, betraying her trust didn’t bother her at all. Dana simply didn’t want Tonya in her life but the difficult thing is Tonya won’t let her go. But Lara, Dana will talk to her and try to figure out where they stand right now, letting her know that Dana and Tonya are over.
“I need a huge favor. Can you help me to break up with Tonya?” Alice gaped at her, but happy that Dana finally realized that Tonya is weirdo *****. But asking her to get involved in Dana’s situation made Alice uneasy since it will be complicated since Tonya is one of unique females that won’t take it lying down.
“Fine. I’ll help out and you owe me big,” Alice said sighing. Dana giggled and grabbed surprised Alice in a bear hug.
**********
“Move it to left,” Bette directed Alice and Dana as they stood in opposite direction while they held a banner saying, ” Goodbye, Tim. And Congratulations.” Bette remembered she and Alice held an endless argument about the creativity of creating the banner, Alice wanted funny but Bette wanted short, sweet and simple. The group voted against Alice, causing her to grumble the curse of lesbians against bisexuals.
They planned the party at the last minute, Jenny wanted to throw a surprise party for Tim and a great way to get everyone in same room for one night and socialize. Marina provided the location and drinks, Bette bought snacks, Dana and Alice brought everyone’s favorite takeouts and keeping warm in Marina’s oven, and Tina didn’t have time to come help out but she will come over later. The group bought the gift together for Tim to remember them by.
Marina leaned over the counter, watching them to set up and getting ready for Tim’s arrival. Vaguely nervous about seeing Tim again, they were involved in a messy situation. Knowing Tim is important to Jenny, Marina will try to resolve the issues surrounding her and Tim.
Bette shushed them, quieting them down when the car approached and parking in the side street. Jenny came out and bringing blindfolded Tim into Planet, Jenny pulled it off.
“Surprise!!!” Everyone chorused out, Tim pretended to wipe a tear away causing everyone to giggle. Everyone started to crowd Tim, asking him all the questions about Washington D.C. Tim laughed, as they made their seats around Tim. Breaking away from the group, Jenny made her way to Marina.
“Hey Marina. Thank you for lending this place,” Jenny smiled at her.
“Anything for you. Please help me out by carrying out the takeouts to them.” Jenny nodded, following Marina to the back room.
Tina made her entrance while Jack followed her close behind. Tina kissed Tim’s cheek and Jack shook Tim’s hand at the same time they were introduced to each other by Alice.
“Alice.” Jack kissed Alice front of everyone, as they made ahh and ooh noise, making Alice blush.
“Come on. Jack, I’m throwing you to the wolves. You’re on your own,” Alice said with a smile. Jack squeezed her hand affectionately, as he met each of her friends.
“What are your intentions for Alice,” Bette asked him, causing Tina to burst out laughing at Bette’s old-fashioned sentiments. Bette glared at Tina, warning her to quiet down.
“Just love her and I just want to be with her. Keep learning more about her everyday. She is perfect in every way she is,” Jack smiled charmingly and Bette smiled back.
“I like you. You seem to be a nice guy, if you hurt her or break her heart, I’m going to kick your *****.” Bette raised her eyebrow warningly, as in response Jack nodded solemnly.
“Well, Jack. This is very complicated and close-knit group, we tend to be protective of our friends. But we welcome you to our crazy world,” Tina said cheerfully, raising her glass to him as everyone said hear, hear.
Jack chuckled and rubbed his hands,” Who got any stories to tell?” Everyone looked at each other, liking him already and it’s great night to tell stories and bringing back the memories. They started to entertain him as he provided some of his in return, giving them a better idea who he is and people around him fascinated him. So many different personalities, managed to be friends and accepting each other of who they are with flaws without killing each other.
Tim excused himself from the group, chuckling at Jack’s crazy stories and went up to Marina.
“Can we talk?” Marina nodded in reply, bringing him into her office.
“It’s awkward. I wanted to apologize to you for hurting you. I was upset. I had no right to do that,” Tim said regretfully.
Marina wryly smiled, “You had every right to be upset. I did everything on purpose to lure Jenny to bed but one thing I didn’t expect was falling in love. But I’m sorry about everything, the pain I caused you.”
“Thank you. But you made us realize that we were living in illusion. Jenny and I had almost like puppy love; it never grew into adult love. I never understood Jenny and her drama involving her writing. You did. We relied on each other so long and in a way, we didn’t notice we were growing apart,” Tim said thoughtfully, “But I want you to take care of Jenny, even though you and Jenny have unresolved business. I know she can take care of herself but it wouldn’t hurt to have someone watching over her. I’m trusting you with that.”
“I will. And thank you for the trust. You’re a good man and any woman would be lucky to have you,” Marina kissed Tim’s cheek. Tim squeezed her shoulder in return, as they returned to the party.
Marina stopped in her tracks; surprised to see someone she thought she would never see again.
“Shane?”
**********
Uncomfortable silence befell them; Tim cleared his throat and wryly thought this place is always centered for the drama.
“Shane. Welcome back. I’m glad you’re okay and there is food,” Tim smiled at Shane and bringing her over to the buffet table.
“Yep. You need food to fatten you up,” Alice spoke up, joining Shane and grabbed her in a hug. Shane closed her eyes, grateful for Alice trying to make it easier.
Everyone made a room for Shane and kept piling her plate up, trying to get some meat back into her. Shane chuckled quietly as everyone grinned at her affectionately. Carmen watched the interaction through the window of Planet, standing outside and noticing that Marina was nodding to her in gratitude, Carmen gave her a small smile and a mock salute and went back to her jeep, gunning her jeep she left for her friend’s house where she was staying with temporarily and her part was finished.
Everything has calmed down, the quiet atmosphere where everyone sat and drinking, sensing that now it’s time for Shane needed the privacy to talk to her friends. Tim asked Jack to go outside and catch a game at the bar few blocks away, Jack agreed and kissed Alice goodbye as they went out.
“I’m sorry about worrying you guys,” Shane stood up, not wanting to sit and meeting everyones’ eyes, “I felt I was left behind. Everyone was doing their own thing and moving on, I was trapped and didn’t know where to go. I was alone so I turned to drugs to forget everything. I know it was wrong, so I kinda need help,” Shane shrugged nonchantantly.
“Absolutely. We have missed you. I have the rehab numbers and I will set it up so you will be ready to go,” Bette said happily. Bette opened her arms to Shane; she stepped in and hugged her. Tina sniffed, thank god that Shane came to her senses and came back to them.
“No matter how busy we get, we need to keep being there for each other. And Shane, next time you have a problem, you can come to us because that’s what friends are here for. Or we can nag you to death. We love you. Okay?” Tina looked at Shane, expecting her to recognize friendship goes two ways. Shane nodded.
“Hey. I know someone who is looking for someone for hairdresser job. Would you consider?” Alice said brightly.
“I already have one lined up already. One of my friends got me a job at movie set. So I’m good for now. Thanks,” Shane smiled crookedly.
“Guess it’s time for a huge group hug to punish Shane for scaring us,” Alice said with evil grin. Shane rolled her eyes at her, as everyone circled Shane and closing in as they tickled Shane then hugged her. Everyone was relieved, now they have some happy ending. Marina and Jenny shared a smile watching them teasing each other and chatting. It seems old times have come back but all of them are in new phrase in their lives but their friendship and their bond remained unbreakable.
Hey. Hey. I missed it. Coming back in, Tim and Jack grinned, seeing everyone laughing.
Yep. All female action and you missed it. Come on, we have something to give to you to remember us by, Jenny pulled Tim to sit down front of everyone and Tina handed her the gift while Tim closed his eyes and putting his hands out, waiting for something.
Dropping the small wrapped gift onto Tims hands, Tim opened his eyes and started to tear it open. Jack watched Tims reaction to the gift, as he burst out laughing when he pulled the swimming briefs and the words printed across the back of the briefs, Hi From Lesbians. Jack paled; seeing the future if Tim ever wore it and he will get teased mercilessly. Tim thanked them all and he loved the gift.
***********
Dana whistled as she unlocked her door leading to her apartment. Feeling this good day, making her happy and everything is now resolved. Shane was back and had agreed to attend to rehab.
Entering into her darkened apartment, Dana flicked the light on and was about to make her way to her bedroom. Sniffing the strange smell, coming from the couch and she froze instantly. The knife was sticking out, as her couch was splattered with blood, her stomach revolted at the smell and the bile started to rise. Dana had to swallow it back, not wanting to touch the knife. She kicked it out of her couch, seeing the manila envelope.
Curious, she opened it and the pictures fell out, showing her and Lara’s recent lovemaking. Her sense of privacy shattered. The pure disgust at a person who invaded their privacy. Wanting to hurt but stunned at the fact someone broke into the apartment, feeling chilled and wanting to get out, bringing along the pictures with her. She knew someone that would be willing to help her out and provide her a place to stay for tonight.
Dana slammed the door behind her; the shadow moved through the window and smiled a satisfied smile, she only needed the reaction that he or she would get to continue with the plan.
Revenge was sweet.
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So glad that Tim and Marina maded peace with each other. THAT sHANE IS BACK AND READY TO LET HER FRIENDS HELP Lets see if everyone can help Dana now. Tonya thinks she is tough,But she doessnt know the gang to well.