If there were anything more beautiful than decayed beauty, then Shayne would have competition, Dana thought – staring helplessly at her fallen friend. “Shayne,” Dana barely whispered, reaching for her friends shoulder. “Please, get up.” The two women sat idly on a cold park bench, Shayne responded to Dana’s suggestion with a curious glance – still choosing to remain silent. ‘Say something,’ Dana thought to herself. Um, Dana cleared her throat,she had no idea what to say. ‘I’m thinking too hard, be natural,’ Dana kept telling herself. Dana noticed that Shaynes blank stare was still piercing her eyes, so she worked up the courage to attempt some form of witt. You know what they say about everything that starts off burning, Dana laughed awkwardly, waiting for a reaction. Shaynes eyebrow slowly raised. Ok…, it – it ends up feeling used. Shayne began to laugh, causing Dana to frown. Now what!? Dana stood up immediately, shaking her head in embarrassment. Shayne grabbed Dana forcefully, sitting her back down. Did you just quote the song Blunt by The Wild Strawberries? Dana sighed, Oh *****, I did too, Im so stupid! Shayne interrupted a fumbling Dana by gently pressing her finger to her friends lips. It was appropriate, Shayne smiled reassuringly, intentionally relieving Danas panic.

The two girls sat quietly for a moment, both smiling to themselves. Why do you do that to yourself Dane? Shayne broke the silence with a concerned question. Dana shrugged unknowingly, “Do what? I’m naturally goofy.” Shayne nodded in agreement, then became serious. I mean, punish yourself like that, you make a lot of sense sometimes. Dana almost choked. This is rich, she thought to herself. Well Shayne,” Dana began to retort, “Why do you do this to yourself? referring to her misery guts. Shayne turned away from Dana, I just know love will never exist for me, you know? she replied in a vulnerable tone. Dana was hurting inside, a once oh so confident Shayne was falling apart right before her eyes.

Do you want to come back to my place? Dana suggested in an almost seductive tone. Shayne flung her head around, eyes wide open with shock. You scamming on me Fairbanks? Shayne teased causing Dana to shoot up once again. Alright, forget this Dana protested, proceeding to walk through the dark playground alone. Shayne chased after her. Dane! I was kidding, come here, Dana stopped to analyze Shaynes open arms.’Was this a test? Come on, Shayne urged, her expression was genuine and sweet and caused Dana to give in. The two women proceeded to hold each other in the park for what seemed like forever – who wouldve guessed theyd be the two consoling one another.

Shayne breathed in deeply, Oh Dane you smell beautiful. Dana bit her lip, she had never noticed how ***** Shaynes voice was before. Thankyou, Dana replied, looking into her friends eyes. Shayne smiled coyly and moved her lips to Danas ear, Thank you Dana, for everything. Suddenly, involuntarily, Dana felt her body quiver – and it wasnt because of the wind. Shayne wrapped her arms tightly around Danas waist and proceeded to kiss her friends lips. Oh Dana moaned into Shaynes mouth. Shayne felt her stomach fluttering and her imagination flying out of control. “Dana let’s go somewhere,” Shayne’s oh so appropriate idea caused the pair to momentarily lose their balance. Babe are you Shayne stopped, realizing that she was becoming a little too comfortable. Im, Im sorry, I Dana hushed her, just grabbing Shaynes hand and placing it on her forehead. Feel that? Dana asked. Shayne smiled. Youre very warm, so what Fairbanks, you’ve always been pretty hot.” Dana laughed, taking Shaynes hand and placing it in hers. Do you want this, this comfort? Shayne suddenly backed away, Dana, I, I cant do this sort of,” and with that she ran off, out of Dana’s reach, out her sight – but not out of her heart or mind. Dana made her way to the park swing, tears rolling down her face. What the ***** just happened? her mind questioned over and over. ‘I’ve never felt so sure or so confused about anyone in my entire life.’

Suddenly Dana found herself staring at her shoes and singing, “Everything that starts off burning, end up feeling used…”