Two weeks later. Andie was leaning on the counter at Alices place watching the espresso machine. She was hoping that if she stared at it long enough it would brew the thick liquid faster. Alice was scrambling around the apartment grabbing all of her things. Andie looked up, smirking at how cute Alice was when she was in a panic. She looked like a chicken with its head cut off and talking to herself as she searched for her keys. Keys. No, no this ***** cant be right. Every morning! Alice stomped around the kitchen looking in cupboards. Andie turned to look at the espresso machine again. Finally, the cup was full. She blew on the steaming coffee and took a gulp. She blinked and then saw the keys sitting right next to the machine. DAMN IT! Alice yelled from the bathroom. Allie Andie called to her. I cant find my.. Alice stormed back into the kitchen and stopped. Keys? Andie was holding them from the key ring so they were dangling. She held them out to Alice and smirked. Alice grabbed them and scowled. Andie just laughed softly and bit Alices cheek. See ya later. Andie walked towards the living room. Her hair was messed up and sticking every which way. Her faded flannel pj bottoms were hanging low on her hips, revealing a strand of detailed, butterflies tattooed on the small of her back, each one was a different color of the rainbow. Andie bent over to pick up the newspaper and Alice saw part of the five long deep scars that ran down her back. Alice frowned to herself, You know, how is it that you find my keys every morning? Because you put them in any of the three same spots, each time. Andie laughed, looking at the front page of the paper. Ok, Im leaving. Come to the Planet for lunch around 1. Allie said on her way to the door. Yeah! Yeah! Andie waved her off. I hate you, *****! Alice said lovingly. Not as much as I loathe you, trollop. Andie smiled a sickening sweet smile and then sat down on the couch after the door closed. She ran a hand through her growing locks of hair. She groaned and thought to herself how she should do something different to her hair for the show the band was going to play in a few nights. She was feeling a bit nervous about the whole performance because Alice advertising and telling everyone about it all over was playing it up big time. This was the show that could start making things happen for the band. She walked into the bathroom and closed the door, so she could look at herself in the long mirror on the back of the door. Andie slid her hands over her stomach, she was glad that she didnt have a completely flat tummy. It had just a hint of what she called a poof, but she could still wear things that were form fitting unlike some other plus sized girls. Her thoughts drifted to her family and how everyone on her mothers side was heavy. She thought of her younger sister Rae, who had been so carefree and open. She was a short girl, overweight and extremely butch. Rae had Andie shave her head almost every few weeks and wore a lot of baggy mens clothing. Suddenly a memory flashed in her mind like a movie. Andie was in another bathroom with her sister, she was shaving her sisters head and complaining that Rae always looked like a boy. Why do you have to look like such a boy?? Andie asked her with the razor in her hand. Who cares Andie? I like how I am. Rae laughed, she had a laugh that came from deep in her belly and made anyone around her have to laugh with her, but then she looked at her older sister, You should never be ashamed of who you are, And. Her sisters round, friendly face smiled. Rae at times seemed older then Andie. Her gray eyes always laughing. Dont ever be ashamed. The words echoed in her mind as the memory left as soon as it had appeared. Andie was staring back into the mirror and into the same gray eyes that her sister had once shared. But Andies werent laughing. She shook her head and turned on the shower, but she gazed at herself until the hot water steamed up the mirror. —————————————- Shane strolled into the Planet and looked around. She was finally able to get a lunch break. Her clientele was growing by the day it felt like. As good as it felt to her, it was also exhausting, but it got her mind off of a lot of things. She had been trying very hard to stay away from the Planet. Mainly because she didnt want to run into Andie. She was still extremely embarrassed about crying in front of her and wasnt ready to talk about it, if Andie wanted to. But Alice had called a million times, complaining about not see her for a while. So Shane agreed to meet her there for lunch. Well that and she really was sick of having to drink ***** coffee from another joint. Shane allowed Alice to chew her out for avoiding her for the past two weeks and listened to the different stories about what had been going on with Dana and her. How they were playing the hide-how-we-really-feel-about-each-other game. Alice talked about how hard it was trying to be a true friend to Tina and Bette. How Dana and her had to do so many things with each of the women alone. Shane hated how all of it felt. It felt like everything was splitting apart. Then Alice began the subject of Andie. Shane pretended she only half cared about what Alice said about Andie and how she was staying busy between working, band practices and writing music. Alice liked having Andie around she didnt feel so lonely. Just as if she was cued, Andie entered the Planet. Shane noticed her before Andie saw their table. She looked amazing, Shane thought. Her jeans were tight in all the right places and flared at the bottom, where black chunky boots peaked out. A light brown suede jacket covered a white t-shirt that was cut into a deep V. Shane got a glance of her cleavage and bit her lip. Her skin was so creamy and pale looking, but with a glow. Andie saw Alice and Shane and grinned as she walked to the table. Hey girls. She spoke in her raspy voice. God she is *****. Shane thought. You came! Alice said happily. Of course. Andie smiled at Shane. Hey, how are you? Im good, thanks and you? Shane replied coolly. Busy. I havent seen you around lately. Andie gave her direct eye contact. Yeah, Ive been busy, too. Shane sighed. The perks of becoming the it hair stylist. Alice said. Andie nodded. She knew that Shane was avoiding her. She decided that, that had to stop, she just didnt know how to do that. Alice spoke up again, How are the rehearsals? Good. Were ready for Wednesday. I just got to figure out what Im wearing and what to do with my hair. Hey, you should have Shane do your hair! Alice exclaimed. Im sure she is busy. Andie stated. Im booked up. Shane said at the same time. Andie looked at Shane. Shane could even look at her, but could feel the heat of Andies stare. Sorry, Andie. How about the next show? she said quietly. Yeah, maybe. If you have time. Andie smiled slightly. Alice looked back and forth between the two women. You could cut the tension with a knife. Shane stood up. I have to get back to work. Alice watched her, You coming to the show? I dont know, Al, maybe. Ill see you guys soon. She walked out with Alice and Andie watching her. What the ***** is going on? Alice asked. Andie continued to look at the door, I dont know, but Im going to find out. Andie pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. Alice watched her, while the Andie listened to the ringing. Yes, hi. Id like to make an appointment with Shane, please. Pause, Alice could hear the mumbling of whoever was on the other end of the phone. She mouthed the words what are you doing? To Andie, but Andie just shook her head, Ok. When is the next opening for her? Mmmhmm. A cut and colorTen minutes? Ill be right there. Andrea. Thank you. Andie closed the cell phone. Whats going on? Alice asked again. Gonna get my hair done. Andie said. Yeah, right and what else? Alice said sarcastically. Andie just winked and got up kissing Alice on the cheek before she walked out. Alice sipped her coffee, Drama. Drama. Drama. —————————————- Shane was sitting in her chair reading a magazine. She felt stupid for leaving the Planet like that. She was acting like well, like a girl. Shane? the receptionist called, your next appointment is here. Ok. Shane said without turning around. She put her magazine down and got out some of her supplies. She then turned around and started walking toward the front area. Shane looked up and stopped in her tracks. Andie stood next to the counter. She pulled off her jacket and put it up. Then looked at Shane with one hand on her hip. Thought maybe you would have to talk to me, if I made an appointment. Andie said as she walked up to Shane. Hi, Im Andrea. She grinned, You must be Shane. Andie walked up to her and walked around Shane, allowing her fingertips to graze just about the belt to Shanes pants, on the small of her back. Shane shivered lightly. Andie whispered, And I expect special treatment. She walked past Shane and towards her station. Shane couldnt help but beam.