Chapter 4:

The music thumped in the ears of the seven women who walked through the crowded club. Bette had decided to join Alex, Marissa, Shane, Alice, Dana, and Tonya for a night on the town. They had arrived at Milk after two hours at Yangs, eating and talking and sharing stories of their pasts and presents. Marissa was taken aback at all the women dancing and having a good time at the club. She walked hand-in-hand with Alex as they made their way to the bar. Both ordered a beer and drank them as they watched the crowd.

What do you think? Alex yelled into Marissas ear.

The music was so deafening that Marissa couldnt hear her. What? she yelled back.

What do you think? Alex yelled louder.

Its really cool! Marissa exclaimed, Nothing like Newport!

No *****!

Shane walked up to them with a strikingly beautiful Latin woman on her arm. Guys I want you to meet someone, Shane yelled, Alex, Marissa, this is Carmen. She DJs here.

Hey, Carmen yelled as she shook Alexs hand. She shook Marissas hand as well.

Weve met. Marissa yelled.

We have?

About a year and a half ago. Back in Chino. I was with Ryan Atwood.

Oh yeah. You were there to see my sister.

How is Theresa?

Shes doing good.

Tell her I said hi.

Ill do that, Carmen said with a giggle. Shane was nibbling on her neck and whispering things in her ear. I think were going to go. It was nice meeting you. Shane took Carmens hand and led her into the crowd.

Alex turned to Marissa once they had disappeared in the crowd. Whos Theresa?

Ryans childhood sweetheart. I met her last year when I went down to Chino with Ryan to find Theresa. I didnt know Carmen was ***** when I was there. Wow, I wonder if Ryan knows.

Who cares? Alex said as she pulled Marissa to her and they kissed. Alice and Bette watched from the other side of the bar.

Those two are so cute together, Alice said to Bette.

Arent they? Im so glad Alex has finally found someone.

Yeah, Marissa seems really sweet.

You think she knows?

Bout what?

About Alex and the miscarriage.

Alice looked over at Marissa and Alex making out and then back to Bette. I dont think so, Alice shook her head, I dont think Alex has told her yet. They both looked back at Alex and Marissa, still going at it. Dana and Tonya walked up to Alice and Bette arm-in-arm. Tonya looked over at whatever Bette and Alice were looking at. She smiled at the couple kissing.

Those two are so cute! Tonya squealed.

Wheres Shane? asked Dana.

Last I saw she was heading towards the bathroom with Carmen, replied Bette.

Someones getting laid tonight, taunted Tonya.

Yeah, and Shane and Carmen arent the only ones, replied Alice as Alex and Marissa walked up to them, hand-in-hand.

Hey guys, Alex said as Marissa began kissing her neck, Were going to head back to Shanes. Tell her that we left, ok?

Ok, replied Bette, See you guys later.

Later! Alex and Marissa both yelled before they turned and walked off.

The four ladies left watched Alex and Marissa walk out of the club. Alice turned to Bette, No, Marissa doesnt know anything.

Shane got home later than she wanted. She had gotten caught up with Carmen and lost track of time. It was around two in the morning when she got in. The lights were on. Shane walked into the kitchen and saw Alex sitting at the counter, drinking a glass of milk.

Hey!

Hey, youre coming in late. How was Carmen?

Shane laughed, Shes good. Cant sleep?

Not really.

Wheres Marissa?

Sleeping. I wore her out. They both laughed.

So have you told her yet about the miscarriage?

No, I havent.

Why not? Alex, youre going to have to tell her sometime.

I cant do it Shane. I dont think shell understand.

Shes your girlfriend, she loves you, shell understand.

I just cant tell her.

Tell me what? asked Marissa. She had been standing in the door way listening to the last bit of their conversation. She knew Alex hadnt been telling her the whole truth. It was time for her to learn about Alexs past, all of it.