Hello? Shane answered the telephone. Oh, hi Jenny. Yeah, everythings fine. I talked to Case. She had a lot to say.

Is she okay?

That, I dont know. Shes taking a shower.

Good. Its probably been her first in like, a year.

She was pretty grunge. So hey, I was thinking we could take her out to the Planet tonight, dinners on me.

Shane, you cant afford it. Let me pay for dinner.

How about we split it?

Yeah, okay I guess. What time are we going?

Hows eight oclock?

*****, wait – I cant, Ive got to work till ten. You two go and have fun though.

Aw, Jenny! It wont be fun without you.

Youll manage. Hey, Ive gotta go. Tell her I said hi.

Okay, sorry bout tonight.

Its cool, dont worry about it. Well do something tomorrow.

Alright, check you later.

Bye.

Jenny entered the ladies room and slipped on her uniform. Her hair was neat, soon to be roughed up by the pace of tonights dinner rush. She was definitely going to be searching the classifieds. She wasnt thinking about moving out, though. It was just to find another job. Now that she had brought home Case, there was no reason why she should be leaving so soon. They had someone who needed them both, and she wanted to be there for the girl. Shane cleaned up the kitchen, then opened up the paper to search for a job herself. Veronica Bloom was completely out of the question. Shed had it with that crazy *****. Even if it meant working for Great Clips or some lame ***** place like that, she would never go back to Veronica. She had her pride, of courseand she wanted to keep it.





Pick up, Pick up Bette waited for Alice to pick up the phone but there was no answer. The machine came on and Bette rolled her eyes.

Hi, youve reached Alice and Dana, were not home right now, so leave a message after the beep.

Alice, its Bette. I have this idea for a baby shower I want to throw for Tina. I need it to be a surprise, so dont say anything. I wanted to get together to discuss the details. Call me.

Bette ate her spinach salad quickly. She typed up a few reports for the day, then took a break to get a little fresh air. She flipped open her cell phone to call Jenny. She picked up on the first ring.

Hello? Jenny was still in the stall of the restroom, pulling on her tights and buttoning up her blouse.

Jennyits Bette.

Bette! Hi! Im sorry I sound a little weird right now, Im in the middle of changing into my uniform.

Uniform? Bette was confused.

Yes, my um, waitress uniform. Im still working for Hanks.

Oh, right. I forgot. Sorry. I was just calling to check if you had heard the news.

News? What news?

Shane didnt tell you? About Tina

Oh, now I remember. Yes, youre having twins! Congratulations, Bette. Im so happy for you both.

Bette heard Jennys voice waiver ever so gently.

I want to throw her a surprise baby shower, and I could really use some help with planning it out. How late are you working tonight?

I dont get off work until ten. Is that too late? Jenny bit her lip.

No, no thats fine. Its Friday, I dont have to be anywhere.

Great, should I come by your place then?

Yeah, Ill pick up a bottle of wine on my way home.

Ooh. Sounds romantic.

Bette felt herself blush.

It might be. See you then.

See you then.

Jenny hung up and busted out of the bathroom stall.


Tina, Alice and Dana were walking along the shore of the beach. The sun was beautiful, the seagulls swarmed and the ocean waves came slowly crashing upon their feet. They walked up to the boardwalk and bought a pizza. Tina watched as all of the people flew by. She swore she saw Helena, but then she saw again that it was only someone with her curly auburn hair. Alice fed the pigeons, and Dana joined in. A shadow formed above their table. The all looked up to see what it was from. Standing there was Gabby arm in arm with Laura, munching on their slices of pizza as well.

Gabby! What – what are you doing here?

Dont be silly, Alice. Same as you, of course. Gabby raised her piece of pizza to show her.

Laura, Hi. Dana looked down at the ground. Laura seemed equally uncomfortable. Alice noticed, and cleared her throat.

So, what have you been up to Gabby? Working on anything special these days?

Actually, Im bartending, if you can believe it. Just at night. During the day I spend most of my time with Laura here. Gabby kissed her girlfriend on the lips.

Laura blushed and shied away. Dana did the same. She stood up from her chair and walked over to the pizza stand to order a soda.

You want something to drink, guys? she called from the line.

Uh, diet coke sweetie, Alice replied. She watched Lauras reaction to the sweetie part. She had started just a bit, then shrug it off like it was nothing. Alice was feeling a little nervous. She prayed that Gabby would come to her senses, (if she even had any) shut up, and go away.

Well, were going to go walk in the sand. You ladies have a great day!

Gabby was so cheerful it made Alice want to puke up every bite of pizza she had swimming in her now very sour stomach.

Okay! Alice said in a plastic voice. Bye!

Gabby took Laura by the hand and led her to the beach.

*****! Thank God they finally left. Did you see Danas face? She looked upset.

Tina looked over at Dana. I dont think so. I can understand her discomfort if there was any. Her and Laura were pretty exclusive.

Not helping, T.

Sorry Alice. Im sure its nothing. Shes fine, look. Here she comes.

Heres your diet coke, babe. Dana was most definitely riffed. Im sorry, Tina. Did you want something to drink?

Oh, Ill get it myself. Thank you.

Tina glanced at Alice as she rose from her chair.

Are you okay? I know it must be weird to see our exes together.

Dana pretended it was nothing. It made Alice weary.

Im fine, Al. Dana averted her eyes over to the half – eaten piece of pepperoni and mushroom that Alice had left alone.

You gonna eat that? She pointed at the left over slice on Alices plate.

No.

Can I?

Alice was beginning to feel irritated, and a little ignored.

Yeah, knock yourself out, she threw back, all snappish.

Dana looked at her sideways for a moment, then picked up the slice and stuffed it into her mouth. They sat silent at the table. The pigeons gathered around Danas feet, and Alice shooed the pesky birds away with a wave of her hand.


Shane was getting suspicious. Worried, even. Case had been in the shower for quite a long time, and even taking into account her being filthy, it shouldnt have been taking her this long. She knocked on the door a few times. No answer. Again. No answer.

Case? Case! Are you okay in there?

There was no reply. Shane started to freak. She went to the kitchen and opened the pantry doors. On the floor was a large hammer. She ran to the bathroom door and started to hack away at the *****. It came crashing down and fell on her foot. She screamed loudly, then kicked it away and rushed to the shower.
Case was lying on the floor, naked and cold. Her lips were purple and her eyes wide open. Shane pulled her to prop her up against the wall. She grabbed a bath towel and wrapped it around her thin body. She ran to the living room and dialed 911. They said that they would be there shortly. Shanes hands started to tremble. Her heart pounded deep within her chest. She ran back to Case, who was still out of it. She felt a pulse. It was steady. She leaned up against the bathroom wall beside her, wrapping her arm around Cases shoulder. She kissed her forehead and told her everything was going to be okay.