Jenny sat at the kitchen table, alone with her bowl of cereal and cup of now cold coffee. Shane was out on a new job, something about a salon that just opened up off of Labrea. She walked to the microwave to reheat her coffee. Mark was standing at the other end of the kitchen, sipping his own cup and quietly reading the paper. She had to hand it to him, ever since Shane had invited him back into their homewhich was one ***** of a surprise to Jenny, considering the way they kicked him out and allwell, Mark was at least taking responsibility for his actions. His actions, though, had brought back a terrible secret of Jennys. One she hoped she would never have to share.

Why dont I just pour you a fresh cup?

No, thats okay. Ill just heat this up, Ive got to get going.

Jenny was headed to the greasy strip club, to plan her new routine for tomorrow night. Why was she doing it? To prove that she had control. She had to relive her past and look it straight in the eye, and say ***** you.

See you, Mark.

See you.


***


Now everybody lace up those boots! Were going on an extra long hike today. Alice hated their trail leader the second she said hike. What was she doing here? It was all for Dana. If only she knew it, maybe she wouldnt have to be subjected to this crazy *****. No, she had to do it for her honey. She made a promise to herself that she would at least try, so, she would try.

Alice, youre not lacing up, Dana started to tie her shoes for her.

Thanks.

You know, Al. I thought youd be a little more excited about this. Look around you, see the sky? No smog. Smell the air? Its fresh! Just let the outdoors carry you through the day. Okay, see that little waterfall way over there, nomore to your right, its next to that huge snow covered mountain.

Oh. Ok, I see it.

Thats where were going.

What? But Dana, thats like, a thousand miles away!

It only looks like it from here. I used to go hiking with my family up here, weve been to that waterfall so many times. I always wished I could go there someday with that special someone in my life. It took a long time to find her.

Laura?

No, Al. You.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah. And if you get tired on the way there, Ill carry you.

Ha! Id like to see you try. She quickly regretted saying it.

AHHHH! Dana, put me down! Put me down! Alice laughed.

Dana set her back down on her feet.

Damn, girl. Youre stronger than I thought.

Dont you forget it.



***


Tina had gone home after dinner. She wasnt feeling well and needed to rest by herself. Bette guessed it was either stomach queasiness, or she had made Tina uncomfortable. Maybe she would try again tonight. She picked up the phone to ask how she was doing.

Tina, I hope I didnt make you uncomfortable last night.

No, Bette. That is so not why I left. I really had a bad stomach ache. I shouldnt of had that pineapple – strawberry smoothie on the way there.

Bette laughed. Youve been having a lot of cravings, havent you?

Yeah, and what is up with that? I mean, I never believed the stories about women eating pickles and ice cream, but now Im one of them!

Its perfectly normal. When my mother was pregnant with Kit she ate fish tacos with barbeque sauce and pickled herring. Dont ask.

I wont. So, Id like to try again, you knowto get together. This time Ill make sure not to have any weird snacks before I come over.

Okay. But how about I take you out to lunch instead of us staying all cooped up inside the house.

That sounds wonderful.

Great. Ill pick you up at one.

***



Jenny had finished practicing her routine for tomorrow, and was heading back to her car, when she noticed a familiar face. It was Taylor, and she was heading right for her. *****! She had to come up with a cover story.

Taylor, Hi. What are you doing in this part of town?

I could ask you the same question.

I, wasuh, just going for a walk.

Cmon, Jenny. I saw you come out of that bar. Its cool, I know how hard finding good money is.

Its not really that – well, its more complicated.

I like complicated. Let me take you to lunch.

I dont know.

Oh, Jenny. Is it my age? Im turning eighteen in two weeks. I dont mind that youre older. I think its ***** *****.

Jenny laughed. Really? Well, I suppose lunch would be alright.

Cool. Um, can I get a ride?

Were you just out for a walk too?

For real. I dont have a set of wheels. Moms in the poorhouse and I cant find a decent job. Schools almost out and I havent even decided to go to college. I know its not what I want to do, but my Mom is practically having a coronary about it. I dont even know what I want to do with my life. What is life for anyway?

I dont know, Taylor. But let us speculate that over salad and sandwiches.

I know of a good caf just down the street. Its not too fancy, but the food is good.

Show me the way.


***

Oh my God! Why am I doing this? Why!?! Its what Alice desperately wanted to scream.

Whoa, babyyou just have to get your footing right. Turn your feet sideways, like this. Itll keep you from sliding.

*****!

The trail leader looked at her with scorn.

Sorry.

Youre doing fine, Al. Just breathe.

Okay, everyone. Lets stop and rest.

Halleluiah! Alice was relieved, and quickly found a flat rock to rest her tired bum.

The view is spectacular, isnt it?

Alice had to agree, it was stunning from atop the mountain. If only it didnt take so much anguish to get there!

It is. I love how the sun hits the water. See that rainbow?

Hey, yeah. It knows were here.

Alice was feeling a little better. She did notice a big difference in the air. It was a nice change from the toxic stuff she had to inhale every day back home. The two embraced, watching the scant clouds roll off the mountain tops.

Mmmm. Thanks for taking me out here, Dana. Its beautiful.

Just like you.



***


This is good soup. Tina sucked it down ravenously.

I see that.

Tina checked herself. Sorry. Im such a pig.

No youre not. Youre just pregnant! You look great, by the way.

Thank you. So do you.

Well, Im finished. How about we go for a short walk by the beach?

I think Im up for it.

The two headed out of the Planet, and into the car towards the ocean.

Could you ask for more beautiful weather?

I could, but I think God would call me greedy.

Bette? Hold my hand.

Okay. Bette smiled, then interlaced her fingers with Tinas.

This is nice.

It is. I miss holding your hand. Holding you.

Bette, I have to ask you something. I understand if you say no.

Why would I say no?

I dont know. The question iswell we could really use some help with our project. The one with the kids from Compton. I thought you could come to one of the meetings, maybe talk to some of them. Youre so good with the younger ones.

Im good with toddlers, Tina – the ones that dont have the corruption of knowing how to use a knife. I dont know. Im not someone who has experience in that walk of life. Gangs, the streets. I was incredibly sheltered as a child.

But you have such a big heart, and I really truly believe that you could help talk some sense into these confused kids. Just think about it?

Ill think about it.

Thanks.



***


Taylor was dressed in a pair of maroon dickies, baggy, a black t-shirt and a pair of converse high tops. Her hair was clipped short, somewhat like Jennys, only a little more masculine. In fact, Taylor was very much a masculine woman. Her small stature made her a cute soft butch. It was something new to Jenny. The women she had been with romantically were all pretty much feminine, give or take a few small characteristics. What got Jennys attention most of all, was Taylors personality that came with it. She was funny, smart, and caring. It would help if she was just a few years older, but eighteen was legal, and why should Jenny feel funny about that? She did. But it didnt stop her from seeing Taylor. They would start out as friends, and maybe, just maybewell, shed see what would happen.

Theres this club I like to go toits called Tantric.

I havent heard of it.

Most people havent. The women that dance there are crazy. The music is awesome, and I always have a kick ***** time.

Cool.

Wanna go?

Dancing?

Yeah, you an me. I wanna see that body in motion.

Jenny blushed. Im a ***** dancer.

No way. Not with that body. All you need is a little motivation. Or a little Vodka. Then theres me. I can get you started. Before the night is over Ill have you doin the freak.

Sounds pretty wild.

Indeed.

Okay. Youre on.



***

The night came swiftly, and the air turned crisp. Alice and Dana had set up their tent, much to Alices dismay. They huddled together in one giant sleeping bag. Dana was drifting off into dreamland, while Alice lay wide awake.

Danapsst, Dana! Alice whispered harshly into her ear.

Yeah, yeah? What, Alice?

I have to pee.

What? So pee.

In here?

No! Go outside, behind a tree.

Are you crazy? Its pitch black out side. Ill fall off the mountain.

Theres a flashlight right over there, she pointed, youll be fine.

Damn it. Alice grabbed the flashlight and unzipped the tent door. She slipped on her tennis shoes and searched with the light for a large tree.

***** woods! She found a suitable spot, then squatted down to relieve herself.

There was a rustle in the bushes. *****! What was that?

She heard it again. What if it was a bear?

*****! She pulled up her pajama bottoms and started to run frantically back to the tent. She heard the noise again, but this time she froze. She saw a large shadow behind a row of thorn bushed plants. Instinctively, she screamed.

EEEIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEE!!!

Everyone awoke to her blood curdling call.

What is that? Whats going on? The campers started moving about in their tents. Some came out to see what was wrong.

Dana heard her scream. She knew it was Alice, because she was the only one that wasnt really into the camping thing, and she knew she had a deathly fear of bears.

Alice? Alice! Dana shot out of her sleeping bag, practically knocking the tent over with her still in it.

Alice, Im coming, baby! Dont move!