It was Friday night, and the prom was starting in one hour. Taylor paced the living room floor. She had stayed with Jenny the past four nights. She didnt think for one second that her parents might be looking for her. After all, they were too wrapped up in their own lives to care. Shed never left home for this long. What if they crashed prom? No, they wouldnt dare. Or would they?

Taylor, are you alright? Jenny was wearing an ocean blue gown, her hair riddled with sparkling barrettes. You look a little pale.

Taylor sat down on the couch and took several deep breaths. Its nothing. Just normal prom jitters. Once were there Ill be fine. She hoped.

Are you ready? Wed better go; the traffics gotta be insane. Jenny reached for her car keys.

Yeah. Taylor stood up from the couch, rolling her neck from side to side. Lets do this.

***

So what do you want to do tonight, Al? Dana slipped on a white undershirt.

Hey, look at this! Alice was reading Out Magazine. Theres a big shindig goin down at Tantric. Ohhh, Dana! We have to go. Tantric is like, the craziest girl bar in town! Alice applied her deodorant.

Its not one of those leather places, is it? Dana remembered their last experience at ***** Pride.

No, its not psycho – crazy. Its just good cleanI mean, good dirty fun. Ive been there before, Dana. Cmon, Itll be awesome. I promise, if you dont have the best time of your life tonight, you can do anything you want to me. Alice knew it was a plus for her either way.

Danas expression turned naughty. Anything? Tsk tsk. So gullible, she was.

Anything, Alice confirmed.

In that case, I hope I have a horrible time.

***

Shane stepped out of the shower. Jenny and Taylor must have already left. She dressed, then ran a comb through her hair. When she was finished in the bathroom, she walked into the kitchen to grab a beer, still thinking about Case and her condition.

Hi there, a voice said.

Shane looked up. Hi. How did you –

Jenny let me in. I waited on the couch.

Shane hadnt seen her for so long. Her feelings started running haywire. What should she say?

I dont know what to say, she finally answered, Its good to see you.

Its good to see you too. I heard from Bette that youve been spending most of your time at Daniel Freedman Hospital.

Shane swallowed hard. Yeah. A friend of mine is pretty fucked up right now. I dont even know if shell be able to walkor talk, or do anything. I was just starting to get to know her, and then –

Its hard, I know. Youre a good friend, Shane.

Shane set her beer on the kitchen table. So what brings you to this part of town?

Well, theres this slammin party goin down at a favorite club of mine. I wanted to invite you. I thought you could use a break from reality.

Actually, I was just going to head back to the hospital. Shane was being guarded. She wasnt sure she wanted to show her feelings. The last time she had given her heart to another, it had been ripped in two.

Okay. Im gonna go

Carmen, wait. She changed her mind quickly. She really did want to spend time with her. She wouldnt let herself feel it, but she knew she was probably in love with her. It scared her. I want to go. Wait here while I get my coat.

***

Where should we eat? Tina flipped through the phone book.

Bette thought a minute. How about Tomes? Tomes was a fine Italian restaurant on the corner of Overland and Park.

Tina liked that idea. I love Tomes. Great, Ill call for a reservation.

Bette stopped her short. Tina, maybe you should call your mother first before you cast this in stone. Just to make sure shes still planning on showing up.

Oh, shell show up alright. I know my mother, Bette. And she definitely wants something from me. She wouldnt be here if she didnt.

Bette moved to pick up the portable phone. What do you think it is that she wants?

Im not sure. But were about to find out.

*