Chapter 2

The Planet the Next Day

Jenny, Shane, Bette, Tina, Dana and Helena are all sitting at a table. Helena had been telling them about their night at Alice’s.

“So anyway, it ended up just being one of Alice’s old friends from back in college. They took the art of music together or something,” Helena finishes.

“That’s very cool,” Shane says, taking a sip of her coffee.

“I still find it a little strange though,” Bette contributes. “I mean – visiting old friends is fine, but at 1 in the morning?”

“How did she get in the building?” Tina asks.

“Apparently the night guard let her in,” Dana answers.

“Yeah, we’re lucky Carmen wasn’t really some midnight stabber or something,” Alice laughs, walking in on the conversation. “Hey guys, this is Carmen.”

“Hey,” everyone says together with smiles.

“Hi everyone,” Carmen replies with a smile of her own. Her and Shane make eye contact and Carmen blushes and looks back at Alice who begins to introduce everyone.

“This is Jenny, Shane, Bette, and Tina; and you already know Dana and Helena.”

“Yeah, well it’s nice to meet you all.”

“Join us!” Bette says enthusiastically. Alice and Carmen sit down.

“I’m going for a refill, can I get anyone anything?” Shane asks, looking specifically towards Alice and Carmen.

“I’ll have a caramel latte,” Alice says. Shane nods and looks at Carmen.

“Oh, uhh – I’ll just have whatever you’re having.”

Shane grins. Bette and Tina exchange knowing glances. “Alright, anyone else?” She looks around and everyone shakes their heads. She walks up to the bar to get the drinks while the rest continue to talk.

“So we heard you gave these three quite a fright last night,” Tina states looking to Carmen.

“Apparently,” Carmen agrees. “I actually almost got beaten to death with a tennis racket.” The group laughs looking at Alice who just shrugs.

“Never underestimate the power of me and adrenaline,” she says. “You know, you’re lucky I didn’t smash you into the ground with that.”

“I count my stars.”

“Here you go,” Shane says, handing them their drinks, briefly gracing Carmen’s hand with hers. They both smile nervously even though no one else seemed to notice.