Shane:  “What that phone ever do to you?”

Shane questioned with a concerned look on her face.  Stevie spun around with a start.

Stevie:  “Geez Shane, make some noise when you walk around.”

Stevie went and sat down heavily on a bench.

Shane:  “Sorry I’ll put bells on my shoes, how bout that.”

Stevie just shrugged.

Shane:  “What’s your deal lately?”

Stevie let out a frustrated sigh.

Stevie:  “What are you talking about?”

Though Stevie was suffering from internal turmoil she didn’t think anyone had noticed, besides Bette that is.

Shane:  “You’ve been acting strange these last couple weeks.”

Stevie:  “I’m busy these days trying to start a business that was your idea.”

Shane:  “You sound mad about it.”

Stevie:  “I’m thrilled actually.”

Shane:  “So why do you look like pain is being inflicted upon you.”

Stevie:  “Upon?”

Shane:  “You’re dodging.”

Stevie:  “And you’re being nosey.”

Shane:  “I’m your sister, that’s my job.”

Stevie:  “Well, sis, butt out.”

Stevie quickly jumped off then bench and began to retrieve the paint cans.

Shane:  “Steve what is it?!”

Stevie:  “Nothing!  I just have a lot going on ok.  State papers, the kids…there’s just a lot.”

She whispered the last words as if the wind was being sucked out of her.

Shane:  “Where does Bette fall in all of that?”

Stevie whipped her head around to look at her sister incredulously.  Sometimes this whole ‘Yoda’ thing got a little scary.

Stevie:  “What makes you ask that?”

Shane:  “Well you listed work and home but only half of the home part.”

Stevie:  “Bette’s…she’s fine.  We’re fine.”

Shane:  “Really?”

Stevie:  “Yes really.”

Shane:  “Well I remember a time when you two would make out on the front porch cuz you couldn’t wait to get into the house.  And I can’t even count how many times I’ve caught you two going at it in that damn pool.  And as much as I don’t really like to see my sister like that I did like seeing you two so happy together.  I haven’t seen any of that in some time.”

Stevie:  “I told you Shane, I’m busy.  She’s busy.  And things change.”

Shane:  “That’s all true but you can’t forget what’s important.”

Stevie:  “So none of this is important?”

Shane:  “No it’s very important Steve but not more important then home.  I know you’re swamped and we’re all willing to help you.  But you’re neglecting your biggest cheerleaders.”

Stevie stared at Shane in silence.  She knew she was right.  But why couldn’t see feel it in her heart?

Stevie:  “I don’t need this from you right now Shane.”

She started towards the door.  Shane stood in front of it and put her hand on her chest.

Shane:  “You once told me that I was stupid for messing things up with Carmen.  Don’t be like me.”

Their eyes locked for a second.

Stevie:  “Move.”

Shane stepped aside and watched at Stevie got in her car and drove off.

TBC