Yeah, she mumbled back softly with a weak smile. She sniffed in a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her eyes caught Carmens. Shane grew limp, unable to keep herself standing as Jenny released from the hug, leaving Shane in full view.

Only a minute ago was Carmen smiling and ecstatic”yet with one look at Shane, the faade vanished into thin air. Houdini may have done tricks, but her expressions actually escaped into thin air. Shane finally managed to ***** it up. And it was not through going off with Diane, or any other person. It was her self control turned on maximum. And that V word”vulnerability. Exposure. Helplessness. Weakness. She couldnt help it. She had too.

The three other women filed out of the room, almost as on purpose. It did not make sense to Shane; she looked away, but felt Carmens stare burn into her body”scarring her in return for leaving. She looked around the room; her only escape was the door. Slowly she made her way out of the door, but Carmen finally spoke, Where are you going?

Shane stopped in mid step, and planted her foot on the floor. She sighed and looked down to the side, Getting some fresh air.

Ive heard that line before, Carmen scoffed. You sure about that? Getting some fresh air? She leaned against the doorframe with her arms still folded. Because it looks like youre trying to leave again.

So what? She shrugged and turned around to face her.

***

Why did I say that ***** this makes matters worse.

***

Silence overcame the scene, until Shane massaged the back of her neck, How long have you two been together, huh? You and Jenny Carmen bit her bottom lip and looked to the side”hiding from the inevitable situation of her new relationship. Shane spoke again, I mean, its obvious that I dont even live here anymore. Or that nobody wants me to be here. I”*****, my room isnt even mine”my bed is a wreck, obviously been used for certain purposes other than sleep. And pictures of you two. Tons of them. I dont even see my stuff in there anymore.

Carmen sighed and forced a smile as she looked off into the distance, but Shane could see the pain when she retreated to biting her lip. As she held back her pain, she walked back inside, dropping her arms to her sides as she went. Shane shook her head and walked down the steps to sit. She pulled out her cigarette box to find that she only had one left. She took the last and then dropped the box to the side before putting the cigarette between her lips and lighting it.