Carmen laughs and agrees, pulling her friend with her towards the nearest sales-man.

The Planet

Shane, Jenny and Tina sit having coffee in silence. Shane flips through a skateboard magazine, bending the corners of the pages that interest her. Jenny stares blankly at her computer screen and Tina is stirring her herbal tea with a spoon in a trance. Jenny slams her laptop shut in frustration and puts her head against the table. Shane and Tina look at her with shock. “Everything ok there, Jen?” Shane asks, as casual as possible.

“No, I can’t seem to focus on anything,” Jenny says in frustration. “I have no idea what to write about.”

“Why don’t you just take a break?” Tina suggests. “Go for a walk or something, I’m sure if you give yourself time, something will come to mind.”

Jenny sighs and rubs her head. “I feel like all the stories I’ve ever had in me, all my experiences, everything is just – gone. Like nothing matters, I’m just empty.”

“We all have those days,” Shane says, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. Jenny looks up at her. “You just need to cut lose, do something stupid,” she laughs. “Have more experiences. Once you get started things will just pour out of you, like they always do.”

Jenny nods. “Getting started is always the hardest part…”

“Yeah,” Tina agrees. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Shane’s cell starts to vibrate on the table. She picks it up. “Hello? Oh hey… What? The beach?” she laughs. “You know me and bathing suits.” Shane continues to laugh at the person on the other end as Carmen and Alice walk in and join them, greeting the others. Shane adverts her eyes. “No, I’ll pass, but thanks.” She looks at Carmen and mouths ‘hey’ to her; Carmen smiles back. “Yeah for sure, I work ‘til 3 today, so just come in before then. I’ll see ya later.” She hangs up. “Sorry guys,” she apologizes.

“Don’t worry about it,” Tina says, drinking her tea.

“Who was that?” Jenny asks.

“Kel,” Shane answers hesitantly. “She wanted me to go to the beach to hang out with her.” The rest of them laugh.