Carmen had been alone in Jenny and Shanes house for ten minutes. Jenny had gone to pick up something shed forgotten at work and Shane was out.
She was beginning to get bored when the door opened and Shane walked in. And she wasnt alone. There was a petite brunette on her arm.
Carmen raised her eyebrows.
Shane stopped when she saw her. Carmen detected Shanes body tense up, but she regained her composure almost as soon as shed lost it.
Hey, Shane said.
Hey, Carmen replied.
After a significantly awkward pause, Shane gestured to the other girl. This is Vanessa. Then she jerked a thumb in Carmens direction. This is my roommates girlfriend.
Oh, Vanessa said slowly. God, I thought she was yours for a second. I was getting kinda worried.
Shane laughed. Mine? No. She looked at Carmen. Definitely not.
Carmen felt a wave of both hurt and anger wash over her. But she just smiled.
Shane snaked her arm around Vanessas waist. Okay. See ya, she said to Carmen.
Yeah. Have fun, Carmen replied sarcastically.
She watched Shane take Vanessa into her room and close the door behind them.
Carmen collapsed onto the sofa like a deflating balloon.

Carmen hadnt been able to sleep all night, but she hadnt wanted to venture out of Jennys bedroom in case she ran into Vanessa.
It was about one when she heard doors open and close. She tried to hear something else, but there was nothing. So she got up quietly and opened Jennys door.
Shane was walking back to her room. Carmen couldnt help but notice she was wearing only underwear and a vest.
Shane stopped at her door and looked at Carmen.
Wheres your friend? Carmen whispered.
Gone.
Bet she wasnt happy you kicked her out.
Shane shrugged. Carmen raised an eyebrow.
What? Shane asked, raising her arms. What is it now?
Carmen closed Jennys door as quietly as she could. Then she took Shane by the elbow and led her into the kitchen.
Are you jealous? Shane asked when they were looking at each other. Her lips were curled into a smirk.
Jealous? No, Carmen lied.
Good. Because youd be a little hypocritical if you were, right?
Carmen said nothing.
Listen, you cant be with Jenny and expect me to only be with you and only when you want me.
Carmen rubbed her eyes. I dont. And you obviously dont either.
Shane remained silent. Carmen stared at her, then she stepped up and kissed her hard.
Shane grabbed her arms and walked her backwards until she was up against the counter. Carmen used one hand to grab Shanes ***** and the other to slide under her vest. Shane ground her hips into Carmens and ran her hand up her arm. She wrapped it around Carmens neck.
Carmen pulled away after a while and gazed at Shane. Why are we doing this? she asked sadly.
Shane just looked at her, then put her forehead against Carmens and sighed. Can I just say one thing? Just just one word?
Carmen nodded.
She smiled. Frustrating.
I know. It really sucks.
Shane nodded. She kissed Carmen again. It was a gentle, exploring kiss. Then she stepped away and walked backwards out of the kitchen.