Yet another shindig at Shane and Jennys. And heres a question: What is it about bathrooms ?

* * *

Shane saw Carmen enter the bathroom. She quickly made sure no one was looking at her, then she got up and followed her in.
Carmen, who had been looking in the mirror, whirled around when she saw Shane. What are you doing?
No one saw, Shane said, taking both her hands.
Carmen still looked worried, so Shane kissed her. It was her solution to practically everything.
She moved her up against the wall and pinned her there with her arms. Are you scared someones gonna see?
Yeah. Carmen nodded. I am.
Shane kissed her neck. Thats too bad.
Why?
Because then your mind will be on something else, not this. Shane grinned as she unzipped Carmens skirt and slipped her hand into her underwear.
Carmen gave a short gasp as Shane entered her. She grabbed Shanes other hand and held onto it tightly while she clutched onto the sink.
Shane kissed a line from her ear to her mouth. Carmen gently bit Shanes lower lip, sucked it and let go.
Suddenly, like it was happening in a dream, Alice had opened the door and was standing, staring, with her mouth and eyes wide open.
Shane jerked back and Carmen zipped her skirt up.
Uh, okay. Alice nodded. Sorry.
Um, its not what it looks like, Shane said feebly.
Alice shook her head and waved her hand around. Yeah, no, this is none of my business. Um, Im just gonna, like go.
She frowned, looking completely stunned, as she turned and left the room.
*****, Shane muttered, leaning against the sink and bowing her head.
Carmen closed her eyes and groaned to herself. Do you think shes gonna tell Jenny?
I dont think so. Shes *****. Shane washed her hands and bit her lip. But its not like she can be so uptight about it.
We need to talk to her. Carmen walked out of the bathroom. Shane followed her.
They hurried up to Alice, who was sitting with Tina, and Carmen asked to speak to her privately.
Alice joined the two of them outside.
Listen, Al, I dont know what to say, you know? Shane began. Its, like ah, *****.
We dont want to hurt Jenny, Carmen said.
Yeah, Shane agreed.
Then what are you doing? Alice asked, confused.
Shane looked over at Carmen, then back at Alice. Its just *****, you know?
Carmen raised her eyebrows. Really? she asked dryly.
Shane frowned. That wouldnt help their case.
Alice looked at Carmen. You know what? I think you two better work it out before you try to explain to me what it is. She turned and went back inside, leaving Shane unsure of where to look.
Just *****? Carmen asked after a while.
I had to say something, Shane said, settling her eyes on her shoes.
And thats what you decided on? Is it true?
Shane took a deep breath and jammed her hands into her pockets.
I dont know, Carmen said quietly. God, this sneaking around is making me insane. Im not used to this.
Im sorry. She said it almost questioningly.
I need to know from you, she told Shane. Is this just *****? Because if it is, its better to stop everything and then you can get what you want from someone else.
Shane frowned. I dont I dont know how you can say this to me when its only about ***** to you.
You think thats all it is to me? Carmen demanded. Do you really think that?
Isnt it? Shane challenged. I mean, you have a relationship with someone else.
No! God, Shane, you really dont have a clue, do you?
Shane clenched and unclenched her teeth.
Carmen stared at her for a moment, composed herself, then stepped over to her. Okay, I dont know exactly what this is with us, but I do know that I feel something. And I dont know if thats something youre not used to, or something you stop yourself doing, but I do.
I do, Shane said softly.
You do what? Hmm?
Feel something. She looked away from Carmens face as she said it, embarrassed.
Then why did you push me away in the beginning? Huh? You couldve had me a long time ago. Then we wouldnt be in this situation, would we?
I dont know. Shane paused. I dont know. I wasnt sure about you.
And now you are? Is that it?
Shane was speechless again.
What do you want, Shane? Tell me.
Do you want me to be honest?
Carmen nodded.
I cant tell you. I dont know. But I do know that I like you. Shane looked at her.
Thats not enough. I mean, Jenny cares about me, you know.
So what is this? Youre gonna pick the one who cares more? Shane demanded.
Carmen stared at her incredulously. Shouldnt I? But thats not even what I mean. I mean I dont wanna be with someone who doesnt wanna be with me.
But I do, Shane blurted without thinking. When she realised what shed said, she clamped her mouth shut and looked at Carmen for her reaction.
Carmen raised her eyebrows. You do?
Shane swallowed. This was the moment. Would she ***** it up?
Shane? Do you? Carmen prompted.
Shane hesitated, then nodded. Yeah. I do.
A grin slowly spread across Carmens face. Wow.
Yeah. Shane nodded. I know.
Thats wow.
Shane smiled.
Carmen chuckled. So, are you saying you want to be with me?
Shane ran a hand through her hair and inhaled deeply. She stared hard at Carmen, who seemed to comprehend her reply before it was spoken. Yeah. She flicked her hair out of her eyes. I do.
Do you know how long Ive been waiting to hear that? I mean, we couldve avoided all of this stuff if youd said that before. Carmen was smiling as she said it.
Shane nodded, grinning. Yeah, I know. Im an *****. Then she turned serious. We still have a problem.
Carmens smile faded too. Jenny.