Slamming the glass down, AND WHAT WOULD THAT BE? Huh, Shane? What did I do that is any of your business? I couldnt hold back anymore. I was drainedphysicallyemotionally. I just want Tina back. It frustrates me so much knowing that I cant come home and just retreat into her arms. I have no safe haven anymore. I extracted the cornerstone and the building came tumbling down around me.

Its my business because youre my friend, her voice is raised in answer to mine, Tinas my friend. I looked up to you guys. Whenever I look at you I know true love really does existbut nownow its all gone. She begins to cry. How am I supposed to go on, knowing that things will never be the same? Shes in almost as much pain as I am.

I take a deep breath and steady myself. Calmly I say, I dont know Shane. I reach out, placing my hand on her head. Im still trying to figure out how Ill go on. I pull her in for an embrace as she reaches her arms around me. Well get through thisthe two of ustogether. Well both have our families. I then guide her over to the couch and sit with her.

After ten minutes of crying in my arms, Shane has fallen asleep. I lay her down on the couch and cover her with a blanket. I retreat to the kitchenmy unfinished dinner just caught up to me. I open the refrigerator to find a carton of leftover take-out. Placing it in the microwave, I turn to the opposite counter for the already used glass. I stop in my tracks when I see the silver frame sitting neatly on the counterwhere its been all week. Instead of taking my food out of the microwave, I look around the room. Where did I put my bag? Spotting it on a dining room chair, I open it and look for the pane of glass I brought home. I return to the kitchen and gently lay the glass and frame on the table. I painstakingly open the frame, carefully removing the photo. I insert the glass, the photo, and the backing then secure them in place. Turning the picture over to look at it, I notice the scratch. I can still see iteven with the glass in there. I guess it will just have to be a constant reminder of what happened. I stand up and take it into the bedroom, cautiously placing it on the vanity. I find Im really not that hungry after all, but I am very tired. I quickly remove the food from the microwave and go back to the bedroom, turning out the lights on my way. I cant sleep on the couch again, Shanes there. Ill just have to sleep in bed tonightI havent slept in the bed since last Thursday night. How will I be able to sleep in this bed all alone? I grab Tinas robe and put it on over my pajamas. Then I slip into her side of the bed. I close my eyes and fall asleep with Tinas scent saturating in my nostrils.

To Be Continued