Carving Paths
Trapped In Anonymity
Part Seven




Bette jerked out of her sleep, hearing a loud crash.

*****, *****. Bette swung her legs over the edge of bed; she tried to make less noise as she opened her closet to get her clothes out. She pulled on her jeans and her white tank shirt on, Bette took a deep breath as she grasped the door ***** of her door leading outside to the hallway, pulling it slowly and her head started to inch out, peeking into the darkened hallway. Seeing nothing, Bette slowly entered into the hallway, putting her back against the wall as she controlled her breathing, trying to be quiet. She saw that the door in the darkened living room hasnt been broken into, Bette sighed in relief knowing she can get a bat out of the coat closet. Silently, she got what she needed, she turned back to continue to suspect whatever is left which is kitchen and her backyard.

Bette slowly moved through her living room, still tense as she held a baseball bat close to her chest. The kitchen door is fine as she entered the kitchen; the only thing is left which is her backyard, knowing that is the cause of the noise or the possible intruder. She twisted the doorknob gently, and pulled the door open partially then she squeezed through it. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness, her muscles froze as the rustling began and the shadow behind the bush was doing something in there. She swore slightly, wishing she left the light in the pool so it would give her a better clue what she will look for.

She had no choice but to surprise the intruder, Bette yelled out in a threatening way, I know you are there. I will hurt you if you dont come out. Bette jumped behind the intruders back, ready to attack. But the intruder was startled by the noise, losing the balance causing the intruder to fall flat on her face and sprawled out in the awkward way.

Shane groaned as her head came up spitting out the grass, Bette dropped the bat in shock after recognizing the body and her husky voice.

Shane? Bette asked, bewildered.

Yep, Shane drawled. Turning herself over to let Bette to see her for the first time. Bette paled, the wound on Shanes forehead looks serious.

Jesus. What did you do to yourself? You reek, Bette wiggled her nose in disgust.

Pulling up to sit in Indian style, Shane wondered how Bette has found out that someone was in her backyard. Looking past Bette, she saw fallen garbage cans. She didnt notice that she was doing that Shane was careless and in result she got caught. She tried to block Bettes view as she pulled herself up, to keep her from seeing a big, dug hole beneath the bush to fit in her garbage bag.

Okay. Shane, I need to fix you up and you need to take a shower Bette said briskly, wanting to take care of her. She doesnt look good at all, Shane has gotten thinner and she disappeared too many times. Bette was worried about her. She ignored the fact there was a big hole under her bush. Cleaning up Shane was her first priority and to find out what is going on with her. Not liking Shanes eyes, her instinct telling her that Shane might be in trouble. With her appearance and her usual laid-back style is now gone, replaced with cold and emotionless demeanor. God, have we paid any attention to Shane.

Not wanting to think about the blame, the present is here and now. Its time to get Shane back. Bette pulled the usual necessities to clean up the wound on Shanes forehead, as Shane sat on the couch in the living room. Exhausted and needing to get her usual dose of drugs to keep her feeling nothing and remain oblivious in her mind. Bette came back into the living room, sat on the coffee table as she face Shane.

Ouch. Be gentle. Shane winced as Bette ignored her, focused and determined to clean up the wound, swabbing it gently and putting the peroxide on it. Shane continued to moan as the peroxide sting, relieved when Bette put the bandage on it.

Shane, you can use my bathroom to take a shower. After that, we need to talk what has been going on with you, Bette said with a worried frown. Not answering Bette, Shane went into the bathroom, shutting herself in. Bette sighed, but the curiosity overcame her, wanting to know whats inside of that hole. Hearing the shower coming on, Bette quickly made her way to outside and kneeling down, pulling the black plastic bag out and opened it. Nothing but clothes, personal belongings like brush, jewelry, deodorant, and toothbrush. Disappointed, Bette expected to find something illegal to show that Shane is in real trouble, but why does she have her clothes and personal belongings buried in her backyard? Having no clue whats going on in Shanes life, but determined to get Shane to talk.

Shane came back into the living room with her hair wet and feeling clean for the first time in long time, the room was empty. She paused suspiciously, thinking Bette is up to something. Feeling hurt that Bette didnt bother to ask her straight out than sneaking around behind her back. Shane went into the kitchen, looking through the window seeing Bette crouched behind the bush. Furious, Shane turned around and swiftly walked through the front door, leaving the door open as she left behind the questions unanswered and losing the trust in her friends.

Walking back into the living room, Bette checked the bathroom but its open. Bette looked in, nothing but wet towel laying on the floor and Bette ran back to the living room. *****. As the front door is left open, Shane left. She knew Bette went through her belongings, not wanting to deal with Bette so she escaped. Slamming the door hard, Bette will deal with this later, needing to have some sleep then getting the troop together to find Shane. Later, she will see Dr. Shaw and ask for his opinion on Shane. But now, she cant do anything except wait to hear if Shane has appeared somewhere and they will find her.

*************

Clothes scattered on the floor, the light shining into the room as the figures laid there being tangled and rumpled the bed. Jack snored slightly, his angelic face slept and content to hold his lover. Her blond hair tickled Jacks nose as he moved slightly, bringing him to full wakefulness. Yawning, Jack checked her alarm clock, seeing its getting late as he pulled the cell phone out from his black pants, dialing into it and whispered into it then satisfied, shutting it closed and putting it back into his pant. Alice continued to sleep, wearing a t-shirt, Jack mused its getting harder not to touch Alice intimately but they havent reach that point yet, needing to gain Alices trust and getting used to each other. But he has plans to bring them closer and to keep Alice surprised. Now, he just wants to watch her sleeping. Propping his arm up under his chin, just watching her and just feeling something he hasnt felt for a long time. He found her and the love he has waited for the long time but knowing Alice is jittery about the commitment so patience can win in a long run.

Hmm, she snuggled back into the warm body. Utterly relaxed and has no sense of time, her sleepy brown eyes blinked then opened. Jack looked down, meeting her brown eyes and pulled her more further into his arms as her head rested on his chest as he hugged her.

He murmured, Good morning, sweetheart. She placed a gentle kiss on his neck in greeting. Jack chuckled; he shifted around, adjusting his position. Now he is on top of Alice, careful not to put any weight on her. As he supported himself using his arms on either side of Alice, while his lower body settled between Alices legs. Both felt no urge but simply being intimate and feeling each other.

Her short blond hair spread out, her brown eyes shining with amusement as her hands gently ran up and down on Jacks back.

Looking down, You are beautiful, Jack whispered. Alice blushed at the tender words, feeling appreciated. Suddenly drawing her eyebrows inwards into the thinking mode, as her mind nagged her and feeling she had forgotten something.

Oh *****! Alice suddenly sat up, ramming Jacks chin and catching him off guard as she pushed surprised Jack off the bed. I forgot to call in, to let the boss know Im not coming in today. Alice grabbed the phone off the nightstand and grumbled at herself for her stupidity as she dialed. Alice whispered into the phone and cough several times for the effect, her hoarse voice whispered thank you and hanging it up. Her triumph smile then faded when she has forgotten about Jack.

Sitting, wearing old jeans but bare chested as he rubbed back of his head. Alice sat there for a moment, liking the ***** look of him and taking him in appreciatively. But his jade eyes met hers, giving her the annoyed look. Feeling contrite, Alice offered her hand to pull him back into the bed.

Jack sighed, sitting cross-legged on the bed next to Alice. I like your friend Bette. She seems cool; Im surprised shes not attached. All men would want to be with her. She is unbelievably gorgeous, Jack leaned his head back. Alice frowned. Sensing Alice didnt like the comment. Bumping his shoulder against hers, Of course, you are way out gorgeous and very frisky, comical, and honest. Do I need to say any more? You are a total package that a man dream to have.

Alice grinned at the charming way of Jack trying to let her know that she is the only one he wants. It doesnt bother that Jack finds Bette attractive but Alice havent told him the truth about her friends and herself. Afraid he wouldnt approve her lifestyle. Feeling angsty, getting off the bed and started to pace front of her bed, trying to figure out the right words to explain to Jack.

Jack. I need to tell you something important. Jack looked at her intently, waiting. Umm. Im bisexual. All of my friends are lesbians. Holding her breath, her brown eyes scanning Jack, but he had no reaction, which made her nervous.

Thats all? Wow. It opens up interesting possibilities for us, Jack said solemnly, thinking about their ***** life.

Alice punched his shoulder, You dumbass.

Pulling Alice into his arms, Alice. It doesnt bother me at all. It is part of who you are. And your friends are important to you, I can tell you that. Jack scratched his chin thoughtfully, picking up the flow. Their sexual orientation doesnt bother me at all. We could talk about women. But its not all who they are; they are normal human beings and having their own lives. Im interested in getting to know your friends. Jack gently smiled, brushing the stray tear away from Alices cheek, then kissing her forehead, holding her there.

Im glad you told me. Thank you. Alice closed her eyes in relief, Jack keep surprising her. They sat there quietly, holding each other and content with each other.

***********

Keeping her cool demeanor, but inside she winced and felt the pain of the loss. As one by one, her possessions are sold on the auction. Her possessions had a special meaning, but the quiet desperation of getting the money pushed her over the edge and having no choice. Owning the Planet is the most prized possession meaning she has to sacrifice something in trade. But it wont hurt any less. The selling objects are worth more, but people keep betting it low. Disliking the people being cheap, her scowl appears as she watched people grinned at what they got for a low price. Its difficult to keep herself composed than jumping over and strangle those people.

Kit put her hand on Marinas arm, trying to comfort her as they watched Marinas possessions started to disappear. Kit leaned over and whispered into Marinas ear, After this. We could go to Milk and celebrate your newfound ownership. Plus the mourning for your loss of furniture. We need a drink. Marina gave her the look, I meant Im having water while you have the champagne, Kit amended. Kit chuckled, Marina slightly felt better and having a friend helps a lot.

People flowed out signaling the auction is now over. The old man approached her, handing the check to her and thanking her for selling. Marina scowled, but Kit pulled her away, not wanting Marina to say anything that she would regret. Marina now needed a drink to forget this day ever existed. She finally owned the Planet. Now, what about her house? There is nothing inside. Needing to find a smaller place and making it as her own, just her new memories. They walked out, leaving behind her past and memories.

*****************

Sipping their coffee, standing outside of Planet, as the morning remains cool. Pensive about everything, Jenny stared emotionlessly; Carmen continued to stand next to her, waiting for Jenny to talk to her. Jenny had awakened Carmen early in the morning with early phone call, needing someone to talk with.

Sorry about that time with Robin. It was awkward but letting someone go was harder than I thought, Jenny said quietly, feeling more alone ever than before. Tim is leaving so I have nothing left. Or have a friend to hang out with. I know some people but its casual acquaintances.

Hey! Forgetting about me? We are getting to know each other, so I can say we are on the way of becoming good friends, Carmen smiled playfully.

Yeah. But you havent said much about yourself. I barely know you except you are a cool person to hang out with, Jenny said pointedly.

Sorry, youre right. Friendship goes two ways. Okay, hmm. I have one brother and my mom died when I was little, Carmen continued to think, Oh yeah. Do you know Shane?

Jenny swiftly looked at Carmen, surprised that Carmen knew of Shane, being uneasy. Carmen noticed the reaction and having her answer. Im attracted to her, maybe Im falling in love. But she hasnt given me an opportunity to let me to get to know her. Shes too distant right now, her voice sounds thoughtful, remembering how Shane treated her. Shane is a complicated character and really difficult to get Shane to open up. All she can do is to wait, waiting for Shane to come to her.

Wow. I know you know who Shane is. But you cant help to fall in love with certain someone. You cant control that. I have been in that situation before and I got scathed. But I want you to be careful, just protect yourself. Squeezing Carmens hand, just hoping Carmen wont end up hurt like she did.

Enough about serious stuff. Want to have fun at Milk tonight? Carmen looked over her shoulder. Jenny shrugged. It wont hurt to have fun and keep her mind off on things. Cool. Ill meet you there. I have to go. Pulling Jenny in a hug then she left. Jenny continued to stand, watching her and sighed at the fact life is freaking complicated.

*****************

Legs constantly moved, some in casual, some in hurry, some in brisk. Tina squeezed into the elevator, seeing blank faces in business suits. Tina pushed the button to her floor, and then started to drink her coffee.

Stepping out of the elevator, entering into the office. Emma came running up to her, taking her briefcase and her coffee. Tina protested then stopped when Emma shook her head.

Mr. Finn is waiting for you in your office. Emma winked, leading her to Tinas office.

Already? Tina squeaked. Rolling her moss green eyes, Emma continued to walk then stopped front of the door and pulled it open. Pushing Tina inside and Emma closed the door as she gave them the privacy.

Rising up from the chair, Mr. Finn smiled warmly at Tina and clasped her hand in greeting.

Im sorry. I didnt expect you until later.

Dont worry about it. Please sit down, Mr. Finn said calmly. Seeing Ms. Kennard being nervous, in time it will change. Mr. Finn have been around long enough and seeing what will happen even people didnt expect to happen to them. He has a feeling that Ms. Kennard will be part of his life. Leading her to the chair and gestured her to sit down. Mr. Finn sat down elegantly next to her. Already feeling that Ms. Kennard is like a daughter to him, wanting to take care of her and making sure shes comfortable.

The reason why I came here earlier than expected, to brief you for your staff meeting. You will work with four staff members, working on a big project. Each of you will be expected to work on financial, timing, people who are involved in script development, the location where one of you need to supervise making sure it goes smoothly, and promoting the movie, He paused then continued, As you know its time consuming. You will work long hours with them. Emma will assist you or anyone who is involved in this project. Im sure you will do well.

Thank you, Mr. Finn. Grateful, he was trying to help her to ease into the rhyme of this business.

No problem. Im glad to help. I have been here long enough and you have a meeting in fifteen minutes. I will see you later. He rose slowly from the chair and smiled warmly at Tina as he closed the door behind him.

Tina sighed, leaning back. The door opened, wearing a bright smile, Emma brought heavy load of paperwork, depositing it on her desk. Dismayed, Tina stared, not believing there is already paperwork for her to shift through.

This is other work, not involving in this project. This is your normal workload for you, Emma explained. Taking a thick folder out of the pile and handing to Tina, That one is part of the project you will work with other people. Emma smiled cheerfully.

Where is my coffee? Tina looked intently at her, rubbing her forehead with her hand.

Gone, Emma replied. Tina groaned, wanting her usual caffeine but its gone.

We need to go and bring the folder with you. I will get you another one, Emma said with exaggerated sympathy.

Glaring at Emma as they exited the office, You are enjoying this, arent you?

Emma shrugged nonchalantly, pushing the door open as they entered the conference room. Meeting the faces, one female and three males. Emma smiled in greeting when she introduced Tina to them.

She said formally, This is Paul Swain, the dirty blond hair and sky blue eyes belong to the man who gave her easy friendly smile. And this one is Tidus Hotaru. His looks seem to be part of Japanese descent with jet-black hair and brown eyes. Another one with chin length brown hair and dark blue eyes gave her the cool look over; Emma said with disgust, This is Jesse McKay. Then Emma said with pleasant smile, This is Caroline Schroeder. She is a middle aged woman, giving off the grandmother vibe with a warm smile but her eyes has the shrewd look in her purple tinted blue eyes with short blond hair. This will be interesting people to work with, probably with a lot of conflicts, Tina thought with an inward sigh.

Emma patted Tinas shoulder and left the room to get her coffee. Tina went to her seat next to Caroline. The meeting has officially started.

**************

A figure silhouetted in the window, staring outside. Dr. Shaw leaned back in his chair, hooking his fingers behind his head. Waiting for Ms. Porter to start, feeling that this day will be her starting to reveal a little bit.

She turned her head, her brown eyes full of shadows. Dressed casually, wearing blue jeans with crimson long sleeved shirt.

I have been thinking a lot lately, about why I hate myself. All my life, I always craved the simple love from my father. He only gave the affection if I have accomplished a goal. But never love from the father to daughter that I needed from him. But the funny thing is I never stopped wanting it from him, Bette scoffed at her stupidity for never stopped hoping for it and waiting for him to accept who she is.

Scratching his stubble chin, Bette. Did it ever affected your relationships with other women? Already knew the answer but wanted her to admit it.

Yes, Bette admitted.

Hmm. Okay, have you ever thought about the possibility of cutting the ties with your father? Bette started to protest, Dr. Shaw held his hand up, telling her that he is not finished making his point. In a way, he is infiltering into you and affecting everything you do by allowing him to manipulate your thinking. It blocks you more and preventing you a chance to be happy with yourself. Also you end up hurting other people and yourself because you blame yourself of not being good enough. What do you think about that?

I havent thought about that. I keep waiting for him to change his mind and start to accept me being a *****. I know he want to keep everything under his control. I cant help but hoping. It makes me weak. Bette shoved her hands into the pockets of her jean.

Bette. After what you told me about your father, there is probably no chance of him providing what you want from him. He keeps ignoring you. There are several ways to reach out to him. One is cutting ties to make him realize what he is losing. Or confronting him to tell him that he is making you unhappy and he is hurting you. There is a small chance he might open his mind and want to be there for you regardless if he doesnt agree what you do because he loves you. You need to take a chance to find that out, Dr. Shaw said softly.

Yeah. I hope so. I need to move on and starting to be happy without worrying what my father thinks. I need to learn to accept myself with my flaws and not everything needs to be perfect, her lips curved into a small smile after what she realized what she said.

Good, good. You are making the progress, He nodded, satisfied with her progress. Bette sat down heavily, not expecting to reveal that much.

Thank you, Dr. Shaw.

No, you did it by yourself. I made some suggestions and you figured something on your own.

Bette nodded, standing up and ready to leave. I forgot to ask you. About my friend, she keeps disappearing. She doesnt look good and keep getting worse. So what can I do?

Well. It sounds like she is really in trouble and if you care much about her, you need to confront her and force her to realize what she is doing to herself. I could assume she might end up dead, Dr. Shaw looked at her seriously. Bette felt a chill running up her spine, praying she is not too late to help her and determined to find Shane.

************

Coolly watching Carmen dancing with Jenny, laughing with her. Feeling jealous, not wanting Carmen with anyone, she should be bothering me, not ignoring me. Not thinking, Shane hopped down from the stool, making her way to them.

Hey. They turned to the voice, Carmen was alarmed with Shanes appearance, she keep getting worse every time Carmen saw her. Carmen nodded to Shane, then turned her attention back to Jenny. Shane didnt like how Carmen was acting, hot and cold.

Irritated with Carmen, she grabbed Carmens wrist, pulling her into the bathroom, leaving taken aback Jenny behind. Pushing Carmen further into the bathroom as Shane locked the bathroom behind her. Shanes intense and predatory gaze as she brought herself closer to Carmen. Feeling possessive and jealous, she hooked her right arm around Carmens waist and lifted her up, setting her down on the counter, pushing Carmen roughly further on the counter.

Her head banged against the mirror suddenly as her eyes blurred then cleared. Her brown eyes grew wide as Shane unzipped Carmens jean and pulled her jean down, not wanting to have ***** in the bathroom as she sat there stunned. Shane lowered herself, as she slid Carmens black underwear off; Carmen grew wet when she got turned on of seeing Shane licking her lips. Then her warning system went off made her realize this was wrong, Carmen tried to resist Shane, pushing her head away from her legs. But Shane ignored Carmen who continued to struggle, trying to close her legs then Shane grabbed her wrists and hooked her arms under her legs holding her down. Shane sank down, and plundered her mouth into Carmens wet heat. Carmen stopped struggling as she moaned as her nipples started to harden, but her tears filled her eyes, not wanting this to happen now.

Her lips licked her folds then gently went upward, sensing swollen *****, as her mouth closed around the *****, slightly pulling and sucking. The pleasure and pain swept her body, getting aroused beyond. Her mind blurred, as she moved her hips forward slightly as the heat became unbearable and painfully pleasurable, grasping Shanes head closer to her. Nearing the climax, Shanes head moved upwards, seeking the access to her ***** as her fingers replaced her mouth. Removing her other hand from under of her leg and pushed up her t-shirt and pushing aside the bra, her mouth closed on the erect nipple of her breast, sucking hard as she put one finger, entering her and kept it moving in and out. Carmen, overwhelmed with sensations, cried out, her body started to shake, as the burning sensation shot through her.

Shane pulled away, satisfied as she wiped her mouth and washed her hands over the sink. Then her hazel eyes slowly moved over Carmens body, liking what she saw, then moved upwards to meet her eyes. Shanes grin faded, seeing Carmens tears falling down on her cheeks. She shakily brought her jeans up and fixed herself up but her eyes filled with shame as she tried to stop crying, as she covered her mouth with her hand, stifling the sob. Shane, shocked with Carmens reaction, backed away slowly, not believing what she had done. Not understanding her actions, Shane panicked and pushed the door open, escaping as she left devastated Carmen behind.

She didnt even kiss me. She didnt care. It hurts. All Shane wanted is the *****, not caring who she hurts in the process, Carmen felt the shame of even thinking about finding the good in Shane and the betrayal piercing her heart.

**************

Distracted from the conversation with someone, seeing Shane coming out of the bathroom. Jenny didnt see Carmen coming out behind Shane, thinking there is something wrong. Jenny excused herself, quickly went into the bathroom. Anger boiled up to the surface, as she saw and heard Carmen curled up in a ball on the counter, slightly rocking back and forth as her sobbing filled the air. Jenny ran out of the bathroom, glowered at Shane making a conversation with a woman as there had been nothing has happened, couldnt hold back her anger.

You ***** *****, Jenny snarled.

Surprised at the words, Shane turned around and Jennys fist plowed into Shanes jaw.

Ouch! Jenny rubbed her sore hand, not expecting it will hurt but damn. Marina slid her arms, wrapping Jenny in a hug from behind then Jenny leaned back in Marinas embrace, and her anger ebbed away. Her head tilted up, seeing the glint of protectiveness and warning Jenny to calm down.

Carmen wiped her tears away, coming out of the bathroom, her mouth dropped open after seeing the scene unfold front of her, silently cheered her new friend. An older woman came up from behind, as she seemed to hold Jenny back. Shane sat on the floor, rubbing her jaw, sensing Carmen watching her. Her eyes held nothing, no emotions flickering. Now she understood Shanes warning but she cant stop trying to help Shane and trying to connect with her.

*********

Panting, her hand shook as her head pounded. Shane closed her eyes, blocking out the dizzy spell. Drenched in sweat, her head laid against the brick wall, trying to catch her breath. She screamed in pain as her body shook in shock as the piercing pain streaked through her brain. Shane fell to the ground, her body battered and exhausted as the unconsciousness sneaked up onto her mind.