“Hey, Shane. It’s Carmen. I don’t want to talk to you, because you’ll try to change my mind, and I don’t need that kind of hurt anymore. I want you to know that… That this isn’t right. Shane. I know he’s your dad, and you love him for that, but… I’m your girlfriend. I’m the one who-who holds you when you cry, who calms you when you’re troubled, who listens when you need a friend. He’s done none of that for you! But he’s more important to you. And I know, maybe you’re saying right now, ‘no, Carmen. He’s not more important.’ Well, I’ll see that when I believe it. So, here’s your ultimatum. Be home in two days, or don’t come back. That’s it. I love you, and I wish it didn’t have to be this way, Shane, I really do.” Carmen tearfully hit the middle button again, sighing and wiping her eyes before going to options, and send to Shane.

“I knew you’d be back.” The teenager took a spot next to Bette on the same table they’d sat on together earlier, this time chewing on gum rather than slipping on a slurpie, and her sunglasses were discarded elsewhere.

“I’m not back here for you.” Bette said, shaking her head at the absurdity of the statement she was about to make, “I’m back for your advice.”

“Uh-huh.” The girl grinned, scooting closer to Bette. “I think you’re here for a little payback.” The girl reached up and ran her fingertips down the side of Bette’s face to her neck, attempting to straddle her and move her hands lower until Bette stopped her.

“Okay, four things.” Bette started, holding up four fingers for emphasis. “One: You’re sixteen. Two: I don’t even know your name. Three: I’m a top. Four: You’re fucking sixteen.”

“My name’s Courtney, and I’m a bottom. As for the age thing, so what? You’re hot, I’m hot, we’re gay, let’s get it on!”

Bette laughed, her resolve wavering. This girl was smokin’. “I don’t think so.”

“Oh, no?” She asked, crashing her lips into Bette’s. And this time, Bette didn’t fight back.

Shane reached into her pocket, retrieving her ringing phone, and saw that she had a new message from Carmen. She opened it, and a video started playing. A tearful Carmen had offered her an ultimatum. Come home now or the relationship was over. Shane glanced from her phone, where the video was paused on Carmen crying, to the snowy streets and felt oddly betrayed. How could Carmen not support me? Maybe this girl isn’t right for me. She should understand the importance of family more than I should! But, at the same time, she picked me over her family. She stood up to them. But this isn’t the same, is it?  Shane sighed, and shook her head. No. Not the same at all. Shane knew what had to be done.

Dana periodically glanced over at her girlfriend to make sure she was okay. She could tell the buzz was wearing off, and knew she had to get her to a hospital.

“Come on, honey, just a little bit longer and we’ll get that crap out of you. Okay?”

Alice’s response was an indistinct mumble that sounded close enough to ‘I love you’ for Dana.

“I love you too, Al.”

The writer didn’t respond, earning a glance from Dana, who found her passed out in the car seat next to her.

“Oh, shit. Hang on, baby. Please.”