Carmen: You know, if Shane would have said that to my mother, she’d have gotten smacked up-side the head with a frying pan… or a Benny More record.

They both laughed. Carmen pushed Alice’s medium-length hair back.

Carmen: Alice don’t worry my frying pan’s in the dishwasher. But honestly, when you say it to me, I think it’s amazing that my daughter has found love that deep with someone I actually get along with!

Alice: You didn’t get along with Jess?

Carmen: That fucked-up, needy, clingy, two faced bitch?

Alice: Apparently not.

Carmen: She did nothing but stick a dildo in Alex’s ear to fuck with her mind. All manipulation and mind games with that one.

Alice: Well I’m glad I’m well-liked.

Carmen hugged her again.

Carmen: Alice, you’re loved.

Alice let a small smile take up on her face.

Carmen: Come on, we’ll watch Margaret Cho Revolution, that’ll cheer you up.

Alice nodded and they walked into the other room.

Shane walked out of the Diner, ready to head home. She opened the door of her truck and got in. When she turned the headlights on, she could have sworn she saw something move in the distance, somewhere in the dark alley in front of her. For a brief second, she thought of going back there and finding out what it was. Then she saw a figure stand, its back to her. “Just another bum” she thought, gave it no second thought and knew she had to get home to Carmen. So, she turned the key and drove off.

Alex was woken from her peaceful dream by the bell on the diner door. She saw a familiar female figure leave, and get closer. It was her mother. She stayed still, until the headlights turned on. That’s when she jumped, not being ready for the burst of light. She stood up, careful to keep her back to her mom. “Maybe I should go back, I should call for her or yell or scream, or something.” But she stayed put. She stared straight into the darkness, until she heard the car start. Then she turned around and looked at her mother, for what she knew would be the last time in a long time. When the truck was out of sight, she still stared, wishing it back because that was the only way she knew she’d have a chance at getting her life back. But the truck never turned around, and she was left, staring into the darkness as the rain continued to pour. She looked to the sky.