“I’m sorry, I can’t.” I reply, exiting the kitchen toward the back patio.

JL—I stand and watch her go and decide not to go after her. The fact that Angie called me mommy seemed to knock her legs from beneath her, leaving her to fall down onto the floor. I was hoping for a happy ever ending, but I know I’ll never hear the end of this. I miss New York and my friends and it’s hard for me to say this, but, I think coming here is a big mistake.

~Shane’s house~

SM—Jenny called an hour ago and said she was staying at some hotel in Phoenix. I personally don’t know how the hell she got there, but she did. She didn’t leave a number and she said she was fine and there was no need to worry. Apparently, she needed to leave town to clear her head, being that she fucked everyone over in our neighborhood. That’s understood. I promised not to go after her and just knowing she was alive and well helped me a lot. At least I can go to sleep tonight and actually get some rest.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

I step out into the hall and fix my eyes on the front door. I wasn’t expecting company and I hope it wasn’t Paige bothering me. No offense, I’m not in the mood for company. The knocks grew louder and harder and I knew it wasn’t Paige; it had to be Alice or somebody.

“Shane, open up!” Alice shouts through the door. I was right. I shook my head and strolled over to the door and swung it open.

“You’re supposed to call first.” I say, stepping back, allowing her to enter the house.

“Start answering your cell and maybe I’ll announce my arrival.”

“What ever.” I reply, closing the door and sitting down in a chair. A visit from Alice at times can be a sign of danger or pure torture. “What do you want?” I ask annoyed by her presence.

“Hello to you to.” She says, fixing her collar and crossing one leg over the other.

“Hi.”

“Hey,” Alice replies with a wide smile.

“What?” I ask watching her with a smile on my face too.

“Oh, nothing, I was just hoping you’d join us at Tina’s tonight.” She replies, pushing her hair behind her ear.