While flirting with Sarah, Shane had watched the entire conversation between Marissa and Alex. Shane shoulders dropped when she saw Alex walk out of the caf. Excusing herself from Sarah, Shane wandered over to the crying teen.

Hey, Shane muttered placing a hand on Marissas shoulder.

Marissa dropped her head and took is a shaky breath, She doesnt want me.

*****, come on, lets get some air, Shane lightly grabbed the girls wrist and led her outside.

Once outside Marissa broke down completely, God, I, what do I do?

Shane was never good around crying girls. It always made her feel cagey and uncomfortable, but she sucked it up and pulled the lanky girl into her arms.

Marissa for her part simply clung to Shane, mumbling incoherently. However she had planned the meeting to go, this was not how it ended. For her part, Shane stayed mostly silent, simply holding Marissa. After a few minutes the sobs began to subside and she pulled away from Shane, still shaking slightly. Shane smiled slightly at the mascara now smudged around the girls eyes.

Itll be okay, Shane brushed Marissas hair from her face.

I dont know what to do now, Marissa sighed hopelessly.

Why dont you go home, clean yourself up a bit, go clubbing with me, and we come up with a new strategy, Shane smiled trying to make eye contact.

Marissa flinched slightly, Is it okay if I, I mean, there is a lot of traffic and I …

Well why dont you come back to my apartment with me, Im sure I can work something out, Shane guessed something had happened at her home, but did not want to push it.

Are you sure? Marissa finally looked up at her new friend.

Throwing her arm around Marissa, Shane playfully pulled her into a hug, I wouldnt ask if I wasnt sure. Besides now I wont have to suffer through listening to Jennys writing alone.

Jenny? Marissas head tilted slightly.

My roommate, Shane chuckled letting go of Marissa. Shes a friend and all, but ***** if her writing doesnt make any sense to me. Shes been putting the finishing touches on some story about a manatee girl or some ***** like that and keeps asking me for my opinion.