Bette-

Tina and me only have a few months of freedom left. Pretty soon our nights will be filled with persistant screams, and dirty nappies. But for tonight we forget all looming worries about parenthood as we have a regular girls night out at Milk.
Alice is perched ontop of Danas knee, her arms encircling her neck as they kiss slowly. Alices reporter friend is sat next to Tina staring into her drink, occasionally glancing after Shane who is sat in a corner with a look on her face that I havent ever seen before. I gaze after her worriedly, until Tina distracts my attention away. Were buying a crib tomorrow… Tina begins. …Oh could we keep it at your place because its bad luck to keep it in our house before the baby is born She asks Dana and Alice, they tear themselves away from each other for a second to nod before their lips meet again. Then were painting the babys bedroom the next day, youre all welcome to help by the way
I watch as Shane walks over to the bar and orders a shot of something. She downs it quickly before ordering another one.
You are not the only one with important plans now Porter. Now that Im a soon to be married woman I have alot of things on my plate Alice chirps kissing Danas temple happily.
So youre free then? Tina asks.
Of course, Dana and I will come round in the afternoon
Have you set a date yet? I ask, placing my arm around Tina.
We dont want to rush things. Weve got plenty of time right babe? Dana asks.
Alice takes Danas arm and wraps it around her. No way Dane, I want to be married to you asap. Those fans are getting persistant
The lady has spoken Dana says shrugging.
And what about your honeymoon? Tina asks.
We were thinking that wed try to get that same villa in Barbados Dana tells us.
Because thats where Dane and I first did it Alice adds much to Danas dismay. We did it good She chuckles, her voice low and husky. Dana smirks despite her blushes.
I find myself looking back at Shane, something isnt right with her. I want to ask everybody whats wrong but theres something about the way the reporter girl keeps looking at her that tells me its none of my business. Shane downs another shot and the girl excuses herself walking over to Shane. Something tells me shes going to make her feel better.

Shane-

I dont know what Im doing at the salon but I know that I dont want to be here. The second that my letter returned on my door step I hadnt really wanted to be anywhere but alone. I dont want to go into detail, my mothers hurried handwriting explained more than enough. She doesnt want to see me. My dads still furious. I dont know what I was thinking. Trying to contact my family. What did I think that all those absent years would suddenly be forgotten and wed go for tea?
She stands infront of me, looking, searching, for the truth in my eyes. I turn away from her, I concentrate on the new rug in the salon. Concentrate on the red fabric with such urgency that you would think it held all the answers to my problems. Shane She whispers so carefully that it breaks my heart. I shake my head turning away from her, already feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. She wraps her arms around my waist and holds me tightly against her. Its ok She promises me. I turn around allowing myself to face her. Her eyes feel like safety, and as I sink into them she clutches me to her. Its time to let it go I can feel the alcohol clinging to me as desperately as I cling to her.
For years I made myself block every bad memory out. I put up so many walls that it almost seemed impossible to pull any of them down. I havent cried properly in so long. And I can feel every sob pushing the sadness out of me. Her shoulder becomes damp from my tears. She strokes my back, my hair, my face. I look up and meet her lips with mine, tears still spilling out of me. My hands find her face, her cheeks damp from her tears or mine?. I kiss her desperately, but as soon as she feels my tongue sliding inbetween her lips she pulls away from me. I cant pretend not to be hurt.
Thats not what you need right now Shane
What? How do you know what I want? I snap.
I dont pretend to, but ***** isnt going to get you anywhere
You dont want me? She shakes her head sadly, taking the step forward that she stepped back.
Not like this She touches my cheek, tip toeing to reach my lips with her own.
Then like what? She wraps her arms around me.
I dont want to take advantage
I snort You wouldnt be I feel like I need this, whether she thinks I do or not. I guess its that foolish pride surfacing again. My stupid mind telling me that I can still just ***** her, that I can end this sad ***** sorry situation right now. Like Im not in love with her. The thought startles me, scares me a little, and yet…and yet makes me feel safe. Makes me think that maybe she could feel the same way about me.
Im not going to sleep with you tonight Shane because it wouldnt mean anything. I dont want to not mean anything to you. If the only choices I have are being your friend or being a notch on your bedpost then Id rather be your friend She slips away from me. She could be the warmth leaving me with the cold as I watch her walk away slowly. I reach out for her, grasping her wrist desperately.
I dont want to be your friend
Which is why I have to leave She tries to struggle away but I hold onto her tighter.
I dont want you to be a notch on my bed post either I cover her cheeks with my hands, trying to wipe away the doubt I can see in her eyes. I mean it Nance I whisper, my voice pleading. She sighs but I can feel her relenting infront of my eyes. She brings her lips to mine, gently caressing my bottom lip with her lucious mouth. She holds me tightly, gripping the collar of jacket with her clenched hands.
Maybe things arent so bad after all.