So Miss. Porter here  Alice motioned toward the mocha colored woman.  Schooled youah?  Took a big chance didnt ya?  I mean when she was in schoolhistory was not even a subject, it was a still being written!  She chuckled and smacked her hand on the table emphasizing the joke. 

Hey!  First hand experience is always better than the hazy memories from high school you have!  Bette always took the ribbing about her being the oldest in the group with stride.  ***** she was only thirty-four.  I dont see how you remember school at all, with all the smoking you did She stuck her tongue out at Alice.

Okay you guys thats enough.   Tina used her motherly tone before turning her attention to Shane.  So?  What are you going to do now?

urm  Shane debated mentioning her opportunity of going to a hair styling school.  If she told them and if she couldnt do it, than theyd be disappointed in her.   She furled up her forehead and pursed her lips obviously deep in thought. 

Shane?  Alice elbowed her and motioned toward Tina. 

Shane looked at the women sitting at the table, all of them wearing the same encouraging and caring faces.  They were her family, she knew that, and despite her lack of ever having any experience with a real one, she knew that families share things.  She shook her head and a slight smile curled on her lipsshe may regret it later, but today she felt daring and confidant.  I got accepted in to a hair styling schoolits something I always wanted to do, so I am.  Her voice was flat and even, despite her confidence, she knew that hair styling wasnt as flashy as Art Director, or Production Management, or even Journalism.

Oh my god Shane, thats great!  Tina smiled broadly, pulling the younger lanky woman into a tight hug. 

Yeahawesome!  Now I can get a free hairstyle and not have to pay ridicules prices!  Alice hugged the two of them, quickly followed by Bette.  Shane groaned a little at the attention but relished in her new familys love for her.  The group broke apart and agreed to meet up later at Milk to celebrate Shanes new direction in life, while promising not to give Gabby a hard time.