Shane was standing in the kitchen making a sandwich. The sound of the
door behind her opening and then closing caused her to momentarily
pause. She turned to see who was there. It was Mark. Shane glanced at
him, said hey, and then went back to what she had been doing.
Mark didnt seem to hear her. He peered into the other room, and then he asked, Wheres Jenny?
Shane shrugged and picked up her sandwich. I dont know, havent seen her.
Mark’s head dropped a little. Oh

Shane eyed him suspiciously. Why, whats up?

Mark looked at her. Nothing, I just – I saw her last night when she got home and

And what? Shane asked.

Mark remained quiet. He seemed torn, which worried Shane.

Mark, if somethings going on with Jenny then you need to tell me.

She was drunk Mark replied.
Okay, is that it? Shane asked, puzzled as to why he would make a big
deal about that, considering how much drinking the three of them did
both inside and outside of their house.
Mark shook his head. No, I mean – I dont know for sure – it was late,
and she didnt really stop to talk – but it looked like – it looked
like she might have had a black eye.
What? Shane set her sandwich down on the counter.
Like I said, I dont know for sure. Mark said. I was in the kitchen,
and just the one light in the other room was on, but he trailed off.

Shit Shane pressed her palms against the kitchen counter.
I know, Mark agreed. But – hey, maybe I got it wrong.

Shane bowed her head and stared at the counter. Alright, look, she
finally said. Im gonna see if I can find her. I know this place she
likes to hang out at sometimes, so

Do you want me to come? Mark asked.
Shane shook her head. No. I think I should just go. She started to
walk away, then stopped and looked back at him. But thanks.
Mark nodded, hearing the sincerity in her voice. Sure, no problem.

Shane knew that Jenny sometimes went to the beach when she wanted to
think, or just clear her head. Jenny had once told her that Tim brought
her there when she first moved to L.A. She said that he promised that
they would go there when ever she wanted, as often as she wanted, but
that in the end it turned out to be just another broken promise. She
said that going to the ocean reminded her of a time when her life
seemed stable and sane, and she felt safe.
When Shane found her she was sitting in the sand with her knees pulled up to her chest. Hey