She was right about you. Tina said simply as she turned and walked away

Bette sat around the table looking at her friends. She hadnt expected her sister to turn the gathering into a party, but everyone was there. Well almost everyone. Dana, Shane and to her dismay, Tina werent there yet. Well Tinas family will be here over the next few days, so this might be the last youll see of us for a while. Or at least Ariana and Tina. Her parents arent that fond of me. And if they know what happened then that will probably cement me into the not god enough for our daughter category. Bette looked down at the sleeping baby and smiled. But I guess thats fine as long as Tina doesnt think that. And theyll only be here for a couple of weeks. Bette shrugged.

Well just hang in there Bette. Alice offered, noticing but not pointing out the subtle changes that were present in her friend. Bette smiled up at Alice and then back toward Ariana. So. Does anybody know if Danas coming? Alice asked trying to sound casual.

I dont think shes feeling well. We were supposed to meet earlier for coffee and she sent me a message saying that she wasnt feeling good so she couldnt make it. Alice looked behind her to see Lara standing with an apron on carrying a tray full o their coffee orders. Lara set down the tray on a nearby table and caught the slight flinch that Alice gave at her words. As she handed out the coffee she wondered to herself what had possessed her to answer Alices question that way. It wasnt her style to throw things in other peoples faces so blatantly. It was just that she was having trouble dealing with her disappointment that Dana had cancelled their meeting. She quickly deposited the rest of the cups and then hurried away without saying another word. She had suddenly been uncomfortable at the dislike that Alices eyes were throwing her way.

Shane and Carmen walked toward the Planet both of them wearing smiles. Carmen reached out and grabbed Shanes hand. Shane looked down at their hands and tried to keep her face straight at the foreign feel of the other hand in her own. And after only a seconds hesitation she closed her own hand tighter around the darker one and pulled Carmen closer to her. So what are you doing after this? Carmen asked.

After this, your wish is my command. Shane said as they neared the door. She was just about to open it when she felt Carmens hand yanking her to the side of the door. Woa! Whats the problem? She asked as she regained her balance.

You didnt tell me that Mark was going to be here.

Shane turned and followed Carmens gaze. I didnt know. Alice must have brought him. Theyve been hanging out like crazy ever since the thing with her and Dana. Shane turned back toward Carmen.

You know what I really should go back home and get some sleep. Carmen pulled her hand away from Shane and started to back away from her.

Wait. This is about Mark?

No. Carmen tried to lie, but it didnt feel right. Yeah, yeah, you know what it is. I just cant understand how you could just forget everything. Shane he hurt you, he hurt Jenny. He used all of us, I mean I just dont get it ok? Carmen had stopped walking and started talking with her arms an hands trying to convey her incomprehension of the situation. Tell me why.

Carmen, dont do this ok. Lets just go in there and see everyone and just forget about Mark ok. He didnt mean any of it.

Youre not gonna tell me are you? Shane just stared at Carmen willing her to just let it go. Carmen ran her hand through her hair and stared back. So here we are again. Right. Carmens hand pushed her hair back again as she turned her gaze to the sidewalk and then back to Shane. You should go in there and visit with your friends. Im gonna go home and get some sleep. Ill call you when I wake up. Carmen turned and left Shane standing in front of the Planet just in time for Dana and Tina to walk up.