Each message would bring Shane close to tears. She would sit each night by the window until she just fell asleep there. That sky would keep her close to Carmen. On some nights, she thought she could hear Carmen singing to her a soft lullaby in spanish. On other nights, she thought she could smell the sweet scent of her soap. But when Shane opened her eyes, these apparations would leave her. And she once again found herself on the ground next to the open window in a dark room all by herself. Cherrie started to notice Shane’s tendency of sleeping on the floor by the window. Just like every morning for two weeks, she found Shane on the ground like normal. Cherrie knelt down next to the lifeless form. Shane went everywhere with her. Shopping, swimming, driving, everything. Cherrie just wished Shane would start to feel something towards her, but every time Cherrie got close, the scrawny girl would dart away like a raven and just look at her with sparkling green emerald eyes. Cherrie wished Shane would fall for me, but knew she couldn’t rush it. She was patient. Shane would be hers in the end. She would just have to wait.

Cherrie: Shane, if you keep sleeping without covers, you’ll catch a cold.

She touched Shane’s face to gently wake her.

Shane: Huh?

Cherrie: Breakfast is downstairs. After that get ready to go out tonight. There’s a dinner we have to go to.

Shane nodded and waited for nightfall. In that house, she had nothing to do but wait upon Cherrie. Her phone started to ring.

Bette: Shane, have you been able to get her laptop?

Shane: I’ve seen it here and there, but only glimpses, it’s always in her room.

Bette: Why don’t you go in and get it when she’s not there?

Shane: Because she’d mistake that as me opening up to her! She’d eat me alive.

Bette: Isn’t that a win win situation for you? Get what we need and also get laid?

Shane: Bette!

Bette: What? I’m just saying you should have some fun.

Shane: You’re never like this. What’s up with you? Are you sick?

Bette: I am not! It’s just being with Tina is changing me. And she’s telling me to be nice. And she says hi. So does Bobby and Tidwell. You should see them with their faces plastered on the glass.