Shane lounged on a chair in The Planet, having already downed two espressos. She was waiting for Jenny, as she had been for the last half hour. What took her so long to get her ***** into gear in the mornings? Shane couldnt figure it out. Shed roll out of bed, chuck something on, check her phone messages and she was done. Why the ***** did Jenny need such an excessive amount of time?

Finally, she caught a glimpse of Jennys long black hair. Too long. Thought Shane quickly. There was no shape to it, it didnt suit her face shape. She had a small petite face, and she needed hair to go with it. But that would come later. Shane perked up as she saw a tall slender brunette sauntering towards Jenny. Jenny, unfortunately, did not notice the gorgeous brown haired woman and proceeded to ram straight into her, causing her full cup of coffee to spill all over her white blouse.

Jenny gasped. Im so sorry! Oh my GodIm sorry. Oh I feel terrible, here let me get that, she muttered.
The woman huffed, Look its ok. Its fine. *****, this was a new shirt. She looked angry, and deservedly so, but Shane couldnt bear to see Jenny stuttering like that. What was wrong with her? Flirt! Smile your way out of it! Thought Shane, exasperated. She sighed. The girl needed to be saved. She rushed over to Jenny, keeping her cool the entire time, getting to her in long strides.
Hey there Jenny. Hi, she smiled coyly, looking at the soiled brunette. Im Shane. The woman looked flustered under Shanes appreciative gaze.
Hi. Amanda, nice to meet you, she said as Shane extended her hand.
So Jenny, bumped into another lovely lady? laughed Shane, trying to keep the pace easy, as Jenny looked mortified. Jenny laughed half-heartedly, wandering when the terror would end. At least Amanda was giggling.
Please forgive Jenny, she can be a klutz. But she makes up for it in other areas if you know what I mean, Shane and Amanda continued to laugh and carry on like they were friends from way back. Jenny looked on, astounded at how Shane pulled these things off.

Jenny blinked. In a sudden whirl, Shane and coffee-lady were exchanging numbers, planning to meet up. How had that happened, questioned Jenny.

What was that? asked Jenny dazedly.
That my dear, was me saving your *****. What the ***** happened back there? Do you always lose your cool like that?
I dunno. I guess. You know what Im like. The only decent thoughts in my head come out on paper. Jenny groaned. Shed made a fool of herself, and she knew it. Shane, I need help, stated Jenny at the same time Shane said, you need help.
Shane grinned. Then its done. First things first, you need a new haircut. Then clothes, then Im thinking, we work on the new tude once we have the exterior done. Much easier to work with.
Jenny looked at Shane skeptically. You scare me, she muttered, biting her lip. Shane went right on grinning.


Lather

Shane shampooed Jennys hair quickly and thoroughly. Quite different to Laurens a couple of weeks ago. The tropical smells of coconut and pineapple shampoo transported Jenny into some faraway land, no doubt writing stories in her head. What a dreamer.

So wheres Lauren? You two are like, joined at the hip usually, said Jenny, of the very same person that filled Shanes thoughts.
Right now, shes in a plane on the way to New York for a brief photo shoot. Shes head make-up artist for a Vogue shoot. Its huge for her, said Shane, truly happy for her friend. She was waiting for the day when shed be asked to do hair for something like that.
Are you serious? Thats incredible! exclaimed Jenny.
Yeahit really is, trailed Shane.
I know you miss her. Shes like your other half. Its odd seeing you without her, stated Jenny quietly. Shanes heart skipped a few beats, her breath caught in her chest. The pain was almost unbearable. She really did miss her friend, but as it was such an amazing opportunity for her, the pain was just bearable.
I do miss her. Its strange not having something you never realized was there, Shane stopped herself, not trusting her mouth for a second longer. What was with all this opening up? Find that barricade, Shane she chided herself.

MmkayIm thinking shorter – only a little, dont panic – and choppier. Yes. And were keeping the fringe, though perhaps a little more side-swept. Yes yes yes, Shane thought aloud. Jenny looked terrified.
Oh God she cursed.

Shane snipped, surveying Jennys hair this way and that. She analysed a rogue strand for a second, then finally decided to chop off one more centimeter. Shane proceeded to dry it with a blowdryer, just to get the moisture out and flicked out the ends with the straightening irons. For the final touch, she squirted a few drops of product into her hands and worked it through Jennys thick hair, as well as a touch of wax on the tips. Done.

She regarded her little protge with a critical eye. Finally, she was satisfied. She grinned at Jenny, showing her the back of her head in a hand-held mirror. Hot. So hot, stated Shane eventually.
Jenny grinned nervously. You think? she asked worriedly. She ran a hand through her shorter, cooler hair.
***** yes. Ey, would I lie to you? asked Shane quizzically.
Huh. Well if Shane McCutcheon thinks I look hot, then thats enough for me, smiled Jenny.
Well do you like it? asked Shane, a slight feeling of nervousness in the pit of her stomach. She didnt like people hating her work.
Slowly, Jenny smiled. I love it. Then she grinned as Shanes face lit up.
Okay, youre clothes need fixing. You are in dire need of help. Meet me on my lunch break.
Ohokay, said Jenny as Shane went and greeted another client.

Later

Okay, whats the plan Miss McCutcheon? asked Jenny. By now, she had given up guessing on Shanes next move. The girl sure kept people on their toes.
The plan is vintage. I see cool tees, some new jackets, jeans that actually fit well and maybe some boots. However, youve got that look. I say some gorgeous pretty tops, some feminine accessories. You know, mix it up. You can pull it off.
Jenny looked at her. Shane stared unblinkingly back. Okay then. Right, lets go, said Jenny. Obviously, Shane knew her stuff.

And that she did. She was like a ***** when shopping. She flicked through the racks expertly, zeroing in on only what they ended up buying. The girls worked well together, Shane found the stuff, Jenny surveyed it, deciding everything else. It wasnt a complete makeover. It was Shane helping her find what suited her, and what would give her confidence. It was much needed.
Jennyyoure hot, okay, this is coming from me. You need to believe inn yourself a little more. A lot more. If you dont, no-one will, I can tell you that much. You have no reason to doubt yourself. Ive never understood insecurities, Shane almost bit her tongue at this, remembering her agonizing the night of her date with Lauren.
Shane youre amazing. You truly are. And if you let more people see this side of you, youd be astounded at the results. I know girls fall in love with you every day, but sweetheart, Im thinking someone will fall in love with you for real, Im telling you. And Shane you deserve to be happy, because youre a beautiful person, even if you dont see it, she stopped, seeing the flush in Shanes cheeks.
Uhhumthankyou muttered Shane. She really didnt know what to say, but she was grateful for Jennys sweet words all the same.
Its okay Shane, you dont have to say anything. Just keep being this way, and youll be amazed and what good thingsll come your way. Bye Shane, said Jenny with a wave, her purchases in hand.

Shane watched her as she left, strutting as if shed been doing so her entire life. She continued to keep her gaze on Jenny as grungy blonde girl stopped Jenny and talked her up. She was amazed when JENNY FLIRTED EASILY BACK. Shanes heart swelled with pride. Her work here was done.



Airport, Arrivals

Shane stood languidly with her thumbs slung in her jean pockets, her black tank top riding up, revealing part of her flat belly. A picture of perfect ease on the outside, but inside, she was in turmoil. She was here early, not expecting Lauren for another hour or so. Lauren was coming back finally, and she could barely contain her excitement at the though. Theyd spoken every night but it wasnt the same. Her friend would finally be back. As her gaze wandered about the airport, and she wandered what she would do with herself for the next hour, she noticed a petite blonde with grey eyes, glancing at her every so often from across the room. Well, thered be no harm in enjoying herself until the plane arrived.

She walked over casually, briefly running her tongue along her lower lip. Cmon Shane, wheres the old you gone? You can still do this. Just take a bathroom break with a good looking girl. Easy. Well easier said than done anyway. She hadnt done this in a while. It was always slightly awkward these days. She couldnt totally get into it. Well, practice makes perfect McCutcheon she said to herself.

Hi. Im Shane.
Amelia, smiled the girl. She was even prettier close up.
Sowho are you waiting for? Got a few spare minutes? asked Shane with a glint in her eye.
Uhhyeah. Yeah I do. My uh, friend wont be here for another hour. From Seattle, she said, the slightest bit hesitantly.
Cool, and with that, Shane took her by the hand, worming her way through the crowds, to the small bathroom cubicle.

As soon as they entered, the two women kissed each other fervently. Hands grabbing at each other, fingers intertwining, and clothes being thrown off. Shane kissed Amelias neck, the muffled groan encouraging her. She slid her fingers into the petite girls pants, fumbling momentarily with the fly. But shed done this many times before, and it didnt take long for her to slide the pants off. Remembering Laurens words of wisdom, she made sure she was first to work her magic on Amelia, in hope of her returning the favour better than usual once shed already had her fun. Shane slipped two fingers slowly into Amelia, sliding them in and out, and feeling the familiar hot gush in no time.

Amelia grinned, looking down at her. She slowly ran her tongue down Shanes lithe body, enjoying the sensation of seeing her nipples harden as soon as her tongue made contact with them. Down, down, down, until her tongue found another area to slip into. Shane couldnt help but smile. So it did work.

As Shane was slipping on her shirt, she noticed Amelia biting her lip, looking nervous. She looked at her watch, and glanced up at Shane quickly.
UhI gotta go. My friend should be arriving soon. I had a really good time Shane. Bye, she quickly kissed Shane on her red lips, and rushed out the door. Shane just shrugged, it was almost time for Laurens plane to come too. She stepped out of the bathroom, looking around for a spare seat when she saw Amelia closeby.

Her heart stopped when she saw a girl with cropped brown hair running to Amelia. She grabbed her in a big embrace, laughing and giggling.
Baby I missed you soooo much!!! she heard the girl exclaim. I am never going away for that long again. She hugged Amelia again, her face glowing with excitement. Shane could see intense love in the girls eyes, and it was only then she realized the significance of band on Amelias left ring finger.

She groaned. Shane looked up at the heavens, obscured by the ceiling, and hoped and prayed she didnt ***** up a perfectly healthy, loving relationship. That was all she needed. But Amelia didnt turn around once, and looked as happy and ecstatic as her woman did. Shane sighed. Maybe she just had some extra steam to let off. Still, it was a little harsh to do so while waiting for the one you love to come home to you. Extraordinarily, Shane did not see the clear parallel in her own life.

Shane turned quickly, clearing her head. She was here. Her Lauren was here, she knew it. She looked around, finally glimpsing her gorgeous friend.
Shane!!! squealed Lauren, running to her. Oh my God, Ive missed you sooo much. Shane grabbed her in a bear hug and they didnt let each other go for a good five minutes. Shane, dont stop hugging me first, muttered Lauren in her ear.
I wont baby, said Shane. She kept her word.

Eventually, the girls broke their embrace, and Shane held Lauren at arms length. So how were the ladies over at Vogue? she asked with a wink.
Ohhhh my God. Do I have some stories for you, giggled Lauren as they made their way to pick up her baggage, with one arm still around each other.