Morning came soon enough. Case was passed out on the couch, her dirty face buried beneath a pair of even dirtier hands. She seemed content. It made Jenny think.

What are we going to do?

Shane shook her head. I dont know. Maybe we can talk to her, ask her about her parents, any family she might have. Find out if theyre remotely functional?

Jenny cringed at that. God, I hope she has family, one that functions, that is. In the meantime, Ive got to get to my class, then Im off to work until 6. We cant just leave her here.

Ill think of something. Dont worry, you better get to class. Call me later and Ill let you know whats going on.

Ok. Jenny still looked worried. She didnt want the girl to be left alone. It was true, she really didnt know her, and as much as it pained her to think of it, she didnt want any of her things disappearing. She thought it probably had crossed Shanes mind, as well. Shed know what to do. Jenny had run away herself, but as for living on the streets, she was completely clueless. The horrors this poor girl must have endured. She shuddered. Shane noticed and gave Jenny a warm hug.

Jenny, its all good. Trust me, okay? You should get to class, you dont want to be late.

Yeah. Ok. Ill call you!

Ok, talk to you soon. Jenny grabbed her school bag and waitress uniform, then looked one more time at the girl laying on her couch. Her gaze lingered for just a moment, then she was out the door.

Shane stepped into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. She hoped Case drank coffee. They didnt have much else in the way of breakfast anyhow. The pot grew hot with rich brown liquid and began to steam. Shane let the aroma fill her nostrils. It was going to be a difficult morning, she thought. Maybe not, but most likely, it would be.

Bette had only stayed up 15 minutes later. She fell asleep around 1am, and surprisingly looked and felt well when she arrived at work. Come lunch time, shed start printing up the invitations for her party. Then shed proceed to call a caterer, and wondered what kind of gift, no – gifts, she should buy for Tina and the babies. She was so used to thinking, baby. Now it was babies as in plural. It was indeed an exciting time. Would it be even better if Tina and her were still together? Maybe. As much as she loved Jennys company, she still wonderedwhat would it be like with Tina still by her side. Her eyes watered when the scenes of their breakup played over in her mind. It was like watching a horror film. She hoped she was happy. Somehow, though, she felt that no one could really be happy with Helena. She wondered if they were even still together. What if Tina was single? What if, what if. She could go on forever. Enough of this, she had work to do. She picked up the phone book and started searching for a caterer. A few new works of art came in, and she glanced at them to show her interest, but found her undivided attention directed to the party. She checked herself. If she didnt work, she wouldnt get anything done. If she didnt get anything done, she didnt make any money, and if she didnt make moneywell, then there would be no party. She pushed Tina and the baby shower to the back of her mind, and concentrated on the new paintings. The clock ticked, then struck an even 12.