Jenny arrived a bit late, but no matter. Charlotte was late herself, and she took it as a sign of good fortune. Case was on her mind, flooding images of pink hair, a cigarette between her soft, rose colored palate swayed about. She wondered what the girl would look like without all that grit and grime. She wondered how old she really was. Sometimes people thought Jenny was only barely 21. She was 24. She guessed Case was probably around 18. And why was the age so important? Who new. What bothered her the most, was that she feared the girl was abandoned, and at that, Charlotte entered the classroom, and took to her lecture. Jenny pulled out her notebook and a fine felt tip pen. The clock struck 5 after. The day was sure to be long. Jenny let out a silent sigh and began her flurry of note taking.

Shane had no idea how to start the conversation. She couldnt just open with, hey, wheres your mom and dad? She had to lead up into it. It should be easy, she should think. Its not like she wasnt her age, and not too long ago. Case stirred, and eventually awoke to the percolating of the strong pot of brew Shane had started. She rubbed her big brown eyes, glassy and glittering.

Hi Shane. Did you sleep okay?

Fine, thanks. She looked truly genuine. How about you? Was the couch comfortable enough?

Case was more than gracious. Oh, it was perfect. I havent slept like that in years.

Shane flinched. Years? How long had she been homeless?

I thought maybe we could chat over a cup of coffee. You up for it?

Case yawned the last bit of sleep from her tired soul. Sure, thatd be nice.

Shane poured a cup for each of them, then set them on the table in front of the couch upon which Case resided. Thanks, Case said. Her eyes grew even larger, if that was even possible. The coffee had brought her back to life. Shane sat on the other couch parallel to Case. She took short sips, careful not to burn her tongue. Case blew lightly into her cup to cool it. She looked up, her face flushed from the heat of her drink.