Shane was silent. She sat attentively on the edge of her seat, wincing at the most violent parts of her story, blinking rapidly. It was too much for such a young girl to go through. And here she thought herself to have gone through a hard life.

Case took a sip of her coffee. Shane noticed a few stains of teardrops had fallen in neat little lines down her oily, soft cheeks. She took up her hand in her own and squeezed gently into the small palm. Her eyes fixed onto Cases, she parted her lips, which had turned dry from her concentration.

I am so sorry you had to go through that, Case. *****. A few of her own tears left her eyes, dripping onto the table between them. You are such a strong person. I really admire your courage. I hope Jenny and I can get to know you even more, I hope we can be friends.

Case smiled. Id like that. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, causing her face to streak with dirt.

I know whatll make you feel better.

At that, her face lit up. What?

A long, hot shower. Shane got up from the couch and motioned her to stand as well. Follow me, Ill get you a towel and some clean clothes.

Tina sat in her living room, or whatever it qualified as in the apartment sense of it all. She was depressed. It wasnt healthy for her to be sulking around, bound to her little hole in the wall. She needed to get out, let the sun shimmy down her pale face. She didnt feel like driving much, but how else would she be able to get around? She looked at the phone. She figured, if Alice was home, she would answer. They could take a walk along the shores of the beach. Maybe, if she wasnt too busy, they could go out for some pizza. Tina felt like eating something greasy. Although she promised day after day that shed eat nothing but pure, healthy foods, she just couldnt hold up that end of the bargain anymore. Her hormones were screaming, and so were her now three empty stomachs. She called Alice. Dana answered the phone. Great, she thought, Ive probably interrupted them in the middle of *****. It was all those two seemed to be doing lately, shagging and then working a little, then shagging some more. Dont they get tired, eventually?

Hello? Hello!? Dana raised her voice.

Oh, Hi! Sorry, Dana. Its Tina. I was spacing out there for a second. How are you?

Tina sounded terribly lonely.

Im fine, how are you and the kiddies?

To be honest, were all really depressed. And hungry!

Hmmm. Hold on one sec. Dana covered the phone with one hand, and turned to Alice. She was totally naked, save for the nipple clips Dana had bought, once again, after they were apprehended by LAX. Who is it, baby? Alice unclipped the chains and sat half way up in bed. A sheet slipped away from her breast, exposing her pink, delicate skin. Dana flushed.

Its Tina. Shes depressed. We have to cheer her up! Dana whispered.

Oh, okay. Alice whispered back, in playful mockery.

Dana stuck out her tongue. Alice returned the favor.

Plans were made, and the two of them were to pick Tina up at her apartment in one hour. They would take a stroll along the beach, grab a slice of extra greasy pizza – at Tinas request – then browse the local shops. Tina was giddy with excitement. She hadnt been feeling up to much of anything since she had caught Helena in her own cruel and lustful moment. ***** her, Tina thought. Im having fun, and Im not going to let the memory of her stop me, damn it! Tina changed from her old sweats to a cool sundress. She combed her hair and slipped on a pair of sandals. She was set! Alice and Dana showered and dressed, then grabbed their purses and headed for the door.

I wonder if the babies are kicking yet, Dana pondered out loud.

I dont know, Im sure Tina will let you feel her belly. Id like to hear what kind of conversations those kids are having, myself, Alice winked at her lover.

They linked arms and took off with a slight spring in their step. The sun shone bright and kindly, the birds sang, the trees swayed to the tune. It was 1:30 in the afternoon, and not a cloud in the sky.