Shane had enjoyed spending a few hours with Jared when Paige had shown up. They both knew that this was the final time they would see each other. Shane hurried into the house and took her copy of the South Park movie from the shelf – she came outside and handed it to Jared

“Don’t tell your mum about that “she hissed knowing that Paige could hear them. The two women smiled at each other.

“Thanks for everything Shane “
“Thank you Paige – looks like you are the champ of Grand Theft Auto man “
“Yeah – I rule “
“You do indeed “

Jared and Shane exchanged high fives before they hugged and Jared walked away down the path to his mom’s car. Paige looked at Shane.

“You are a cool person inside and out “she said softly before turning and following Jared to the car. Shane stood on the doorstep until the car disappeared out of sight before returning inside. She thought of the coke and grass in her room – she thought of the beer in the fridge and the coffee in the kitchen. Instead she grabbed a can of Dr Pepper and sat down in front of the games console to try and beat Jared’s best score. She’d been proud of having the top ten scores on that game – now she had almost been wiped off the board.

It was almost 8 when Shane finally succeeded in getting her name on the leader board 4 times – Jared was still 3^rd and 2^nd – the leader was still the one score she would never beat or try to beat – SHY – Shay. She finished putting the game away and was considering getting a shower, getting changed and seeing if anyone was up for a beer. Briefly she wondered how Bette was getting on with Jodie – when would she see that Tina loved and would take her back in a second? For someone so smart – Bette could be as dumb as a box of frogs.

The door bell sounded as she headed towards the bathroom. Throwing the door open she saw a woman she never thought she would see again – the long beautiful hair and sexy Latino smile. She was wearing tight jeans and very see-through white shirt.

“Hey Shane “
“Hey Carmen “

“I’ve come back – want to try again?”

If Shane had smoked the grass she could have blamed it on that but she was sober and clean.

“Yes – if you took me back things would be different “
“They would have to be different “
“They would I swear Carmen “

“They would have to be “
“They would “

“No running away “
“I have learnt my lesson “

“You have to mean it this time “
“I would I swear “
“Good – because its not just us “
“What do you mean ?”
“I found this young man when I was dropped off in the cab “

From the shadows the small slim figure of Shay appeared

“Shay – what are you doing here ? “

“Dad met a woman and he’s gone to Mexico with her – I’ve got no one “

Shane ran down the steps and swept Shay and Carmen into her arms

“You will always have me “

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