“So how did that date go last night?” Alice gave Shane a disgusted look. “Okay, I’m taking that it was bad.”

“Bad? It was horrifying! I don’t even want to talk about it.” Alice leaned over. “Remind me to not Helena fix me up on blind dates.”

“I got’cha.” Shane smiled, and Alice sighed. Helena came back to the table and sat down.

“Did I miss anything?” Alice shook her head.

“Alice doesn’t want to fix her up on blind dates.” Alice shot her eyes at Shane.

“Shane!” Alice shoved her, and Shane laughed softly.

“What?”

“Was it that bad Alice?”

“Horrendous, where do you find these women Helena?” Shane smiled.

“I don’t know I work with these ladies.” Helena sighed. “I’m sorry Alice.”

“It’s not your fault.” Alice shook her head.

“Shane—have you gone out on a date?” Shane’s smile fell off her face as Helena asked her the question.

“N-no, I don’t have the time for dates. I’m taking care of Melody, and I have a salon to run. I don’t have time for that.”

“Yes you do, you’re just making up excuses.” Shane shook her head.

“Al—don’t start.” Alice turned and looked at Shane.

“You know what—you’re going on a date.” Shane looked at Alice.

“And who am I going on a date with?”

Alice smiled. “With me.” Shane looked at Helena, and Helena nodded.

“Were you guys planning this?”

“I guess you can say that.” Shane let her head fall back as she sighed. “Tomorrow night McCutcheon—seven o’ clock, and Helena will baby-sit Melody.” Shane brought her head back up and looked at Alice. “It’s time for you to have fun.”

****

                Shane smiled as she saw her daughter running down the steps towards her. She kneeled down and scooped her daughter up in her arms.

“Hey!” She gave Melody a kiss on the cheek. “How’s mommy’s lil’ girl?”

“Good,” Shane smiled and walked towards her Mercedes. “Mommy, can we get McDonald’s on the way home?”

“Yeah I guess so.” Shane opened the door and put Melody in. “Buckle in baby girl.” Melody buckled herself in, and Shane got into her car. She put the car in drive and pulled off. “So what did you learn in school today?”

“Nothing,” Shane looked at her girl through the rearview mirror.

“Nothing? You had to learn something today in school.” Shane saw the sad look in Melody’s eyes. “What’s wrong Mel?”

“A girl picked on me because of my skin.”

“What did she say?”

“She asked me why my skin different from hers. She told me that I couldn’t be her friend because my skin was darker than hers.”

“Did you tell a teacher?” Melody shook her head. “Why not babe?”

“I don’t know.”

Shane sighed. “C’mere,” she patted the first seat. “Hop up front with mom.” Melody unbuckled herself and climbed to the front seat. Shane grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Nothing is wrong with your skin. You are beautiful just the way you are Melody. You’re beautiful just like mommy.”

“I miss her a lot. I always see her in my dreams. She looks like an angel.” Shane bit her bottom lip and fought the tears. Melody looked up at Shane. “Do you miss mommy?”

“I miss her everyday.” Shane looked at her daughter and smiled. “I see her in you and that makes me love you more and more each day.” Melody smiled.