Ive never been late before. I wonder if the ladies will notice. No, no one is usually there this early, unless its Shane and only because she hasnt gone home yet. What does it matter if they notice or not? I wonder sometimes if they really notice anything about me or my life beyond the obvious. Stop it, stop looking for someone to blame, thats not who you are. Youve never needed anyone to help you with your choices. You know you are in control of making them. Well, at least you know you are now.

The Planet. You are about to loose everything, everything. You have to get your head straight. You have to come up with something, something to save The Planet something to save you

Why didnt she call me or come see me. Did she get my message, does she even know I left one. Im sure Robin went to see her, she was so angry with me when she left the CAC last night.

*************************************

Whats going on? Marina, tell me whats going on?

Dana, Tonya, have a wonderful evening. Maybe well see you again later. She smiles her demure smile, that smile of unwavering composure. Robin, lets go over here and gaze upon the The Anish Kapur. Its a wonderful piece and we hurried past it earlier.

She reaches her hand out to Robins back. Robin flinches and throws a glaring look at her. She smiles, withdraws her hand, and continues towards The Anish Kapur. She is quite aware of the entrance nearby the piece and that she and Robin will ultimately be leaving through it.

As they near the piece, she softly speaks to Robin, Did you want to stop or would you rather we just leave?

Again, she throws her thoughts at Marina, Lets go outside and then you tell me whats going on with you and with Jenny. At this point, Im pretty sure Im not with the right person tonight.

Were this part of the usual game, Marina would have been challenged by this. She would have been compelled to find that touch those words that would once again bring her conquest within her power. But this is no usual game. This is not a game at all. This was a mistake, one they may cost her more than she could possibly afford; her desire.

As they approach the door, she glances around, will anyone notice us leaving. She would prefer they be left to wonder and not be able to tie it to Robins questioning. Danas not really a gossip, but Tonya, not so sure she wouldnt enjoy the sense of drama a little too much.

The door isnt completely shut and Robin throws her words at Marina once again, Youre the one arent you. Youre the one who seduced her, made her fall in love with you. You knew who I was, you knew Jenny and I had gone out together. What the ***** are trying to do here? Hurt her? Destroy her? Havent you nearly achieved that already? What does it take to satisfy your hunger?

Isnt that what Jenny had asked her, Are you trying to hurt me?

Robin, let me explain, her voice almost quivers revealing too much and to the wrong person. Robins accusations felt like knives; cutting, deep and with deadly intent. This is not what she meant; this is not what she was after. She simply wanted to distract Robin from Jenny. She had had no intentions of continuing a relationship with Robin. She just did not want Jenny to have one with Robin.

I never wanted to hurt her, was all she could say. She could feel the tears nearing their target, breathing had stopped as if laying in wait for them. She stared into Robins eyes but it was not Robins eyes she saw. She saw her eyes, as they were that night in her office, the night she realized her heart was in this young womans hands. This young woman who, so much alike and yet so different from herself, has completely dismantled her. I think I love her.

Love, is this what you call love. Lady, you had better take a little time and redefine that word. With your current meaning, youre likely to destroy both of you. Robin shakes her head as if in disbelief then hurriedly walks towards her car.

Over and over again, almost chant-like, she softly repeats the same words, I never wanted to hurt her. I never wanted to hurt her.

*************************************

As she pulls up to The Planet, she can see the hustle bustle inside and she fondly smiles. The Planet has been her life. She loves this place, the atmosphere of family and community. Its as close as she has ever been to family and is certain that without it she would be lost.

She can see Thomas directing the others with a smile and an obvious sense of pride. She so enjoys working with him and the others. They have come to love The Planet as much as she has. It is as if they too own part of it.

Her heart seems to have suddenly stopped. Its her. Shes here. What do I say? She is weak with fear, with anticipation, with hope. Slowly, deliberately, she walks towards the entrance; never once taking her eyes off of her for fear she would discover that this is an illusion.

She enters the door, Thomas immediately starts running through those items that have been prepared and what is left to be done. She smiles at him with warmth and pride, Thomas, thank you. I am certain everything is as it should be. Please continue I need to speak with someone. Thomas looks at her with care and understanding, he is not blind to the sadness in her eyes, to the hope that fights to be known, Well take care of things, do what you have to do.

*************************************

She watches them as they sleep, comfortably in her home. She smiles softly at them both, they have been so good to her, so understanding and giving. Well Sarah, who shall speak today. I believe weve heard enough from you for now. Its time I spoke up.

She changes clothes putting on her favorite jeans and tee. Nothing really enticing, but they are warm and cozy and comforting to her. She walks slowly over to each of them and softly touches them, one then the other. She picks up her purse and leaves.

There is hint of a light rain having just passed. Streets lights are still on but the break of day is softly cresting the horizon. It will be a beautiful day; a day for Jenny to breathe in the rinsed air and a day for Sarah to stay home and be silent.

*************************************

She watches her pull up and park the car. Shes hesitating on getting out. Ah, she is admiring The Planet and her workers. She is late, thats not like her; she is usually the first to arrive. I wonder did she have a restless night, did she wonder why I didnt return her call, or did she simply sleep in today. Wait, Sarah, I told you to stay home. Today, its just me. Today, I will see the brighter side, the softer side of Marina. Today, I will see my Marina.

*************************************

Jenny watches Marina slowly get out of the car. Marina is looking straight at Jenny as Jenny is looking back at Marina.