Marina, I told you well take care of things, do what you have to do. No offense, but its not difficult to see youve not slept. Something is troubling you, you need rest, or maybe some time to settle with whatever. Well take care of things today.

About that time a weary Shane walks into The Planet. Having over-heard the conversation between Marina and Thomas, Guess that makes two of us. Marina turns to Shane, shes startled by the weariness she sees in her face.

With a soft smile of appreciation, Thomas, could you have someone bring Shane and I something to drink. Thank You.

She turns to Shane, puts her arm around her shoulders and with a hug gently shuffles her friend to the back of The Planet. Well be in my office.

Shane lays down in the love seat with one arm behind her head tangled in her hair, the other across her stomach under the edge of her shirt, and, with feet up on the sidearm, stares at the ceiling. Marina settles into her chair behind the desk, looking down towards the floor with such an intense gaze youre convinced she can see through it. Several minutes pass; no words are spoken, no obvious movement from either of them. It is as if they were both completely alone, together.

A knock on the door startles them out of their trances. Thomas brings in their drinks, a soy latte for Marina and two double espressos for Shane. Neither Shane nor Marina get up, Thanks Thomas.

Marina opens the drawer to her left, Baileys or bourbon?

Shane accepts the bourbon in her coffee; drinks one straight down and takes the other one to sip on resting the cup on her chest while continuing to stare at the ceiling.

Marina adds Baileys to hers, returns to her seat, this time leaning in towards Shane. With her eyes narrowed and her brow tightened, I want you to tell me whats wrong. You look terrible.

Thanks man, Shane says with a friendly but sarcastic smile. No really, I can deal. Shane sits up and leans forward, looking firmly into Marinas eyes, You know youre eyes are a little darker than usual.

I guess we both had a lot on our minds last night. I noticed you talking with Cherie, you looked upset?

Its nothing man, its over, thats all. Were over. The salon is over. Guess I really dont do relationships, personal or professional.

Maybe neither of us do them, at least not well. Marinas voice trails off into silence as she once again enters her mental trance. Shane had noticed Marina was tired. Earlier she was thinking maybe Marina had spent the night with Robin, um, entertaining. Watching her now she could see it was something else, there was a sad almost vulnerable look in her eyes.

Having known Marina for a full seven years, since shed opened The Planet, a lot of expressions peered from those mysterious dark eyes but never before sadness let alone looking vulnerable. She and Marina had always seemed invincible, sheltered from the usual pains of the amorous battles the rest all seem to be obsessed about losing themselves in. She knew her shield had disappeared, now shes wondering if Marinas had vanished too.

Many early mornings they had discussed their love of women, but never about just one woman. Shane was one of the few that could actually get Marina to talk about personal stuff, she kept most of it to herself but occasionally she shared tidbits that over the years provided Shane a view of Marina the others may never know. Because of that, she had always kept their conversations in confidence.

The Marina, she was with now, was anything but invincible. Shane sensed her friend was near a breaking point and needed a shoulder. Seeing this strong independent woman in this shape had her worried.

As she had done countless times for others, she set aside her own needs to help a friend, You wanna share?

Once again Marina was startled back into the moment, What? Uh, no, thats okay. Not much point to it. Marina had her hand on her forehead, as if she was so worn down she could no longer hold up her head without the support.

Hey man, we all need to talk sometime. Were pretty much like everyone else, we have troubles too. I realize its not our style to wear them on our shirt, but I can see it all over you right now. Maybe if you talk, you can get things where you need em to be. You know, so the others dont see.

Marina didnt move nor did she speak, uncertain if she wanted to bear this much to anyone, even Shane. As she sat in silence, she could not contain the thoughts of Jenny and The Planet running through her mind like a marathon.

Look Marina, I saw Jenny walking out before I came in. I figure this has something to do with her? Kinda weird, that we might both be in a similar mess. Shane continues her unyielding stare, Come on, give.

Marinas eyes fill with tears as she rubs her forehead. You may find this hard to believe, but I am afraid. I cannot stop thinking about her, about what we couldve had if Id been paying attention. Did you know I told her she wasnt paying attention, too funny, yes?

Did you know she came to our house for dinner? With piercing details Marina recounted the evening to Shane. Shane listened silently but intently giving her friend all the space she needed to say whatever needed to be said.

Shane shook her head in disbelief, Kinda wack dont you think, even for you and Francesca, but especially because it was Jenny. Shane tilted her head sideways with a knowing look.

I couldnt get her out of my mind. I thought it was a chance to see her, maybe even have a moment alone with her so I could tell her how much I missed her.

Marina gently wiped away the few tears she had allowed to show. She half smiled, She was so brave. She stood right up to both of us, told us off. With a light chuckle and look of pride, She even threw the wine at the front window. It broke everywhere. Francesca was so mad.

Marina frowned as she continued, All these years I gave control of my life to Francesca. I even accepted the lack of love in our relationship thinking it was a fair trade to have The Planet, a beautiful home, and the freedom to pursue other women as I wanted.

Her expression changed to disgust, Never once in all those years did it occur to me that there was more. You knew it. How many conversations weve had about Bette and Tina, you thinking it is something wonderful and me thinking it is an illusion.

Ive been a fool.

What happened this morning? I saw Jenny leaving, wasnt she hear to talk to you?

Yes, we spoke but only, for a few minutes.

We agreed to take this slow and see where it goes.

That sounds good, you know taking time, not rushing yeah, a good thing, Shane nods as if shes trying to convince not only Marina, but herself. She knows neither of them is known for taking their time; you see what you want and then you go get it.

Marina takes in a deep breath and sighs, Except. Im not sure we have time. You know I could lose The Planet, right? If I do, I may have to move away from here. Maybe even go back to Spain to see my parents.

What? How? Why?

I broke up with Francesca, Im sure she wants me to buy her out. I dont have that kind of money.

Oh yeah, Francesca, your agreement, oh man, what are you gonna do? *****. Thats fucked. Here I am whining to myself over a business I never had, but, you, youve worked so long, so hard to make The Planet what it is. She could take it all away? ***** man, what are we gonna do? You cant go back to Spain, thats just plain wacked. We have to think of something? Did Jenny have any ideas? Have you talked to anyone else? *****.

No, Jenny doesnt know. She doesnt know I broke up with Francesca. She certainly doesnt know that she owns most of The Planet. Theres so much I wanted to tell her, The Planet never entered my mind. Marina is holding her head with both hands now looking completely beaten. All Shane can do is shake her head, We gotta do something this is our home, our community, we gotta save The Planet.

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

By the time Jenny got home, both Robin and Gene had left and apparently had returned and left again. She had two fresh bouquets of flowers; one a bouquet of wildflowers and the other a bouquet of pink, yellow and white roses.

Jenny, Im wild about you, Gene
Jenny, Sweet thoughts of my friend from her friend, Robin

Jenny, you have to move out, now. Tim was enraged. Both of them, in the same night; what are trying to do to me?

Tim, Im sorry. I know this looks bad, but its not what you think.

I dont want to know what it was; I just want you out, today.

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

If its any comfort, I thought you handled yourself well today with Marina. You were firm with your position on the situation, trusting but not too trusting, and you agreed to not completely sever the relationship. That was pretty bold of you, something I wouldnt have been able to do, I probably would have had ***** with her, come running to Robin or Gene, and continued to blame her, for everything. Guess you are starting to get to me Jenny; I am beginning to understand you and what it is youre after. Maybe, if you give me a little time, you wont want to kill me anymore.

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

You are so different from anyone else I have known. In many ways you remind me of myself when I was younger; full of dreams, ideas, and possibilities. I lost much and accepted a life of limited possibilities just to be able to claim some of my dreams and some of who I am.

When we met and you spoke of your writing, I was so enchanted by you. I thought you felt some of that too, for me.

You shared your writings with me. They were so full of passion, your dreams, your fears, and all the possibilities they provided. Every word, every feeling pulled me closer to you, making me need you, making me want to care for you and protect you. Wanting to ensure you were never forced to accept limitations as I had done.

Can she not see how much I care for her? Can she not hear it in my words? Doesnt she know I would sacrifice everything I have for her? She looks away from me, do I disgust her now. What I would give for her to look at me with those sea green eyes and see in them the adoration she once had for me. What can I say to make her see my heart is laid open in front of her to do with what she will?

Please Marina, go on, I still havent heard the difference.

When I first met Francesca, my parents had no idea that I was attracted to women. I was the same age as Dana is now when they found out. Francesca was so strong, outspoken, independent; a woman of means. I think it would have been impossible for me to have withstood her charms or her persistence. I had never really been outspoken, at least not with my parents. Francesca refused to hide our relationship; I had to tell them, she wouldnt have it any other way.

They were furious with me. They threatened to expose her to ruin her, but she was not to be taken lightly. Once they realized Francesca couldnt be threatened and that I was going to continue seeing her, they withdrew my trust and stopped all forms of support. Francesca offered me a home and the promise of my dreams being fulfilled. I came to America with her, we built The Planet; it seemed all that she promised was going to come true.

There was one exception, love. The only promise about love was that it would never exist not in the way other couples love. Our relationship would be open, if I couldnt agree to that, then it was over. You pretty much know the rest.

When you ask me what is the difference; then I tell you the difference is I love you, Jenny.

Could it be that I am right and Sarah is wrong? Could it be that Marina is realizing life is not a game to be played when it comes to peoples feelings? Could it be that she is trying to learn what its like to have love in your life?

Dear God, she gave up everything known to her so that she could love a woman and unwittingly gave that up too. She walked away from her family and her wealth to be with Francesca caged in a life without love. The Planet is the only love shes known, that and the love from her friends, but they dont really seem to know Marina. Could it be? Could it be that The Planet is all that she has?