Nik Kershaw – The Riddle
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The Planet is busy on this morning.  Bette, Tina, little Angelica and Kit welcome Alice, Shane, Jenny and Marina to the table.  It’s the morning after Alice and Lara as well as Shane and Carmen had just announced their respective engagements.  As they arrive, Lara wakes up from love seat slumber in the living room of Jenny’s.  She remembers Alice leaving and Lara wishing to stay behind due to not being able to sleep much.  Lara stands up, stretches and yawns.  In only a white tanktop and panties, Lara looks out for a second through the living room window.  The night before, there were several vehicles outside.  Now there are only Helena’s and Carmen’s cars.  Everyone else is wherever they’re supposed to be apparently.  If nothing else, Lara can try to bum a ride back to Alice’s apartment if need be.  As she looks out, a voice interrupts from behind.

Carmen: Lara?

Lara turns around and sees Carmen, decked only a midrift black tanktop and briefs.

Carmen: Sorry…I thought you had already left with Al…

Lara: Mm mm…  How long were you standing there?

Carmen: Just walked in.  Why?

Lara: You weren’t staring or anything were you…?

Carmen grins.

Carmen: No.  But you look great.

Lara grimmaces for a second before looking off to the side.  They had seen each other a couple of times before like this while Carmen stayed over with Alice and Lara after her fight with Shane.  Usually, Lara would try to look the other way or cover up.

Carmen: Y’know, when I first met Jenny I was wearing something kinda like this.  And we’re still friends so I think we’re okay.

Carmen chuckles for a moment.  But that soon dissipates as Lara looks at her, arms crossed.

Carmen: You okay?

Lara: …..I’m sorry about last night.  I…….kind of lost my nerve a little.

Carmen: No….I’m sorry.  Last night was just difficult for both of us.  It was great….what with us getting married to our girlfriends sometime in the future and all, but….I was a little defensive about your concerns.  Then Helena showed up and you went in before I could talk to you some more.

Lara: Yeah…

Carmen: We’re still friends, right?

Lara nods and smiles.