<b>Alice:</b> What? it looked like fun.

Dash shrugged and pulled a cigarette out of her pocket.

<b>Alice:</b> Where’s the stud?

<b>Dash:</b> In her room having a slight mental breakdown with a short order of stroke on the side.

<b>Alice:</b> Huh?

<b>Dash:</b> I told her that I told my FPs she was my cousin.

Alice stopped mid chop and a scallop flew in her face.

<b>Dash:</b> Chill back, I just needed an excuse to sleep out all the time but Sherlock back there is having a small heartattack.

<b>Alice:</b> What’s an FP?

<b>Dash:</b> Foster parent.

Alice nodded in silence as Shane walked in looking green.

<b>Alice:</b> Woah there tiger I’m gonna need for you to breathe.

<b>Dash:</b> Shane chill, I was ***** with you, its just a reason not to sleep at home, but not enough for them to call social services to see if this cousin can take me…uhm…and I also kinda told them I volunteer at the CAC.

<b>Shane:</b> What? why?

<b>Dash:</b> Well, Bette stopped by that time…and she calls your cell a lot to check on me….I just like to keep everything covered.

Shane ran a shaky hand through her hair as she considered the real ramifications for Dash’s lies. Alice watched in admiration of the control Shane had. She knew there must be a million things running through her mind at the moment, yet somehow she managed to control her facial expressions. It was something that always drove her crazy because she couldn’t easily read what Shane was thinking, but lately she was starting to think, she always knew what Shane was thinking, she just didn’t want to admit it or agree with her at the time.

<b>Shane:</b> I know you’ve only been hanging with all of us for like a couple weeks, but you’re welcome whenever you need something…and not just with me but…

<b>Dash:</b> Its okay, I can take care of myself.

<b>Shane:</b> Yeah, but you don’t have to…only reason why I got off the streets is cause of this crazy reporter… I met her and she introduced me to her girlfriend Bette and the rest is…