Shane came to a complete stop before she moved to kick the ball with all her might. She missed terribly and fell on her rear. She stood up embarrassed and said, *****! Letting her anger and frustration get the better of her, she turned around and kicked the ball as hard as she could. Her jaw dropped as the ball soared into the goal in the high right corner, the net catching it.

Shane! Oh my god! You did it! Fred jumped on Shane, wrapping her legs around her waist and kissing her all over her sweaty face. Shane took a few steps back trying to balance herself and she fell for a second time, but this time Fred landed on top of her.

Ugh! Shane grunted as Fred jumped up.

Fred retrieved the ball and started running all over the field, the soccer ball gliding in front of her. Shane watched her swift movements, unable to explain the bubbling sensation in her stomach. She had never realized until that moment how ***** a sport could be. Fred sunk the ball in the goal and ran back over to Shane.

Ready for some more? Fred asked, grinning.

No! Shane reached out and grabbed Freds knees, causing her to tumble on top of Shane. They laughed wrestled until they were exhausted. They fell onto their backs and watched the clouds pass by, guessing what the shapes could be.

I see an elephant. Fred said, pointing to a fluffy cloud above them.

Youre right. What about that? Its a heart.

Fred squinted. Are you sure?

Im sure about something else. Shane said quietly.

What?

I love you.

Shane surprised herself with her sudden honesty. She just blurted it out without even thinking, but she meant everything behind those three simple words. Every time she spent time with Fred, her heart felt like it was going to burst. She knew that eventually she would have to confess or else she would implode.

Fred stood up silently and watched a cloud roll by. She never looked down at Shane before she walked away, leaving her behind speechless and confused.

***

She just left? Tina asked.

Shane nodded.

Then what? Alice asked.

I let her go. I was too shocked to move. I mean, I dont think Ive ever told anyone that I loved them and when I did, she left me. I didnt know what to do. So I sat there for a while, collecting my thoughts and my heart started to hurt. You know? Like a dull ache? And I realized that I couldnt just let her go like that, not after I poured my guts out to her. So I chased after her.

Did you find her? Dana asked, totally engrossed in the story.

Yup. She went to her apartment. I hunted her down and we talked. It was good. She apparently just needed some time to respond, especially since I had been so aloof with her for so long. We both had an honest conversation. Its a long and complicated story, but thats the gist of it.

Tina scowled as she looked at Shane.

Shane shrugged. Do what you want.

What are you saying I should do? Run after her? Tina asked, a look of annoyance on her face.

Its not my decision to make. I told you my story, but everyone makes their own stories.

They dont all have happy endings, though, do they?

I dont know, mine did. Theres only one way to find out. Shane glanced over Tinas shoulder to where Bette had just walked away.

Tina looked at Shane and frowned. She finally stood up and pushed her chair in with a little too much force as it crashed into the table. Happy ending my *****. She muttered.

Tina walked away. Hey! Where are you going? Alice yelled.

Tina didnt turn around but she simply waved her hand behind her and yelled back. Dont worry, well be home for dinner.