Alice leans forward with her hands apart.

 

"Where are you going?"

 

"Home. I need to see her."

 

"Who?"

 

Gazing over at Marina, I smile shyly.

 

"Bette."

 

"Oh. What if she comes here?"

 

"Tell her I’m at the house."

 

"Sure. Bye, Tina."

 

"Bye guys…"

 

Exiting the planet, I slip on my shades.

 

CAC parking lot…

Shane’s pov…

 

God, how could I have been so stupid!

 

Dragging my feet and kicking the dirt I soak in the California sun.

 

Gazing up and locking eyes with Bette, she stops before me surprisingly.

 

"Shane."

 

"Bette. I’m glad I caught you at the right time. I was about to pay you a visit."

 

"Uninvited as always. But, I promised to be here for you anytime. So, what can I do for you?"

 

"I need a favor. Can you drop me off in Beverly Hills?"

 

"Where’s your car?"

 

"The looney has it."

 

She pouts and looks away. I could tell she wasn’t thrilled about our little afternoon trip.

 

I tried calling Alice but her phone was off.

 

 And, Dana was busy practicing.

 

"I’ll take you."

 

"Sweet."

 

Leading, she makes way toward her car. The midnight blue vehicle sparkled in the light.

 

With her right hand, Bette points the remote starter toward the car. The doors unlock and the car started making a muffled sound.

 

"Hop in."

 

Getting inside I happily sat down. The road to my missing vehicle was close. I was thankful of the ride. It felt like I was going down to the dealer for the first time.

 

"Where’s Tina?"

 

Bette’s pov…

 

I gaze up with my shades in my hand. Shane locks eyes with me waiting patiently for a response.

 

"I don’t know. She left me a message."

 

"What did she say?"

 

"I haven’t checked it."

 

"Hmm. The trip was awesome. Jenny had a great time. And so did Dana?"

 

Smiling, I gaze over toward the rear view mirror.

 

"Who did she meet?"

 

"Some psycho."

 

"That’s cruel."

 

Stealing a gaze, I gaze over at Shane.

 

"She stole Alice’s gas money."

 

Chuckling, I break eye contact gazing out toward the road.

 

"That’s not funny."

 

"I know, I know. So, what happened? Did they hook up?"

 

"Yes."

 

She shakes her head and gazes out the window. I frowned because I wanted to know what she was thinking. She looked as excited as Dana must of been. She even seemed relaxed. Could Dana be of hope to Shane too? Was love beginning to surface throughout her adult-like body?

 

Hmm, I wonder.

 

"Shane…"

 

"Yes?"

 

"Could I tell share something with you?"

 

Fidgeting in my seat, I began to sweat.

 

"Is it bad?"

 

"Kind of. But, it’s not death-gripping bad?"

 

"When did it happen?"

 

"While you guys were gone."

 

Shane inhaled deep and closed her eyes. I was unsure if I should continue with my story.

 

"Did you tell Tina?"

 

She gazes over at me. She was hoping that I said yes, but, I couldn’t lie to her. I had lied and been selfish enough. I owed this to myself.

 

"Does she know?"

 

"No. She doesn’t no. And, I haven’t told her, yet."

 

A tear slid down my cheek. From the corner of my eye, I caught sign of Shane’s sudden shock.

 

"Well, I don’t wanna know. I think you should tell her first."

 

"I can’t…"

 

More tears slid down my cheek.

 

"I’m afraid."

 

"You can do this Bette. I believe in you. And, I’m sure Tina will support you on this."

 

"I doubt that. This may be the end."

 

Tbc…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I