Jenny thought shed stop by Bettes on the way home to ask her how the planning for the shower was coming along. She parked her car, then headed towards the door. The light was on. She knocked two times, then took a small step backwards and waited.

Jenny, Hi. It was Tina. Jenny was surprised, yet at the same time, it made sense.

Hi Tina. How are you? You look great.

Thanks Jenny, you look nice yourself. Im doing fine. Did you know Im having twins?

Yes, its wonderful. Im so happy for youand Bette. Jenny wanted to turn and run the other way.
I think Im going to head home now.

Tina was confused. But you just got here! Didnt you want to see Bette?

Jenny really wanted to run now. Oh, noIve got to go – Jenny was interrupted by Bette.

Jenny, hi there. Bette was wearing a kiss the cook apron. How was your day?

Oh, fine, it was fine. Youre cooking? I didnt know you could cook. Jenny commented.

You bet your ***** she can cook! Tina flamboyantly stated, she makes the best lasagna in the world. Why dont you stay for dinner?

Jenny knew she would be intruding. No, no. Ive got to get homeI have to work early tomorrow.

Bette held her breath, then let it go. She loved Jenny, but she was hoping tonight it would just be her and Tina. She was dying to know if there was anything left between them.

Well you ladies have a lovely evening, I just wanted to say goodnight before I turned in. Jenny started to turn as she headed for the driveway.

You too, Ill call you. Bette let it slip. She forgot that Tina was the only one who wasnt aware of the fact that she had been sleeping with Jenny. Tina gave Bette a funny look.

Bye Jenny. It was nice seeing you.

She waved, then left in a hurry.

Bette… She wanted to ask, but Tina decided to let it go. Never mind -lets go eat. It smells delicious in there.


***


I forgot my electric shaver! Alice wanted to go home, and they hadnt even reached the airport yet.

Al, what do you need an electric shaver for? Were camping, outdoors, you know. All we need is a roll of toilet paper and a bar of soap. Dana snickered.

Alice felt tears welt up in her eyes. Butbut

Oh, baby, stop worrying. Were gonna have a great time! You just wait and see.

Alice prayed.

The taxi pulled into LAX. Alice and Dana grabbed their luggage from the trunk, then paid the driver his fare.

Did I mention Im afraid of heights?


***

The next day, 6pm Monday


So, how did you find yourself interested in writing? Taylor and Jenny had gone out for dinner at the Planet.

You know, its hard to place the exact moment in my life when I really knew. I think Just then Jennys past flashed before her eyes. She could even smell the dust and hay that lay in heaps around her broken body. She shook the image away. I think, it was probably around the time I finally left home. It was a tough time for me, and all of my feelings just sort of came pouring out. So I started putting them down on paper.

Thats cool. Then came the awkward silence.

Do you have a girlfriend?

How did you know I was *****? Taylor asked.

I think its your haircut. She was suddenly reminded of Mark. He had said it to her when they were on much better terms. Those times were over. She would never trust him again, that she was sure of. Somehow, Mark and the word trust just didnt go hand in hand.

Jenny?

She blinked, then brought herself back to reality.

Sorry. I spaced out.

Are you okay?

Im fine.

Good. I wanted to ask you a question.

Jenny took a bite of her salad. Mmm hmm.

Jenny, would you go to prom with me?

Jenny choked on a piece of lettuce. She coughed, then quickly grabbed her iced tea and took a large gulp.

Prom? Jenny took another sip of tea. Taylor, how old are you?

Taylor paused. Seventeen. She knew Jenny wouldnt go with her now.

Seventeen. Taylor, do you know how old I am?

How old are you?

Older than seventeen.

Im sorry. I guess I should have told you before I asked you out for lunch.

No, no. Its fine. I dont mind, really. Its just – well, its good to know, thats all.

So does this mean you wont go with me to the dance?

Of course not. I would love to go to prom with you.

Right on! All my friends are gonna be so jealous when they see me walking arm in arm with the most beautiful woman in the world! Taylor quickly realized she had probably just made quite the fool out of herself, and her cheeks turned crimson.

You think Im the most beautiful woman in the world? Jenny wouldnt believe it.

Well, yeah.

She blushed. She rested her hand atop Taylors.

I think youre beautiful too.


***

So Tina, hows work going?

Bette slipped on a pair of potholders to pull the lasagna out of the oven.

Its good. Ive got a new project Im working on.

Really? Do tell.

Tina sat down at the table and poured herself a glass of water.

This guy, his name is Kelly Brown. Hes the one who pitched the idea, actually. He wants to bring together the Black and Hispanic youth communities in south central Compton.

Wow, thats a difficult endeavor. Be careful, Tina. South central can be dangerous. Ive never lived there, but Ive heard some stories andwell, just be careful, okay?.

I will. Bette?

Yes?

Tina wanted to say kiss me, but instead she took a bite of her lasagna.

This is sooo good!

Thanks.