Andie came into the Planet in the late evening. After shopping with Zo for something to wear for the show. She was carrying her guitar and a bag with the outfit she bought. Kit had agreed to let her practice by herself after the Planet closed. The place was clearing out, so Andie went up to the counter and ordered some food and a beer. She loved that the Planet was a coffee shop by morning and a soft club by night with a small bar. After she picked up her food and beer, she went back to Kits office.

She knocked on the door and heard Kit tell her to come it. Andie slinked in.

Hey Kit, can I eat back here or am I disturbing you? Andie asked.

No youre not disturbing me girl, come on in. Kit answered, counting some money.

Thanks. Andie sat down. Hows Bette?

Not so good, Im going out to dinner with her as soon as I finish up here. Will you lock up for me when you leave? Kit seemed a little stressed.

Absolutely. Andie said taking a swig of her beer.

So any luck finding a decent place? Kit said placing the money into a safe.

No, Im saving up money though. Andie leaned back.

You know the apartments where I live arent that bad and the prices are ok. You want me to see if there are any openings? Kit went to put on her coat.

Yeah, that would be awesome. Thanks for everything Kit. You really have helped me out. Andie smiled to her.

Anytime girl, you know, you have helped me out around here too. Kit patted her shoulder. Ill see you tomorrow.

Bye Kit. Andie watched her leave.

After finishing her beer and dinner, Andie walked out into the caf. Chairs were on top of tables; the waitresses and cooks were cleaning up. She placed a chair on the small stage and pulled out her guitar. She began playing the melody of the song she was working on when her mother called. She hummed along and would stop every now and then to write words down. Soon she was singing the words. It was a slow song that emphasized on her softer side when it came to her vocals. Instead of the harsh raspy voice that she sang with for the angry songs. Angry songs were her forte, not ballads. Andie was so occupied with her music that she didnt notice that Shane was sitting at the counter watching her. All of the waitresses and cooks had left.
The words of the song were penetrating Shane. They were soulful and deeply personal.

“I would have taken your place in a second, just so you could share your beauty with the world. Im left behind to do that instead. My pain shows through my perforated heart, no matter how I try to hide it. You wouldve known what to do. How do I even start?”

Shane remained silent through all of the songs that Andie practiced. Almost all of them were her originals. Andie also sang a few covers, like Sheryl Crows Difficult Kind and Ani DiFrancos Not a Pretty Girl.

When it seemed like she was finished, Shane decided to make her presence known.

You are amazing. Shane said.

Oh *****! Andie screamed and almost dropped her guitar.

Sorry! Sorry! Shane said walking to the stage. One of the waitresses let me in.

Oh? How long have you been here? Andie asked catching her breath.

About an hour. Everyones gone home. Shane smiled. I love your music, Andie.

Andie opened her guitar case and put the guitar away. Then she stood up and pushed the hair that had fallen out of her ponytail behind her ears. She stepped off the stage and towards Shane.

Thanks. Andie smiled and threw her arms around Shanes neck for a hug.

How was your day? Andie asked.

Good. Ive had a lot on my mind. Shane said.

Oh? Anything you want to talk about? Andie asked putting the chair that was on the stage back on the table.

Shane thought for a minute, she wanted to tell Andie how confused she was feeling about her, but decided not to.

No, not really. Shane said watching Andie.

Ok. Listen, Shane. Thanks for last night, I didnt mean to lose it on you. Andie turned around and hopped up to sit on the stage. You must think Im pretty fucked up.

Not at all, Andie. Shane walked closer towards Andie. It took a lot for you to tell me. Thank you.

Andie just smiled. We should probably lock up. Can you take me to Alices?

Sure. Shane nodded and picked up Andies guitar for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can I show you something? Shane asked as they were driving.

All right. Shane took a turn and they went the opposite direction of Alices place. Shane what were your parents like?

Shane began to tell Andie about her life. About not knowing where her family was, how much family she had, she even told Andie about her turning tricks with a friend at one time. Andie wasnt surprised by this at all, she thought that Shane might have had a troubled past. They talked about whether either of them had been with men ever. Shane had not and Andie had once. She thought that ***** with a man was nothing to write home about. They pulled into a wooded area and stopped. Shane got out of the truck.

Come on Andie. Shane called to her.

Andie stepped out and saw the HOLLYWOOD sign. Shane opened the back of her truck and got in. She gave Andie her hand to help Andie into the truck. The two lied back, looking at the sign. They began to talk about when they figured out they were *****. Andie listened to Shanes coming out story, which was when she was amazingly young. Then Shane asked Andie the same question.

I was sixteen. I had this friend named Lindsey. She was this hot little brunette ticket. We were best friends. One night I stayed at her house and woke up to her kissing me. We made out, but the next Monday at school she didnt talk to me. Actually, she never talked to me again, but after that I knew that I liked girls. Andie smiled.

They grew quiet for a while then Shane turned onto her side.

So you wanna make out? Shane grinned. I promise Ill talk to you the next Monday at school.

Andie laughed, Oh is this what this place is. A make out point. Lets take it a step further then making out, lets go all the way.

Shane busted out laughing, I dont think Im that type of girl.

Liar! Andie smirked and leaned in to kiss Shane.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two had lain in the back of Shanes truck tangled in their clothing. Shane was half lying on top of Andie, her full ***** pale in the night exposed. Shane watched as her nipples puckered at the slightest hint of cool air. Andie just continued to look up at the HOLLYWOOD sign, her fingers playing with the short hair on the back of Shanes head.
Do you find it weird that we are spending now what would be three nights together? Where are all of your hot chicks? Andie smirked.

I guess I could ask you the same. Shane grinned; the lights of the city were capturing every crook of skin that was showing on the womens bodies.

I asked you first. Andie laughed, scooting down so she could look into Shanes green eyes.

Well, Id rather spend my time here with you. Shane said quietly, and then realized what she had said. As did Andie, they both looked at each other. Shane was searching Andies eyes for any reaction.

There is no one else I want to be with right now either. Andie whispered.

Shane smiled softly, What are we doing, Andie?

I dont know. Andie answered with happy smile.

Shane suddenly sat up. Tugging off some of the clothing from Andies body. She began to put on her pants. Andie looked at her confused.

Whats wrong? Andie asked.

Shane did not answer her. She only pulled more clothing on. Get dressed, Andie. She finally said.

Did I say something wrong? Andie asked sitting up.

Just get dressed and get in the car, ok? Shane said as she stepped into her truck. Shanes voice had become cold and distant. Andie flinched at the stab of the coldness. She yanked on her pants and shoes. She snapped her bra back on as she started to put her shirt right side out, she began to get angry.

Andie opened the door on Shanes side. Shane was pressing her forehead against the steering wheel.

Please Andie, just get in the truck. Shane said closing her eyes.

No! Do not do this. Just because we are getting close does not mean you should pull away. I know what you are doing. Ive done it before. Ive thought of doing it myself, but Im not going to do it anymore. I cant do this forever. Neither can you because at the end of it all. Iyou would be alone. Do you want to be alone, Shane? Andies eyes were pleading. Shane just stared into them. She wanted to tell Andie, how she had felt whole over the past few weeks of just knowing her, of feeling empty when she had tried to avoid Andie. But all she could do was look away.

I can not Shane thought to herself.

Andies hopeful look fell. Thanks for not answering that.

Shane could not look at her. Andie stepped back and then slowly pulled her shirt on.

I feel so stupid. I should have known better than to show anything. Andie started to walk around to the other side. You are being a coward Shane.

Andie decided to walk. She began storming through some trees. Shane looked around and noticed that Andie was not getting into the truck.

Andie stop! Shane ran out after her. Get in the truck! Do you even know how to get back from here?

I dont care! I saw the way you came. Andie kept walking quickly.

Please let me take you home. Im sorry! What do you want me to say? Shane said stepping in front of her.

Andie stopped; Shane noticed the sadness in her smoky eyes. I dont want you to say a ***** thing. Ill let you take me to Alices, but I dont want to talk.

Im sorry, Andie. Shane said again, walking towards Andie.

You know, I may have had my share of ***** and runs. But I know when something real is in front of me. I wouldnt let that go. Im not that dumb. Andie yelled, pushing Shane when she said the word dumb and turned around to go back to the truck, leaving Shane behind to watch her stalk away. Shane stood there for a moment and then walked to the truck. She got in and Andie made sure to keep her eyes focused out the window.

The entire drive to Alices was silent. Uncomfortable. When Shane pulled up to Alices apartment complex. She turned to say something to Andie, but Andie gave her no time. She slipped out of the truck and slammed the door. Running up and into the building. Shane let out a long breath and looked up at one of the windows of Alices apartment. The light was on and she could see Andies silhouette moving around. Shane turned off her truck and just sat back looking up at the window.