What kind of drugs did you do? Shane asked.

Meth. Heroin. Cocaine. Whatever I could get my hands on, Mary replied, ashamed.

My mom was the same way. Didnt matter what it was, as long as it fucked her up. Shane leaned back in her chair.

The hospital room was dark, and strange shadows played along the four walls of Cases room. Still no sign of improvement. The doctors had come to the conclusion that Case had suffered a mild stroke. It was going to leave her partially paralyzed. Shane hadnt the heart to tell Mary herself. She hoped the doctors wouldbut it seemed wrong to do that. Shane was the only one who stayed by Cases bedside through each day and night. She sat reading magazines and watching Oprah. She talked to Case, told her about all of the great things theyd do when she got out of that boring hospital. Could she hear her? She wished she knew.

Mary, I need to tell you something about Case. Its not good news.

Mary braced her hands, each one gripping a side of her chair. Her eyes grew yellow with fear.

Whats wrong with my baby? A tear formed at the duct of an eye, then slowly slid down her aged pinkish skin.

Shane hesitated. She wasnt sure she could do it – wasnt sure she could say it.

Shanewhat is it?

***

Jenny? Taylor lay on Jennys bed, gazing upon all the interesting pictures plastered to the walls.

Yes? Jenny was still wearing her clothes from that night, as was Taylor. She had on a black frill skirt with matching black top, with a plunging neckline and several necklaces and beads to dress it up a bit more.

Do you want to kiss me? Taylor was so innocent. Virginal, it seemed. It made Jenny both excited and scared.

Do you want me to kiss you? Jenny didnt want to play games, but she was a little drunk still, and couldnt seem to help herself.

Only if you want to kiss me first. Taylor would make sure she didnt make a fool out of herself.

Jenny leaned in to kiss her, softly on the lips. She lingered there, for a few minutes. It felt right, so she kissed her again.