Carving Paths
Vision of Black and White
Part Nine


Carmen wore her dark baseball cap, dark red t-shirt and low hip-riding jeans. She stood near the nurse station, waiting for the nurse to finish. Carmen wanted to see Shane alone without everyone being there and no distractions. Carmen cheerfully leaned over on the counter and interrupted the nurse.

Hi. Im sorry to bother you. Im here to visit my friend Shane McCutheon, Carmen smiled pleasantly. The nurse nodded and excused herself as she went into the back, to search for the information in the patients file to provide her the room number.

Coming back into the station, Im sorry. She left this morning without anyone noticing. Its normal, a drug addict usually dont want any help and just leave. The nurse smiled apologetically.

You got to be kidding me. Carmen couldnt believe Shane was stupid enough to leave and managed to escape. How pathetic was this hospitals security system? She didnt accept the fact that Shane didnt want help, but Carmen knew if she didnt confront her then it could be too late. Carmen will start to search for Shane, but the first thing she needed to do is to tell Shanes friends. Shane was putting everyone through the wringer, making them to pause their lives and causing them the stress of worrying and anxiety. Carmen exhaled noisily, not liking to be a person bearing the bad news. Having no choice, Carmen knew where to find them.

*************

What?! I cant believe you did that, Tina exclaimed. Alice and Dana smiled goofily, not feeling guilty at all. They are getting tired of seeing Tina being alone and Tina deserve to find someone great. So they decided to enter Tinas name into the series of blind dates into the computer and setting up those dates tomorrow.

I will get you guys back. Clenching her jaw, Tina jabbed her index finger at them. Not wanting to deal with the stress of dating since she hasnt gone out on a date for long time. She forgot how it works. She understands Dana and Alice have been acting in for her best interests. But it doesnt make her any less annoyed that they didnt ask her, knowing she will reject it completely.

Bette tried to smother the chuckle by drinking the coffee. She remembered the blind dates; it wasnt fun at all for her. Marina smiled, the comedy act of Alice and Dana never cease. Recognizing the young female who was with them last night, seeing the bleak look on her face. Carmen stood before them, cleared her throat to get their attention. They looked up, seeing Carmen.

Hey Carmen. Want to sit next to me? Alice showed her the empty seat next to her. Carmen shook her head, rather to stand.

We are going to see Shane later. Do you want to come with us? Bette said. She was trying to help Carmen become involved in the group and she noticed that Carmen was acting strange around them.

About that, I went to see Shane this morning, Carmen said with hesitation. But she was gone.

What?! We gotta find Shane and drag her sorry ***** back here and stuff her into the trunk until she get clean, Alice huffed out a breath. Everyone stared at her for her outburst, and then Alice smiled sheepishly at them.

Alice is right. More longer we leave Shane out there, more worse she will get. We will spread out and search any places where she normally hang out, Bette stated emphatically. Chairs clattered, scraped, and pushed back; everyone set out to find Shane. Marina looked over her shoulder and arched her brow at Carmen as she remained where she was, not following anyone.

Ill do it on my own. I’ll check in with you later here at the Planet, Carmen said absently. Carmen had her own plans and some sources to check out on. Beside, she preferred to work alone. Marina understood her, not wanting to push her for the information. Marina sensed from the beginning that Carmen is different from everyone else, Marina acknowledged her with a nod and followed the group out.

********

Marina unlocked the door of Planet as everyone entered; they sat there exhausted and crestfallen. They have searched for few hours, everyone havent had much luck for finding Shane. They slumped in their seats, having no clue for her whereabouts.

Marina gently suggested, We can start again tomorrow, starting out fresh. I havent heard from Carmen, maybe she has a better luck than we do. She will probably show up tomorrow. Everyone murmured in agreement, just wanting to go home and sleep if this day never happened but worrying nagged their minds, have the hope that Shane is not lying in a ditch somewhere dead.

They slowly filed out disillusioned, as they went out on their way to home. Marina sighed as she closed the door behind her, ending the day of searching for a troubled soul.

************

Jenny stood outside of Marinas house while she kept ringing the doorbell. Nothing came out of it; frustrated she curled her fist and banged on the door instead.

Hearing exotic cursing when Marina opened the door, still sleepy and wearing belted black silk robe. Jenny tried not to stare at the ***** picture Marina posed as. Marina slyly smiled, recognizing the long-lost look of desire in Jennys eyes and she brought Jennys bruised hand to her mouth, kissing it gently. Marina never stopped keeping Jenny unbalanced and relieved at the fact she still affected Jenny and still have something between them.

Pulling her hand away, Marina, we need to talk. Marina swept her hand outwards, inviting Jenny inside. Jenny stopped in amazement, noticing all the rooms are empty. Marina merely smiled, putting her hand on small part of Jennys back, pushing her forward and guiding her to the direction where the kitchen is. It is only place where it has seats in the house; Jenny made herself at home by sitting on one of the stools facing the kitchen table.

Marina made herself busy by making coffee; nervous and happy that Jenny finally is ready to get things out in open. But she remains composed, as it is her second nature.

Marina. I read the letter, Robin was the one who found it on that day. Marina froze, not liking to remember her weakness and her carelessness. I wanted to ask you why you did it?

Marina felt vulnerable and exposed, but its time for her to let Jenny in, even though there is the possibility of Jenny not wanting to take her back. Marina had nothing to lose.

I was scared and lonely, I thought I had nothing left. I lost you and the respect from everyone when I played the game too far and hurting people in the process. I was desperate for you to see that Robin was not different, so you would dump her after she was with me. Marina gently touched Jennys hand as she continued to reveal more, I realized I have been lying to myself, pretending to be happy with what I had with Francesca. You gave me the gift of realizing that the love and all-consuming passion, accepting who you are does exist and possible for me to have it. I never felt that way before, but I kept hurting you by hiding behind Francesca and making you believe that I never cared about you, just your body. I stayed with the safe way where I lived my life before I met you and continued to play games with peoples minds. But the first time, I didnt enjoy it and missed you then I wanted you to be with me. I love you. Marina looked at her closely, hoping it doesnt spook her.

Thank you for being honest. I thought it was one sided so you scared me. Now Im uncertain where we stand. Im not sure if I can trust you again after everything you put me through, Jenny lifted her shoulder helplessly; not wanting to hurt Marina but that was how she felt.

I understand. We can start out slow and you can have the freedom to date whoever you want but know one thing, no matter what, you are mine. I will get you back and Ill wait for you to be certain about us. At the end, we belong together, Marina smiled shrewdly and knowing it for certain but Jenny was at the place where she needed to find out where she stand in her life and what she want out of it. She havent been exploring that much, understanding that but Marina will tolerate it as long as she can until she would get her in the end.

Jenny kissed Marinas cheek softly and made her way out. Marina had the glint of determination and she was positive that she would romance her back, enjoying the challenge at the idea of getting Jenny frustrated and off-guard. But she will tease and gently surprise her by tenderness. Marina couldnt wait, sighing at the fact her old ways havent disappeared but it will be used only for Jenny.

**********

Grousing to herself, as the butterflies fluttered in pit of her stomach. As she got ready to go out for her three blind dates, as it was set up in the same restaurant and she only could meet with them for 30 minutes each.

Tina walked into the quaint small restaurant, giving the view of beach and there were few customers around. She wore her casual black pants with dressy olive shirt, as she sat in the assigned booth. Waiting for the number one, she ordered a cup of coffee. Her thoughts wandered, watching the waves breaking gently.

Hi! Tina turned her head over, seeing the female being 17 or 18 years old with black outfit with multiple piercing on her ears and nose.

Hmm How old are you? Tina tried to say it carefully, not wanting to offend her.

18. But Im interested in getting involved with older women. The young woman said seriously, They, including you, have experience so I want to learn from. I figured after this, we can get a room at the motel and do fun stuff.

Excuse me? You shouldnt take it so lightly and beside I dont do ***** with someone I barely met. Nice try and dont be in hurry, Tina advised. Disappointed, the girl wont get some and she had no reason to stay. The girl shrugged and made an excuse when she left. Dropping her head in her hands in embarrassment and she hated the fact that she sounded old. Could this night get any worse?

************

Alice leaned back on her couch upside down, her messy blond hair almost touched the floor as she played with popcorn and entertaining herself by watching a TV movie.

Her cell phone rang, Alice answered with usual greeting. Jack asked her to come to the window, Alice did what he asked, holding her phone as she unlocked the window and pushed it up. Her head came out, looking down as Jack held the rose up and spread his arms wide, showing a long black limo. But Jack was wearing casual clothes, faded jeans and open collared white long-sleeved shirt.

Come on, Alice. What are you waiting for, Jack coaxed her into his cell phone.

Im not dressed, Alice protested. Looking down on herself seeing what she is wearing, white t-shirt and flannel pajamas bottom.

It doesnt matter. Its private and no people will be there guaranteed. Jack opened the limos door, waiting for Alice to come down.

Trusting Jack on his word, Alice tossed the cell phone on the couch and grabbed her keys, leaving the apartment and ran downstairs. Jack smiled broadly, couldnt wait to show Alice the world. Alice entered into the limo as Jack followed her into it.

Damn. Jack, you have gone and did something good.

Its only the beginning. Just wait and see.

Stopping at front of the huge old apartment building thirty minutes later, Jack bought her into the rickety old elevator, Alice looked at it apprehensively. Jack pushed the door down as they started their ascent to his place. The elevator creaked as it stopped. Jack pulled the rope upwards to push the door open and Alice was greeted with the sight of his loft apartment.

Alice gasped and instantly fell in love with his loft and jealous of huge space. There is wooden floor, warm cobbled stonewall in the living room, while the other end held the kitchen, providing the stools with back and tall wooden table separating the living room and the kitchen. Warm brown tiles covered the counters and walls as the modern appliances made it look modern. Alice took the staircase with no rails near the left end of the loft, walking upstairs and the bedroom has the open view of the whole loft but the bathroom remain hidden from the view. Alice bounced on the bed, seeing Jack cooking the food in the kitchen. Its unique place, all open space and no walls to separate the rooms.

Alice was impressed, liking his taste as he kept the place warm and comfortable, not treating it like a bachelor pad with cold and sterile feeling. Alice came up behind Jack, laying her head on his back and her arms wrapped around his waist. Jack patted her hand, as he disengaged her from him.

Wait here. I have one more thing to finish, Jack with a secret grin as he turned his attention back to the food and put them into the plates, and taking them upstairs to the exit door on the top of staircase. Her curiosity now piqued, she waited for fifteen minutes. Her impatience overtook her; she opened the door and entered the rooftop balcony. Jack stood there surrounded with the candles perched on the floor, providing her the walkway and the music was playing softly in the background. In the middle, there was small circular table covered with white tablecloth. Steaming plates and wine glasses stood on it, waiting.

With a smile, Welcome to our first date. Jack came up to her and offered his arm to escort her to the table. The red rose lay beside her plate, Alice tried not to get emotional as she sat down, fingering the rose. It is the most romantic setting she ever been in and the beautiful view just laid out right below them. Kissing her hand, Jack went to his seat and brought the wine up, Let make this night to be remembered. Alice clicked her wineglass gently against his, they started to eat their dinner, enjoying each others company and they made small talks.

Finishing their dinner, Alice went to the edge and watching the lights flickering in the city, just blissfully happy and she found a wonderful guy to love. Jack joined her after he finished cleaning up and enjoying the fact that Alice is there, waiting for him.

Jack held her from behind, the wind played with their hair as they watched the city covered in glowing lights into the night. Alice bends her head backwards, inviting him to kiss her as she held his arms, which was covering his stomach.

I love you, Alice, Jack said husky into her mouth. Surprised as they broke the kiss, not expecting tonight. Alice knew how she felt about him, but they only knew each other for two months. But time doesnt matter.

I love you too, her voice dropping a little, Alice grinned as she turned to him with love shining in her brown eyes. Jack was terrified at the thought of it being too soon and Alice not feeling the same way he did about her when she hesitated. Jack, overjoyed, picked Alice up and swirled her around as they laughed.

***********

Tina tried to be very polite as the woman continued to chatter about boring information that Tina didnt care about. The number two made an impression on her; she seemed to be shy as she approached Tina. Then they sat down and introduced themselves, then she opened her mouth telling her stories that doesnt interest her at all, at first, Tina thought the woman was nervous but few minutes later, Tina was wrong. She just love to hear herself talking, not letting Tina get in a word edgewise so Tina nodded along and wanting her to leave.

Tuning her out as Tina thought about her work, wondering what Emma would be doing now. And thinking about Shane, Tina wanted Shane to come back and being her old self. Everything has changed when they scrambled around picking up the pieces of their lives and focused on themselves. Tina noticed Shane was tense and edgy, but she thought nothing of it. Feeling the deep regret, Tina wanted Shanes dry sense of humor when she listened to everyones problems as they hung out, but Shane didnt mind and never asked anything in return. But now, Shane was out there alone.

Tina checked her watch; relieved its over as they said their goodbyes. The woman gave her the numbers and was interested in seeing Tina again. Tina smiled politely as she waved goodbye to her as she crumbled it up and threw it into her purse.

****************

Tina Kennard? Males voice interrupted Tinas thoughts. Tina felt horrified and embarrassed, wondering how to handle this situation. Alice and Dana somehow screwed it up, putting her in this position.

Yes. Im sorry about this. Im not looking for male companion, trying to let him down gently. The man laughed and he said he wasnt here for the date.

No. My sister was ill, and forgot to cancel the date. So I came in her place. The man was proud of himself; Tina stared at him wondering if he was a moron. It was awkward and bordering on weirdness, as he cheerfully went on his way. Tina sighed; she relaxed a bit and enjoyed her coffee. She is free from this nightmare and learned the blind dates are unpredictable and uncomfortable, preferring doing the old way of meeting people on her own. Never doing this again. Tina ordered for the first time for this night and wanting to enjoy her dinner in private as the rain softly made the noise against the window, making it cooler at night and Tina loved rain. Its perfect and quiet, but she will kill Dana and Alice for this. Tina leaned back, seeing the rain started to drum on the window as it began to storm. She knew she wont go anywhere for a while and wait it out for the storm to calm down.

********************

Feeling depressed lately, Lara cleaned up the kitchen and getting ready to go home. Throwing the apron into the basket, Lara picked up her backpack and stepped outside, as the tent shaded her, preventing her from getting wet.

A silhouette of a person standing by the car, getting soaked to the skin by minute as Lara stood there fixated and her heart rate increased rapidly.

Dana. Lara stood there in shock, Dana came up to her, joining with her in the tent. Her teeth chattered and she shivered in cold.

What are you doing here? Lara asked with a touch of confusion.

We need to talk. Can we go back inside? Im freezing. Dana rubbed her arms in an attempt to get warm. Lara looked at Dana with uncertainty, Dana didnt want to beg, Please, Lara.

Lara sighed and unlocked the door as she let Dana inside. Dana followed Lara to the kitchen; Lara picked up the clean towel from linen closet and handed it to her. Dana wiped herself dry but her clothes are completely drenched. Without thinking, she pulled her sweatshirt off and giving Lara the view that she didnt expect, not wearing t-shirt underneath but a sport bra. Danas head came up immediately when Lara moaned.

What is wrong? Are you okay? Dana brought herself closer to check on Lara. Lara wanted to distance herself from Dana but she couldnt control herself any longer.

Danas head snapped back in surprise when Lara crushed her mouth against Dana, the heat sprang up between them. Their mouths moved fervently against each other, as they battled for the control. She slipped her hand into Danas pants, feeling her underwear and brushed it aside as it entered into her innermost area, touching her curls. Dana gasped when Lara touched her intimately. Pulling her hand out of her pant and lifted Lara up and setting her down on the edge of the kitchen table, her legs opened, letting Dana step into between them. She wanted to slow things down, Dana leaned closer as she tugged Laras bottom lip gently with her teeth and seeking the access into her mouth as their tongues brushed each other as they kissed tenderly.

Couldn’t hold back any longer, she felt herself getting more damp and aroused. Dana unbuttoned her jeans and pulling her jeans along with underwear down, kicking it away. Her nipples poked through her sport bra when Lara watched Dana, Dana moaned and put her own hand into her wetness. Lara got painfully aroused watching Dana touching herself. Lara stopped Dana’s hand from moving and bringing Dana’s fingers out of her wetness to Lara’s mouth as she sucked it clean. Short of breath, Dana felt a strong urge to let go but wanting Lara with her, she quickly shred Lara’s pants, t-shirt and her bra away and snapped her own bra, dropping it to the floor.

Lara put her hand into Dana’s heat while Dana did same thing bringing her hand against Lara, Dana rested her head on Lara’s shoulder as they continued to thrust in and out as their bodies brushed against each other, moving in rhyme, increasing the pace. Lara cried out, as she came and her body shook, deliciously spent as she turned her attention back to Dana, who is still on the edge. Lara’s head bend down to Dana’s breast and clamped it down gently with her mouth and her tongue played with her nipple, licking and lapping then sucked it like she was drinking from it, surprising Dana as the tingling became unbearable and her body tensed instantly as her legs tightened over Lara’s hand and holding it still then it started to spill onto Lara’s hand. Then Dana started to breathe again as Lara brought Dana in a hug.

As they panted, bringing their forehead together, looking into each other’s eyes. The realization of what they had done had hit them like ton of bricks.