Alice snuggled into Dana as a love song was sung up on the stage. They were kissing, whispering, giggling, and Shane was gagging. She turned her attention back to the singer, who had walked off the stage and was now interacting with the crowd. He walked over and kneeled in front of Jenny, serenading her for a few minutes before realizing that wooing her was an impossibility. Jenny laughed as he got up and moved to a straight woman who smiled and swooned when he touched her face. He then noticed Carmen and made a beeline straight for her, his eyes roaming her shamelessly. Mercedes nudged her suggestively with her elbow, wiggling her eyebrows, causing Carmen to laugh, though she tried to stifle it quite unsuccessfully. The man came over and began singing to her, touching her at every possible moment. Shane felt her anger building, and she was sure if he didn’t stop soon, she was going to hit him. She felt a hand be placed gently on her arm. She looked up and Bette and Tina were both staring at her.

“Do you need to talk?” Bette asked, staring at Shane intently.

When she and Tina had met Shane, she was no more than just a street kid with a crack addiction, and some major abandonment issues. But after they had generously taken her into their home, trusted her, given her responsibilities, built up her self-esteem, and most importantly, loved her, she decided that she wanted to go to school, to make something of her life, and there wasn’t a day Bette or Tina regretted their decision. Shane was a good friend and somebody you could always trust and rely on. Shane shook her head no. She really didn’t need the double lecture she was sure to get if she accompanied them outside. The song ended and Bette stood up.

“Come on, I need a smoke anyways.” Bette smiled warmly and invitingly in that way only she could.

Shane sighed and got up, knowing full well there was no way she was getting out of this.

“OK, Shane, what is it?” Bette asked abruptly, turning around and forcing Shane, who was not even off the steps yet, to stop short. Bette motioned for her to sit and she complied, plopping down on the stairs as she took the cigarette from Bette’s hand, but neglected to light it. Bette noticed Shane’s hand was shaking, something she hadn’t seen since she was a teenager with a bad drug addiction. Shane sighed, looking up at the only mother figure she had ever known (other than Tina), and realized that telling her everything would be best. She looked away, down the street. It was pretty much deserted, which was odd considering it was only 7:45. Even with no people around, it was still difficult for her to open up.