Tina blew on her hot cup of coffee before taking a sip. She stared out the window, lost in her own thoughts. Her mind was racing and going over the events that had happened in the past month. She was blanking out the conversation that Dana, Harrison (Danas doubles partner), and Alice was having. Kit sat down next to her bringing Tina back to the Planet. SoIm talking to the editors about letting me cover Andies band. It might get them some more gigs. Alice was saying. Jenny sat down and stuck a grape in her mouth. Wow, Alice that would be really cool of you. I bet your friend would be extremely grateful. Kit said. Hey Kit how about this, you have Andies band play here. Then I write something up about the band and the new Planet? You know build up some hype for both of you. Alice stirred her coffee. You would do that for me, girl? Kit squealed. Of course! Ummm, guys, I have a question and I totally dont want anyone to take it the wrong way? Do you think that Andies band might have a hard time getting a deal because Andie is.? Dana said quietly. A *****? Tina asked. No I meanyou know, plus sized. Dana looked a little ashamed that she said it. Kit looked offended, while Tina and Jenny suddenly became preoccupied with their food and drinks. Alice gave Dana an icy stare. No I dont think so at all. Jesus Dana. Alice scowled. I didnt mean it the way that sounded. Dana was trying to back track. Just forget it. Alice turned to Kit, So youll let them play here? Absolutely, just tell your friend to get in touch with me. Kit said. Okay. Oh good here comes Shane. Alice and the other women watched her as she walked to the tables. Hey ladies. She plopped down into a chair and ran her fingers through her hair. Harrison piped in, Hey, if youre worried about your plus sized friend not getting any gigs because of her weight. I can always workout with her. Shane looked up with a confused expression. You guys I would never ever suggest that to Andie. Alice was shaking her head. Shane just sat back listening, amazed that her friends would even talk about this topic. Shane did Andie get to her motel room all right? Alice asked. Yeah Im sure she did. Shane yawned. Oh, did anything happen? Alice leaned forward hoping for a little play by play story. She took a cab home, Al. Shane smiled slightly. Sowhat do you think of her? Alice asked, but just then her cell phone went off, Hello? Hey Andie, yeah Im at the Planet. Come on down here. Do you know where it is? No, no, its in west Hollywood. Yeah, yeah thats the address. Hey the owner of the Planet was saying that your band could play here. Ok see you. Alice turned off the phone, She sounded excited about playing here, Kit. Thats great Ill talk to her when she gets here. Kit said and stood up, patting Shane on the shoulders, Shot of espresso, baby girl? Yeah, thanks Kit. Shane smiled. So what kind of music does Andie play? Jenny asked setting her magazine down. They are kind of a whole bunch of things rolled into one. A little punk, funk, and a tiny bit of pop. Andie can sing some R and B stuff. Plus she can play the piano and violin along with the guitar. Shes really talented. Alice said. Very awesome. She sounds like she is cool. Jenny nodded. Shane you never answered my question. What did you think of her? Alice asked. Everyone turned to look at Shane. Shes very cool and pretty down to earth. Did you do you know what, or did you just want to you knowyou know with her? Alice smirked. God, Al Whats with the high school terms for *****? I just felt like I was on My So Called Life except you didnt pause in between every other word. Shane scowled. Dana interrupted, I dont think she is Shanes type anyway, you know? What is that suppose to mean? Shane was getting aggravated. Tina just leaned back and rolled her eyes. Dana dont say it. Shane continued to stare at Dana, as Kit placed a cup of espresso in front of her and then sat down. Its just that Dana started. I think what she is trying to say is, that maybe your type is not Andie, right? Harrison talked softly. “Harrison.. Isnt that exactly what I just said?” Dana murmured. “Just trying to help you out.” He said. All right, Ill just put it this way. Lets say were out on the beach, picking up shells. Lets say you, Shane, only pick up the flawless perfect shells. You always have. Suddenly you see this other shell it would be the perfect shell for you, but it has a crack in it or its bigger than the other shells. You look at it, but you never pick it up. You continue to pick up the perfect shells. Dana finished looking proud of herself. All of the women and Harrison just stared at her. She looked from one person to the next. Oh my ***** god, Dana! That was ridiculous. Alice said loudly, while Tina and Jenny just laughed. Shane just shook her head. Basically, you dont go for the fat girls, Shane. Ive never seen you with a big chick. Harrison said between laughs. So youre calling me shallow? All right then have any you ever been with a bigger girl? Shane leaned forward and looked at all of them. Harrison finally said something, Well, being that Im ***** I suppose I havent even thought of having ***** with a larger girl. Shane sighed, Ok then Harrison. Have you ever gone out with a man who is absolutely not perfect on the outside: Or any girl for that matter. The women turned to watch him for his response, he sat there looking as if he was lost in thought, then, Well, I do kind of have this thing for Jack Nicholson. I bet he would be such a top. Oh god. Dana murmured. I had this crush on one of my college professors, once. She was a lot older than I maybe ten years older. She was beautiful, but not beautiful as in hey look at me I could be a model. She was more like. I dont knowreal. She always wore a bun. I would wonder what she would look like with her hair down. Jenny trailed off into her memory. Hey, Bette was the first woman Ive been with, so I dont count in this survey. Tina said. What about you guys? Any of you? Shane asked and everyone stayed quiet. Thats what I thought. I cant believe you call me shallow just because I dont date heavier women, when none of you would or arent sure that you would. And why dont we date them? Is it because its out of the societys norm? Its bullshit. Because we dont want to 1 be laughed at2 be laughed at3 because we are embarrassed. But maybemaybe. I I heard that fat girls are better in bed because they have to try harder to turn someone on. Harrison belted out. Kit kicked Harrison under the table, while Jenny threw grapes at him. Ouch! What the *****, Harrison? Tina said offended. I dont think Andie is. Shane started to say before she heard a raspy voice. So this would be the Planet? Everyone turned and saw Andie standing a few feet away. Her black and red hair tucked behind her ears. She wore very little make up know, but her natural beauty was shining through. She wore a red wife beater and baggy black pants. Her face and eyes looked like they were full of all different types of feelings. She wrapped her arms around herself as if she was holding herself. Shane then realized that Andie might have been there for a good part of the conversation. Alice stood up and walked towards her. Hey babe, when did you get here? These are all of my friends. Alice pointed each person out. Thats Tina, Jenny, and Harrison. You know Dana and Shane. Tina smiled at Andie sweetly. Hello. Andie said quietly. And this is Kit, she owns the Planet. Shes the one who said the band can play here. Alice was talking uncomfortably, as Kit and Andie shook hands professionally. Everyone this Andie Andie interrupted, Yep thats me Andie, the one who is really hot in bed because you know how it is, must work your ***** off to keep your lover hot in the sheets. So, call me Andie or And, someone once called me Anaconda, but these days I go by the bigger shell or the fat chick who is really good in bed. But those little sweet nothings are really saved for special occasions. Andie had a slight smirk on her face and Kit caught it, she knew that she was going to like this Andie girl more and more. Dana was looking down at her coffee. Everyone else looked completely guilty, except for Kit. Isnt it strange that being from a ***** community, where we demand respect, acceptance, recognition or open-mindedness, some are still so close-minded and rude? Hurtful even. Andies voice stayed at a normal level and she kept her polite smile on. Alice knew it well and that meant that she was furious or even hurt. Everyone was silent, as Dana looked like she was going to say something. So, Kit did you want to go talk about the gig? I brought a CD so you can hear it, just to make sure that you would like it. Andie smiled at Kit. Kit glanced at the others, Yeah, absolutely come get something to eat and drink. Kit stood up. Andie I swear Alice said. I know Alice. Nice meeting you all. I’m sure we will meet up again. Andie smiled shortly and walked away. Shane watched Andie closely, hoping she would turn to look at her to see the look that would tell her that Shane didnt think any of those things, but she didnt. The rest of the table stayed noiseless for a while. Everyone seemed to be uneasy. Shane looked over and watched Andie talk with Kit. Kit turned to get Andie a drink. Shane stood up and sauntered over to Andie. Andie? Andie turned and looked at Shane. Shane wasnt ready for the arctic look in her eyes. I don’t think any of Andie just smiled, Shane I get it. Im not your type of shell. Plus I realize that there is not going to be anything between us besides friendship. I have seen some of the chicks you date and they are way hot. Theyre like not out of your league you knowyou could pick any of those chicks up, but thats not what I was going to say. Shane felt a twist in her stomach and didnt understand why. “Dana just sometimes doesn’t get that she says some dumb things.” Look, I know Im plump or chunky or just a little bit overweight. Whatever someone wants to label me. I have ears and eyes. I know how Im looked at or what is said about me. I don’t blame Dana. Truly unless a friend says something about it, I could give a ***** what anyone thought. I only care about the opinions of my friends and my family. No ones ugly words mean anything to me. So dont worry about itok? Andie half smiled again and looked over Shanes shoulder. Kit nodded for Andie to go to the back office with her. Andie patted Shane on the shoulder. Andiewait. Shane called after her. Maybe Ill see you around. And she was gone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shane stood there for a moment staring at the door that Andie disappeared behind. She turned around and tried to figure out why she was feeling panic and unnerved that she wasn’t able to explain herself to Andie. Shane always hated hurting girls, but always figured that they knew her history and should be aware that after they spent time together that she would not make things a commitment. She hadnt even kissed Andie yet or even admitted that she was attracted to her and all ready she was feeling a loss. Maybe its because they were a lot a like. Maybe Shane just didnt want to be alone right now. ***** no, she thought to herself, Andie will NOT be a rebound girl. Just a friend. Just a friend, nothing more. So you have to get her to listen to you, so she understands. Shane walked back to the table. Jenny, Tina and Harrison were standing. We are going to take off, I have to move some stuff and Harrison is going to help me. If he can get his ***** head out of the door. Tina said. *****, Im sorry you guys, I didnt mean anything by it. Harrison turned to look at Alice, who was stirring her coffee furiously. Really Alice please tell her Im sorry. I will. Alice said dully. If it makes matters better, she isnt really fat. Shes actually pretty. Harrison said fast. God, lets go before more ***** spews from your mouth. Tina said, grabbing his arm. I got to get going too. I have to work. Id like to hear Andie’s band when they play here, so let me know. Jenny talked to Alice. Alice nodded and smiled, while Shane and Dana said good-bye. The table stayed quiet for a few minutes. Then Dana spoke up. Al, I didnt mean it. Im sorry. She patted Alices hand. Shane looked at the hands and hid a smirk by turning to look at the door of the office. Shane took a deep breath and looked at Dana. I knew you didnt mean how it sounded, Dana. But you really got to stop and think before you open your mouth about stuff. Shane downed the shot of espresso and then looked at the door, Al you going to wait until she comes out? Alice pretended not to notice Shanes nervous gaze at Kits closed door. Alice made a face that was buried in the paper. Well, she is supposed to, She should be bringing everything to my place. She ran a hand through her shirt strawberry blonde hair. God I hope she doesn’t think that I was talking ***** about her. Alice bounced her leg nervously. She knows you didnt Al. Dana said softly. Shane just nodded and then glanced at he office door again then seemed to decide it was time to go. The tall brunette stood up pulled on her gray sweatshirt. She dropped some money to cover for coffee and a tip. Im gonna take off. Shane smiled See you guys later. Shane come by my place later o.k.? Alice called after her. Shane just turned and gave a slightly thumbs up and walked out. The women waved back. Suddenly, Alice and Dana realized they were alone with each other. Neither could look the other in the eye. But the uncomfortable silence was killing Dana. Listen Alice, we cant be so weird around each other. Dana turned to look at Alice, So, how do we fix this? How do we make things right? I want thing back to normalwell almost. Alice finally looked at Dana, whose face seemed extremely confused, sad and almost like she was holding back from Alice. I want Alice leaned forward slightly, looking into Danas eyes. Dana leaned towards Alice, but then seemed nervous and moved back quickly. Dana whispered, I dont know if it can be fixed. Im not entirely sure that I want it to be fixed, but… I’ll know who to go to when Im not afraid. Hopefully, she will be patient and wait for a little bit. But then again she might meet someone else that will steal her heart. Dana went up to get coffee because the place was backed up. Alice gathered around all of her papers and started putting them away. She could hear her heart being stabbed by Dana. She didnt mean to let it bother her or at least put on the front that it didn’t bother her, but for christsakes at least she could tell me what she was thinking or what the four a.m. kiss meant to Dana. At that moment, Bette rushed in and almost tipped over her chair sitting into it. Placing her briefcase down, she smiled at Alice and then Dana when Dana sat down. How are you? Bette asked each of them. Dana chimed in, Im ok You just missed a pretty interesting conversation. “What was it about?” Bette asked trying to get comfortable. ” How people could be so shallow, when it comes to whom they date. Such as, going out with some one who doesn’t look like the Hollywood plastic Barbie type. Maybe seeing someone who is the complete opposite of that, like maybe average weight or just a little overweight, however, still very attractive. So the discussion was about why people choose the plastic chicks.” Alice spoke between sips of her coffee. Annnnd, how did this conversation come up? Bette looked around to see if the line was dwindling down so she can get some coffee. Bette didnt look too good, Alice thought to herself. As a matter of fact she looked downright miserable. She had on one of her business slacks on with a purple tank top. It was Sunday, I guess there was really no need to match outfits, since she didn’t have to work. Well, it all came up, when Al asked if her old friend and her band could play here at the Planet to get them noticed. So Al agreed and talked with Kit who was cool with it. Theyre in the office talking. Then Alice is going to write an article on the show and the Planet. Making it even more of a hot spot. Dana said in one big huff. What does that have to do with how shallow people are?” Bette asked confused. Make a side note, Bette, never ask Dana any deep questionsshe just starts talking about random things that are supposed to make sense and I think they really do make sense to her, but god they are so funny. Anyways, well, Dana asked if my friend Andie and her band were having a hard time getting gigs because of Andie being a little heavy. You know like a real woman should look like. So Dana started talking about Shane walking down a beach And Alice went on with the story, most of the time making Bette laugh others times she looked offended at some of the things that Harrison and Dana said. She sort of excused it for Dana because Bette had a feeling that Dana was sheltered from a lot of things. After the story, Bette leaned against the table setting her elbows up on it. As if she was thinking. What a ridiculous way of looking at some one. All ready condemning them before they know the girl. Its strange that being a ***** woman, we can still be so prejudice against people who are different. But we could get in on this discussion another time. She sipped some more of her coffee. So what are you doing today? Bette? Alice asked. Nothing really. Im trying to stay out of the house so Tina can move it out, without us screaming at each other like we did the last time. So I thought I would bring some work here to finish up. Maybe Ill go get my hair done or a spa or something.. she looked around sadly at the packed planet and people beginning to wait impatiently for their orders. There were three ladies on the counter helping customers and one baker in the back of the Planet. They usually worked the extremely early morning shifts to have the plethora of biscotti, muffins, and bread ready and prep the kitchen food. They also brought in fresh fruit daily, huge dollies worth of fruit that would make a delicious melody fruit torte with Marinas secret ingredient, which she shared with Kit in a letter after she had been discharged from the hospital. That was the last time any of them had heard from their exotic friend. Other than Marina’s mother coming and buying Marina out of the business. Hmmm Bette thought to herself and then turned to the girls, I think Im going to help out on the floor tonight it is so packed and they could use the help. She started to stand. Whoa, Bette, have you ever been a waitress? Alice asked quietly like it was church. Bette whispered back and said, I was one for several years after high school and one of the best and if you’re good Ill bring you a muffin. Alice clapped her hands happily and watched Bette head to the back office. She knocked and went inside. Alice sighed and then looked over at Dana, who was putting on her jacket and grabbing her purse. Sorry, Al. I have to go get ready to meet Tonyas parents. Sounds like a ball of fun. Alice said dryly. Dana just stopped and looked at her. Just think about what we talked about. O.k.? All right, bye. Alice sat back in her chair and began to read from Jennys magazine. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~