As she steps into the room, Marina quickly assesses the surroundings and picks up the vial, storing it securely away in her pocket and bends to Shanes side. She leans her face close, relieved to feel the soft ragged breath, tenderly slipping her arms under and around her lifting up, wheres her room?

Second floor, Number 8, next to mine Jenny turns and motions up the stairs and to the left corridor as Alice held the door, Thanks Alice, Ill take care of her from here.

Stunned by the abrupt dismissal, Look *****, Ive known her a lot longer than you. Youre the last person she needs, but I couldnt find anyone else to help carry her. Just get her to the room and Ill take care it from there.

Jenny eyes narrow in angry disbelief, Is that what youve been doing these past months, helping her? Some demented version of tough love?

Marina steps through the doorway, not waiting for the hurtful exchange to settle. Nodding down the corridor, Jenny, I need you to open Shanes door.

Staring into the eyes of bitter wounds, bruised and torn, Alice mutters softly, I have the key, I can get the door.

Alice, if you have the key then Jenny, I need you to go get juice, lots of it. Marinas words are stern, commanding.

Alice turns, moving down the hall towards Shanes room silenced by the stark realization sinking in with Jennys words.

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

Jenny was thankful to be afforded the chance to move in the opposite direction from them, desperately needing a moment alone, a moment to collect her thoughts. All within a matter of minutes, her only companion and confident has overdosed, one of their circle has exchanged heated words with her, and.Marina. She rolls her eyes and gasps aloud as the feverish internal banter began, *****, Marina, once again did that thing. That thing that she always does, and there I am lost, confused, knocked completely off center.

Shaking her head, barely tracking where she was going, she heads back down the stairs to the entryway. She ***** kissed me..I kissed her, *****! Upon reaching the entryway, she glances in both directions, looking for signs of anyone, someone who could help. I guess I should be thankful Alice interrupted when she did. That could have gotten way out of hand.

She sighs aloud and heads to the dining room, The food came from somewhere, maybe theres a door to the kitchen. She steps into the dining room, unconsciously voicing her thoughts aloud. Why didnt I notice where they came from when they brought the food in? Jenny releases a quiet grunt, Yeah right, there was way too much activity at the table to even notice what was happening around us. They think Im weird, theyre the weirdest bunch of friends Ive ever known.

She glances across the room noticing a side door; immediately she steps toward it as her monologue continues. That must be the kitchen. Look at how they all turned their backs on each other, how they just loved knowing the local caf owner but, ***** no, they couldnt possibly let her really be in their circle. She sighs again as she rounds the table, Oh Marina, what am I going to say to you? How do I tell you? Shaking her head she reaches for the door handle.

Kit had been sitting, quietly watching, amused by Jennys soft ranting. Jenny girl, are you alright?

A small yelp escapes her throat as she jumps throwing her hand over mouth. Oh baby, Im sorry, I thought you saw me sitting here. Kit walks over to her, wrapping her arm around her and giving her a quick hug, Im so sorry. I didnt mean to scare you. Kit stifles a chuckle as she looks into the exceedingly round green eyes.

Oh god, Jenny takes in a deep breath, this is almost too much She rubs her forehead, um Kit, there um theres a problem. I need to get some juice. She turns pointing to the door she was about to enter, I thought this might be the kitchen. I was hoping someone would be there and they could give me juice.

I think you might be right, lets try it. Kit turns the handle and opens the door, Thats a good sign. She steps in looking around. They could hear the clanging towards the back past all the stoves, counters, and hanging pots. She shrugs at Jenny as Jenny shrugs at her, lets go see.

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

Marina heads to the tub, laying Shane inside leaving her head to rest in her arm as she turned on the water adjusting it to a cool lukewarm. She cups the water in her hand caressingly washing the pale face of her lost friend, Shane. Shane. Look at me, open your eyes and look at me. She places a sharp slap to her cheek causing the hollow eyes to flash open to her faint smile of relief. Quickly it dissipates as she reaches again for more water, sternly she continues, Keep your eyes open, make yourself hear my words, focus Shane. Focus on me.

From the corner of her eye she sees Alice sitting in the rocker, at the opposite end of the tub, staring out the bay window lost in the pain of Jennys words, Alice, find some dry clothes for her and turn back her bed. When Jenny gets here with the juice have her place a glass on the nightstand. Alice. Alice, you need to do this, now. Shaken from her thoughts, reassured by the inclusive nature of Marinas directions, she begins her journey of redemption.

Confused and unaware of whats going on, Shane begins slapping, flailing at the strong arms holding her. What the *****. Why am I all wet? Get your ***** hands off me. Slowly, the cool water pulls at her and she struggles with the surroundings. She knows this Amazon before her, recognizes her friend and almost relaxes into the comfort of her presence before recoiling at the sudden remembered hatred. Get your ***** hands OFF me!

Marinas head goes slightly back as her eyes widen in hurt and she let go of Shane who immediately begins to crumble, sliding further into the tub. Quickly, Marina grabs her, firm in her grip and words, You ODd Shane. Youre wet because youre in the tub, and I am taking your clothes off.

Alice tries to be calm and assuring with her, Shane, Marinas trying to help you. Jenny and I are here too. I have dry clothes for you, holding the clothes within in her sight, trembling inside realizing Shane may shun her too. Jenny has juice.

Marina tugs at her sleeve holding tightly to her as she does, pull Shane. Pull your arm out. I need you to try to help me. Shane stares hard and angry into her eyes, but reluctantly obeys as best she can.

Stripped bare before all, naked physically and emotionally, Shane feels the shame gnawing at her. Why are these women here? Shane inwardly cringes at the memory of how she had shunned Marina after that night, having projected all her pain and hatred at Cheries rejection onto her.

Shanes eyes focus on Marinas features as she continues to gently bath her. Marinas dark eyes, unveiled by the focus of her task, reveal her deep concern, How can she stand to be near me? this woman once so dear to her, the closest to a mother figure shed ever known is here with the same kindness, same gentle love shes always shown.

Shane begins to calm as she allows Marina to gently wrap the towel around her, tenderly drying her along the way, Alice, hand me a small towel for her face and hair Shane, hold on to me so I can dry your face.

Soothing and comforting are Marinas hands as she towels her hair then wipes her face with soft slow strokes. She pains for her friend, understanding how bare she must feel, naked and exposed to them. Marinas face softens as she feels the young body beneath her touch begin to relax. She can only hope that Shane will embrace this shame and the wisdom it offers her.

It is only after shes finished that Marina meets Shanes gaze. The gentle, kind and caring eyes quickly turning to disappointment, such that Shane winces as Marinas stabbing gaze pierces her heart. She turns from the power of the dark brown orbs reprimanding her, could I uh have some clothes

Marina helps her step out of the tub, walks her to the edge of the bed, Alice, you help her with her clothes. As Alice takes over, Marina moves towards Jenny, we need to get her to drink a lot of juice. This is not over yet.

As Alice pulls the shirt over her head, then tries to get her arms through the holes, Jenny sets the juice on the nightstand and begins to help, you scared the ***** out of us Shane. Youre supposed to drink juice, lots of juice. With the last arm slipping through, Jenny reaches for the glass, here.

As Alice and Jenny care for Shane, Marina begins to search the room. She knows there is more, more of the evil substance and it must be found. Alice had found a vial loose in the bottom of her pack when she got her clothes and had set it on the table. Marina went about searching for the rest of the hidden stash. Gradually accumulating what was enough for several to have stayed high for many days, Jenny, did you know it was this bad?

What? Are you saying I shouldve done something that this is my fault? Jenny cant believe shes being accused, let alone by Marina, what was I supposed to do?

Ask for help Jenny.

Before Marina can continue, Jenny gets off the bed and begins to pace, who the ***** was I suppose to ask? Theres not a woman in this place who gave a damn. Theyve all made that clear, so tell me Marina who was I suppose to get help from? She stops and waits, anger seething from her.

Me.

Jenny is taken aback by her response and begins to shake her head, I couldnt I couldnt ask.not you Her face softens and sadness washes over, I couldnt be around you.

As Alice watches Shane sip down more juice, she speaks back to them, look guys, we all should have done something. But we didnt and theres nothing we can do about that now. But we can do something going forward.

Marina turns from Jennys hurt eyes and walks to the table picking up the drugs. She heads to the restroom and begins flushing it. After the third flush, Shane realizes what is happening, whats she doing in there? Marina, what are you doing? Marina, do have any ***** idea how much money that is, god damn it, Marina, stop!

Marina steps back into the room, I would think by now youd know, therere other things more important than money. Marina sighs and turns away from them, walking slowly to the bay window. Her eyes filled with the sadness from a lost forsaken time, Dreams, dreams are most important. Dreams are about hope. They are what help us through each day. They are the reason were able to survive. You think you lost your dreams, Shane, but youre wrong. If theyre gone, its because you let go of them.

Surprised by Marinas open display of her emotions, Alice looks from Marina to Jenny then back to Shane, Shes right. Just because it didnt happen with Cherie doesnt mean it wont happen. Looking again at Marina, seeing a woman she hardly recognizes, Alice is struck by the enormity of Marinas simple words. She turns back to Shane with a smile, as she tenderly strokes the hair back from Shanes face, It just means you have to find another way. Its up to each of us to make our dreams come true.