“Okay—,” Bette sighed and looked at her friends. “Let’s make this happen.” Shane and Alice smiled and got up from the couch. They wrapped their arms around Bette and squeezed her. Bette laughed softly as they gleamed with joy.

////

“He asked me if his sister and I were gay.” Carmen dipped her fry into the ketchup and took a bite of it.

“Well—have you told her about it yet?"    Paige looked at Carmen and took a drink of her soda.

“I haven’t told her yet.” Carmen looked back at Shay and Jared sitting at a table eating. “I just feel like it’s not my place to tell him that. It’s his sister’s.” She shook her head.

“Does she bond with him?”

“Not really—she’s off to work, he’s at school. I really feel like Shane needs to bond with her brother.”

“Shane?” Paige looked at Carmen.

“That’s my girlfriend’s name: Shane.” Carmen smiled, and Paige smiled weakly. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Paige nodded. “I’m fine; I’m just feeling a little under the weather that’s all.” She took another drink of her soda.

“I wanted to ask you something.” Carmen sighed softly and pushed her hair behind her ear. “Would you like to join me and my friends at the Planet for the first annual costume party?”

“When is it?”

“In two nights.”

“It’s a little short notice, but I know I can find Jared a babysitter. I would love to go.” Carmen smiled and stuffed a couple of fries in her mouth. “That was so romantic.” Paige shook her head and smiled contently.

////

“Erica—,” she looked up and saw Moira standing in the doorway of the studio.

“Moira hey,” she smiled softly. “What’s up?”

Moira shoved her hand in her pocket and flung her hair out of her face. “I just thought I would stop by and see how you were.”

“I’m fine—how is drama queen Jenny?” Moira cracked a smile.

“I don’t know—she’s really not my problem anymore.”

“Y’know—I never had anyone like you before in my life.” Erica got up from her chair and walked over to Moira. “You’re a really great person, a sweet person. How did you get caught up with Jenny?” Moira dropped her head.