Shane chuckles for a moment.

Max: How come you never go out?

Shane shakes her head.

Shane: Can’t.  Don’t really want to.

Max: Yeah, but…I’m the resident hermit here now.  C’mon, don’t impede on my territory.

Shane looks at Max.

Max: Dude, I’m joking!

Shane: I should go out….I’m just not goin’ to.  I might risk hurting someone else….

Max: Don’t think like that.  Y’never know…could get lucky.

Shane: Nah…I don’t get lucky.  I just fuck up people’s lives…destroy hopes….I’m shit, Max.  Pure fucking shit….

Shane leans forward and tilts her head down, placing her hands up around her neck.

Max: Yeah, well….you’re uh….OUR pure fucking shit.

Shane gives a depressing laugh.

Max: I’m trying…  I don’t know what to say.  But…y’know you got friends and all that, right?

Shane: …Right.

Max: Tell ya what, Shane.  You and I are hangin’ out tonight.  We got beer in the fridge, so fuck it.  Don’t go anywhere, I’ll go get some of that beer now.

Shane: Don’t worry….I’m not going anywhere.

While Max and Shane hang out in the living room, Shane’s ex, Carmen is hanging out at The Planet.  Carmen’s intentions are totally different from her former lover’s.  Dax has gone to get some drinks while Carmen, Helena and Leigh are seated together.  Helena feels weird being in the middle.

Carmen: Manager, huh?  Your Mom okay with that?

Helena: Oh yes, she’s fine with it.  Felt a little embarassing, actually.

Leigh watches on with her right arm still draped across Helena as Carmen gently places her head against Helena’s right shoulder.

Carmen: See, Helena?  Just a matter of faith.  It’a always funny how these things work out, isn’t it?  Congratulations.

Helena’s hands have been clasped together the entire time, but now Carmen’s right hand slides in to meet Helena’s.  Helena’s eyes turn toward Leigh, only to see Leigh staring back at her.

Leigh: You look really great tonight.

Helena: What…in the bloody Hell is going on with you two tonight?

Carmen raises her head up and looks at Helena.

Carmen: Is something wrong?

Helena: That’s what I’m trying to figure out.

Carmen: After all you’ve done, I think it’s only fair that I try to return the favor a little.

Helena: By practically cuddling with me while Leigh…..