Shane struggled to choke back tears, not wanting Jenny to see her cry.

“I don’t know how.”

Shane let her head fall back against the chair, squeezing her eyes shut, trying to wish away the tears.

“None of us do, Shane, but that’s one of the best parts about love. You get to learn how too.”

“It scares me.”

“It’s love. It suppose to do that.”

“What if it isn’t love?”

Shane lifted her head off the back of the chair and stared quizzically at Jenny.

“How do I know if it’s love?”

“You don’t…at least not at first but then something happens…something wonderful and great and you just know.”

Jenny smiled at Shane with genuine love and care in her voice.

“It’s like the prize at the end of the puzzle.” Jenny lovingly rubbed Shanes arm.

“You deserve that prize Shane.”

Shane sat staring at Jenny speechless, she was truly touched by the compassion that Jenny was showing her.

“You do.”

***

Alice, Dana, Tina, and Bette sat at a corner table in the crowded Planet. Alice looked around eyeing the other customers angrily.

“I feel like I’m in a ***** zoo.” she said. The other three women shook their heads and laughed.

“Alice it’s not that serious.” Tina replied a smile on her face.

“Uh, yeah it is.”

“No its not.”

Alice looked over to Dana for support. Dana shrugged her shoulders carelessly.

“It really isn’t.”

Huffing Alice sat back in her chair, her bottom lip poking out.

“Aww..the poor baby.”

“Shut up, Bette” Alice snapped sending the table into another fit of laughter The doorbell behind Alice jingled making Alice frown even larger.

“More ***** customers.” Dana turned around to see who had walked into the caf. Her eyes lit up as she recognized the bronzed skin girl.

“Oh um…isn’t that the one girl?”

Alice turned around quickly.

“Who?”

Dana pointed over to where Carmen was standing at the counter ordering.

“Yeah, that’s Carmen.”

Dana looked oddly at Alice.

“How do you know her name?”

“Jenny told me.”

“Whose Carmen?” asked Tina craning her neck to see the counter.

“One of Shane’s girls.” Alice replied taking a sip of her coffee. Tina nodded her understanding as she tried harder to get a better look at Carmen.