“This is too much for me, Shane.  I can’t handle having feelings for you and not being able to have you, and hurting Jenny in the process.  I can’t have feelings for someone who can’t or won’t return them.  Plus, that hidden camera ***** was the last straw.  Being involved with either of you is just way too complicated.  I’m sorry, but I really can’t handle it.  I don’t think we should see each other again,” Carmen said, wringing her hands and pacing across the living room.

Shane simply nodded, sinking lower into the couch and laying her arm across the back of it.

“That’s it?  You don’t have anything to say?” Carmen demanded, one hand on her hip and her head cocked to the side.

Shrugging, Shane replied, “What is there to say?  You’ve obviously made your decision, and that’s it.”

Carmen nodded decisively.  “That’s right, I have.  I’m sorry, and tell Jenny I said the so.  I hope you both manage to eventually figure out your fucked-up lives.”

“Same to you,” Shane said, knowing Carmen knew that was true.  Carmen knew that right now, she had fucked up her own life and emotions just as badly as Shane and Jenny.  Maybe more.  She also realized that Shane was well aware of that fact.

Tears glinting in her eyes, Carmen quietly told her, “I hope you both can figure yourselves out and find happiness.”

Shane simply nodded and watched impassively as Carmen stormed out of the house and out of her life.  She sighed and crossed her legs at the ankle.  They were all probably better off.  God knew this just saved poor Carmen more trouble and heartbreak later on down the line.

Jenny entered the room quietly and sat timidly beside Shane on the couch, watching her with wide eyes.  “I’m sorry, Shane, if I fucked things up for you and got in the way.”

Shane laughed and mussed Jenny’s short dark hair with her hand.  “Don’t worry, Jen.  You didn’t do anything.  You can’t ***** up something that’s already fucked.”

Rubbing a hand over her hair to settle it back into place, Jenny peered at Shane critically.  “Are youupset?”

“Not really.  I don’t have much reason to be.  Besides, what good does it do?  Life keeps on moving, and the earth keeps on turning,” Shane replied philosophically.  “Why, are you?”