Shane felt Ron stirred in her arms. Hey how are you feeling?

My face is sore but everything else is fine. How about you? Ron finally got a good look at Shanes face. It was pretty bruised up too.

It was nothing. Shane just shrugged, she has had worse. It is you that Im worried about. You should have been more careful Ron. Im sorry that I wasnt here but you should learn how to take care of yourself. Shanes heart was riddling with guilt at every single word that was coming out of her mouth. But it has to be said.

Ron was slightly confused at the tone of Shanes voice, What is going on here? Before she could say anything, Shane disentangled herself from Ron and left the bed.

Shane went to the door and pushed the dresser back to where it belongs. She looked back at Ron who was still lying on the bed with a questioning look on her face. Come on Ron. You need to be cleaned up before school.

In the bathroom, Shane proceeded to shower quickly and cleaned up her face, washing away the dry blood.

When Ron entered the bathroom, Shane has pretty much finished her tasks and was just waiting for Ron. Shane sat Ron down and mechanically cleaned up her face. Her hands were gentle but her face did not belie any emotions, no signs of love not even warmth. There, all done. You better get going or we will be late.

Ron watched on as Shane left the bathroom. Ron was really confused now. What was going on? She has never seen Shane so distant even when they first met.

Ron went after Shane. Shane whats wrong? You are acting kinda weird.

Shane looked at Ron and just shrugged it off. Its nothing. Im still in shock from last night thats all. Come on, were late.

Shane saw the look of relief on Rons face, knowing that Ron has accepted her answer. Why the ***** not, she is in love with you, Shane thought thought. She brushed by Ron on her way out not really looking at her at all.

***At School***

Ron sat there in her 4th period class, not really paying attention to what the professor was saying. Her day has this surreal quality to it. Everybody around her was carrying like always but Ron was feeling like her life has changed forever because of yesterday. First there was Andrea Watson and the possibility of getting adopted, then there was Shane and what they shared, and finally with Jake. Not even with her parents death did Ron feel like she has lost all of her innocence in one night. What disturbed her even more was Shanes behavior this morning. Its probably nothing. Dont look too much into it. She probably has a lot on her mind too from yesterday. Either way, Ron was looking forward to lunch so that she could see Shane. She just needed a little reassurance.

The bell finally rang indicating the end of that period. Ron hurriedly packed up her thing and ran outside waiting for Shane. Even though Ron was in high school and Shane in the last year of middle school, they still always managed to get together for lunch since their schools were opposite one another.

After five minutes without any sign of Shane, Ron was getting worried again. Something was definitely going on. A tap on her shoulder put a smile on her face thinking that it was Shane. But it wasnt.

Hey Veronica, I saw you standing and thought maybe you would like to join us for lunch.

Thanks Jess, but Im waiting for someone.

Ron could see the curiosity on Jesss face when she saw the bruises now partially concealed by make up. Actually Ron has been getting a lot of glances from people, fellow students along with teachers, but no one has the guts to ask and chances are they wouldnt believe the eiter. Things would be much simpler for them if these things did not exist in their little world.

Alright. Well if you change your mind, we will be over there.

Another five minutes went by and Ron with a resigned look on her face gave up. She made her way slowly to where Jess was sitting. With one last hopeful look over her shoulder, Ron gave Jess a fake smile and joined her.

Shane looked on as Ron sat down with some girl. Actually Shane has been out here since Ron stepped out of the building, but she did not show herself. I guess part one is done with, Shane thought. She let her head drop back against the rough bark of the tree that hiding her location. She squeezed her eyes shut as if looking for the strength to face what was to come.