wo Of A Kind

Chapter 2 – Trust

It was already eight thirty and inwardly Shane was cursing herself for still being at the Planet. Sure this was to find Marina, but the old Shane would never have hung around for an hour and a half waiting for a girl to show up. Well, not exactly a girl She closed her eyes and felt that warmth again

Knock it off, Shane told herself, This kind of thinking is exactly what got you into that mess in the first place, and her thoughts drifted back to Cherie and the first time they had met. But she hadnt felt anything not at first anyway. Of course there was an attraction, but then again there always was with her. A one day ***** had somehow spiraled completely out of control. The problem wasnt that she fell in love. But that she wanted to be loved. She knew that now. But whod ever fall in love with her? How could anyone fall in love with her if even she didnt like herself all that much?

When Alex walked through the door of the Planet the very first thing she noticed was the nice homey feel to the place. Instantly she felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. It had been a tough day. Working at the emergency room was always a bit hectic, but today had been worse than most days. She had treated a six-year-old little boy of whom she suspected his father was abusing him. She had tried to have social services investigate but they had pretty much told her to piss off. It was cases like these, child abuse, wife beaters, rapes and such that got to her the most. If there was one thing she couldnt stand it was people preying on the weak.

Alex shook off her demons and looked around the place. She didnt think the brunette would still be there, so she was a bit surprised to see her sitting at a table in the corner. Marina Ferrer, she muttered under her breath, Who is your friend?. She took in the sight of Shane. Her shaggy hair. The way she dressed like she didnt care. The nonchalant slump in her shoulders. There was something about her that Alex found incredibly fascinating. It was as if the woman oozed confidence, but there was more to it than that. She felt she had seen a part of this woman in the doctors lounge that she didnt like to expose too often. Slowly she started to walk towards her table.

Shane looked up when she heard someone clear her throat. Dude, youre late, she said a little crossly. Dude?, Alex replied lifting her eyebrows, Funny, you dont look like a surfer, and her gaze traveled up and down Shanes body settling on her eyes. Shane felt goose bumps in the back of her neck and looked away, quickly signaling the waitress to come take their order.

Alex leaned back in her chair as she watched Shane trying to make eye contact with a waitress. Perhaps this evening was going to turn out interesting after all. For some reason she was making this woman uncomfortable. Shane turned her gaze back to the young doctor. Both remained silent though, until Alex finally spoke, So what can I do for you Ms?. Shane. Shane McCutcheon. Shane couldnt believe someone this young could be a doctor. She looked to be about twenty. 24, Alex spoke out loud, Thats how old I am. How did you know, Shane startled and then just clammed up. People who could read minds always made her uncomfortable, especially because she didnt consider herself very readable. So, how can I help you Shane?, Alex said lingering on that last word.

Marina Ferrer. Shes a friend of mine. She disappeared about two months ago after she was hospitalized. Were trying to find her and youre the doctor who treated her, Shane said matter of fact like. Alex sighed inwardly. This was the part of her job that bothered her the most. Working in the emergency room she had learnt that medicine could be like a conveyor belt in some ways. The patients came in, you treated them and then you shipped them to the next person or institution. You had to stay detached or youd burn out within a year. And shed learnt that lesson the hard way. She shifted in her seat and leaned forward looking Shane directly in the eyes. Im not sure what you expect from me. I remember your friend. She was brought in on an overdose. I treated her. And then she was moved to a different ward. As an afterthought she added, She probably had a psych consult as well. Alex saw the expression in the young womans eyes. It was disappointment and sorrow. She had seen that expression so many times. Too often people clutched to doctors as their last hope and she had over the years had to disappoint so many people. Just as she had been disappointed so often. For some reason she didnt want to disappoint this woman. She saw the pain in her face and felt that she had had enough disappointment. Instinctively she reached over and placed her hand over Shanes. Immediately she saw and felt her stiffen and pulled back. Im sorry. She paused for a moment and then added, Ill see what I can do. This is my number, and she pulled a card from her jacket. Call me tomorrow, and she got up giving Shane one last look before she walked towards the door and out into the street. Shane watched her leave and didnt quite know how to feel. About finding Marina. And about this doctor who seemed to care, but was also distant somehow.

Shane, Alex let the name roll off her tongue. She smiled. And then her face took on a dismissive look. Knock it off. You got enough problems without adding to the list, she thought to herself.

****

A sense of relief washed over her when she put the key in her door. Home. They say home is where the heart is and this was definitely the place where her heart was. When she walked into the living room, she heard Nicky bustling around in the kitchen. No doubt trying to pull off some culinary haute cuisine. Which probably meant theyd end up ordering take out. She smiled to herself. Then she picked up the phone and walked into the study to make some calls.

****

The next day at three oclock Shane was sitting in the Planet again. Looking around. Feeling that something was missing. They definitely had to get Marina back. Not only did the place feel empty without her, but also the coffee had become terrible and she pushed her cup away with disgust. Dana and Alice had walked in a few minutes ago and were arguing once again. She scowled at them but they didnt notice. Damn, the ***** must be great. Huh?, Alice looked up at her friend. What does ***** have to do with buying a new couch?. Well, Shane said, with the amount of fighting you two do, you must have either a lot of make up ***** or a lot of angry *****. And looked at them with slight amusement on her face. Well uh, Dana blushed lost for words. Suddenly she and Alice both started laughing. Honey, we can buy the taupe couch if you want, Alice said. Suddenly Danas face started to droop. Whats wrong Dane? I thought you wanted the taupe one, Alice said softly grabbing Danas hand. I do, Dana said and then with a big grin on her face she added, But now were not fighting anymore so the ***** isnt gonna be that good anymore, causing them both to start laughing again.

Shane just smiled. She and the girls were waiting for the doctor. She had called her during lunch and the doctor had told her that she had some news. Theyd agreed to meet at the Planet mid afternoon. When Alice heard about the cute doc and that she was going to help them find Marina, she insisted on coming too. She felt she had a right to be on the in, because she was the one who had come up with the most information on Marina, and because she was Alice. And lately where Alice went so did Dana. The honeymoon phase Shane thought to herself just as Alex walked through the door. This time she was wearing black combat trousers and a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. She had her hair down and Shane couldnt help but wonder what her hair would feel like. She didnt realize shed been staring until she saw both Alice and Dana looking at her with amused looks and smirks plastered on their faces. What?! I can look, she said, shrugged and slouched down in her seat.

Alex saw the cute brunette at the same table they had sat at the night before and smiled. Damn, the girl looked good. Too bad quickly she shook away that thought and walked over. Hey, sorry Im late, she said and then added slyly, Dude!, making Shane blush a little. Work was horrible as usual and I had a tough time getting away as usual. She sighed and motioned to the waitress. Finally she looked at Dana and Alice. Alice was still looking at Shane with intense interest, and Dana was doing the same, only with Alex. When Alex noticed that nobody was going to speak she cleared her throat, Hi, Im Alex. Dana. Dana Fairbanks, Dana stammered and grabbed Alex hand and shook it vigorously. Alice Piezsecki, and Alice took Alex hand after she pried it from Dana. Turning to her she whispered, If you get to mack on Alex then I get to mack on Shane, prompting Dana to first turn red and then clipping Alice on the head. Hey, Alice started but was interrupted by Shane before she could finish. Guys, maybe we should talk about what we came here to talk about. Marina. Did you find out anything?.

Alex leaned back in her seat and took in the three women at the table. Friends like these were hard to find she mused. They seemed genuinely worried. Have you considered that maybe your friend doesnt want to be found?. Why wouldnt she want us to know where she is, Alice exclaimed. Then Shane spoke up, Yeah but in that case we just want to know if shes ok. Alice was about to say something but shut up when she saw the look in Shanes face. The thought had crossed her mind too. Hmmm fair enough. I suppose if it was one of my friends I would like to know, Alex paused for a moment before she continued, Patient records are confidential, but I talked to a few colleagues and when your friend, Marina, was released she seemed to be doing alright. How do you know?, Dana asked. Well, I cant really discuss the details but Im fairly confident she wouldnt have been released if she wasnt. She reached into her pocket for a cigarette and lit up. Exhaling with a sigh she said, I can help you find her but its going to take some time. And Im going to need some information. What kind of information?, Shane asked looking Alex straight in the eye. For some reason she believed that this doctor was going to be the key. She didnt know why exactly, but she trusted her. I have a trusting face, Alex said with a big smirk on her face causing Shane to blush again but she didnt break the gaze. What do you, Alice started but Alex cut in. Shes in Europe. I need some more time to find out where exactly but Im working on it. Ill get back to you in a few days, and she stood up to leave. Shane grabbed her arm forcing her to turn back to her. Why are you helping us?. Because I like you, Alex smiled and walked to the door and she was gone. Wow, Dana sighed, shes hot. And then she got clipped on the head by Alice who immediately after put her hand in Danas neck and pulled her into a kiss. When their lips met Dana moaned and Alice smiled into their kiss while her other hand wrapped itself around Danas waist. They didnt even notice Shane leaving.

****

Outside as Shane was getting into her truck she thought back to those dark brown eyes. Those full kissable lips. The warmth of her touch. She shook her head cursing herself and drove off to Milk to find someone to distract her for the night.