Since You Been Gone

Since You Been Gone: Chapter 3

*Just had a wave of inspiration, so thought I'd type up another chapter tonight!*

Chapter 3

After Shannon heard the story of Que and Aubrey's "affair" that happened earlier that afternoon, she just paused to gather her thoughts together. "Beep, beep, beep..." The timer for the oven went off signaling that the chocolate chip cookies were done.

"Let me get those, Shannon."

"No, it's okay; I'll get them sweetie." She wanted another minute really to get her mind around her betraying friend and the younger brother she came to know in Que. Putting the cookie sheet on a cooling rack. "These are nice and hot!" she said blowing her hand after taking it out of the oven.

"I love hot cookies from the oven," Aubrey says reaching for a cookie, but realizing it is too hot.

"Just wait a few minutes; they'll still be hot enough." They both giggle. Eating their warm cookies, Aubrey breaks the silence, "So what should I do, Shannon?"

Shannon, a little bit dreading the question, takes a deep breath and says, "Well, you know I'm not going to judge you, but why did you kiss him?"

"Oh, I was feeling so bad about losing my best friend and I really wanted to cry on Dawn's shoulder, but Que was there. I really needed to take my mind off all of it. I shouldn't have done it." "I'm so sorry about your best friend, I know you love her, and she was a special part of your life," She hugs Aubrey.

"Thanks." Aubrey says fighting back tears, she takes another bite of her cookie, "These are so good!"

Shannon smiles at the compliment, but then it fades. "I know you wanted to find some comfort to escape your problems, Aubrey, but it shouldn't have been with Que."

"I feel so stupid for letting myself go like that. I feel terrible about what I did to Dawn and Que," she bursts into tears. Shannon grabs a tissue and hands it too Aubrey patting her back to calm her down.

"So I see what DAWN felt about it," pointing towards Aubrey's eye.

"Yeah, I can't blame her...She has a killer right hook," blowing her nose.

"Shannon, I want to talk to Dawn so bad, but I know she doesn't want to talk to me."

"Yeah, give her some time, she and Que need to work this out by themselves first. When she's ready, she'll probably come to you."

"You think she will?"

"Yeah, Dawn has never been the type to run away from her problems and I don't see her starting now. You need to just stay clear of her and let her and Que handle this situation. I understand how it happened and why, but Aubrey, you really have a problem," gesturing toward the wine bottle. It was almost empty and Shannon only took a sip of her first glass while Aubrey already polished off the rest of the bottle.

"I know Shannon," Aubrey said with her head down.

"No! You really have a problem, Aubrey and you have to realize that this isn't the answer!" Shannon picks up the bottle and turns it upside down, not a drop.

Aubrey started crying again, "Shannon, I know, I know, I have a problem...Okay, I'm an alcoholic, and I need help!"

Shannon's tone softens, "Yes and we are going to get you some." She hugs Aubrey and strokes her hair.

Willie's black Escalade comes to a stop in front of Dawn and Que's condominium building, parking in front of Que's emerald Silver BMW. He gestures for Que to get into his SUV. Que gets out of his car and jumps in with Willie. Willie gives a sideways hug from the driver's seat. Que buckles his seatbelt and positions the strap into place. He feels a little bit glad and relieved that his friend is here now. Willie pulls off, drives down the street, makes a turn towards the highway, and says, "What happened, Que?"