While the kids were at day care the next afternoon Stevie found herself hungry and in need of a decent meal.  Something she couldn’t get at Shane’s.  She decided the Planet was the best place to pick up a decent meal.  She was also curious as to how the gang had been doing.  She had left them mentally far before she left them physically. 

She walked in to find Alice, Tasha, Max, Helena and Jenny all sitting at a table chatting with Kit going over to join them occasionally.  Stevie headed to the table to pay her respects.  She stood there several moments waiting to be acknowledged to no avail.  Frustrated she left to get her own table.  She placed her order and sat watching the people coming and going as she thought to herself.

Stevie:  Where the hell do they get off trying to ignore me?  How old are they?  What goes on between me and Bette is our own business and none of theirs. I mean yes I haven’t been around for a while, but I’ve been busy.  They know that.  I can’t be in here all day every day sipping coffee.  I have a family to provide for.  Or had a family.  Oh fuck I don’t know!

She sat fuming for a little while until her food arrived.  Kit was standing over her looking at her incredulously.

Kit:  “Here’s your food.”

Stevie:  “Thanks.”

Stevie sat up straight in her chair

Stevie:  “You not talking to me either?”

Kit:  “Yes and no.”

Stevie raised an eye brow to her as Kit sat down to join her.

Kit:  “I spoke to Bette.”

Stevie:  “I figured.  We’re working it out you know.”

Kit:  “Not very well.”

Stevie:  “Excuse me?”

Kit:  “You heard me.”

Stevie just looked at her.

Kit:  “You’ve been back 2 days now.  Why aren’t you back home yet?”

Stevie:  “She won’t let me go home.  I know she told you that.”

Kit:  “Yes she has.”

Stevie:  “So I have no power over that.”

Kit:  “That’s where you’re wrong.  You have all the power.”

Stevie took a bite of her sandwich.  She was growing tired of this cryptic conversation.