"The hell is this?"

Reagan giggles at Amy's reaction. She expected her to react like this but the look on her face is priceless. "Guess."

Amy picks at the noodley substance with her fork. It smells delicious but it looks like something she and Karma would've created when they were five. Reagan's okay and all, but Amy'd rather not die on her first second date. But, to be honest, the noodles look like they came straight from a-. "Are these Ramen noodles?"

Reagan nods, already knowing where this conversation is headed. "Mmhmm."

Amy hesitantly scoops uo the stringy goop. "So all this fuss has been about some oodles of noodles?" She spoons the scoop into her mouth slowly, as if the noodles will suddenly jump up and attack her. Reagan patiently waits for the taste to hit Amy. "Holy doughnuts. This is the best thing I've ever tasted." Amy quickly covers her mouth in surprise. She gives Reagan a dirty look. "Are you happy now? Your food just made me upset the doughnut gods."

Reagan shakes her head. "You're such a nerd."

Amy ignores her, opting to continue shoveling the noodles into her mouth. She pauses halfway through the bowl. "What did you put in here to make it taste so heavenly?"

"It's just some Ramen noodles with some shrimp that I added. I can't tell you exactly how I made it. It's a Hernandez family secret," Reagan winks.

Amy's about three quarters done with her food when she responds. "Well, I guess I'll just have to marry you."

Both girls pause. Amy turns to Reagan anxiously, Reagan stares back at her in shock. A few minutes pass in silence.

"You've already felt up my boobs with your face. We've passed the marriage stage."

...

Shane picks at his nails, arms crossed. He's sitting in his armchair, watching his boyfr-boy toy comfort Karma on the loveseat across from him. This was so not how Shane wanted to spend his day. He wanted action and excitement, not a pity party for Karma. In all honesty, seeing Duke acting all caring and considerate of someone awakened some feelings in Shane that he didn't know even existed. But, he was being caring and considerate towards Karma. Karma. The girl who broke both of his best friends' hearts in the span of one night. Karma, the bitch.

"Shhhh, shhhh. I can't help if you won't tell me what's wrong," Duke says softly.

"Oh, trust me. There are so many things wrong with Karma. Quite frankly, we don't have the time to cover all of her issues," Shane grumbles from his spot on the armchair.

Duke shoots Shane a glare as Karma's sobbing intensifies. "Ibs thad why Any wobt telme whas gon ob inb her life?"

Shane rolls his eyes. "I'm sorry. I don't speak pathetic. Could you repeat that in English?"

"Shane! Behave," Duke turns back to Karma. "Could you repeat that again, sweetie?"

Karma takes a few deep breaths to calm herself. "Is that why Amy won't tell me what's going on in her life? I mean, am I so screwed up that Amy doesn't even want to include me in the important things going on with her?"

"You're the one who wanted distance between you two. Now you're complaining that you two aren't close anymore? That's it, I need to get out of here before I say something I won't regret." And with that, Shane walks out of the room, leaving Duke to comfort Karma on his own.

...

"I am so sorry, Amy!" Reagan says as she frantically pats Amy's back. "I've made you choke like twice today. That's gotta be a record."

Amy clears her throat, sore from all the coughing, and leans back into Reagan's hand. "You just have that affect on me."

Reagan raises a perfectly arched eyebrow. "The affect of near death? So flattering."

Amy rolls her eyes. "You know what I mean." A devious smirk finds its way onto Amy's face. "I feel so weak," Amy strains out. "I think you'll have to carry me to the couch."

Reagan grins, seeing through Amy's act right away. "That can be arranged," Reagan says as she spins Amy around on the chair and places herself in between her legs. "Wrap your legs around me."

It takes a minute before the fog clears from Amy's mind. As soon as it does, she locks her legs around Reagan's waist. "Is your goal in life to keep my mind firmly planted in the gutter? If so, you're doing a pretty good job."

Reagan picks Amy up by her rear and carries her into the living room. "Oh, I'm just getting started, Blondie."

...

Shane checks his phone again before looking back up at the building in front of him. He's tried calling sevreal times but no one's answered. He guesses it's a reasonable action to leave your phone on silent on a date. He double checks Amy's text from last night telling him where she'd be today. Since Amy isn't answering her phone, Shane has to deliver his message in person. Something wasn't right in Karma's eyes. It looked like she was thinking about doing something stupid. And not even Karma-stupid. We're talking about some next-level-shit-type stupid. He knows he'll probably ruin Amy's date and a true shot at happiness but this has to be done. Before it's too late and Karma's fucked up once again.

He crosses the street and enters Reagan's apartment complex. He ascends the stairs to get to the second floor. "36, 36, 36...Ah, number 36."

Shane hesitates to knock on the door. Did he really want to ruin this potential relationship because Karma might do something idiotic? And, on the slim chance that she will, can't Shane handle it? Can't he leave Amy a day a peace with a girl she genuinely likes? Shane lowers his upraised fist and backs away from the door. He walks out of the apartment building and pulls out his phone. He can't bring Amy into this, but he knows he'll need some help dealing with Karma. He clicks on the call button and brings the phone to his ear. "Hey. I need your help with something."