Chapter 8: Jealousy

Vanessa's fingers reached out, searching for Shane's warmth. He wasn't there, but the bed was still warm. She opened her eyes to see a shirtless, bald-headed man. At first, she jumped. Then she realized it was just Shane. She looked out to see the sun just beginning to peak over the horizon.

"Shane?" she asked sleepily.

"Yeah," he quickly tuned his head. He loved the way she looked when she first woke up. Her dark hair was everywhere, standing up here and there, and her beautiful blue eyes shone in the soft morning light.

"Come back to bed...I'm cold..."

He wordlessly shuffled across the room, and crawled back into bed. His arms wrapped around her waist and held her close.

"Better?" he asked. She snuggled closer to his chest.

"Much," she smiled. Though he was holding her, like he always had, there was still something off. He still wasn't himself, he lacked something she could only describe as his Shaneness. Vanessa finally gained the nerve to ask. "What's wrong with you? You're not yourself today."

"Nothin' you need to worry your pretty little head about."

"Shane," she put her hand on his chest. Heat surged through her body. She knew Shane was having the same reaction. His lips attacked her's without warning, she eagerly welcomed it by running her tongue across his lower lip. He grinned into the kiss and allowed her entrance.

They held a service for Otis. Right as the funeral concluded, the old RV came rolling up he driveway. Vanessa went into the house to see her nephew. She hadn't gotten a chance to check on him yet. When she walked into the room, he began to cough.

"Carl, you okay?" she asked kneeling down next to the bed.

"Aunt 'Nessa? When did you get here?" he asked.

"Last night. How are you feeling?"

"It hurts...a lot."

"I know sweety. I wish there was something I could do for you."

"Hey, how are y'all doin' in here?" Lori asked, peaking her head around the doorway. Carl gave her a weak smile.

"We're good," Vanessa smiled.

A high-pitched laugh was heard from outside. The three shared a look. Vanessa was the first to get up, being the most curious. She went to the door. When she walked onto the porch she saw a horrific sight. Tall, blonde, fake boobs trying to make an escape from her thin, short tank top. Her jean shorts were so short you could practically see her ass cheeks. There was only one name for his horrific creature. Tiffany. Here, hanging on Vanessa's man.

"Shane!" she said in her annoying voice, a few octaves to high.

"Can I help you?" Vanessa asked, putting on her fake smile. Tiffany was Shane's ex-girlfriend, the one right before Vanessa.

"Yes actually, is there somewhere me and Shane can go have a little fun."

"You ain't going anywhere with my fiancée, you idiotic skank," her tone quickly changed. Vanessa didn't have a lot a patience for people like her.

"Ru-de! Wait," she looked off into the air. "Who's your fiancée?"

"Me!" Shane exclaimed, as he pulled away from her and took a stand next to Vanessa.

"Aw, but Shaney! We're still together!"

"No we ain't."

"I don't remember getting broke up with."

"YOU NEVER BROKE UP WITH HER?" Vanessa shouted.

"He didn't tell you?" Tiffany broke out into laughter, insane laughter.

"How could you? We dated for two weeks before I even went to the CDC!"

"She was gone on vacation! This is the first time I've seen her since."

"But Shane," Tiffany grinned. "You're forgetting that one night. The weekend before everything happened. We fucked in the hot tub at my place."

"You fucking asshole!" tears escaped Vanessa's eyes. "Don't you ever speak to me again!"

Her whole world had been tuned upside down. She thought Shane would be the one that would love her as much as she loved him. But, he cheated on her. That is one thing she could never deal with, cheating. She ran toward the house, she had to get away from him.

"Vanessa!" he called after her. "Vanessa, please! She's lying! I could never do that to you."

"Save it Shane." He caught her arm, not roughly, but enough to make her stop. He cupped her jaw, but she pulled away. "Don't fucking touch me."

"Vanessa, listen to me. We should give each other that, at least. Shouldn't we?"

"I'm listening."

"Tiffany has always been a liar. Why would I want her if I have you? You are perfect."

Vanessa looked into his dark brown eyes. He wiped away her tears and she jumped into his arms. He held her close she sobbed, saying how sorry she was.

"I should have never believed her...she's so awful...I don't know what's wrong with me!" the tears wouldn't stop falling. Shane kissed her forehead.

"Just know I could never, ever do that to you."

"I love you, Shane."

"And I love you, Darlin'."

"Just please stay away from her."

"You don't need to worry 'bout that."