The rain started before she was home, huge drops, slow at first one and then two and her windshield was covered. She sat at the stoplight watching the read light warble through and water smeared windows. A thin wire of lightning snapped down out of the cloud and lingered in her eyes long after it had retreated again. She looked the review mirror and made a feeble attempt to straighten her and quickly decided it didn't matter. It was over. Dean would be there when she arrived and he would know either way. He already knew. She had made no attempt to hide it from him. 
It was nearly dark by the time Claire rolled under the carport, out of the downpour where Dean was standing, leaning against the neighbor's car, cigarette dangling from his lips. The night was pleasant, almost cool, whisps of mist floated out of the rain and under the roof of the carport. 
	Dean said nothing, watching her as she got out of the car.
	Sorry I'm late.
	He shrugged. 
	She felt guilt creaping in and tried to stop herself, but then felt guilty about the idea of being able to stop feeling guilty. 
	He flicked the cigarette out into the rain.
	Let's keep this short Claire. I don't want a big scene. I just left my wife.	
	What?
	Come on, I told you I was going to.
	Jesus Dean.
	And now I'm leaving you. In fact I'm leaving the this town too.
	What about the bar?
	Dean smiled cruelly. I let her have it.
	Oh. Claire shift her feet. Where are you going?
	To find someone you wouldn't want to find.
	You know where he is?
	Yes. 
	How? 
	Ask Waiben. He knows where he is. Though if things go well, I don't expect he'll be there much longer. 
	Claire felt her chest tighten. I must say I didn't...
	You didn't what?
	I just...
	Claire, I know you don't love me. I don't love you either. I needed a way out. You were what I needed. 
	You were what I needed too Dean.
	Well then. 
	You want a drink?
	Are you serious?
	Yes? Why not? Dean smiled. We're free Claire, we're all free. I love you. But I'm not in love with you, never have been. So why can't we just get a drink like two normal friendly people?
	Claire felt something insane leaking in, a kind of giddiness she hadn't felt in months. Like something was lifting off of her, dissolving around her.



back to Waiben pissing in the yard, Laslo shows up.