CHAPTER TWENTY

Tina and I are on the balcony. Tina is sat in my lap, and were just looking at the stars. This stuff always seemed so corny to me, but on holiday whatever feels good goes. I never really looked at the stars in America, but as Im sat here listening to Tina breathe, feel her heart beating against mine, Im beginning to wish I did.
Alice…I think we need to talk I hear Dana say. I look at Tina and she puts her fingertips on my lips. I nod in understanding.
Dana wait until weve get home Alice protests, and I think that this might be the first time that Alice hasnt wanted to talk.
No Al, I waited until we came here to talk to you because there never seemed like there was enough time back home. I need to talk to you before I lose my nerve I feel like I shouldnt be here, like this is going to be a really private moment. But if I move now then maybe Dana wont tell Alice what she wants to say.
Dana… Alice interrupts.
Alice would you let me talk for once! Tina and I glance at each other wide eyed.
Ok Alice murmurs.
I need to…I need sit down Dana explains. They move over to the pool and sit crossed legged at the pool side.
They sit in silence for a long time. Dana glancing at Alice, and then looking away, Alice glancing at Dana and then looking away.
Dana if youre not going to…
Would you give me a minute Al, Im thinking! Christ! I dont want to ***** this up, ok? Alice nods, speechless. I know what youre thinking. Alice speechless? Not a chance, but apparently alot of thinks I didnt think were happening have been happening. I think I realised, even before you kissed me, that Tonya and me would never work out. You know I was starting to think Id be alone forever. When she started clinging to me it was be with her or be alone. I never would have thought that you had… She lets the sentence hang in the air, and disappear into the silence.
Feelings for you? Alice asks, though her usually perky voice has all the tell tale signs of emotion. Its so quiet that I can hear Dana gulp.
Tina and Bette breaking up, and getting back together, it made me think. Im always running away from things the second they get difficult. And I could be the usual geeky Dana, and ignore this, pretend that when you kissed me I wanted you to stop, or I could be honest because what if we have something as special as Bette and Tina?
I can feel a knot developing in my throat, and I hold Tina tighter.
Alice looks down into the turquoise water silent. I… She coughs back the emotion in her voice. …I love geeky Dana She practically whispers.
Dana blushes I…I mean…you know…oh god here I go Dana blushes harder as she babbles. Alice looks at Dana with something Ive never seen before in her eyes. She brings a hand to Danas cheek, nervously, and its one of the sweetest things Ive ever seen. They kiss timidly, Alice taking the lead. But then Dana becomes hungry for more. She snakes an arm around Alices waist. When they part their both smiling shylyly. Maybe, maybe Shane could sleep alone tonight? Dana stammers blushing all over again.
Id like that
Dana smiles immediately. Ok Alice takes Danas hand in her own.
Come on Alice whispers. They walk inside and Tina looks at me teary eyed.
Oh their so cute She coos.
I know
I cant believe it Alice, and Dana. I mean I know Ive been teasing her about it, but I never thought anything was really, really, happening between them
I dont know, their pretty much joined at the hip
All we have to do is find somebody for Shane, and this will officially be the best holiday ever
You mean it isnt yet?
Oh its the best holiday for me. But can you imagine all of us stepping off of the plane as couples She becomes excited at the idea, and I have to laugh.
Youre the new Alice I kiss her bare shoulder Are you still sore?
Oh all over. We shouldnt have fallen asleep sunbathing
Does it hurt when I do this? I ask kissing her shoulder again.
Hmm a little. Maybe it would feel better if you rubbed the lotion all over me? She suggests, one brow raised. I pout, gently caressing her shoulders.
You know, Im hurting too
Awwh baby, well just have to do each other