Alice was relieved that Dana hadnt freak out when she revealed all the negatives about Tanya. She didnt want to sound like a *****, but things needed to be said and pointed out. Dana wasnt always the brightest when it came to affairs of the heart and Alice was too honest and open to see any of her friends get hurt. It was her forthright nature that served her well and made her the decisive one when no one else wanted to be. She wasnt sure where she should take the conversation and waited patiently for Dana to gather herself before she continued. She tapped her fingers against the window frame and watched the shoppers passing by. She turned her attention back to Dana who was looking out of the window too. She was deep in thought and rubbed her hands up and down her thighs. Alice was worried. She thought shed really upset Dana and it bothered her.

Are you okay?

Huh? What? Yeah! Im sorry. Just trying to digest everything I guess.

I didnt mean to upset you. Im sorry if I did.

No, Im not upset with you. Actually, I think Im relieved because at least I know why you kissed me. What bothers me is Tanya. I hate to admit it, but I think youre right about her. That clingy stuff and all.

So, you have noticed it? Alice sounded pleased.

Well, not at first and not how you noticed it, but I did kinda notice some odd things about her.

Dana sounded shaken again and drifted off for a moment. Alice reached for Danas hand; offering some comfort. She took it and held it tight. It was obvious Dana once again doubted herself and her ability to make assertive decisions. All her life shed allowed someone else to make choices for her and the results tended to make her unhappy and lose faith in her own capabilities. She recalled her childhood, her teen years, and the denial of her sexuality until she went to tennis camp. That experience set the stage for self-doubt and people pleasing after it ended so badly. She thought of Lara and how a potentially great relationship ended because of external pressure and doubt. Even her impulsive response with Jenny was awkward and challenged. She felt the tears welling inside her eyes, but she refused to let them go. She wanted to be strong and stand up for herself and make a well thought out decision.

Alice, be honest with me.

Sure. What is it?

Am I really that nave when it comes to relationships? Am I really that easily manipulated or out of touch?

Alice needed to give some thought to her answer before she could reply. Her candor was what Dana needed, but her delivery would make all the difference in how it was received.

Well, its not that you are easily manipulated, its that you dont really defend yourself. I mean, youve only been out for a little while and youre pretty new to it all. Its really no different to being with a man. You have to take it slow, be careful, and be selective. Get me?

Dana nodded, but still seemed unsure and bit her nails.

Okay, let me put it another way. When you liked Lara, you were really nervous and went through a lot of things to make sure she liked you too and all that remember?

Dana nodded.

You really liked her, but got scared with all the publicity stuff and ended things. You were crushed and backed out of dating. When you met Tanya, you let her take control and I think thats where you got lost. She was on you from the moment she saw you and I think shes played on your weaknesses since then. In fact, I really think she planned the whole thing.

Dana gave Alice a look of disbelief.

You really think so? How can you know?

I dont know for sure. Im just guessing by how she acts toward you and how she has merged with you. Its like shes with you to say, Im with Dana Fairbanks. Is this making more sense to you now? I really dont see that you did anything wrong, youre just a caring person.

Without warning Dana let go of Alices hand and got out the car and started pacing. Alice jumped out too and walked around the car to calm her down. She hated seeing Dana like this and a part of her felt bad for revealing her feelings, but it was something she had to do.

Alice managed to stop Dana from pacing and sat her on the hood of the car. She smoothed Danas hair down and held her hands for reassurance.

Dana, youre a great girl. You didnt do anything wrong and you cant blame yourself for what someone else does.

But you think she killed Mr. Piddles. Mr. P was everything to me. I can take whatever she does to me, but he didnt do anything to her Alice. Nothing. Dana sobbed without tears. She killed my baby. Why would she claim to love me if she did something like that? Why Alice? Why? Dana lost it and sobbed loudly.

Alice fought to hold back her own tears. It broke her heart to see Dana so distraught. She held her until she stopped crying and pulled herself together. She thought about her own life and relationships and how she desperately wanted to be settled and spend her time with someone who would treat her with the same love and respect she gave them. She held Dana closer trying to inject her full of the compassion she was feeling for her. Dana needed that.

Dana eased out of Alices arms and wiped her face and refused to look at her. She felt used and humiliated, and couldnt bear to see the look of pity in Alices eyes. She didnt want to feel like a charity case or someone who needed a babysitter. This had been the wake up call she needed and it was time for her to reevaluate her life and the choices she made.

I think I need to go home. I need to talk to Tanya. I should talk to her right?

Uhm, yeah, I guess so. Alice wavered on her response. She was a little afraid that Dana was jumping the gun. She doesnt know why I came by last night does she?

No! Of course not. I told her that you were going through something and really needed to talk.

Uhm, okay good. I just wanted to make sure she couldnt turn it back on you to make you think I was lying or something.

Youre my friend. I know you wouldnt lie to me. Dana affirmed, rubbing Alices arm.

But shes probably gonna ask you why you think she did it after all this time Dane. Shes gonna say I put the idea in your head to turn you against her.

*****! I didnt think of that. Dana stomped her foot. Then what can I do? I need answers. I cant get this out of my mind.

I know what thats like! Alice slipped and felt her cheeks get hot. She caught herself and covered her mouth. Oops! Didnt mean to say that.

Dana blushed too and they laughed for the first time since theyd been together. Shed been so distracted by wanting to confront Tanya that she forgot they were supposed to talk about their feelings. It was nice to have lost some of the severity of their conversation and it actually made it easier for them to give some more thought to Alices confession. Alices body language suggested that it was okay if they didnt talk about it. Shed lost all the tension she felt when they first started talking and she realized that it was no longer the primary issue. Having Dana find a way to address her concerns with Tanya and how to find out what her real motivation was seemed to be more important.

You seem to be full of surprises. Dana teased. Im sorry I got so taken with Tanya and Mr. P. That really hurt me.

Hey, dont worry about it. Alice rubbed Danas arm. It can wait. Its waited this long. Maybe we should go back?

Dana grimaced.

Im not sure I really want to see her right now. I dont know how to face her. Alice please help me with this one. Pleeeease. Dana pleaded putting he hands in the prayer position.

Alice shrugged her shoulders. She knew she couldnt say no, but she had no idea what to say that would help. She thought about Shane. She was good at coming up with solutions to awkward situations.

Mind if I call Shane?

Shane? Why Shane? Dana looked confused.

I think shed be a good person to come up with a way to get you through this. I wont tell her the other stuff. Alice reassured. Uhm, Ill tell her that you had a bad dream or something and you talked to me about it and you needed to find a way to test her to see what shell say or do. Cool?

Dana nodded and paced as Alice dialed Shanes number.