Alice and Dana felt satisfied in their revelation of feelings and agreed to take their friendship to another levelSlowly! Dana still had to go home and break the news to Tanya that it was over and deal with the bullshit she knew she was going to face. Although shed wanted Shane or Alice with her while it went down, she knew she had to handle it alone. Being more assertive off the court was something she had to do. It was essential to her personal life being equally successful.

They drove back to Alices apartment beaming at each other while listening to the radio and singing. Their respective quirkiness complements each others and the future looked bright. Dana eased the car against the curb and hopped out, eagerly waiting for Alice to get to the other side of the car.

Well, its been an interesting day so far Al, I can only imagine what the rest of it will be like, Dana said, toying with the zipper of Alices jacket. Sure you dont wanna come with? She visually pleaded.

Alice took Danas hands swinging them back and forth. As much as Id love to come with you and kick Tanyas *****, I have to let you handle it. Now, if she gets outta hand, then you call me and Shane and well ***** her up. Cool? Alice teased, trying to comfort Dana.

Dana grimaced, then smiled knowing Alice was right and she needed to handle it sooner than later.

Okay, Dr. Al. Ill let you go. Call me later if you dont hear from me first.

Alice kissed Danas cheek and pulled away. Will do. Be careful, she stated and went inside.

Dana got back in her car and pulled off. She considered taking the long scenic route home, but figured it best to just go straight home before Tanya started calling again. Her anxiety rose, as she got closer to home causing an acid build up to form within her taut stomach. She ran her hand over it willing it to go away. Five minutes later she was standing in front of her door shaking as she tried to put the key in the hole. Her keys fell to the ground as her uneasiness got the best of her.

No, Dana. You have to do this, she mumbled to herself. Take a deep breath, put the key in the door, and go in. You can do this.

Tanya heard the sound of Danas keys and rushed to the door to open it immediately throwing her arms around Danas neck. She then began kissing her aggressively.

Hey sweetie, Im so glad youre back. I missed you, Tanya enthusiastically reported.

Dana tensed up having a hard time responding to Tanya. She tried to hug her, which ended up being more of a push to ease her away. Tanya was too caught up to notice. She closed the door behind Dana and pulled her up the stairs.

Uhm? Whats with all the excitement? Ive only been gone a few hours, came Danas course inquiry. I thought youd be busy with your little plans? She stated, trying to set her mood.

Tanya stood behind Dana rubbing her shoulders.

You seem so tense, sweetie, Tanya chirped. Everything go okay with your friend?

Alice! Her name is Alice, Dana stated firmly, detaching herself from Tanyas grip. Why do you have such a hard time saying her name? Any of their names now that I think of it?

The color in Danas cheeks rose and it was apparent that her temper was rising. She still had the burning feeling in her stomach, which was causing her great distress, but Tanyas actions were fueling Danas frustration. She paced the floor. Tanya followed behind her before making her stop. She pushed Dana into the sofa and stood behind it, rubbing her shoulders again.

Dana, honey, youre so tense. Did you and Alice, see I said her name, she chuckled, as if she told a joke. Did you guys have a fight or something?

Dana sat in silence letting Tanya continue to rub her shoulders knowing that if she didnt let her continue she would keep searching for ways of making contact. Her eyes wandered around the room and she noticed that a picture of her and Mr. Piddles was missing. It was a small, framed picture that had been sitting on a small buffet table in the corner. She jumped up, startling Tanya and walked over to the table, hoping that the picture had fallen down.

Whats wrong Dana?

My p, picture? Dana stuttered. Wheres my picture of Mr. P?

What picture? I dont know what youre talking about.

Dana looked up and gave Tanya an eye-squinting stare, wheres my picture? She growled.

Tanya rushed to the table feigning to look for the missing picture. Im not sure what youre talking about hun. I dont remember seeing a picture like that on the table.

Im not a ***** idiot Tanya. I know I had a picture of Mr. P and I on this goddamn table. Where the ***** is it? Dana blasted, tossing the cushions off the couch. Youre the only one whos been here, so you had to see it.

Not liking the tone or direction of the conversation, Tanya got defensive and began to look for ways to change the subject. It was a long shot, but she was willing to try anything. She knew she threw the picture away, not wanting any reminders of anything or anyone who could come between her and Dana.

Honey? she whined, maybe one of your friends took it so it wouldnt make you upset.

Dana, who had been on her way to the bedroom, stopped dead in her step, turned around and raced toward Tanya grabbing her arms firmly.

How dare you insult my friends like that? Huh? How ***** dare you!

Tanya began to cry. It was a high-pitched whiney cry that grained Danas nerves like nails on a chalkboard. She put her hands over her ears.

No, no, no! Tanya, no. Please stop crying. I didnt mean to grab you like that. I didnt, Dana said in a soft voice.

Tanya kept crying knowing it was making Dana feel bad and she wanted the attention. She threw herself into the couch making much more of a performance than necessary. Dana held her close rubbing her head until she finally stopped. Tanya eased up looking with a pitiful expression leaning into her hoping to be kissed. Dana gave her a tap kiss on the cheek and stood up. She refused to allow herself to be roped in again. Alice was right all along and the truth had to be told at whatever cost.

Well, if you didnt move it, and I know my friends didnt take it, then where is it?

I, I really dont know, Tanya sniffed and lied.

Fine, I guess the ghost took it. *****, maybe Mr. P came back for it himself, she said in a huff and stomped out the room, Tanya in tow.

Dana, its just a picture. Im sure you have others somewhere. What about the one uhm, whats her name? Uhm, Bette gave you? Tanya said nonchalant and dismissively.

Dana rolled her eyes and paced the room. You dont get it do you? Youre so insensitive! You probably threw it away like you killed Mr. P, Dana blurted out. She walked up to Tanya, stared her square in the eye, and repeated herself. You did it didnt you? You killed my cat!

I did no such thing, came Tanyas quick and fiery reply. Thats a mean and hurtful thing to say to me, she sniffed. Damn you Dana Fairbanks, how can you be so cruel?

It was about to be on now. Danas blood was curdling within her veins. Alices words were sitting in her mouth ready to be spit out, and disgust for Tanya churned in her stomach. She braced herself and was prepared for a fight.

You better sit down. This isnt gonna be easy for either of us, Dana informed, trying to soften the blow.

Tanya inched forward and sat on the couch opposite Dana. She tried to maintain her stoic disposition in spite of her nervousness. She leaned forward waiting for Dana to speak.

Listen, I really dont think this is gonna work out.

WHAT? Tanya stood up. Were engaged. Did you forget that? She screamed. What the ***** happened to you today?

Unprepared for such an outburst, Dana eased back in her seat figuring Tanya would have started crying.

Dammit! She thought to herself. Now what do I do? Think like Shane. Think like Shane, she continued in her mind.

She got up and walked to Tanya who was now pacing the room. She rubbed her arm to soften the next blow she was about to deal.

Tanya, its not you. I dont think Im ready for this. Its, its too soon, she carefully spoke.

Tanya was sniffing and avoiding Danas stares.

Too soon? Love is never too soon Dana. I love you. You said you loved me too and thats why you proposed, Tanya spit. You were fine until that damned Alice came by. Youve been acting strange since last night, she hissed and turned her back. Its all her ***** fault.

With all the brute force of Samson, Dana spun Tanya around, pushed her to the couch, and stood over her making her presence forceful and known.

Listen you manipulating, cat-killing, seductress, you had this planned all along. I cant prove it all, but you did, Dana bellowed. From the moment you met me, you were all over me. You jumped my bones, seduced me, and convinced me we should be together, she continued, while Tanya stared at her with fear in her eyes. I know some of its my fault for not sticking up for myself, but I am now. And for the record, Alice had nothing to do with this, she lied. If she had something to do with it, this ***** would be a lot worse and your ***** would have been kicked and scratched by now. Shes not nearly as passive as I am.

Tanya couldnt take being berated and jumped up to defend herself. She refused to back down even knowing she was wrong. She pushed Dana while spewing insults. Dana was instantly infuriated and pushed back, getting the upper hand with her athletic moves.

Dont you ***** touch me, you evil *****, Dana retaliated. I cant believe I fell for you and your lies. Ive got to be the stupidest woman around, but thats over with now. She grabbed Tanyas arm, twisting it behind her back. And you hit me in my own house? Yeah, youre a ***** whacko Tanya. Youre done.

Tanya struggled to get free and couldnt. Dana had a good grip on her, ducking and dodging Tanyas movements so she wouldnt get scratched or bit. Tanya was acting like a wild woman.

Yeah, youre right Dana, this is ALL your fault. You and your pathetic friends who poisoned you against me, she snarled. I love you Dana. I love you, she flipped her words and strategy hoping to win Dana over, but it didnt work.

Dana maintained her grip on Tanya and walked her to the bedroom where she let her go.

Pack your ***** bags and get the ***** out of my house. I wish I never laid eyes on you. And before you go, take my goddamn ring off. You never deserved it, Dana fumed.

Tanya was racing around grabbing at her things. She threw them into a pile on the bed, trying to ignore Dana and her words.

I said; take my ***** ring off Tanya. Tanya ignored her. I said, take it off or Im gonna take it off for you, Dana demanded, making moves toward Tanya.

Fearing another attack, Tanya took the ring off and tossed it at Dana, who caught it and put it in her pocket. She walked out the room to look for bags to put Tanyas things in. Within fifteen minutes, all of Tanyas belongings were packed and being thrown down the stairs with all the indignation Dana had in her. Tanya stared at her incredulously, which Dana refused to acknowledge.

What are you waiting for? Dana inquired. You know where the door is, she impressed upon Tanya and flexed like she was going to attack her again, making Tanya grab her last bag and move toward the door.

I cant believe you Dana. You turned out to be just another ***** ***** athlete who cant appreciate a good woman.

Dana huffed and laughed.

Thats okay, Ill be that. And guess what? Dana asked, as Tanya shrugged. Ill be that without you, you ***** crazy gold-digging *****. Now get the ***** out of my house before I throw you out.

Tanya shuffled forward and skulked down the stairs and out the door.

Youll regret this Dana. Mark my words you will.

Yeah, ***** you too! Dana hurled back.

The door slammed behind Tanya and Dana threw herself against the wall, collapsing into a shaking heap.

Still having mixed emotions of pride, anger, and confusion over her current and past actions, she needed someone to console her as well as give her a pat on the back. She needed Alice. Dana went to the bathroom, washed her face, took a deep breath, and then headed out of the door. She was anxious and the short distance seemed endless. Finally, Dana arrived at Alices apartment, but her mood suddenly shifted, as her mind tried to believe what her eyes were seeing.