Marina turns towards to the door, swipes the key, and then watches the light go from green to red. As Kit turns the handle and pushes open the door, she realizes Marina hasnt opened hers, Whats wrong, honey? Your card not working?

With a deep breath, she speaks the words softly, hesitantly, Kit Do you want to sit for awhile? She rolls her eyes pensively waiting for the answer, I thought Id have a glass of wine before turning in. She turns to Kit, restrained desperation in her eyes, would you like to join me?

Kit steps into her room, holding the door aside, I got a gift basket of local wines sitting on the table no reason for them to go to waste

As Marina steps timidly into the door, Kit smiles softly, we can sit out on the patio; or, its a beautiful full moon, maybe we can go for a walk.

****************

Alice wakes up with a thud, having fallen off the sofa. Disoriented she looks around not sure where she is, what she is doing here. The unexpected site of Dana brings it all rushing back to her; Shane..JennyMarina. The terrifying OD, and then, the gentle kindness and compassion grown out of it; all had culminated in the uncontrollable urge to go to Dana. That urge, that need to be with Dana being what brought her to this moment. Alice pulls herself to a sitting position, wincing at the twisted wrist, and leans back onto the sofa never taking her eyes off Dana.

She looks like a child, lost in peaceful sleep. Alices heart aches from the long months without her friend. She shakes her head remembering how even still, when out in public, she found herself looking over her shoulder hoping to see her. Thinking also, of how many times shed picked up the phone, wanting to call and tell Dana about some trivial thing. Call to apologize, or explain. To beg her forgiveness. Shed been lost without her friend.

And now, here she is, not 5 feet away looking so damn beautiful, it makes Alice weak.

She closes her eyes, resting her head back onto the cushion of the sofa, desperate for a way back into this womans life, her heart. How do I fix this?

****************

Jenny turned in the bed again, Did I ask the wrong questions? Well, maybe not the wrong questions, but not the right ones either. Staring into the glass as moonlight gently recalls Marinas reflection, she shakes her head, I wish I knew what she was thinking remembering the evenings exchange, *****..she probably thinks I was coming on to her

She sits abruptly up in bed, vocalizing her realization, ***** I was coming on to her. Jenny puts her head in her hands, confused, scared by the implications, I wanted to know if she wanted me I wanted to know if Id hurt herif she was hurting the way I wasthe way I still am. Shaking her head fervently, she gets out of bed and heads to the sink, and pours a glass of water.

Stepping absently to the French-doors leading to the balcony, she opens them and sits the glass on the table as she nervously comes to rest on the edge of the chair, how could I do that? How could I possibly even consider getting involved with her again? Am I stupid? She doesnt know how to love people, not the way I want to be loved I couldnt survive her betrayal again

Her inner struggle continues, as she banters back and forth, remembering the pain, remembering the pleasure. Battling; defending and disclaiming her actions…

****************

The full moon stares down at them as they walk in silence, offering the women its faint and forgiving cast of cool colors. Encouraging them into the sea of forest greens, vibrant whites and tranquil blues of the garden; creating for them an enchanted space far from the world of reality; a safe and inviting haven for the disclosure of forbidden thoughts, uncertain deeds, and shared insecurities. Affording Marina the morsel of countenance needed to continue.

They strolled slowly along the path, in quiet reflection and the comfort of the others presence. Both wondering how their conversation might start, both knowing that the words would eventually find a way.

They come to rest on a bench at the far edge of the garden where Marina leans her elbows heavily against her knees, brushing her hair nervously back, leaving them resting across her mouth. Scared, and hesitant to say the words, she finally blurts them out, unwilling to allow the fear to silence her any longer, I am in love with her, Kit I have been from the beginning..

With their release, the words shattered the protective shield allowing the final confession to come pouring out, Im not even sure I know how to love someone..not the way she deserves to be loved.

Marina sighs, her heavy breath carrying the last of the fear from her, allowing it to be replaced by quiet elation at the realization that in her surrender to the truth, lies her freedom. The final words rush like whitewater through the open floodgate, I know I dont deserve her love and I have to let her go The tears accompany her words, falling across her cheeks.

Kit knew how foreign this was to her friend, this kind of passion, this kind of desire, and the overwhelming need to share it. With her hand, gently caressing Marinas shoulder, she consoles her, soothes her, in this unfamiliar territory she has finally braved.

Hesitating, desperately wanting to present her words so they can be heard and accepted, Kit speaks soft and deliberate, Maybe this is what had to happen so you would know and next time you can recognize it, accept it and embrace it.

They sat a while longer, silent and thoughtful, and then Kit brushes the hair back from her friends face, Marina, its late. You have to try to get some rest. Tomorrows not likely to be any easier than tonight was, Im sorry about that, but we both know its true.

As they walked back through the garden and towards their rooms, Kit touches Marinas arm, lovingly taking her hand in hers, patting it gently, Theres someone else you need to think about too, and thats you You have a right to be treated fairly, respectfully, dont forget that.

Marina shakes her head, unable to hear Kits kindness, Im alright. Goodnight, Kit.

****************

Alice pulls her self up onto her knees and crawls over to the edge of the bed; the pain in her wrist, throbs with every beat of her racing heart. Mindlessly, she rubs it, listening for a moment to Danas slow regular breathing, as she stares at the woman who captured her heart. How did I fall in love with such a dork? she wonders, grinning at Danas awkward and innocent charm.

She can not stop her hand as it rises to stroke Danas silky hair.

The touch causes her eyes to flutter open heavy with sleep. Momentarily confused, the unexpected sight of Alice kneeling there, pulls her awake, Whats wrong, Al. Is there problem?

No, no. Everythings fine. Alice whispers, as her hand slips out of Danas hair and gently caresses her cheek, wiping away the concern that contorts the sleepy face. I just wanted to say good-night. Im gonna go to my room now.

Dana leans suddenly forward and her lips press warmly against Alices. Surprise halts Alice, and in the quick beat of her confusion, Dana slips her hand behind Alices neck pulling her towards her as she deepens the kiss, darting her tongue past parted lips.

It only takes a moment for Alice to respond. Her body longing for this moment, she returns the kiss, hands pushing the covers aside as she climbs onto the bed and into Danas arms.

***********************

Kit slowly pulls off her clothes and crawls into bed, remembering the day her invitation arrived in the mail. Shed tossed it aside, assuming it was just another scam, another piece of junk mail. It was David, who found it and encouraged her to go. How often do you get a free ride? hed asked her as he slid the invitation across the table at dinner. Youve been working so hard, these past few months. Why not go?

Kit had merely shrugged, saying I dont know. Ive got so much to do. I wont know anyone. It looks so fancy. Not really my kind of place, you know. But David had pestered her until she finally relented, promising that shed go.

Kit rolls over and reaches for the phone. She carefully punches in the number, knowing he may be too busy to answer the page right way, but she wants to hear his voice.

***************

As the waves of her ***** wash over her, Alices eyes open as she reaches for Dana. Grasping only air and confusion, she finds herself still propped against the sofa on the floor of Danas room. At once, a deep sigh escapes her, a mix of disappointment and relief, It was a dream AL, only a dream. Shaking her head, frantically trying to banish it from her mind, I need to get out of here, if she wakes up, things could get crazier than they already are.

Alice moves quietly to the door, glancing back to steal one last glance at Dana curled in the bed, and then, grinning, rushes back into the room. After a moment, she returns to the door wishing her friend, her would-be lover, sweet dreams before contentedly leaving.

****************

David feels the vibration of the pager at his hip, and quickly glances down at the number. The familiar code brings a smile to his face, but the whimpering of the child before him swiftly brings his attention back to the moment. Looking into the face of the terrified 8 year old, Almost done. He smiles reassuringly and continues stitching up the nasty cut on her hand saying, Next time, ask an adult to help you open the box. No, more knifes, okay?

As he works, his mind wonders back to the surprise call from his mother and the unexpected turn their relationship had taken.

He wouldnt admit it at the time, justifying it with talk about the excellent program, the chance to work with the best in his field, the lure of southern CA, but the main reason hed taken the residency in LA was just to be near her. It had been rocky and difficult in the first months; their relationship consisting of nothing more than short awkward phone calls, but over time, theyd expanded to brief lunches, and short public outings.

For the first time in nearly 15 years, David was getting to know his mother, opening his mind and heart to her, truly seeing and understanding the woman before him now and not the woman that had been portrayed to him by his grandfather for all those years. Every time he spoke to her, saw her, he was surprised by the unexpected wit, charm, and kindness. Yeah, he remembered the days of his childhood.the drinking, the drugs, and the parade of men in and out at all hours. But that all seemed to be behind her now, at least that was the belief that he clung to. It wasnt easy, but as their relationship developed, he found himself proud of her strength, her determination to finally beat this demon that had haunted her for so long; yet, still, at times, he also found himself doubtful and wary of her new found sobriety, looking for, even expecting, signs that she had once again slipped off the wagon. But like her, he did his best to just take it one day at a time.

**************

She had only heard mumblings, alerting her to their presence, she leans back as if to assure she remains undetected. Jenny clasps her hands over her mouth as she recognizes their voices.

Once certain they were out of earshot, Jenny slips back into her room and the comfort of her bed. Pulling the velvet covers up close to her face, she curls into a cozy ball and drifts into a peaceful sleep.

**************

Kit was just beginning to doze off when the phone rings. Groggily, she picks up the receiver, Hey sweetie she coos into the receiver. Hows my son, the doctor?

Come on, now mom. Dont start that.

Davids easy laughter fills her ears, bringing tears unexpectedly to Kits eyes; she never thought shed see the day that she and David would have a relationship like this and as the emotion fills her, she released a heavy sigh of grateful thanks, wiping her eyes.

Whats wrong, mom? Davids voice is filled with concern. After all the years of absence, he is now fiercely protective of her.

Nothings wrong, baby. I just wanted to thank you for making me come here. I think its gonna be good for my soul. Kit smiles with optimism, thinking, if she can be here talking to David, then these women can surely heal their wounds.

Davids voice is once again relaxed, reassured that his mother is okay. Im glad youre enjoying yourself, Mom. I told you it would be good..

Kit hears the commotion on the line and knows whats coming.

I gotta go. David pauses and Kit hears the chaos building around her son.

David? Kit calls, hoping he hasnt hung up already.

Yeah.

I love you.

There is a pause and the line is silent, Kit starts to hang up, thinking hes already gone, Me too, mom. Ill see you for dinner Monday night and I want to hear all about it.

Monday night. Now, go. Save someones life. Kit slides the receiver back into the cradle, pride and love squeezing her heart as she slips down into the covers.