Several hours later Dana was just letting herself out of Bettes house. She had been able to move Bette to her bed, and had tucked her snugly under the covers and left her cell number on the bedside table before leaving. She had even cleaned the place up a little bit before she left, throwing out tissues that had been strewn about everywhere, moving the crumpled clothes on the bedroom floor to the hamper in the bathroom. Offhandedly, she had noticed the blue velvet dress Tina had been wearing the previous night, with a conspicuous rip down the side laying next to the hamper. She suddenly became aware as to what may have gone on after the Provocations debut the night before, and why Bette now donned a newly bruised cheek. Just the thought of Bette and Tina fighting made Dana cringe.

She had not even attempted to mention her recent split with Tonya. After all, this was a relationship of several months versus a relationship of seven years. Her mind felt overwhelmed with the events of the last twelve hours. She still wanted to talk to someone, anyone, so she decided to go to The Planet, get a hot cup of coffee, and see if Shane or Marina could lend an ear. On the way there, she cranked the windows down and blasted the radio, hoping that the LA breeze and the new Madonna single could erase some of her heavier thoughts.

At Alices apartment, Alice had also just succeeded in moving Tina to her bed. The bouts of crying seemed to have finally exhausted Tina and she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Alice jotted a note, and placed it on the bed-stand.

Hey Honey,
Im sorry to leave you, but I had to
go and run a few errands. Ill be
back in a little while, and my cell
phone is on if you need anything
at all. I love you, and I hope youre
feeling a little better. Stay strong
sister.
XOXOAl

Alice took a quick shower, and checked on Tina one more time before putting on a pair of faded jeans and a pink camisole and heading out. She pulled her hair into a messy ponytail, and grabbed her purse and the piece of paper she had left on the kitchen table. She had a short list of things she needed to get accomplished.

– pick up dry cleaning
– buy milk/ paper-towels/ shampoo
– get some clothes for Tina from her house
– go talk to Dana

Ok, she still wasnt so sure about the last one, but she had written it down anyway. I mean, will showing up at Danas house again scare her, or reassure her? Alice decided she still needed time to think about that one. She walked outside, and took a deep breath of the cool morning air. It would be good to get out for a little while she convinced herself. Getting into her car she decided to head over to The Planet to start her day with a cup of coffee and a muffin.

The Planet was busy, as it often was on weekday mornings, with people buzzing in and out for their morning cup o joe before heading off to work. Dana had waved to Marina when she arrived, but saw that she was a bit swamped behind the counter at the moment. Shane surprisingly was not present this morning. She must have had a rendezvous last night Dana thought, as that was the only reason Shane would miss her morning double-shot espresso. She decided to order a coffee, sit and people-watch until she had a chance to talk with Marina. Her mind was still reeling, and she thought it would be beneficial to meditate on the recent events for a little while, just to collect herself. She sat down at her usual table and began some deep meditative breathing as she looked out the window. Her moment of calm was cut short though, when she spotted Alices silver Mini Cooper pull into the parking lot, not but five minutes later. Suddenly her heart began to thud heavily, and her breathing quickened. She wrung her fingers tightly together in her lap, and stared down at her steaming mug, with no idea of what to do.

Alice walked in and waved to Marina. She glanced around the place hoping Shane might be there, and froze when she saw a familiar brunette ponytail on someone sitting at a familiar table in the corner. She knew immediately who it was. Ok Alice, get a ***** grip, you knew this was bound to happen, you knew you would have to see her again. Just go over, say hi, just like you always do. She had sat with Dana at that exact table so may times in the past, innumerable times. Why suddenly was this so difficult?

Taking a deep breath she walked over to the corner table and paused a few paces behind Danas chair. Dana had heard her coming, but had not turned around. Her eyes were still glued to her coffee, and it seemed an eternity had passed when finally she heard that familiar voice over her shoulder.

“Hey Dana.”