Alice leaned back on the sofa, quite shocked. She had managed to make Lara tell her what was wrong and couldnt believe her ears. And now she was holding an uncontrollably sobbing Lara, wondering what she was supposed to do. Everytime she would say something, it seemed to be the one wrong thing, because Lara would start crying even louder. So Alice had opted for silence.
What was Dana doing at the moment ? she wondered. But she cursed herself, she was supposed to comfort Lara, and not think of her never to be lover. And especially not think that she might have a way with Dana now. But she couldnt help it, her mind would elaborate complicated schemes, possibilities always ending up the same way : she and Dana would be together. Damn Alice, stop it she tried to warn herself. She realised that the figure in her arms had stopped crying and cast a quick look at Lara. She had fallen asleep, her swollen eyes were closed, still strongly red, strangely matching her hair.
She let the body slide from off her, watched Lara sleep for a little time, marveling at her intriguing beauty. Dana definitely had taste. Everything would be so simple if Lara wasnt that perfect ! she thought. Then she got up, headed for the door and left, determined, perfectly aware of what she was about to do.


Shes going to be fine he whispered, and Bette wondered if he was talking to her or rather to himself. She would give anything to hear a doctor say that, but they hadnt seen a single a doctor for an hour now and nurses coming and going out of the room wouldnt even pay attention to their questions.
Surprisingly enough she wasnt losing her mind, the tension building inside of her was eased by Hamids strong grasp.
She turned to him, wondering what had happened between Tina and him for him to look so desperate and afraid. He looked just like her, she realised, and after all, it was his child that was about to come to life. If everything went alright she added as an afterthought.
She turned and led Hamid to the chairs in the room, the exhaustion washing over her. I think we need to talk she said slowly, not sure whether she really wanted to hear what Hamid would tell her. But she had to know the truth.
He told her about the night he had met Tina, tried to describe the feelings he had experienced when seeing her, talking to her. Then the night. He tried to be as briefly as possible about it but noticed the slight flinch in Bette.
What happened Bette ? he finally interrupted his speech. She looked at him, quizzically.
Well, since you and Tina last saw each other ? she asked weakly though she perfectly knew what he was really talking about.
He didnt even bother to shake his head, staring at her intently.
She took her head in her hands, she had to break away from his gaze. His eyes reflected Tina, what a beautiful woman she was and they showed her what she had been stupid enough to lose.
I I dont know she finally whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. If only I could turn back time she added, I would do anything.
This is not a time for self pity he harshly interrupted her strain of thought. I dont want to judge you, Bette, though I sometimes am tempted to do it, but you have to react, to fight ! You have to win her back ! What happened with this other woman now belongs to the past, the child is now the future.
Twins Bette interrupted him, its twins she added, seeing that he had obviously not known that. I dont know what I would do if I was to lose her she broke down.
Shes strong, shes going to make it. If we dont believe in her, then whos going to do it ? Hamid finally let out.
What, what do you plan on doing ? I mean, youre the father Bette finally asked.
He sighed. He realised he had no idea. Here he was, lecturing Bette about the future, but his future didnt look that bright either.
He told her about his wife. She had asked the divorce. Per post, so that he hadnt had the chance yet to see her. He had tried to find her but couldnt leave the children too long alone. He didnt want them to suspect anything, though he had trouble finding excuses every day for theur mothers absence. Truth was, he didnt know how to tell them that their parents might separate. The very thought had never crossed his mind.
Besides, he knew she had every chance of winning the custody of the children. He knew he was supposed to contact a lawyer and see his chances, how often he would be able to see his children, but doing so would mean accepting the situation, facing the fact that his marriage was about to end. And somehow, he didnt want a situation where his wife and him would fight against each other for material aspects, through lawyers. He didnt want it to end that way.


Dana ! Where are you ? Dont tell me youre hiding ! Alice shouted. She had entered Danas house to be met by heavy silence and it somehow scared her. It was too silent. She hadnt found Dana in the living room, neither in the kitchen and she was now standing in Danas empty bedroom.
About to turn, she noticed the light coming from under the bathroom door. She once more called Danas name out, coming slowly closer. But there was no answer; panick rose in her stomach, a lump formed in her throat. Like in slow motion, she turned the *****, opening the door and then she saw Dana, in the tub.


The door opened but neither of them noticed, lost in the conversation, trying to analyse the situation and trying to forget the fact that Tina was in between life and death, fighting. Suddenly, Hamid got up, stumbling, his eyes staring at the doctor who was now in front of them, tired features, clouded eyes.
Tina is out of danger, we were finally able to get her out of trouble, shes a very strong woman he stated, relief washing over Bette and Hamid, though worry remained. Why wasnt he talking about the babies ?
And Hamid silently asked, the words stuck in his throat. He didnt dare to speak them, afraid of the answer.
The doctor looked back and forth between the two equally scared faces and then smiled warmly : Theyre two beautiful babies, a girl and a boy. Theyre in an incubator for the moment. Theyre weak, we have to be very careful. You can see them through the glass window if you want. Tina needs to rest, shes exhausted. By the way, she fell asleep before telling us their names, maybe you could help us out with that ?.
Hamid and Bette exchanged a surprised and quizzical look and then, as if on clue, they broke into laughter, taking each other in for a relieved hug.


***** Dana ! Alice shouted, rushing to the tub.
Dana was kneeling, naked, shaking, hugging herself, crying, apparently oblivious to Alices presence. Alice quickly took several towels, throwing them over Danas shoulders and took her firmly by the arm, wanting to take her out, to the bedroom. Dana seemed lost, her eyes werent able o focus on anything. Alice pushed her on the bed, wrapping her int owels, rubbing her back to stop her from shaking and freezing.
Dana finally looked at her, her eyes glazed over Alice, as if she was looking through her. She threw herself at Alice, and Alice took her in her arms, pressing herself against the cold body, smeeling her in, trying to make the fear and despair go away.
Dana Alice whispered, she backed a little away, their foreheads against each other, their eyes locked, breathing heavily. Then Alice closed the distance between them and captured Danas lips. At first, there was no response, but then Dana let her in, parting her lips, their tongues meeting and the kiss deepening.


Bette and Hamid were staring at the two little forms in the incubator, amazed. They couldnt see them properly but they didnt care, their faces were pressed against the glass window, and the nurses would look at them, slightly bemused.
Did Tina discuss the names with you ? Bette asked, the pain having left her voice. She had come to like Hamid and didnt even feel jealous or threatened by him any more.
He shokk his head, his eyes never leaving the two little forms. It wasnt the first time he witnessed a birth but everytime he would feel the same rush of emotion and be extatic for hours.
Tina is now awake, if you want to see her, you can, just be careful not to stress her a nurse approached them.
They both looked at each other, wondering what to do. You go Hamid whispered, Im staying here, making sure those little persons here are doing fine he smiled and watched as Bette turned and walked away, slightly shaking because of the excitement.


Alice backed away, leaving them both panting. She turned, leaving Dana wondering what was going on. She headed for Danas drawers and took clothes out, throwing them on the bed.
Ok, so, now youre going to put these on, leave, and go find Lara in my appartment and tell her youre never going to take drugs or whatever any more. Ok ? She didnt let Dana answer and went on Lara is the most amazing woman ! How can you possibly let her go like that ?.
Dana was so stunned she didnt even resist, doing as she was told, mechanically putting the clothes on, standing in the middle of the room.
Now, get out of here, what are you waiting for ? Alice shouted. She wanted to scare Dana away, leave her alone to her thoughts.
Dana slowly left the room and Alice sighed when she heard the front door shut, falling on the bed. She was relieved. She knew she had done the right thing. Dana and Lara belonged together, she had seen it in Lanas eyes and it was clear from Danas state.
The kiss had merely been a parting one, Alice finally accepting that she wasnt going to be with Dana, and strangely enough, it made her feel better, lighter. She realised she was turning the page, moving on. She fell asleep in Danas bed, a smile on her lips.


Yes exactly good Well, I hope everythings ready. Hope to talk to you soon Rayne put her cell phone off, a smile creeping on her lips, turning her head to the sleeping form on her couch, a mischievous smile creping on her features.