Dana stayed in bed waiting for Tonya to get ready. Her head buried in her pillow, and the covers pulled up to her head. Tonya hasnt said a word to her since the kiss. Shes probably upset with me right now, she shrugged. She laid in bed listening to all the noises Tonya was making to get ready. She heard the shower turned on, turned off. She heard Tonya cursing under her breath, she heard the closet open and closed, clothes hangers clanking. She heard her put her shoes on. She heard Tonya walked over, pulled the covers just under Danas chin, Ok sweetie. Im gonna go now ok? You get some well deserved rest so I can get you back up and finish what we started off downstairs Dana was surprised but she didnt let it show. She kissed Dana on her lips and went downstairs.

The front door slammed shut. Good shes gone. Now what should I do? Theres no spark! No spark at all. What am I going to do? Shes out planning the wedding; I cant just say I cant go through with it can I? Not cos of a kiss!!! Im not that shallow. Im so confused. I need to get out of here. Dana took a quick shower and headed to The Planet.
—–
What am I doing here? Tina looked at her hands as if seeing them for the first time. I dont want to be here. What is taking Alice so long? The house stood still, she couldnt hear anything from where she was. She wiped her tears and found the strength to stand up. What is going on in there she wondered. She tried to peep through the widows but it was too dark inside she couldnt make anything out. She walked to the back of the house. She saw the pool and stopped dead in her tracks.

All the memories shared here came flooding back to her. The office parties they used to host for Bettes clients, the time when they had the girls over just because, the poker nights with the girls, and their making love in the pool. It has been a long time since they last had quality time. Their work just got the better of them. Both busy with everything else. And their plan to have a baby? Tina thought it would be best that she stopped working altogether so she could have the time to stay home and raise their child. But once Tina stopped working, Bette started putting in extra hours at work. Work and appointments used to be scheduled in advance. But the last few years, even their date and time to spend alone together had to be fit around their work schedule. Tina sighed.

She sat on one of the chairs by the pool, letting the heat from the sun touch her arms and face. It felt good sitting there in the sun. Tina thought back to the time when they first met. How sweet of Bette to have waited for her, her patience had drawn Tina to her. Even though Tina has never been with any woman in her life, she felt comfortable with Bette. She had always made her feel comfortable. It was hard for her to open up to her in the beginning but Bette made it simple for her; she didnt rush or push her. She loved how Bette gave her full attention and how she made her feel special like there was no other. Bette has a way with Tina, even with a look she could bring Tina to her knees. She didnt realize she was crying until she felt the tears on her neck. God, she thought, Im so pathetic.

She wiped her tears and stood up. She looked through the glass pane and couldnt see anyone. Out of habit she reached her finger where her wedding ring used to sit. She looked at it realizing that it wasnt there anymore. She didnt know what got into her but before she knew it, she was inside the house. Her eyes stung. She was trying to hold back tears. She walked over to their photo frames and their CD collections. They have had good times together the past seven years. And with one infidelity, all came crushing down. She shook her head trying to get the memories off her mind.

She wondered where Alice was. She didnt see her anywhere in the house. And the house is so quiet, so still, so Tina just couldnt find the right word. The house just didnt have a life anymore. She walked around the house ignoring their bedroom, the one place she didnt want to be in. The silence was deafening, she wondered where Bette was. Her heart began to pound. Her lungs felt constricted at the thought. She suddenly couldnt breathe. Her head started to spin. It cant be, she said to herself. She cant be out with that carpenter. She just cant be. She looked at the bedroom door. She wondered if Bette was in their bed with Candace. As much as she hated Bette right now, she still wanted Bette to herself. She still loves her. She needed Bette to want only her, to need only her. Her legs started to give up on her so she reached for the kitchen counter and rested herself on it.
—–
Shane was playing with her cell phone thinking whether to call Bette and Tina to have coffee, when she saw Dana walked in. Dana smiled at her, Shane acknowledge it with a nod. Dana had on her the biggest smile. Hey Shane

Hey, wheres Tonya?

Umm Shes umm going over the wedding preparations

And why arent you out with her. It is your wedding to you know? Dana shrugged.

Yeah but thats not my thing She didnt want to talk about the wedding. She was just happy she was out without Tonya breathing down her neck. Shane smiled.

So whats going on Shane? Have you seen Bette and Tina? Er have you, have you seen Alice? Shane gave her a weird look but she thought the better of it.

Nope, actually Im the first one out of the group here Shane sipped her coffee. Dana didnt know what else to say to Shane. They were usually bickering about something or someone. She never felt at home when alone with Shane. Shane can always get the girls she laid her eyes on. Dana has difficulties just talking to the girls she fancies. Deep down, she was envious of Shane, how her confidence just oozes out of her stick figure. Danas seen Shane pick up girls so many times and most of the time, they were the girls whom Dana had her eyes on too but just a short of confidence.

Dana stood up, Shane do you want anything? Im gonna order something Shane was quiet. She didnt hear what Dana had said. She was still playing with her phone.

Shane? Snap out of it Shane looked up.

Oh erm yeah. Er a blueberry muffin?

Shane sat there her eyes on Dana as she ordered. This is weird she thought. Just Dana and I. She smiled. She dialed Bette and Tinas number only to get the machine. She left a message and hung up. God I wish I had what they have.

Dana returned just as Shane hung up. So was that Alice? She asked hopeful.

Oh nope. I was just leaving a message on Bettes. I tried their cell but I got nothing so I left a message. Did they say they were gonna be here today Dane?

Umm they didnt say anything to me. They might still be in bed you know, their ongoing celebration for last night Dana drank her water and played with her food.

Shane smiled and nodded, understanding too well that Bettes making up for lost time. The time she spent at the gallery to get the show started and how stressed out shes been about getting Peggys collection for the show. Now when everything had gone smoothly as planned, Bette had her attention back to Tina. Not that she thought Bette had stopped giving her attention to Tina. Its just that lately shes preoccupied with the gallery.

Dane can I ask you something? Dana was surprised.

Er yeah sure She couldnt think of anything that Shane would want to ask her. Shane usually has all the answers. And this is the first time Shanes wanted to ask her something. And it sounded like something serious.

How do you know Tonyas the one for you? Dana nearly choked on her salad. Why is she asking me this?

What do you mean?

Well, you know, how do you know shes who youre born to be with?

Are you sure youre asking the right question cos that type of question should be directed to Bette and Tina. Theyre the ones who know!

Well since youre next in line to get married, I thought Id ask you. But if you dont want to talk about it its cool. We still have Bette and Tina

What? You dont think I know about love? Shane just smiled.

Fine, she thinks I dont know anything about love. She didnt want to broach the topic but she hated the fact that Shanes questioning her knowledge. She wasnt ready to tell Shane about her insecurities and her doubts about Tonya. So she just told her what she thought was appropriate at that time.

Well, you just know. You feel it here She pointed to where her heart is, and here and pointed at her gut. You just know it. Like, when shes not there, you miss her and you start to look for something that belongs to her or something that resembles her; just to feel close. When you want to reach out for someone, you want to reach out to only her. When you want to talk, you want to talk to only her. And when you see her hurt, you will try and do whatever it is in you power to make it all better, its a lot of things really Shane. It cant just be one thing. Shane just looked at her wanting her to continue.

When youve had a bad day, and you see her, your day brightens up in an instant. You know she will make the pain go away. You know she will make you happy. You know she will be there for you through thick and thin. Shes your best friend and a lover. When she touches you, you melt and you just couldnt get enough of her Wow, Dana thought to herself, I didnt know I had it in me. She smiled to herself thinking how funny it was to have told this to someone especially Shane. Dana was never open when it comes to her feelings. She was always afraid of letting go, afraid that people will not like the real her.

Shane looked at Dana thoughtfully. She has never seen this side of her. So open, so vulnerable. She liked this Dana. She liked that Dana was opening up and being honest with her. She wasnt usually like this. Most of the time Dana would pick on Shane; from the way she pick up girls to the way she dresses. But this Dana is something else. For once she enjoyed being alone with her. Shane smiled at Dana who was still smiling to herself.

Dana processed the words she just said. That love she just described is just so strong. How can someone feel that way? She looked up at Shane, her eyes bulging. Oh my god, Im in so much trouble!