Well, you got what you asked for. Alice thought to herself while she hung up the phone. She redialed Danas number. Hey, its me. I miss you. Give me a call. Hope all is well. Love you. She hung up the phone again, tempted to keep hitting the send button until Dana picked up. She put the phone in her purse. Damn it, Dana. Where are you?

Dana stared at the screen on her cell phone. She saw Alices name pop up, once, twice, but somehow she was not comprehending that it was actually Alice calling. She was exhausted and emotionally drained. She threw the phone across the room, pieces breaking off at the contact with the floor. She sat at Bettes computer curious to what people thought of her. She found a Dana Fairbanks forum and began reading the threads. The more she read, the more agitated and emotional she became.

Bette unlocked the door to her house. She was surprised it was locked, Dana tended to leave the door unlocked when she was here. She had seen the silver Subaru parked in the driveway. Dana, Im home. She went around to all the rooms looking for Dana. She went into her bedroom and put her bag on the floor. She noticed the computer was still on and looked at the screen then frowned. She heard a rustling noise in the closet. She quietly picked up one of many tennis rackets that were strewn around the house and tiptoed towards the closet. She held her breath as she opened the door with her free hand. Bette was ready to swing when she saw Dana asleep on the floor holding tightly on a pillow. She dropped her hands and knelt down beside her, Dana?

Dana looked blankly at her friend, Yes?

Are you ok?

Uh, I uhh fell asleep.

I noticed. Is everything ok? Why are you in my closet?

Dana stood up and brushed off her jeans,her voice monotone, Great. Im fine. I should go see Al. I havent seen her for awhile.


Dana waited on Alices couch for her to return from work. Alice came into the living room and pulled off her sunglasses.

Oh my god, what happened Alice?

Alice jumped, caught off guard at seeing her girlfriend. *****, Dana. You scared the ***** out of me.

Dana approached her and reached out her hand, touching the bruise and bump that covered Alices face. The pressure of Danas fingers hurt like ***** and Alice inhaled sharply. Sorry. Dana put down her hand.

Its just a little tender.

What happened?

I hadan accident. You know how much of a klutz I can be sometimes. I-I tripped and hit my headon the doorknob.

Dana knew Alice was lying. Alice had a tendency to roll her eyes in thought and stutter slightly when she lied. She knew that Alice thought her gullible at times and frankly she didnt want to hear anything except the truth. What happened, Alice? Her tone changed, firm and demanding.

Alice sighed, defeated and caught red handed. I got ***** slapped bysome girl. Dana cocked her head to the side, her eyes narrowing, encouraging Alice to provide more details. Alright! I had a run-in with an ex.

Gabby?

Not my ex. Your ex.

Dana was hoping that Alice was going to say that Gabby was the culprit. At least that would take away the guilt that was flowing over her. But knowing that Alice was referring to Tonya made Danas head spin.

Dane-hon, you ok? You look kinda pale.

I think I need to lie down. Alice ducked under Danas arm and half carried her to her bed. She laid beside her girlfriend.

Dana rolled over. Im sorry she hurt you.

I didnt want you to know and feel all guilty cause its not your fault. Its not your fault shes psycho. Dana was lost in thought and didnt respond so Alice rambled just to end the silence that was making her uncomfortable. Everyone has at least one. Its like an initiation into lesbianism.



The weeks passed by and Alice grew increasingly frustrated. Dana was playing at the height of her career and she was becoming quite a celebrity. She was never around, constantly practicing or playing matches. The few hours she wasnt, seemed to be taken up with interviews, photo shoots, and attending some of L.A.s hottest parties.

Alice had always wanted Dana to be successful, but Dana wasnt always her girlfriend. She missed Dana and when they did see each other, it seemed that Dana was always tired or worn out. Alice sensed something else was going on with her. Dana consistently seemed distant, causing Alice to question Danas devotion and fidelity especially when she wasnt being invited to some of these functions.

She wasnt blind to the hungry stares people gave Dana and Alice knew that Dana was enjoying her celebrity. Deep down inside she even believed that Dana should enjoy her fifteen minutes of fame while it lasted. *****, Dana was like a college student when it came to experience in the dating department. Dana never had her pimp stage where she went out with several women at once. This thought terrified Alice because she knew through her own experiences that she needed to go through certain relationships in order to be where she was now- to be content and willing to have a long term relationship. Even though Dana was once engaged, Alice wondered if she was looking for someone to be with for the long haul. She asked herself if Dana was just different than most people and simply practiced serial monogamy and nothing else.


Dana sat up abruptly, waking Alice in the process. Her breathing was loud and heavy.
Alice rubbed her back, What is it, baby?
Dana looked at Alice a little funny, Nothing. Just a nightmare. Go back to sleep. She climbed out of bed and grabbed herself a glass of water. Her hands trembled so much she spilled some of it on her shirt. She put the glass down on the counter so she could lean her arms on the counter with her head bowed.

When Dana took more than a few minutes to return, Alice got up. She found Dana in the kitchen crying. Dane-hon, whats going on? Is everything ok?

She looked at her girlfriend and shook her head, her voice not working.

Concern etched Alices face, Tell me. Please. She cautiously moved closer to Dana and timidly hugged her. Dana immediately pulled away. Alice threw up her hands in frustration, Why wont you talk to me? Did I do something wrong? Tell me if I did. Ill fix it. Alice attempted hugging her again. Dana rested her head on Alices shoulder as she began to sob harder, her body trembling against Alice. Alice tried with all her might to maintain her composure, Dana, its ok. Everything will be ok.

Dana pulled away and shook her head again. She looked at Alice like she was crazy, No, its not. Its not ok!

What is it? Baby, you can tell me anything.

Its over. I-I cant do this anymore.

The tears welled in Alices eyes. Where is
this coming from?

I dont want this anymore.

God! Did you just sleep with me, knowing
that you were going to break up with me today?

No! I mean, I dont know.

Thats just swell, Dana. You dont know? Dana stared blankly at Alices tirade, Tell me, are you ***** somebody else or how about everybody else? Huh?

***** you, Alice.

I wish I never came over that night.

Dana slammed the door behind her, I wish I never met you, she said aloud to herself. She instantly regretted those words, but Alice really pissed her off.



Alice, what are you doing here? Bette asked as she opened the door, You know a phone call would have been nice.

Alice walked inside before Bette could stop here. It was a whim. I was driving and I decided to make a pit stop.

You never pit stop over here just to talk with me.

I thought you could use the company. Ok, I could use the company. Mind if I fix us a drink.

No go right ahead. Help yourself.

When was the last time you and I got trashed together?

Bette laughed, Its been a few years.
Were breaking that habit. What did you want?

Oh, whatever you are having. You have good taste in drinks.

We need to talk. Dana and I broke up. I think I said some really awful things.


Bette played with the half empty beer bottle on the table tracing her fingers over the curves of the glass. Alice watched the concentrated effort in amusement. She leaned forward and pushed Bettes hair back with her hand. Bette couldnt remember the last time she genuinely smiled like this and here was Alice making her smile.

Alice didnt comprehend that her body was betraying her. She drank a lot, trying to keep up with Bette, who drank her under the table. She pressed her lips to Bettes. Even in her drunkenness, the kiss was familiar and comforting.

Bette returned the kiss. She had missed this intimate act. She missed kissing Tina of course, but just kissing someone made her not feel so alone. She hated herself for not wanting to break off the kiss, it was like another sin- another strikeout for her and Tina. She finally pulled away, We shouldnt do this.

Why not? A kiss is a kiss. Nothing more, nothing less.

If Bette was completely sober, she would have disagreed wholeheartedly. But the alcohol affected her. What Alice said felt true. How different is this from kissing your best friend growing up in an effort to learn how to kiss before your first big date? Bette rubbed her hand over her face, wanting to clear the confusion in her head. Am I too self righteous?

Youre Bette..Rthan everybody, Alice quipped.

Bette sighed. Alice had answered her question. Is that why we broke up?

God, Bette. Im too drunk to have such deep conversations. I think you need another drink. Relax.

Bette lifted the bottle to her mouth and chugged it. She didnt want to think anymore. If Alice could be so blas, so could she. She slammed the bottle back on to the table and kissed Alice. She craved to feel passion again.

Alice enjoyed that Bettes kissing was like the way she talked. There were pauses like she was thinking, where her lips and tongue were still, but her warm breath poured over Alices lips. It wasnt a teasing gesture, but more like a moment to collect herself and plot how to continue the kiss.