As the coffee arrived the light conversation began.

Nice weather were having commented Bette

This was met by several pairs of rolling eyes however they all appreciated the effort.

Yeah Dana mumbled in agreement

After this ice breaker they sat there for half an hour discussing nothing personal, topics such as the pigeon problem and the tragedy of the tsunami in Asia.

Well I have to go Dana said as she stood up. She nodded a goodbye to Shane and Bette and turned to Alice meeting her eyes full on for the first time that morning. Goodbye Alice she said and turned and walked away

On the side walk outside the Planet Dana heard hurried footsteps come up behind her.

Dana wait cried Alice fighting to keep up.

Alice, I dont need this right now ok, please just let me think

I just want to tell you that I meant it

Please Al just leave it

No Im not going to let you just run away from this

At this Dana couldnt contain herself. She turned around and exploded Me, run away! Hey youre the one who kissed me and left! Perhaps if I was running away it would be for self preservation. What kind of masochistic ***** are you!?! Every time Im in pain or confused youre there! When I came out to my parents it was you who was pushing me! Alice, take a hint, leave me alone

Dana Alice whispered in shock. I never thought

Thats right Alice Dana cut in, you dont think, you just act. I loved Tonya and you couldnt accept that. I was happy and you couldnt accept that

Alice stood there stunned. Of all of the ways that she had visualised this conversation happening this scenario was not one of them

Look Alice, Dana said in a slightly calmer voice. You succeeded. I doubt what I have with Tonya, you got what you wanted, and why dont you leave it at that.

With that Dana got into her Subaru and drove off.

Alice walked to her mini in daze. She wasnt sure what had just happened. Was she subconsciously trying to hurt Dana? No of course not but now she was convinced that Dana hated her. ***** ***** *****. Alice was angry, at herself and at Dana, ***** at the whole ***** world. It wasnt fair.

Dana was pissed. She had wanted to talk to Alice but when it came to the crunch she couldnt. Why was that? Argh! she cried in frustration. She threw on some heavy metal and just drove. She didnt care where just so long as it was away from Alice.

Tonya was confused. Dana was gone. She didnt have practice this morning and she hadnt been going out to that caf lately. In fact Dana hadnt been herself lately at all. Tonya wondered what was on her babys mind. Maybe she just needed a bit of cheering up. Tonya thought for a second and then clapped her hands in glee. I know she thought Ill get her a kitten With that she let a broad smile cross her face. Tonya really did love Dana and she half hoped that Dana would take the kitten as a sign of her commitment to their relationship. All she wanted was the best for Dana.

Back at the Planet, Shane and Bette sat in silence. It wasnt uncomfortable, it was just lonely.

So you want to tell me whats happening with you? Shane asked cautiously. She wanted to give Bette the opportunity to pull out if she couldnt talk about it.

Not really Bette sighed in response. But I will anyway. Bette leaned back in her chair and gave Shane a brief description of what had happened. She didnt attempt to soften any of the details she just told it how it was. So yeah thats it Bette said raising her eyes to Shanes.

***** Shane whispered when you blow it you blow it big.

Bette smiled bitterly Well you know, I try

Shane just nodded. She knew that Bette had accepted what she had done. She wasnt trying to reflect that blame onto Tina or anyone else. But for all she had accepted it she wouldnt feel any better. They said understanding was the first step to forgiveness. Thats bullshit when youre talking about yourself.

Shane sighed You know I would say that it will all be alright but that would be a lie. I am here for you though. You know, if you ever need anything.

Thank you Bette said. She sensed a change in Shane. And what has made you so accepting?

Shane just closed her eyes and stated in an emotionless voice. People do things when their scared and hurting that dont reflect their true character. But that doesnt make it any less painful. Ive learnt that.

Bette wondered at that statement. She said to Shane you know Im here for you too

Shane just looked at her with hollow eyes and said Yeah. I know

With that Bette stood up and left squeezing Shanes shoulder as she passed. Shane smiled at her. Watching as she walked away.

There goes a woman in turmoil she thought and some part inside of her laughed, yeah youd ***** know wouldnt you hun. Shane thought for a second about what she was going to do. Steven Jaffe would have ensured she could never get work as a hairdresser again, so her one skill that she could turn into an honest days profit was useless. Ah well she thought. She had always made it through before. And hopefully she would again.

A plate was slid in front of her. On it was perched the most delightful, sinfully dark slice of mud cake she had ever seen. You look like you could use it said a voice from above. Shane met the eyes of the new waitress and saw no signs of anything other than wanting to give her a slice of mud cake.

Thanks Shane said keeping her voice friendly.

Hey I just thought you could do with it said the tall brunette. She walked off leaving Shane with something new to ponder.