Smiling like a fool Tina walked towards the kitchen. Opening the fridge she noticed Bettes flushing cell. She drank a glass of water and after pouring one for Bette she took the cell with herself.

Youve lost many calls She said handing the cell to Bette.

Oh well, I was busy mischievously smiled Bette.

Tina was in the bathroom when she heard Bette saying,

*****!

What happens? Tina asked walking back to the bedroom.

Dana is in the hospital, and Al is not answering her cell Bette said while getting dress.

Have you call Shane? Maybe she knows something Tina suggested looking under the bed, trying to find her missing bra.

Nodding, already dialling Bette handed Tina her bra, trying not to smile at the look on her face.


***

Following Blues short pace, looking around trying to find out anything, where they were, where they were going, Alice whispered,

You know where we are?

Nodding, commanding her to be quiet, Blue took Alices hand.


***

Quietly, as if studying her features, Shane was looking at Kate, who on the phone was talking in Spanish. Hanging up Kate noticed Shane stare. Leaving the cell on Shanes lap, she said,

Dana is ok but no one knows where Alice is

Nodding, sighing with relief, Shane lighted a cigarette. Happy by the news she tuned the volume of the radio up.

You like the Dixie Chicks? asked Kate, smiling.

What? asked Shane, looking back at Kate, not knowing what she was talking about.

The Dixie Chicksyou like them? Kate asked again looking to the radio where the Dixie Chicks were singing Am I the only one.

Inhaling, Shane quietly nodded before saying, her voice a tone lower

I like all kind of chicks she said looking ahead, noticing the sun setting.

Laughing, loving the answer, Kate nodded looking at the road.

Thanks again said Shane a couple of minutes later looking back at Kate.

Is nothing, I just remembered somebody who works at that hospital

Spanish? Shane asked, unable to stop the words coming out f her mouth.

Yeah, my husbands brother nonchalantly answered Kate.

You are married? asked Shane, feeling as if somebody was twisting her lungs.

Uh? mumbled Kate turning to look at Shane. Noticing the look on her face she realized what she just said.

No, of course not. I mean my ex-husbands brother she said as if her words were something that was going to make Shane feel any better.

You were married? Shane heard herself asking again.

Yeah.. nodded Kate looking at the road again twice she added.

Nodding, lighting another cigarette with the one she was still smoking, Shane look through the window.

So you are bisexual She added, turning to look at Kate straight in the face.

Feeling Shanes stare, noticing the tone in her voice, Kate pulled the car out of the road. Stopping the engine, she turned to look at Shane.

It was convenient, both times. I married colleaguessort of. There was not a romantic thing. They knew I was a *****. Kate said not as an excuse but as a fact, as part of her resume, nothing important it seemed.

Nodding, Shane suddenly realized what she just asked, surprised by her own reaction, she whispered, looking at the road again.

Sorry, is not of my business

Nodding not wanting to read too much into Shanes questions, Kate said, trying to light the mood.

I thought you liked all kind of chicks

Smiling, trying to follow Kates tease, Shane said,

I do
She said, realizing that for the first time in her life she was not sure she believed in the words she just pronounced. There was something that jumped inside of her when she heard the news about Kates marriages. There was something new, some new feeling that surprised her. And it wasnt that she cared that much if she was bisexual, it was the idea that maybe she wasnr really a lesbianor maybe, it was just something else.

Good Kate added smiling, unaware of Shane turmoil thoughts.

***

Feeling the cell vibrating, Alice took it from her jeans, and covering her mouth, whispered,

Yes?…what?…Bette! it was about time!…yeah she iswhat?… noticing the look on Blues face, Alice said, Bette, I have to go nowgonna find outyou coming? Ok goodsee you in a bit yeahokhave to go..

Sorry she whispered to Blue who with his deep blue eyes glues to Alices was shaking his head.

Squeezing Alices hand, Blue looked around till he spotted something that called his attention. Leading Alice, she pushed her into a small storage room. Looking at him, Alice waited for him to talk, when he didnt, she said,

Ok buddy, now what?…you are the expert

If you go to the he stopped for a second looking at his hands, at the Incredibles watch he was wearing on his right wrist, he added, leftand then take the stairs up you will find the nurses loungeyou can ask themif you see Annieshe is very nice he said, her lower lip trembling as an autumn leaf.

Nodding, looking at him straight in the eye, Alice whispered.

What are you going to do?

Shrugging, Blue shook is head not wanting Alice to see the fear that was drawn on his eyes.

Ok, tell mewhy are you here? Are you ok? she sweetly asked, caressing his bare arm.

Nodding, he finally looked up at her.

Why are you here? He asked, his voice barely a whisper.

My friend is sick she said, but noticing that the information was obvious to him, she added, they dont want to tell me whats wrong with her, so I have to find her

Nodding, as if realizing what the problem was, he tenderly smiled at Alice. Looking around Alice asked,

Why dont you want to be found?

Quiet, not sure what to say, he looked down.

You can tell me, I can keep a secret you knowam famous for that Alice whispered kneeling down at his height.

Every time Susie is sick I have to come tooI dont like needlesandand she is always sick He said, sighing deeply afterwards.

Nodding, realizing what the problem was, Alice took an old pair of scrubs folded over a pair of boxes.

Ok, we are going to find Dana and then we will see what we can do about your problem, ok? she added putting on the scrubs. Looking at the tag on her chest, she added

Florencehow appropriate

Taking Blues little cold hand, Alice opened the door slightly and after looking around walked outside. They walked a few meters and when she spotted a wheel chair, she pushed Blue on.

Greatlets go she said winking at him.


***

Stopping the car in front of the ER, Kate turned the engine off.

Im sorry I cant stay

Looking at her, Shane quietly nodded. She didnt know what to say, suddenly many thoughts, wishes, questions were rushing to her mind but she didnt have the time. Not there, not then, she wasnt even sure what she wanted

Thank you She said again opening the door, feeling stupid by her lack of words.

Nodding, Kate turning the engine on, said,

It was my pleasure

Turning around, before jumping out, Shane whispered,

Ill call you

The words escaped her lips but for the first time in a long time she felt as if they were real. She wanted them to be real, but then shaking her head, trying to clear the meaning of her feelings she saw Kates car vanishing in the horizon. Turning to walk inside she noticed Bettes car approaching.

Hey she said waving.

Shane Said Bette parking the car.

You know whats going on? Tina asked as her cell started vibrating.

***

You should look sickor in pain Alice was whispering to Blue as they were passing besides real doctors and nurses. Hoping for no one noticing them Alice was looking down, talking with Blue, avoiding unwanted inquiring looks.

Ok, 343Annie said she should be here She said stopping in front of the closed door.

Blue jumped off the wheelchair and as an expert, parked it at the end of the hall. Alice, looking through the ajar door was trying to find out who was inside the room but then h, as voices were becoming louder, almost turning the corner at the end of the hall, Blue pushed her inside. They jumped into the room, closing the door behind them. Dana, looking a bit pale, was asleep on the single bed.

Dane! whispered Alice rushing towards the bed.

Dana, still feeling the anaesthesia, looked at Alice, seeing a blur figure approaching her.

Al? she mumbled, confused.

Danewhat happened?…are you ok? whispered Alice, caressing Danas bony hand that resting over the sheets.

Nodding, feeling her tongue dry, Dana gulped, or tried to.

Appendicitis

Blues clear and timid voice said from the end of the bed. Taking the chart he was reading Alice nodded having no idea what it was written on it.

Youve read many of this? she asked the boy.

Some he said, nodding.

Ok she answered as if his word was all she needed. Moving back to Danas side, she smiled seeing Danas asleep. Leaning down she kissed her lightly on the lips, only to remember that they were not alone in the room. Blushing, feeling self conscience Alice looked at Blue who, blushing a little was trying to act nonchalant.
Moving to his side, Alice said,

Now, why dont we go find your sister?

Shaking his head Blue looked down.

I hate needles too but taking his little hand, Alice kneeled whispering can you keep a secret?

Nodding, Blue looked at Alice. Covering her mouth with the hand, Alice whispered into his ear, drawing a smile on Blues face.