Dana entered The Planet, Alice right behind her.

Wait, Dane, theres something I didnt tell you earlier about – Alice began, just as Lucy broke loose from the table and ran to Dana, jumping up on her.

Dana jumped back in surprise. Is that a dog?

No, its a mouse, Alice replied sarcastically. Meet your new niece, Lucy Porter-Kennard.

Kennard-Porter, Bette corrected helpfully.

Whatever, Alice said, sitting down.

No, thats not a dog, thats our daughter, Tina stressed.

Shane exhaled and looked at the ceiling. If you say so.

You guys just dont understand, pets are kids, Dana told her, smiling at Tina.

Alice reached into her purse, pulling out the rubber replica *****. Here, I got her a chew toy.

Shane chuckled at the sight, earning a look from Alice.

Now she wont chew up your shoes, Bette, Alice insisted.

Wait, is that what I think it is? Bette asked, leaning forward.

Dont ask, Alice told her, shaking her head quickly.

We cant have our daughter chewing on that. Its vulgar, Tina protested.

No, its not. Look, she loves it, Alice said, pointing at Lucy lying at her feet, happily gnawing at the fake *****.

She likes *****, just like her two moms, Dana quipped, causing everyone to laugh.

You know, Marina seems really down lately, Alice observed, watching Marina work behind the counter. She just hasnt been the same since Jenny went back to Keeblerville.

Danas brow wrinkled. Keeblerville? Thats the name of the place where shes from?

Shane snickered as Alice tried to explain. No, doofus. Im just talking about how Jenny kind of looks a little bit like an elf from certain angles. A really big-eyed elf.

Elf? What? Dana looked confused.

Keebler, you know, like as in Keebler Elves, Tina tried to explain.

But wheres Keeblerville? Dana asked.

Forget it, Dane, Alice told her with a sigh.

But Dana protested.

Forget it, Dana! Bette, Tina, Shane, and Alice all said in unison. Lucy let out a small yip in apparent agreement.

Dana leaned back, slightly hurt, sipping her coffee to hide it. Tina smiled at her sympathetically.

You guys, we should cheer her up! Alice said suddenly.

Bette looked startled at the outburst. Who, Dana?

No, dummy, Marina! Alice informed her.

How? Shane asked.

Alice leaned back thoughtfully, forming a tent with her fingers under her chin. Ive got it! she said a moment later. Marina Day!

Marina Day? Tina said, looking bewildered.

Dana silently thought to herself that she was glad Tina asked it, because Dana had been thinking the same thing but was sure the others would tease her for not knowing.

Yeah, Marina Day! A day devoted totally to Marina. Well have a big party and wait on her hand and foot, and stuff like that, Alice said, leaning forward with her elbows on the table, getting excited.

They all looked up as the door to The Planet flew open noisily. Tonya stood in the doorway, scanning the room.

Gack! Dana squeaked out, sliding down in her chair.

Spotting the gang at their table, Tonya began to march over.

Shane and Alice both set down their cups quickly and began to rise.

Tonya strode toward them determinedly, but was stopped in her tracks when Marina intercepted her.

Move, *****, Tonya hissed.

Marina stared at her imposingly. You need to leave, she said icily.

Tonya stared up at her, preparing to retort, but thought better of it as she noticed the look in Marinas eyes. With a sneer, she turned on her heel and stomped toward the door. She turned around before leaving, shouting, This isnt over yet, Dana! You know you still want me! Having said that, she flounced out, slamming the door behind her.

Dana peered over the edge of the table. Is she gone yet?

Get out from under that table, you wuss! You have the fastest backhand in all of womens tennis and youre scared of a lightweight like Tonya? Alice scolded her in disgust.

She is a cat killer, Shane conceded.

You have the fastest backhand in womens tennis? Wow, Im impressed! Tina said.

Thanks, Dana said brightly, climbing out from under the table, banging her head on the table, nearly toppling it. Everyone grabbed their coffee cups to keep them upright. Lucy let out a little bark, glad that she didnt have to share her floor space anymore.

Are you okay? asked a concerned voice at her elbow.

Im fine. Thanks, Marina, Dana said warmly.

Marina leaned down to pet Lucy, allowing the puppy to kiss her face. Is that a ***** in her mouth?

Bette told her, Its a long story, Im sure. She glanced at Alice and Shane as she said so.

Marina looked at the two of them and nodded understandingly before heading back to the counter.

Dana turned to Alice. Alright, Im definitely in.

Shane stretched as she said, Yeah, me, too. Marinas worth it.

So, Marina Day is on? Alice asked, and everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Cool. Lets meet tomorrow to discuss the details. Bring anybody that you think can help.

I can call Lara and see if she wants to cook something, Dana offered.

Alice grunted, feeling a flare of jealousy. And Ill give Kit a call and get her in on this.

*********************************************

Tim hurried into The Planet, slightly out of breath. His car had broken down about a block away and when it had stubbornly refused to start, hed jogged the rest of the way. He wanted to make sure he caught Marina before she left.

As he walked nervously to the counter, he noticed Alice, Shane, Dana, Bette, and Tina sitting at a table. At their feet was a puppy who was chewing what looked to suspiciously like one of those rubber vaginas you could buy at a ***** shop. Not that Tim knew that for sure or anything.

Bette brightened when she saw him. Tim! Why dont you stop by tomorrow? Weve got a scheme going here that you might want to help with.

Tim grinned at them. Sure.

Marina had looked up at the sound of his voice.

He cleared his throat. Um, did Kit tell you I stopped by?

Marina nodded and said simply, My office?

Tim nodded, and together they went back to the office to talk.

Marina eyed him before saying, Tim, wait. Before you say anything, I have something to say first. Im sorry for what I did to you.

Tim shuffled his feet, at a loss for words. WellJenny was involved, too.

Marina sighed. I know, but I never should have pursued her.

Tim met her gaze. Did you love her?

Marina paused. I still do.

Tim nodded. I could tell. Im sorry, too, for my own behavior. I threatened you. *****, I almost got violent with you. A man should never lay a hand on a woman.

Marina smiled and lifted her chin. I am capable of defending myself, Tim.

Tim laughed at that. Im sure you are. He drew in a breath, before offering his hand to her. Think we can try to be something like friends? No bad blood between us?

Marina shook his hand solemnly, and then surprised him by pulling him into a brief hug. Friends.

Tim stepped back and cocked his head, studying her. You really miss her, dont you? More than I do, he said softly.

Marina looked away, but not before Tim noticed the tears shining unshed in her eyes. I do.

Shell come back, somehow, when shes ready, Tim guessed. Well, Id better go. I have to get home and call a tow truck. My car broke down again and I couldnt get a signal on my cell phone, so I had to walk here.

Im sorry to hear that.

Yeah, second time this week.

Did you need a ride?

No, Ive got one, Tim replied.

Marina eyed him and smiled. A woman?

Tim reddened. Um, yes, actually.

Marina nodded. Good for you, Tim.

*********************************************

Alice was just taking a big bit of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when there was a knock at the door. She jumped up, causing jelly to squirt out and drip down her chin. Wiping it off as best she could, she hurried to the door to find a UPS worker outside the door.

Alice Pieszecki? he asked, butchering the pronunciation of her last name.

Alice winced but didnt even bother to correct him. Yeah, thats me.

This is for you, he said, holding a box out to her and laying a clipboard on top of it, indicating for her to sign.

She did so, noting, I dont remember ordering anything.

The man shrugged. Dont ask me, I just make the deliveries.

Alice thanked him and took the heavy box inside, feeling very curious. She impatiently ripped into it with a pair of scissors, revealing an expensive laptop computer and various equipment and accessories.

What in the world? They must have sent this here by mistake, Alice muttered, shifting through the box, searching for an invoice. Finding it, she pulled it out, scattering Styrofoam peanuts all over the floor.

The invoice had Alice listed as the recipient, but the information about the person who purchased it was not there. Instead, the word gift was in its place. At the bottom of the invoice was a heading that said, A Note to the Receiver. Typed under it was this note:

Alice-

Your humor and personality has brightened my days when I feel bad. Never change. You are a perfect friend the way you are. Dont be afraid to fight for your own happinessno matter who it is.

Love,

…Youll figure it out eventually.

Alice dropped the invoice back into the box, watching it land on top of thousands of dollars worth of state of the art computer equipment. HER computer equipment.

*********************************************

Bette was lying on the couch, Tina on top of her, head laid on Bettes chest and arm draped over her stomach, while Lucy was curled up sleeping on Bettes feet, waking up occasionally to bite her toes.

Tina sighed happily. This is so cozy.

Bette grimaced as Lucy suddenly latched onto her big toe before drifting back to sleep. You could say that.

Just imagine if we had a little baby with us, Tina said wistfully. You know, besides Lucy.

Bette glanced down at the top of Tinas head. Sounds like youre thinking about it.

Tina turned her head so she could look into Bettes dark eyes. I think were ready. Forget the trial run. Weve been ready. Weve just been avoiding it.

Bette stared at her. Are you serious? Are you ready to try again?

Tina smiled and lazily stroked Bettes cheek. Yes. More than ever.

Were going to have a baby, Bette agreed, sounding excited.

Tina frowned. Another baby, she chided, pointing at Lucy, who was drooling on Bettes foot and snoring quietly.

Bette grinned, not even minding the slobber much. Okay, a human baby. But what about a donor?

Well find one, Tina said with certainty, snuggling close to Bette.