Alice, why do you have a Bible on your shelf? Shane asked as she found a book shoved back beyond all the others in the bookcase.

Thats Danas. Alice replied as she joined Shane. Taking it off the shelf and opening it up, Shane caught a picture before it fell to the ground. Alice looked at it over Shanes shoulder. Neither said a word but glanced at each other, both squinting in a silent question.

Hey, Dana? Alice called out.

Whats up? Dana peeked in the living room, leaving Bette and Tina to finish cooking in the kitchen. They had been persuaded by the others to cook dinner for them. It was a meal they used to cook when the gang would hang out at their house on a casual Sunday afternoon or Saturday night. Even though Bette and Tina werent extremely pleased with having to work together on something, they agreed, knowing it meant a great deal to their friends who wanted to be reminded of happy times. Dana helped with the preparations with them as well, initiating conversation and keeping things running smoothly. When she left the kitchen to join the others in the next room, her presence was missed by Bette and Tina who worked silently side by side as the tension built.

Who is this? Shane asked as she pointed to a large balding man in the photo. He was standing next to Dana, smiling. His cheeks were round and bright red and perspiration was forming on his forehead. He clenched a black Bible in his hand, pressed against his chest. It was similar to the book in Shanes hand.

Dana blushed in embarrassment. Oh… thats who gave me that Bible.

Im confused… why is your Bible at Alices? Shane asked.

Go ahead, tell her. Alice challenged Dana, raising an eyebrow. And tell me who that man is next to you in the picture, too.

Well.. Dana stammered. You see… when Alice and I were dating several years ago-

Wait, you guys dated? Shane asked, looking from woman to woman.

Err… yes. Alice said.

For how long?

Can we just stay on topic? Alice asked. She looked at Shane who gave her a look that Alice recognized as someone persisting in more information. Ok, weve been dating off and on ever since you left. Its long and complicated, but we arent together now. Ok? Now Dana, please continue.

Is Dana telling a story? Bette asked as she walked into the room with a bottle of wine and glasses in hand. I want to hear it.

Me too. Tina said as she brought out a salad. But dont start until we finish bringing out all the dinner.

Bette and Tina seemed to fall back into their old roles of hostesses and caregivers to the group as they ran all around fixing things and arranging the food. Finally they sat down with their friends and told everyone to dig in.

This is an informal dinner. Pass the food around and sit back on the couch and relax. Tina said. Nobody objected to the old way of doing things. They relaxed and enjoyed the food and conversation.

Ok, Dana, whats up with that bald man in the picture? Alice asked.

Dana glared at Alice who smirked across the coffee table. Shane looked from Alice to Dana in disbelief at how they acted like an old married couple. How had she missed all the obvious signs that they had a past together?

Yeah, spill it tennis pro. Tina laughed, looking at the picture again.

The Bibles from Danas Im going to be straight and Ive found religion stage. Alice said. She dumped me because after a long weekend with her parents, she decided she was going to be straight. Her mother recommended this revival at some Baptist church outside of Bel Air, so she went. Im only assuming thats what the photos from.

It is. Dana said.

***



… and Jesus belongs in your heart. He wants to be in your heart! His word is clear…For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son… did you hear that folks? He gave his only son to save a world full of sinners, like you! The round faced Reverend spit as he spoke heatedly to the auditorium full of people at the packed church. But it didnt stop there. He went on to say, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. All you have to do is believe and youll have security in heaven.

Dana sat among the crowd near the back with her mom and wearing a scarf over her head so she wouldnt be recognized. She listened to the man for most of the time, though she found herself angry at a lot of the things he professed as Gods truth. Her mother let out small amens and nods of approval at some of the key points. She often glanced over at her daughter to see if anything was sinking in.

… and do you know what those sins are? The sins that separate us from Jesus? Desires of the flesh eat away at those who turn their backs on the Lord. The homosexuals are full of selfishness and pride. They fall into lustfull desires and act in perverse ways that anger our God. But they dont stop there. They try to corrupt the lives of our innocent children, promoting acceptance of their evil ways. Do you think the Lord will tolerate this much longer?

Dana dared roll her eyes and tune out the rest of the message, avoiding too much more anger. She wanted to be straight after visiting her parents a couple weeks ago. They urged her to reflect on her actions and pursue a new lifestyle. They claimed her life was embarrassing to them to their friends and family. They said they wanted a normal daughter. Dana, sick of hiding in the closet so much and living in fear of betrayal, decided to quit it all. She told her parents she was ready to change. Then her mother thought it would be good for her to go to a night of the revival with her. After being dragged to the church, Dana found it strangely convenient that the Reverend was talking about homosexuality.

When the sermon was over, Dana tried to make a break for the exit, but her mom grabbed hold of her and dragged her to the front of the church. Terrified of being recognized, Dana kept her head down and tripped over several people along the way, letting out many Im sorrys to the front. The Reverend greeted Danas mom in a jovial manner and thanked her for coming. She introduced Dana.

This is my daughter, Dana, Reverend. She recently gave up her homosexual lifestyle and is now making the right choices in life.

Well, well, well… praise the Lord! Jesus works in mighty ways and nothing is too big for him. Thank you for coming and I hope you found the message insightful and uplifting.

Yeah… thanks. Dana said, avoiding his smiles.

Let me get a picture of you two so that Dana can always remember this day. Danas mom said, taking a camera out of her purse.

Dana sighed and stood next to him as the flash went off.

Take this Bible, Dana. May Gods truth fill you anew every day. The Reverend handed the book to Dana.

Dana and her mother left after a few more minutes and Dana raced for the car through the packed parking lot. She drove her mom home, keeping quiet for most of the ride. Her mind wandered and after the anger faded a little from the sermon, she felt hurt by the words that stabbed at her insides. She realized he was wrong. There was nothing wrong with her being who she was made to be. She didnt believe God could make mistakes and she held onto the belief that being ***** was ok. After her mom was out of the car, she ended up driving to Alices. She hadnt seen her since she broke up with her after her declaration of being straight. Nerves eating at her stomach, her heart dropped when Alice answered the door.

Dana? Alice looked shocked.

Hi. Dana said.

Hi? Thats it? Why are you here, Dana?

Im sorry. Dana began. Can I come in?

Fine, but dont get comfortable. Alice replied as Dana followed her onto the couch in the living room.

Im sorry for breaking up with you. I was wrong. So wrong.

Are you still the straight tennis pro? Alice oozed sarcasm.

No, Im sorry. I dont know why I thought I could be straight. Im *****.

Duh! What changed your mind?

I went to this revival tonight with my mom and realized there are a lot of mean and cruel people in the world.

You went to a revival?

Yes… dont ask about it, please. Just know that it made me want to tell all ***** people that they are ok and nothing is wrong with them, no matter what people say.

Whats that in your hand? Alice asked as she pointed to Danas Bible.

The Reverend gave me this Bible. I dont want it.

So you thought youd give it to me? Alice asked. I dont want it.

Ill throw it away. Dana stood to put it in the trash but Alice stopped her.

Dont throw it away! Geez, Dana. Put it on my shelf. You never know when it might come in handy.

Dana shrugged her shoulders and stuffed it behind some of the other books before returning to the couch.

Anyway, I just stopped by to say I was sorry, thats all. Dana said. I made a mistake. I hope you can forgive me.

Dana stood up again and headed towards the door. Alice ran after her and grabbed her hand. Wait, Dana. Stay. Please.

Looking into Alices eyes, Dana decided to stay and see if things could be worked out with Alice. If the past proved true, then they would make up in record time, as they had done several times before. As they talked and smiled on the couch, a reconnection happened again. Neither denied it. Alice admired Danas sudden change in life and declaration of open sexuality while Dana loved Alices forgiving attitude. Both found comfort and admiration in the other in new ways that night. As the evening progressed, they found themselves wrapped in a blanket naked, cushioned by the couch.

Im so glad Im ***** again. Dana said as she let out a sigh.

Alice laughed and said, Me too.


***



And thats it. Dana said, shrugging her shoulders.

You didnt have to tell them the ending. Alice said, embarrassed at Danas honesty about their make up *****.

Shane, Tina and Bette laughed. We didnt mind hearing some of the details. We missed out on many years. Shane said.

You didnt miss too much. Alice muttered.

Oh, I think we missed more than youre willing to admit. Tina replied, looking from Alice to Dana.

Oh yeah? Alice began. How much did I miss? She asked as she glanced from Tina to Bette.

Shane let out a loud laugh and said, Wow… let the games begin, huh ladies?