Shhh. Bette placed a finger over her lips as she glanced behind her at Tina, using her free hand to point to a snoring Alice and lightly dozing Shane.

Tina nodded in return, and together they took a seat next to Shane, who was napping while sitting straight up, her head lolled over onto her shoulder and her right hand threaded in Alices hair. Setting Alice and Shanes coffees down on the table in front of them, Tina whispered to Bette, Well, I guess getting these for them was unnecessary.

Bette slowly sipped from her own cup, blanching visibly at the taste. At least it gave us something to do. I hate just waiting.

Tina took a small gulp of her coffee, which had a taste equivalent with that of used motor oil. Opening and closing her mouth several times, she made a face and set the cup down to join the other two. We have four hours. What do we do?

Bette glanced down at her watch to see that Tina was right: it was five in the morning. Just noting the time made Bette yawn. I guess we try and get some sleep. In a few hours well go to The Planet and get some real coffee.

Nodding agreeably, Tina snuggled as close to Bette as the uncomfortable waiting room chairs would allow, laying her head on her shoulder. Bette smiled faintly and leaned her head on Tinas, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. Within minutes they had both fallen into an uneasy, fitful sleep.

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

Shane jerked upright with a start, startled as she heard a loud voice yelling, Wheres my baby?

Alice jumped beside her, nearly toppling off the chairs she had stretched across. What the *****? she mumbled sleepily, her hair sticking out in all different directions and red lines on her face from her jacket.

Swiping a hand across her tired eyes, Shane looked up to see Sharon Fairbanks rushing into the waiting room, followed by her husband and son.

Alice stood up, stretching, as she glanced at her watch. Five minutes until visiting hours begin. Her heart began to pound, as she grew nervous at the thought of seeing an injured Dana, and how shed react to the fact that she might never walk again. This was a scenario Alice wasnt sure she was prepared to handle. Mrs. Fairbanks, Mr. Fairbanks. Hi. She glanced over at Howie, seeing his bloodshot eyes and blank stare. Hi, Howie. How are you? He merely shrugged, looking shell-shocked as his puffy eyes darted away from her. Alice knew he was devastated. Dana was his role model, and he looked up to his big sister more than even she herself realized. The two were close, despite all the teasing, and as a matter of fact, until recently, Howie had been the first and only family member Dana had come out to.

Mrs. Fairbanks dabbed at her eye with a tissue. Can we see her now?

I think so. Theyve moved her to a regular room by now, I think, but well just have to ask the nurse where, Alice replied, noticing Tina and Bette coming into the room with a bag and several to-go cups of coffee from The Planet.

Seeing them, Shane muttered, Thank God. Caffeine.

Alice found out the room number from one of the nurses and led the ragtag crew to Danas room. Pausing outside the door for a moment, she took a deep breath and glanced over at Shane, who smiled encouragingly. Alice pushed open the door before she could change her mind.

Dana lay in the bed, the back elevated slightly, her normally tanned face pale and covered with bruises, cuts, and dried blood. Small shards of glass littered the sheets and floor around her. Her eyes slowly opened as the group shuffled into the room. Clearing her throat and appearing slightly confused, Dana looked around the room. She noticed where she was, and her face fell.

Oh, sweetheart, are you okay? Mrs. Fairbanks gasped out, running to Dana and hugging her.

Dana winced. Yes, Mom, Im fine. Considering my life is ruined, anyway.

Alice cringed at Danas last comment, watching as Mr. Fairbanks gingerly hugged his daughter. Howie stepped forward almost reluctantly, tears shining in his eyes, staring down at his sister. Danas face softened as she held her arms out to her little brother. He barely hugged her, as if he were afraid he might break her.

Leaning over and carefully hugging Danas upper body, Alice closed her eyes and pressed her face into Danas shoulder, feeling her friends warm skin through the thin hospital gown. Shane, Tina, and Bette soon followed suit, each of them hugging Dana as if she were so fragile she were about to break any second, a fact Dana didnt fail to notice, but didnt mention.

Mrs. Fairbanks sat in the chair beside Danas bed, leaving everyone else to stand as she took her daughters hand. Are you feeling all right, dear? Are they treating you well here? Because we can put you in a better hospital, you know.

Im just fine, Dana replied dully, scratching absently at a large cut on her right cheek.

Dana, weve been really worried. Were so glad to see youre okay, Mr. Fairbanks put in over his wifes shoulder. Dana just grunted, while Howie continued looking at the floor.

Mrs. Fairbanks was searching in her purse for something. We talked to our pastor this morning, because we felt we needed a little guidance and motivation, she began. Alice fought back a moan. She hated it when Danas parents started talking religion: it was often hard to shut them up. Anyway, he wanted us to remind you to keep the faith and pray. Keep that in mind, all of you. The power of prayer is boundless. Mrs. Fairbanks found what she was searching for, pulling a small gold cross on a chain out of her purse and pressing it into Danas hand. Keep the faith, Dana, and God will see you through.

Dana held the necklace in her hand, feeling the cool metal against her fingertips. ***** your faith, she said coldly, throwing the necklace to the floor. And ***** your God, too.

Howie looked up, startled, a little half-smile suddenly appearing on his face for an instant. As quickly as it appeared, it was gone. Mrs. Fairbanks laid a hand to her chest in shock, while Mr. Fairbanks looked outraged as he scooped the necklace up in his fist. Alice had to fight the urge to laugh. She could see Shane doing the same, while Bette and Tina just looked surprised.

Now you listen here, young lady, Mr. Fairbanks began.

No, you listen to me. I dont want you spouting this ***** at me right now. I dont want to hear your religious babble, or anything else you might choose to try and make me listen to. I just want you to worry about me for once, Dana responded angrily, crossing her arms over her chest.

Mrs. Fairbanks cleared her throat and looked about awkwardly. Well, Dana, it is certainly nice to know youre doing well. Its probably best for us to go now. We love you, honey. Dana simply nodded as Mrs. Fairbanks leaned over and kissed her on her cheek. Well be back soon, dear. Politely saying goodbye to everyone, they headed for the door.

Mr. Fairbanks turned back to see Howie hadnt moved. Come along, son.

No, Howie said defiantly, not bothering to look at his father.

Mrs. Fairbanks stopped in her tracks. What?

Im staying here, Howie said quietly, moving to sit in the chair beside his sister.

Dont worry. Ill take care of him, Alice stepped in quickly, hurrying to walk them out, hoping to avoid any more conflict. The couple agreed, leaving their youngest child in Alices hands, something that under normal circumstances might not be the best idea.

Mrs. Fairbanks stopped Alice in the hallway and looked at her seriously. Tell me, is my daughter still running around and participating in that – that lifestyle?

Alice gulped nervously. Yes, you could say that.

Shaking her head, Mrs. Fairbanks stared into Alices eyes intently. I didnt want to believe it, but it may be true. Our pastor says the Lord does things for a reason, and he punishes that which needs to be punished. He says Dana has been living in sin, and this is her retribution.

Uncomfortable, Alice took a step back. Well, I dont know about that –

Mrs. Fairbanks laid a hand on Alices shoulder. I didnt want to believe it, either. Im beginning to believe it may be true. Keep an eye on my daughter, and keep what I told you in mind. Things happen for a reason.

Alice watched her walk away as her head pounded. She knew Danas parents really loved her, but they were disappointed with her. They didnt understand Dana, and people were afraid of what they didnt understand, therefore, they did what they could to come to terms with it. In Mrs. Fairbankss case, she often used religion, or tried to set Dana up on dates. But Alice felt this was a new low, for Mrs. Fairbanks to even consider the insane idea some pastor had put into her mind about Danas accident happening because she was *****. Shaking her head in disbelief, she reentered the room.

A nurse walked in behind her with a plate of food and a cup. Ms. Fairbanks, heres your breakfast. Eat up, she said brightly, depositing the items in front of Dana and leaving the room.

Dana lifted the top of the tray to reveal rubbery scrambled eggs and a bowl of pale, watery chicken broth. In the cup was orange juice.

Shane leaned over and poked at the eggs, watching as the entire thing seemed to jiggle and bounce on the plate. Soft foods, huh?

Pushing the food away with a sigh, Dana said, Yeah, liquids and soft foods. My teeth are all loose and some are broken. I very well will lose some of them and have to get fake ones later. But Im not eating that garbage.
With a smile, Bette presented Dana with a bag and a cup. Were here to the rescue. Marina sent this over. Its your usual coffee and a special omelet and cup of chicken soup without the noodles.

Dana peered inside the bag. I cant eat this. Im training – she trailed off, her eyes clouding over. With a bitter laugh, she said, Well, I suppose I can eat whatever I want now, huh?

Tina glanced over to see Howie appeared to have dozed off in the chair next to his sister. She had to smile a little at the sight, especially at the idea that Danas little brother was so devoted to her under the surface. Kit sends her love, and Tim and Jenny are thinking of you. They said theyll try to be by later.

Sipping her coffee slowly, wincing at the pain the hot liquid caused her teeth, Dana shrugged. It doesnt matter.

Shane pushed the bag of food back closer to Dana. Eat.

Im not really hungry, Dana said, pushing the bag back.

Pushing the bag back toward Dana once more, Shane leaned close to her. I said eat. You havent eaten since yesterday. Starving yourself will do you no good.

With a sigh, Dana began to slowly eat. Within minutes, she was hungrily chewing as fast as her injured mouth would allow, proving to the others how hungry she really had been.

Alice looked around discreetly before removing her earring from her ear. Maneuvering herself at the foot of Danas bed, she glanced down at her friends bare foot poking out from under the sheets. Using the sharp end of the earring, she poked the sole of Danas foot gently. When she got no reaction, she poked harder. Still no reaction. Reality dawning over her, she poked Danas big toe hard enough to draw a small drop of blood. Looking up, she saw Bette watching her with raised eyebrows in silent question. Her eyes full of tears, Alice shook her head, turning around quickly to face the small sink and put her earring back in while she composed herself.

Finishing her food, Dana struggled to get comfortable. Tina watched her thoughtfully, before asking, Dane, do you want us to call Lara?

Her eyebrows drew together sharply, an ugly sight considering the long gash across her left eyebrow. No. I dont want her to see me, Dana told her.

You may not want to see her, but Ill bet she wants to see you, Bette put in.

No, you didnt listen to me. I said that I dont want her to see me, Dana said, her voice hard. Turning her head away, her voice cracking, she added, Not like this. Not now.

If you dont mind my asking, why not? Tina said gently.

Dana stared at her intently. Because of what I did to her. For some crazy reason, she loved me, and I broke up with her for no reason. She must hate me now, and I dont want her to see me like this. She raked a hand through her dirty, knotted hair. And then she’ll see I got what was coming to me.

Dana, this didnt happen because of what went on with you and Lara, Shane interjected quickly.

You dont know that, Dana said sharply. Maybe this is what I deserve. Alice, I heard what my mom told you in the hallway. I dont believe that ***** about this happening because Im *****, but maybe some things do happen for a reason. This is my punishment for hurting Lara.

Alice traced a tile on the floor with her toe nervously. Dane, thats not true.

Dana shook her head stubbornly. You think what you want to, and Ill do the same. Picking up the television remote, moving it about so she could pull the cord farther from the bed, she pushed it into Howies upper arm, waking him. Here, How, you can find something on TV.

Dana leaned back for a moment before her face took on a sudden look of alarm. I dont feel so well.

Bette stepped forward, pushing Danas hair out of her face, trying to avoid the cuts. Whats wrong, honey?

Dana had grown paler, and small beads of sweat were running down her forehead. I think Im going to throw up. Oh God, Im gonna puke!

Thinking quickly, Tina grabbed a spare bedpan from by the sink and held it for Dana. Bette helped hold Danas thin upper body up enough so that she could reach it. Tina shuddered as Dana vomited into the bedpan, but stayed where she was, holding the bed pan with one hand and holding back Danas hair with the other, speaking to her in soft, motherly tones.

Howie was turning quite green himself and quickly left the room, Shane following behind him to check on him. Alice moved quickly to the window, staring down at the parking lot below, trying to block out the sounds of her best friend getting sick.

Um, should we get a doctor? You seem to be throwing up blood, Tina asked, beginning to worry.

Dana fell back against the bed, her nose running and eyes watering. No, they said it might happen. I swallowed a lot of blood last night, and I had internal bleeding.

Alice, needing to do something to keep herself from feeling useless, quickly gave Dana a cold washcloth and a cup of water. Dana mumbled her thanks and threw back the water before laying her head against the pillow with the washcloth covering her eyes.

Shane came back into the room with a reluctant Howie behind her. All clear?

Bette, whod called the nurse to dispose of the messy bedpan, nodded. Howie visibly relaxed. Bette turned to Dana. Kit, Marina, Tim, and Jenny have all planned to come by later, but only if it’s okay with you.

Dana shrugged. It doesnt matter if they come. I dont know if I feel like seeing anyone else.

Alice was startled and looked at Dana, wishing her eyes werent covered so she could make eye contact while they spoke. Why not? Theyre your friends, and they want to see you.

Dana didnt move for a moment, and Alice almost thought shed fallen asleep, so she was startled when Dana replied. Im just not in the mood, okay? Youd feel bitchy, too, if you were a useless cripple.

Tina laid a hand on Danas arm just below a stitched gash. Dana, thats not true.

You dont know. You have no idea what its like to be me, or what its like to suddenly have your whole world fucked up and turned upside down like this. Forgive me if Im not taking this so well, Dana said harshly, pulling her arm away.

Tina looked hurt, and Bette put a consoling arm around her. Hearing the pause and perhaps sensing shed hurt Tina, Dana softened some. Im sorry. Things are just hard right now. Why dont you guys go home and take a nap, maybe take a shower, and get something to eat. Then you can come back later, and bring anyone else you want to.

Shane looked reluctant. Are you sure?

Dana removed the washcloth from her face. Ill be fine. Ive got How to keep me company, right, bro? she said, smiling faintly at her little brother, who attempted to smile back.

Alice hesitated, and then realized they all needed to do the things Dana had mentioned, or theyd physically be a mess. Okay, Dane. Well be back shortly.

Sure thing, Dana replied with a smile that didnt quite reach her eyes.

A young, attractive nurse bounced into the room, nearly bumping into Bette. Im going to need you guys to clear the room for a moment, because its time for Ms. Fairbankss sponge bath.

Whoa, what do I gotta do to get one of those? Howie muttered without thinking as he watched the nurses shapely behind while she filled a basin with soapy water.

Yeah, no kidding, Shane agreed quietly.

To the gift shop with you, young man, Alice said decisively as she cuffed Howie in the shoulder, diverting his attention from the nurse.

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

Alice grabbed Shanes arm once they had gotten down the hall from Danas room and out of hearing distance from her. Shane, this is horrible.

Tina and Bette walked over, and Tina gave her a pained look. I know. Shes so angry, and she’s pushing everyone away.

Bette shook her head regretfully. Ive never seen her act like this.

Rubbing at her sleep-heavy lids, Shane replied, Weve never seen her act like this because this isnt Dana; not the one we know and love. That Dana, in essence, died last night, and shes been replaced with a cold, empty shell that is nothing like the old Dana.

Nodding, Alice said, Youre right. I suppose we cant blame her, though, because it must be so hard to deal with this. She’d better be glad we love her, because she could easily push any other person right out of her life. Do you think theres any way to bring the old Dana back?

Its going to take a lot of patience and effort from all of us. Only time will tell, Tina realized, and they all looked at each other solemnly.