As Alice pulled the car to a stop in front of Danas house, chewing thoughtfully on the inside of her cheek, she wondered how things had gotten so out of hand. How a simple 4am kiss had transformed in to something else entirely? How had the woman who had once been her sanity, the person she could turn to for an objective perspective become the impetus for the behaviors Alice had come to detest in herself?

Baby? That voice, the one Alice loved more than anything in the world, one that was filled with concern, confusion, and (she hoped) love, abruptly pulled her back in to the conversation.

Yeah Dane?

What are you doing? Why are we here?

Well Dana, this is where you live. Remember, cracked Alice, unable to resist sarcasm.

Thanks, Al. I know that. Im just wondering why were here, instead of at your place. You wanna mix things up, Dana said, tousling Alices hair affectionately.

No Sweetie. I think that. Dana looked up at Alice, saw that her beautiful brown eyes had started to well up with tears. Whats wrong babe?

Nothing. I dont know. I justI needtimeto think. Tears started to stream down Alices face. Though she wasnt quite sure where they had come from, she knew that she didnt like it. Alice had never been a fan of letting people see her upset.

Baby, Dana began, reaching over and taking Alice in her arms. Whats up? Softly, she began to stoke the hair on the back of Alices head. Leaning over, she kissed the blonde on her tear-stained cheek

Like I said after the concert, I dont like who Im becoming. And even though its totally not your fault, you are a huge part of why its happening.

Tell me what you need, baby. Why dont you come in, Ill make you some tea, and well figure this out. Alices heart warmed at the look Dana was giving her. She saw Danas blue eyes, the eyes she had come to know as well as her own, eyes that at that moment were filled with tears. Alice reached over, pulling Danas face down to hers. She pressed her lips against Danas, mumbling tenderly through the kiss.

Its just hard. She withdrew, but remained close, leaning her forehead against Danas.

What is, baby? asked Dana, her eyes glistening with tears.

This, began Alice. We got so close so fast. Im not sure if it was because you were with Tonya, or because weve been friends for years, or what. But youre-were-this Alice trailed off. Uncharacteristically, the journalist was at a loss for words.

I know. It scares me too, Al, replied Dana, reassuringly. But maybe things are going so quickly because theyre right. Maybe thats whats supposed to happen. Alice was shocked at how the tables had turned. Normally, she was the confident one, the one who knew all the answers. Dana was the shy one, the scared one. Yet here Dana was, doing and saying everything she thought she needed to say to make Alice feel better.

Dana, I know that things are right. At least I think I know. But that doesnt mean we dont need to discuss things. We need to figure out where we stand. And I need to figure out why Im acting like this.

Ok baby. Come in, well figure it out.

Dana, no. Thats not going to fix anything. I need to go home, alone. I need to try and figure this out without you. Because if I keep acting like this, Im going to drive you away, and that would kill me.

Al. Dana trailed off. Youre wonderful, you know that?

Yeah, I know, Alice said softly. But Im not me right now. Or at least, not a me that I like. She looked at Dana, wondering how she had possibly gotten so lucky.

Youre sure you dont want to come in? Last chance, Dana said, trying to lighten the mood.

Im sure baby. But coffee? Tomorrow?

Planet? Noon-ish?

Sounds good. See you then. Alice watched Dana open the car door, unfold her lean limbs, and walk up the driveway. She signaled, pulled out in to the street, and began the drive home, lost in thought. Suddenly her cell phone started ringing.

Whats up?

Al, its Dana

I know, silly. Caller ID, remember?

Oh yeah. Anyway, whats up doll?

Nothing. I just realized that I never told you how beautiful you looked tonight The tears in Alices eyes started to spill over. She didnt wipe them away, but let them trickle slowly down her cheeks. Alone, she knew how to cry.

Thanks Dane. You did too

Al?

Yeah?

I love you. So much. I know I dont tell you nearly enough, but I do.

I love you too Dana. Ill see you tomorrow Alice put down the phone, took a deep breath and continued driving. She looked at the clock. 2:30. That gave her less than ten hours to figure out what she wanted.