Alice sat in her car, staring at the digital clock. 11:43. The numbers blinked a fluorescent green, seeming to taunt her. *****. Why am I so early, she asked herself, running a hand through her messy blonde hair. The truth was, Alice had been sitting in her car, in that very spot, since just after ten. She had spent the night driving, listening to music, and letting her thoughts run. That was a habit she had acquired early in her twenties. She would fill her car with gas, drive aimlessly until the gas light came on, and then refuel and head home. A knock on the Minis window interrupted her thoughts. Al? What are you doing in there? Alice looked out the window. It was Dana. She smiled to herself, noticing that the athlete was wearing her workout clothes. Alice remembered a conversation she and Dana had had when they were still trying to fight their mutual attraction, a conversation in which Alice had forbidden Dana from coming to the Planet immediately after working out, confessing that she thought it was hot when Dana was sweaty and her veins were popping. I was waiting for you. I got here a little early, but I didnt want to go in yet. Alice said, opening the car door. Oh. Well, uhm, Shane and Bette and everyone are in there. So Dana trailed off, staring at Alice, searching her face for clues. Would you mind if we went somewhere else then? Weve got some stuff to talk about, and it might be easier without everyone around. Sure Al. But whats going on? You kind of freaked out on me last night. Just some stuff. Get in the car, ok? said Alice, closing the car door. Dana walked around to the passenger side and got in to the car. Sitting down, she leaned towards Alice. Hi, she said softly, leaning in for a kiss. Hungrily, she ran her fingers through Alices hair, holding her close, trying to memorize Alices scent, her taste, the rhythm of her tongue. After a moment, Alice broke the kiss. Leaning back in her seat, she looked at Dana and asked, Ok. Where to? I dont know, Al. I have no idea whats going on here. All I know is that you wanted me to meet you. I did. Balls in your court. Dana was shocked at the sharpness of her own words. Alice shrank back in her seat, visibly wounded by her girlfriends rough tone. I. she trailed off, looking helplessly at Dana. Dana was immediately filled with a rush of remorse. Its ok Al. Im just.confused, maybe even a little scared. You sounded so serious last night, and. She looked at the blonde sitting in the drivers seat. Her voice fell, almost to a whisper. I dont want to lose you, Alice. Alice looked ahead, her eyes focused on the road. She signaled, pulled in to traffic, and sighed. A silence fell over the car, the tension almost palpable. A moment later, Dana broke the silence. So, she said, making a conscious attempt to sound lighthearted. Whats the deal with Shane and Carmen? I dont know, replied Alice, playing along with Danas attempts to lighten the mood. I think theyre dating. But thats against the code, said Dana, cracking a smile. Well, said Alice thoughtfully. I guess if its right, the rules dont matter. She turned and looked at Dana, her eyes telling the stories her lips kept a secret. Dana reached over and took hold of Alices hand. She lifted it to her lips, and tenderly kissed the blondes fingers. A cool breeze blew through the open windows of the car. Dana leaned her head back and sighed. She didnt know where they were headed or what would happen when they got there, but for the moment, all was right with the world. TBC