Alice sat in the back of the Planet. She looked around and picked up her cup. She took a drink of her tea and licked her lips. She pushed her glasses up and scratched her head. She looked up and saw Lara walking through the place. She smiled slightly, and Lara smiled. Lara grabbed the chair and pulled it out. She sat down and scooted up to the table.

“I’m glad that we could meet. I didn’t think I would see you again.” Lara laughed softly.

Alice pushed a tuft of hair out of her face. “I know it’s been a long time.”  She looked around, and Lara interlaced her fingers.

“Al, I know that we’re both going through a lot. We’re still grieving over Dana’s death, someone that we both loved deeply. I know you’re taking it harder than me because you were there for her in the end. You were there to take care of her. I just ran away and went off to Paris. I just feel like that I needed to be here for her, but I wasn’t. It was a huge mistake, and I can’t forgive myself.”

Alice reached over and grabbed Lara’s hand. “Don’t blame yourself, it’s not your fault. We both knew that it wasn’t Dana’s time, but God said it was. We know that she is now in a better place, and I know she would want both of us to be happy. I just can’t fight myself out of my depression state.” She laughed softly and looked down.

“Alice, there’s so much that I need to tell you.” Alice looked up. “I know that what happened between us was out of pain and grieve. But I want something more from you. I want to know what you’re feeling, and what you’re thinking. I want to be with someone that I know I can be happy with and tell her about the pain or the problems I’m going through. I want that person to be you Alice. I want to be with you. I don’t want our relationship to be based upon sex. I want us to be together and become friends and lovers. I just want to know if this is what you want.” Alice sat there and let the whole thing that Lara said sink in. She took a deep breath and looked into Lara’s eyes.