Alice was a bundle of nerves and she entered the building with a million thoughts going through her mind as the entered the elevator but she had seen enough episodes of ER, House and Grey’s Anatomy to know what an oncologist was.

“Fuck” she said as the elevator doors closed.  Not to anyone in particular, just the world in general.

She followed Dr Shapiro’s instructions to his office and found him talking to his secretary when she arrived.

“Hi, you must be Alice?”

Alice nodded, she didn’t trust her voice.

“Dana is in there, she asked me to give her some space until you arrived.  I’ll give you two a few minutes alone while I collect her scans and I’ll explain everything to you both then. Ok?”

Another nod and Alice moved toward the door of the doctor’s office.

Dana just sat on the couch, transfixed with two thoughts. Alice and how much she loved her and the fear that she might be forced to leave her once more. She didn’t hear the door open or aware of anyone’s presence until a familiar hand touched hers and an even more familiar scent wafted through her body.  Dana turned her head to see Alice sitting next to her of the couch, holding her hand, a film of tears misty her eyes slightly.

“Al.” Dana croaked

Alice put her finger to Dana’s lips to silence her.

“No, we will talk this through later, right now we’re going to listen to the doctor. All you need to know is I love you, that I always have and always will love you and that we’re going to get through this together.”

Dana smiled a watery smile and as the embraced, Dr Shapiro re-entered the room.

An hour later Dana and Alice emerged from the front door of the LA Medical Centre, both of their lives changed forever but walking to Alice’s car with their arms around each others waists, keeping themselves together.  It was advanced stage three ductal carcinoma with recommended treatment including a mastectomy and ten cycles of chemotherapy with possible radiotherapy after that.

“Home?” Alice asked

Dana just nodded, her mind already into overdrive. Who she’d have to tell, what would happen with her tennis, her sponsors, her commitments.