The following day began as many did for the group, morning coffee at the Planet before work although this was a special morning as everyone was well aware it was the last chance they’d hang out with Dana before her operation the following day.  When Dana and Alice arrived, their friends were already there.

“Hey guys” Alice greeted cheerily holding Dana’s hand firmly

“Hey you two, how’s things?” replied Kit who was having a quick chat while things were quiet.

“Good thanks Kit, just gonna have a nice chilled out day before everything gets a bit crazy.” Dana tried to sound positive and sincere but knew it was difficult.

“That’s great baby girl and I’m sure Miss Alice here is taking good care of you.” Kit and Alice exchanged warm smiles as Dana and Alice settled at the table.

The women sat and chatted fairly normally for an hour or so before the reality of everyone’s lives interrupted and they each departed to their various and respective jobs and errands that needed doing.  It ended up that the three that were left were Dana, Alice and Shane who had still not entered into much of the conversation.

“Hey Yoda, what’s up?” Alice asked softly

“Nothing it’s cool.” A predictable answer mumbled from the mouth of Shane

“Al don’t you have to hand in your story soon?” Dana turned as asked Alice with a quick wink

“Oh shit yeh sorry, gonna have to love you and leave you guys.  See you later Shane, pick you up from here in an hour Dane?”

“Cool, yeh.”

With a quick kiss to Dana and a ruffle of Shane’s hair Alice took the hint and left Dana and Shane to have the talk she knew they needed to have.

As soon as Alice left Dana stood up and moved into the seat next to Shane that had until recently been occupied by Carmen.  She reached out and took Shane’s hand in hers.

“Talk to me”

“I can’t”

“Why not?”

“It’s not fair Dane.”

“What isn’t?”

“You need me to be strong, we need to help you out not the other way around.”