A single beam of sunlight escaped from between the curtains to wake Dana the following morning. She willed it to go away, she didn’t think it should be sunny outside when she felt so grey inside. Even though it was summer in LA and sun was like popcorn at the movies, always there whether you wanted it or not.  Still with her eyes shut she snuggled Alice closer, able to smell her beautiful scent, a mixture of her shampoo and perfume. Damn she smelt good. She thought back to last night and smiled despite herself.  The wonderful memories from just a few hours ago brought Dana back to why it had been so significant and why that day had planned for her. She once again felt a surge of undying love for the woman in her arms and she vowed to herself to fight with all she had to lie in this bed whenever that would be, together as one, fit and healthy.

Alice shifted slightly in Dana’s arms as she awoke; placing gentle kisses along her girlfriend’s neck that she was snuggled up against.

“mmm morning Al” Dana breathed

Alice stopped, and moved up, giving Dana a proper kiss good morning

“Morning Dane.”  She then scooped Dana into her own arms and held her close.

“Ooh like to dominate now do you?”

“I didn’t hear you complaining last night Fairbanks.” Alice hit back at the taunt with a wink and a light kiss

Dana smiled up at Alice but she had a slightly glazed over look.

Alice studied Dana for a minute, watched her stare into space knowing that she was probably thinking about her treatment.  Alice placed her hand on top of Dana’s tanned one and started tracing her trademark soothing circles with her fingers and kissed the top of her head.

“Come on Dane, lets have a shower and some breakfast.”

Dana clicked out of her trance, giving Alice’s hand a quick squeeze and took a deep breath.

“Ok”

Alice parked close to the door of the cancer centre knowing that Dana might appreciate it later on but knowing she wouldn’t want to let on.  They took the elevator to the radiotherapy department first.  Dana disappeared into a small room to change into a gown and then went through to the treatment room and lay down on the diagnostic couch.  She could see Alice through the perspex window and that made her feel more at ease.  Seven minutes later after a laser beam had been fired radiation towards what had been her right breast Dana was back into the changing area and met Alice outside as they made their way back down to the chemotherapy unit hand in hand.