Just then, as Alice was trying to get her carefully pricked ear closer into the window, she lost her footing.  The crash could be heard for blocks as the cans ‘bowling ball pin’d’ across the alley, forcing Alice to quickly recover, escaping only to the short lived exile of Dana’s house.  Back firmly pressed against the siding, Alice didn’t move a muscle.  Once she heard the window close shut with a forceful slam, she attempted to retrieve her now scattered perch.

Inside, Lara had returned to the couch.  “Promise me, Dana.  Promise me you’ll make an appointment first thing in the morning.  Dana folded her arms tightly across her chest and nodded in agreement.   A small grin fell across her face; not the kind of grin that suggested sarcasm or concealed happiness, but the kind that was finally acknowledging what was the right thing to do.  “I promise.”

Alice‘s cell phone began to ring as she hopped into her pearl/black Mini.  Looking down at the caller ID, she rolled her eyes once “Philanderer” began flashing in bright, neon blue and “Toxic,” by Brittany Spears, filled the car.  “Yes, Bette?”

Bette: – “Are you babysitting tonight?   Because you told us you were and Tina’s getting nervous that you’ll pull a “no show,” again.”

Alice: – “When did I ever pull a no”

Just then, Alice spotted Dana kissing Lara goodbye in the driveway.  Sinking down low in her seat, she whispered, “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

Bette: – (Looking at her watch) “Oh, well, technically you have another couple of hours.  Besides, the social worker is stopping by to check out the house and make sure everything is in order, so take your time.  In fact, Alice, I’d prefer you took your time.  Alice, take your time.”

Alice‘s mouth was hung open as she concentrated on the ***** spectacle unfolding before her.  “Uh huh,” was all she could muster as she slammed her phone shut, allowing it to fall to the floor.  Without taking her eyes away, she reached down and started the Mini.  She watched as Lara drove off, and Dana got into the drivers side of her car.  “Well, well, what do we have here?  Outta milk, Dana?  Isn’t surprising considering you had a “kid” pulling on your breast all night.”