Previously”

Uh, Tonya, listen, I think I remember she has a tennis match in Chicago this week. Thats probably where she is. She shuts out everyone when shes playing, so I wouldnt worry. Shell call when she either wins the whole thing or is eliminated. I speak the words as they pop into my head and turn to look at Dana. Her head is up focusing a steely glare in my direction. A match, she mouths. I shrug my shoulders before speaking to Tonya again, listen Tonya, I have to go.

Oh, okay, she doesnt sound as disappointed at Danas disappearance as I would be. Youll call me if you hear anything though?

Sure, I agree. Bye. I hang up the phone and resume my seat in front of Dana. We have GOT to do something about this Dana. Shes living at your place and you wont even go back there.

I knowI know, her reply, a familiar one, is simple and to the point.

Chapter 13″

Dana and I finish our coffee, dancing around the giant elephant in the corner. Neither one of us wants to break the silence to speak of the uncertainty in our livesor our lifetogether.if we have one. I stand up and place my cup in the sink then turn to take Danas. She hands me her still half-filled cup and rises in front of me. Her eyes are still blood shot, but she looks to be mostly recovered from the headache.

Wanna watch TV, I ask her.

Sure, the answer is a bit melancholy, whats on?

I think that movie that Sleepless in Seattle refers to all the time., I describe the movienot knowing the name, the one where two people meet and the top of the Empire State Building.

You mean An Affair to Remember? Her response is slightly jokingslightly condescending.but all Dana.

She sits on the end of the couch in front of the TV. Should I sit next to her? I dont think I can watch this kind of movie sitting that close to her and not want to touch her. I take my seat at the other end of the couchleaving a three foot gap between us. As the movie plays, I cant help but notice her out of the corner of my eye.and more than once, Ive found myself looking directly at her. She looks so content right now.I wish I could make her feel that way all the time. Shes been so torn and twisted these past few days it cant stand it. My heart flutters at the sight of a single tear streaming down her cheek. She must be crying at the movieshes always so emotional when it comes to things like this. My attention is diverted from Dana as Tina sits between us. Yeah, this is what I needa barrier.I could feel myself about to move to Dana.