No, she sniffs, I didnt think to ask. What am I going to do?

Well figure it out, Dana, I say, looking at Tina and Shane.

Over the next few hours Dana slowly shares with us what she knows about Tonya. We need to come up with a plan. Tina seems to have become a bit agitated. I hope shes not thinking about Bette. This is too much to handle at once.

Listen guys, she says, I have to go take care of something. Alice, you can fill me in on any other plans when I see you. Dana, youll get through this.

Thanks Tina, Dana says to Tina as she stands, that means a lot. I watch as Tina walks out, hoping shell work out her own issues with Bette.

So, guyswe need to come up with a plan. I say after Tinas outside.

I cant right now Al, Dana whines. I just need to go somewhere and think.

I dont think you should be alone right now Dane, Shane tries to tell her.

Shanes right Dana, I agree. Why dont you let me take you to my place? We can talk. I need to talk to her about the kissbut it can waitfirst we get her through one crisisthen we bring on another one. Will I be able to contain myself? I cant take advantage of her in this state. I can do it. Dana needs me to be her friend right nownothing more.

I dont think I can talk anymore, she responds drearily.

Okay, well just sit therebut Shanes rightyou shouldnt be alone right now.

Okay, she relents.

What do you guys think about going out to Milk later. Itll help you loosen up a bit Dana. I think you could use a couple of drinks.

Sure Al. Ill be there, Shane responds as she stands up. I have to go take care of some things right now thoughIll catch you guys later. With that, Shane walks out.

Aaalllliiiiiccccee, Dana says my name in a slow, whiney, sort of way.

Come on Dana. I nudge her to stand up. Im not letting you go off alonewere going back to my place. She surrenders and follows me out.

We arrive at my apartment ten minutes later. As soon as we walk into the living room, she looks at the chart. That damn chart! I wish I never would have come up with it in the first place. Dana, I say, getting her attention, come over and sit on the couch. I put an arm around her back as she turns and walk to the couch. For the next six hours we just sit there in a comfortable silencereading the newspapertogether. I wonder if this is what it would be likewith usif we were together.

To Be Continued