“Wow, Tash that’s really amazing!”

“Thanks.”

There was a pause in their conversation for a brief moment as Tasha went over in her head what she wanted to say next.

“I don’t know what your plans are but you’re more than welcome to stay here for as long as you like.”

“Thanks Tash—–I don’t know either but what I do know is that I’m not ready to confront Clea just yet mainly because I’m still scared.”

“I know I could see the fear on your face when I opened the door what happened if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I thought you didn’t want to know, “Alice says in a teasing manner.

“I do it was the first thing I wanted to ask you when I first saw your face but didn’t because I didn’t think you felt comfortable opening up to me.”

“I feel more than comfortable, ”Alice says staring lovingly at Tasha.

Tasha smiles back at her.

“I was upset about what happened at Kits party and when we got home she wanted to have sex and I wasn’t in the mood. She got angry, I slept in the guest bedroom, a few hours later I was awaken with her hands around my throat,” Alice says beginning to tear up.

“The anger she has for me she took it out on you,” Tasha says trying not to cry herself.

“Tash, don’t say it like that it’s not your fault.”

“Al can I be honest with you?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve always been a person who has been harder on myself than anyone else so when you say I’m not to blame for the beatings you have taken I’m struggling with believing that.”

“Tasha look at me, ”Alice says putting down her soup.

Tasha looking down looks up and meets Alice gaze.

“It’s not your fault—–,”she says reaching over and wrapping her arms around her neck. “My face is a result of my bad decision not yours I really need for you to understand that.”

Pulling away from her, “Al, when we were together we had our ups and down but never in a million years did it ever cross my mind to bring you any harm.”

“I know Tash—–I know, “Alice says reaching up and wiping the single tear that fell from Tashas eye.