“Wow, Tash congratulations uh is your new home closer or farther away?”

“Does anybody want another drink, “Shane says. “How about you Al?” Shane says as she also knew about Tasha moving to Italy from Max.

“No, thanks Shane I’m good.”

Angelica looks at Tasha.

“No, actually………..”

Standing up, “Hey everyone raise your glasses and let’s make a toast to Tasha and Italy may all your wishes and dreams come true.”

Everyone is cheering and toasting including Alice.

Alice with her glass still raised, “Cheers to Tasha and Italy, “she says smiling. Once the words left her mouth what she said started to sink in and her smile slowly begins to fade from her face. Everyone at the table including Tasha noticed it.

Looking at Tasha, “You’re moving to Italy?”

“Yes.”

Trying to conceal her disappointment and tears, “Uhmmm so when should we expect you to come back home?”

“I won’t be coming back.”

Alice breathing begins to hitch and she had to advert her graze from Tashas.

With her head bowed down, “You’re going to be working there?”

“Yes, I got a really good job opportunity and decided to take it, “Tasha says somberly.

Everyone seeing Alice reaction feels for her they knew once she found out about Tasha moving that it would be hard for her to accept.

“So when do you leave a month or three months from now?”

“Alice can we talk in private about this?”

“No, apparently it seems like I’m the last one to know about you moving to Italy so when are you leaving?”

“Alice please——.”

Looking at her with tears in her eyes, “When are you leaving Tash?”

Tasha taking a deep breath, “The day after tomorrow.”

Everyone at the table remained silent. Alice felt like all of the air in her body had been knocked out of her. She felt herself begin to hyper ventilate and begin grasping for air.

“Hey Alice are okay, “Shane says.

“No—-I can’t—–I can’t breathe, “Alice says.

Running by her side, “Alice hey look at me are you okay, “Tasha asked.

“No, I’m not I need some fresh air, “Alice says trying to stand up.

“Al let me help you——,”Tasha says grabbing her arm to help her up.

Pulling her arm away, “No—-you’ve done enough, “Alice says with tears streaming down her face. “Shane and Helena can you help me outside please?”