Once the stream of tears ceased falling, Dana picked her head up and tried desperately to wipe away any evidence of her breakdown. Turning to look into the back window of the house, she was more then shocked to see Alice standing only a few feet away from her.        

Alice made her way over to Dana’s side and sat down, “I know birthdays are suppose to be depressing and all, but I thought I was the one who was supposed to cry over turning a year older.”

Dana’s eyes were glued to the red, brick walkway a couple of inches in front of her. She wanted to look at Alice, but she was terrified that if she did the tears would start again. “I’m sorry if I’m ruining your party.”

Alice shook her head, “How about we skip the unneeded apologies, and move into the part where you tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Please don’t ask me that.”

“What should I ask when I find you crying?’

Dana finally lifted her eyes to meet Alice’s, “You should walk away, because I don’t deserve to have you care.”

Alice held Dana’s gaze, “I’m not the type to turn my back on the people I care about, even if they do it to me first.”

The tears Dana had feared were now freely gliding down her face, causing Alice to instantly regret her words. “I’m sorry Dana, I didn’t mean to take a shot at you, but sitting here isn’t easy for me. I feel like I’m split down the middle. One part of me is desperate to comfort you, and the other part wants me to run before the pain becomes unbearable.” Alice took a deep breath before continuing, “Kerry told me that the only way I’ll be able to move on is if I forgive you, but how can I forgive something I don’t even understand.”

Dana slowly reached for Alice’s hand, giving the writer enough time to move before she reached her destination, “If you give me the chance I’ll try my best to help you understand why I left.”

Alice put her free hand on top of Dana’s, “I think I would like that, but right now we need to get back inside before the others start to worry.”

Dana shook her head, and helped the blonde up. Before walking inside Dana turned to Alice one last time, “Thank you for having the strength that I lack.”