Ignoring Alice’s comment, Tina continued her inquiry, “Do you see it getting serious at some point?”

Alice thought about the question for a few moments, “Maybe, but I just don’t think I have the strength to do the whole love thing again.” Letting her eyes fall to the cement, Alice continued her explanation. “When Dana left me I realized that I’m just not the type of person who someone loves forever. I’m more like the short, fun relationship that gets you ready for the real thing, and sure that kind of sucks, but sometimes you just got to be happy with what you got.”

Tina stopped in her tracks, her eyes followed Alice’s figure as the blonde continued walking for a few steps before noticing Tina was no longer by her side.

Alice quickly backtracked, “What’s wrong?”

Tina reached out and grabbed Alice by her arms, pulling the blonde into a tight hug. After letting go, she looked Alice straight in the eye, making sure the blonde saw how serious she was, “You are the most loving person I have ever met, and I don’t know why you think you aren’t worthy of finding someone who will cherish you for the rest of your life, but that notion you have floating around in that head of yours is ridiculous.”

“It’s not a big deal, Tee. Some people are made for long term relationships and some aren’t.”

Tina looked at the writer as though she was seeing her for the first time, “Alice, I know that things ended badly with you and Dana, but one relationship should not completely shape how you see yourself.”

Alice almost laughed at Tina’s assumption that Dana was the only reason she came to her conclusion, “Trust me when I say Dana may weigh in heavily on my decision, but that does not mean she’s the only reason.” Beginning to feel uncomfortable with the conversation, Alice looked down at her watch, “Oh shit, I told Kerry I would be at her house over thirty minutes ago. I better get going, Tee. I’ll give you a call later.”

Tina watched as her once confident friend walked across the park. She was left wondering if Alice had always seen herself in such a negative light, and if she had, why her friends never noticed.