“I don’t know, it’s just that we blow up at every little thing now. I wanted to be happy for her. God knows that wasn’t her first reaction to my taping of The Look. No Tasha, of course I don’t want you there to support me at what may be my best job opportunity ever.”

“You guys don’t have the best communication skills, do you? This stuff is important, and you should be telling her!” Dana exclaimed, getting exasperated.

“I know, I know. I’m just confused, and scared. I don’t want to move out of here. This place holds memories.. my best memories. Remember the time we…?”

“Yeah.. on the couch? With the..?” Dana replied, grinning widely.

“Yeah! And where will you go if I move out? There’s always times like these where I need your wisdom. You’re like my therapist,” Alice said, her smile disappearing. Maybe that’s what it was all about. Dana’s grin faded too.

“You really like this Clea gal?” Dana asked, forcing herself to not mention the awkwardness and strange accent that came with Clea. She also pursed her mouth when thinking of the twin-like clothing she’d spotted on the two, which reminded her of Tonya.

“Yeah… I guess I’ve just always been waiting for the perfect person since you went away, and I don’t think Tasha will ever be that to me,” Alice finally admitted. The truth was this thought had been going through her head for a while now. She was scared as to what would happen after finally admitting that. Alice watched Dana’s expression, looking for hints on what she was thinking. “Am I just hopeless?”

“No, Al. Maybe you’re right. I’m not sure you two are meant for each other. You’ve been hiding and changing yourself ever since you two got together. This whole trial was making you hide your true self, and you’ve always been out. You don’t act as loud and outrageous anymore. Also, I really can’t remember another time when you were this boring.”

“BORING? What?!” Alice yelled, outraged. She sat up and looked at Dana with a shocked expression.

“Come on, Alice! When’s the last time you went out to a bar, or had some fun smoking pot and hanging out with Shane? I caught your thing on The Look. BORING! Cringe-worthy! Awkward! You’re a funny lady, Al, not some obnoxious host that outs people for ratings. And, that was the strangest flirting I’ve ever watched, with you and Clea. A scooter ride?” Dana asked incredulously, moving out of the way when several hard objects came flying towards her head.

“I am not boring! I couldn’t take Tasha to bars, there was the trial thing! We just had a pot brownie party! They were pushing me to out someone, I had to give in otherwise they’d fire me! I didn’t have anything else!” Alice yelled between throwing things.

“Excuses, excuses, and that party was a while ago. Also, stop dressing so…50’s. Do you even wear t-shirts and jeans out anymore? All I see you in is dresses and strange 50’s hairstyles. Do something crazy with your hair! Dye it pink again!”

“Oh that’d be so lame. You just don’t understand how cool I am. Those clothes are in! Things have changed!” Alice explained fervently.

“Nope. I’ve told you before, don’t argue with my superior wisdom! I know what’s best for you. Always have, always will. If your heart isn’t truly in this relationship, don’t lead Tasha on. You don’t have to move out of here now, but you probably will want to, when you find that perfect girl. Or boy, if you’re still a dirty bisexual,” Dana said, smiling again.

“I’m not really clear on that.. you big lezzie tennis star, you. Thanks Dane. Love you.” Alice said, tears suddenly appearing in her eyes. Dana came over to the couch and sat down near Alice’s legs.

“Love you too.”