They both understood this was a large step for Alice, she was suggesting going out after dark, plus buying groceries which would require her to go back and forth from the car after dark. Dana knew she would be there for Alice, they would take these first steps together.

Tonight she would crash on Alice’s couch but tomorrow they have to start sleeping at their own place. Dana sighed and took a quick glance at her phone, she would keep it with her at all times just in case Alice needs to talk.

Dana watched Alice gathered up her things so they could go out that evening, thinking how she did hope that one day she and Alice would go back to sleeping together but she wanted it in a different way. She hope one day after both of them were secure enough she could tell Alice how she felt and maybe the two could move on to a different type of relationship. But now was not the time. She knew with Alice being vulnerable she might be able to push the issue of a relationship but this wasn’t how she wanted Alice, she wanted her whole and well. So she would help Alice recover in hopes of a future.


TIME PASSES

Over the next few months things did start to go back to normal. Alice started going out at night with her friends. She didn’t go to bars or clubs, everyone knew it would take her a while to work up to that, if ever.

Both Alice and Dana continued with their therapy with Jacq, both ladies finding the therapy helpful not only because of the assault but also for other issue the two were beginning to address.

Alice wrote her article, which was considered by most her best work. It was serious and hard hitting. Plus by sharing hers and Dana’s story it brought both compassion and a personal touch to the story.

The two men to this day have not been caught. All Alice and Dana could hope for was that one day justice would catch up with them. But they couldn’t live in fear anymore, they needed to move on with their lives.

TBC

Guys, sorry for such a long delay. Serious writers block. I have one more chapter left in this story. Hopefully it won’t be two weeks like this chapter.

Thanks Jac for all your help, I probably would not have finished this with out your help and encouragement.

Once again guys thanks for coming along on this long ride. Deb