“Since I got my friend back,” Dana replied, her tone one of vulnerability. Her answer was greeted by another hug, which both elated Dana and depressed her. Alice, I love you, leave your fiance and come with me – didn’t exactly work.

“How long are you here for?” Alice asked cautiously. “I mean you have that Yardley Tournament this week, don’t you?”

Dana looked at Alice stunned.

“You… How- How did you know that?”

It was now Alice‘s turn to look down at their entangled hands.

“Dane I’ve always watched your tournaments. You know that.” She replied quietly. “Just because we haven’t been as close over the last year or two I wasn’t going to give up on you.”

Any words Dana had were caught in her throat. The love she felt for Alice and the hate she felt for herself collided into one big mess which was killing her. And the idea that she would lose this important person to someone she didn’t even know. Well, it felt like she had been punched over and over again in the stomach.

“I um I-I quit that tournament to come here,” Dana stated in a whisper. When she saw the look of shock on Alice‘s face she quickly tried to explain. “Alice before you say anything it’s only one tournament and being here was a much bigger priority for me.” Because I came to tell you that I can’t live without you. “Because as my friend I want to start putting you first.” As the love of my life I want to start putting you first. “And because I had to congratulate you on this wonderful news.” Which is slowly tearing me apart. “I’m so glad you found your special someone Al.” Even if it means you’ll never be mine completely, I am.