Alice finally pulled into the drive way at their home. She was in an even worse mood due to the traffic. She cursed at five different drivers on the way home. She felt a little bad about the old woman she screamed at. But if the old biddy would have gotten out of her way, she wouldnt have had to scream at her, would she?

She walked into their house and was overcome with the memories. They bought the house about three years ago. It was a few blocks in one direction form Bette and few in the other from Shane.

She dropped her laptop and bag down on the couch and walked over to the mantle. She picked up the frame sitting in the center. She got lost remembering the first day time that she and Dana saw the house.

~~~~~~
Dana was driving the mini, after lots of arguing with Alice, on the way to meet the realtor. Alice was playing with the radio, unable to stay on one channel.

Hon, Dana said while reaching for Alices hand, could you just find one song. Please. Youre hurting my head. Its too early and we didnt stop for coffee.

Well if you had let me drive, I wouldnt have to play with the radio, would I? Alice said playfully. Leaning over and kissing Dana on the cheek. Dana blushed.

It amazed her that Alice still had that affect on her. They had been together for a little over two years now. It hasnt always been easy. Dana worried it would end. That Alice would realize that she could do better. But whenever she got nervous she would look at the way Alice was around her and the way Alice looked at her and she would feel safe. At least for the moment. Alice, it runs out, was actually a bigger control freak than Bette. That was a shock to Dana. Alice just wasnt good at letting anyone help her. Dana loved her so much, she wanted to help with the little things, even if she couldnt help with the bigger ones. But Alice was Alice and had to do it on her own. They definitely had their ups and downs, but Dana was happier than she had ever been. They laughed together, grew together, loved together, cried together and lets not forget about the *****!! Who knew ***** could be that good. Even two years later, Dana didnt mind showing up late for practice if it meant she got to feel Alice.

Al, are you sure were ready for a house? I mean, its huge. Its a 30 year commitment! Not that I dont love you or want to be with you, but were ready?

Sweetie, I dont want you to regret this. If you have any doubts, we can wait. Youre still in your condo, Im still in my apartment, though I never see it. My lease is up in a couple of months, I thought you wanted to live together. If you want to wait, I can renew my lease, at least for a few months.

Dana suddenly pulled to the side of the road. Whats wrong Dane? Why did we stop?

Look over there. Two houses up on the right. See it? The little Victorian, with the wrap around porch?

Yeah, I see it, but hon, were going to be late.

No, Al. You dont get it. Thats it. Right there. That house. Thats our future. Dana was out of the car walking up the sidewalk. Alice got out of the car running to catch up with her.

Dane, what are you talking about? We have an appointment in less than ten minutes.

Al, look at it. Its us. Its perfect!!! I can see us inside that front window. It looks like the dining room. I can just see us there around the table, at dinner, with our family. Cant you see it? She reached for Alices hand and took it in her own and brought it to her lips. Its our future.

Dana, it looks like a great house. But two minutes ago you were questioning if we were ready for this? What changed?

I saw the house and saw you and it fit. Im done questioning. Havent you ever just seen something and known? Since when do I need to convince you of spontaneity? Al, theres even a for sale sign. Cant we jut go look? Alice looked over at her girlfriend and her heart just melted. Dana looked so excited, so sweet. Of course we can, Dane. If you think this the place, we need to check it out. She leaned in kissed Dana softly and grabbed her hand to walk to the front door.

They left the house an hour later with a verbal agreement on the sale. The mortgage and closing were all done inside of 45 days and they were in their new house. They spent their first night in the house alone, without furniture even. The movers were coming the next day. They came to the house with a blanket, pillows, wine, candles and music. They christened every room in the house, some twice.

Alice woke up tangled in Dana. She smiled as she realized there was no way she was moving without waking her beautiful girlfriend up. Their limbs were too entwined. She just watched her sleep.

I dont know how I ever got this lucky. My God, look at her, shes beautiful, sweet and kind and caring and she loves me. I never thought I would feel this good. I didnt know it was possible to feel this good. Every day, she reminds me of how good I have it just by being there.

Alice gently ran her fingers over Danas cheek. Not to wake her, just to feel her. Dana, still in sleep just moaned softly while digging he head further into Alices body. Alice kept stroking her face and let her hands run down to Danas neck. Dana started to wake. Smiling. Good morning sweetheart

Good morning to you too beautiful. She said, leaning in kissing Dana. At first it was soft, but it quickly grew. After a few minutes, they broke away to catch their breath. Dana was smiling Wow, well thats a nice way to start the day. What was that for?

I just wanted to say good morning and I love you and thank you in one breath.

Well, that was one ***** of a breath. Good morning and I love you too. But Al, what are you thanking me for?

Alice sat up, bit her lips and looked down. She still got shy when she opened up. Im waking up in the arms of the woman I love, in house that well have our life in. And well, I didnt think it would ever really happen for me. You know Im like a huge romantic. But not necessarily for me. I just never thought Id have a life like this. With someone I know loves me, who I love, that will make me happy, without even trying. Thats what Im thanking you for Ms. Fairbanks for being the person of my dreams who lives in my reality.

Alice, I love you. I will always be here. I will always do whatever I can to make you happy, forever. Dana pulled Alice to her and just held her.


~~~~~~~
Staring at the picture of the two of them on the blanket that first night made her laugh. Half of Alice was cut off. They put the camera on the mantel and tried to take a picture on auto. It didnt work. But it was still her favorite picture of them.

Talking out loud to herself, Alice started cursing. *****. Forever, huh? Dana you said forever. Do you remember? I believed you that morning, the world was perfect. We were here. Waking up together for the first time. Why? Why wasnt I enough for you? How could I have fixed this? *****, I cant handle this. Pull yourself together Pieszecki. You have a deadline and an interview to keep you job tomorrow. You cant sit here and feel sorry for yourself. Tomorrow, you can feel like *****. Today, you need to get this work done and you only have three hours before you need to leave. So deal.

She gently put the frame back in it s place and rubbed her fingers lightly over its image. She turned around, wiping the tears form her eye and saw her.

Dana was leaning in the doorway with tears in her eyes.


tbc