For the umpteenth time, Alice looked through the curtains searching for Shane.  Bette had argued that she probably was still at work, not mentioning anything about what work she suspected Shane was doing, and that she would be home later.  After a brief argument Tina had sent her wife to bed and comforted Alice. 

“She’s fine Alice, if anyone of us could take care of herself it’s Shane.  Besides it is only midnight, not exactly late, come on now let’s go to bed.”  Tina didn’t actually think Shane had done such a great job taking care of herself before, but she did know that she was a survivor so she wasn’t completely lying.

Alice frowned and refused to move from the couch.  “She’s not fine, something is up with her.” 

Trying again, Tina rubbed circles on Alice‘s back.  “You just got out of the hospital and need to rest.  None of us want to see you have to go back there, and Shane would never forgive herself if you got sick because you waited up for her.  Please Al go to bed, get some rest.”

Shaking her head, Alice felt the tears begin to roll down her cheeks.  Why did it hurt so muchworrying about her?  When did she turn into the kind of person that need to know where ever her loved on waswell she wished she was her loved one.  “I’ll go to bed T, just give me a few moments alone. 

Tina nodded and smiled at her best friend.  “Sure honey, if you do see Shane tell her to sleep in the den on the pull out couch, it’s already made up for her.”  She waited for Alice to acknowledge her than turned to go to bed.  There was no way that woman was going to go to bed without seeing Shane tonight, but she had to get some sleep herself. 

That had been an hour ago, and there was still no sign of Shane.  So here Alice stood peering out the window like a crazy woman searching for her best friend.  Pressing her face harder against the glass she noted that there was still no sign of Shane.  Discouraged, Alice began to think of places the brunette might be.  It was unlikely that she had already found a new roommate so she was probably out at a club.

Actually either at a club or getting laid at some stranger’s house as that was the usual pattern .  She could go check at Milk or the other clubs in West Hollywood for her, it really wasn’t that late and she needed to talk to her.  Deciding to go search for the teen, Alice grabbed her keys and jacket and opened the front door. 

There curled into a ball was Shane, smelling like a bottle of booze.  Alice didn’t know rather to be upset or relieved to see her.  Bending down she gently tried to shake the brunette awake.  The pale woman didn’t stir at first and Al began to panic shaking Shane harder.  “Shanewake you ***** up right now or I swear I’m gonna”

“Mmmph.Alstop”

“Shane!  You scared me, come on stand up and I’ll help you to bed.”  Struggling with the weight of the inebriated woman, Alice managed to pull her inside. 

“I have tohave to tellhe said to”  Shane slurred.

“It’s okay honey.  You can tell me tomorrow.” 

“No Altell you nowhave to”  Shane shook her head and tried desperately to sober up enough to tell Alice how she really felt.  At this moment she had no doubts or worries that if she told her true feelings the journalist would either deny her or find out about her past and than deny her. 

Right now the only thing on her mind was what the bar keep had told her., except for the sober up part.  Drunk and feeling brave for the moment Shane gripped Alice‘s shoulders and carefully forced her words out. 

“AlI love you.”  Going pale Shane promptly began to kiss Alice.