After what seemed like hours of sweat, tears, and adrenaline the lock gave away and the door fell open.  She whimpered and fell to the floor of the empty warehouse.  Tired and weak she struggled to her feet and began to make her way to the outside.  Forcing her feet to move quicker, adrenaline pushed her into a run, her legs carrying her out of the warehouse and into the fresh air.  The natural light hit her, and she stumbled slightly, but still she moved not wanting to stopshe couldnt stopif she stopped she may not be able to move againthan he could catch her. 

She never turned her head back, and her feet burned from slapping on the pavement. Her breathing was rapid and ragged, her chest aching.  She continued to run toward the noise of cars, climbing a small mound of dirt before stumbling and rolling down the other side and into a wet swampy ditch near the highway. Cars continued to zip by, and she used the last of her energy to pull herself toward the road, praying someone would stop to help her.  She managed to get most of her body out of the ditch when she was overcome by exhaustion and fatigue pulling her into darkness.          

Alice had heard the cries in the living room, and rushed in to see Shane thrashing and moaning on the couch.  She quickly grabbed Shanes hand and began to talk to Shane in a soothing voice.

Shhhits okayyoure safe now Shane the nightmares have been coming more frequently since Shane had returned home the last few days.  Shane refused to talk about it, and Alice never pressed the issue with her, which wasnt like Alice at all.  She always needed to know everything about everyone, but something kept her from pushing Shane.  Shanehoneywake up  She began to smooth back Shanes dark hair, and slowly the young woman went still and her breathing slowed.  Shanewakes up hon

Shane stirred at the soft voice; she forced her body away from the cold ditch to the soft warm couch.  She managed to open her eyes and looked into Alices affectionate face. 

Hey kidgood to have you back in the land of the living  Alice grinned at Shane, and squeezed her hand.  No more Chinese after 11:00 from now on you got that?!  She giggled trying to lighten the mood, and not draw attention to Shanes pale face, or the tears rolling down Shanes cheeks.  What you do get in a fight with an egg roll, because I was kicking some major ***** in mine! 

Shane smiled up at Alice, grateful that the blonde never forced information out of her.  She would never understand, or forgive her if she knew about her past, and she was working on a new life nowa new family.  I beat the egg roll, but the sweet n sour pork wasnt fighting fair!   Shane eased herself up in the couch, and wiped her face.

Alice smiled back, tempted to breach the subject of the dream.  She looked at Shane, and saw the fear on her face, as if she was anticipating the barrage of questions Alice was ready to fling at her.  Alice sighed and pulled Shane into a hug.  Shaneif you ever want to talk aboutyour fight with takeoutIm here, and I wont judge youI love you, and so does Tina and Bette.  Alice pulled Shane in tighter when she felt the younger woman tense up, she slowly released her and sat back holding onto Shanes hands.  Alsowe will continue to fatten you upif you had muscles like mine than you could have easily taken out the sweet n sour pork!