Kit was frowning as she studied her instructions. What? Is she crazy? Have you read this? she asked Ivan.

Its a small sacrifice to help make them happy, Ivan reminded her.

Whatever. Gag me with a spoon, Dana muttered as she scanned her sheet of paper.

I think it sounds kind of romantic, Lara put in.

Well, lets get to work, I suppose, Tim said, standing up.

Shane stared at him. Dude, those roses have thorns.

Wed just better wear gloves and be careful. Come on, Shane, dont be a party pooper, Tim said with a smile.

Why do we have to pull all of these rose petals off individually? Couldnt we have been able to buy plain petals already off the flower? Dana whined.

Not on such short notice, Lara replied.

This is gonna suck, Shane muttered.

Yeah, but not as much as having to put up with Bette complaining and moping around over Tina, Kit realized, hopping up to get to work.

*********************************************

Bette scratched through a line on the sheet of paper viciously, nearly ripping a hole through the paper. I cant do this!

Alice glared at her. Do you want your woman back? Besides, I cant believe I gave you all day and all you could come up with was Tina. Wheres your creativity?

I wasnt born with any, Bette grumbled.

Yes, you were. Youre just not trying. Now write.

Bette stared at the paper, her tongue sticking out between her lips as she struggled to put her feelings into coherent sentences.

Id better go back in there and supervise, Alice said.

Good idea. You go do that, Bette mumbled, doodling on the paper.

*********************************************

Later, when the first phase of The Plan had been carried out to Alices satisfaction, she assembled everyone together. Okay, I have an announcement. Everyone go to The Planet. Dana, you drag Tina there,

Why? Dana questioned.

Yeah, seriously. I just want to go home and soak my hands, Shane added, rubbing her sore hands, several small thorn pricks evident.

Dont ask why, just do it. Youll see. Besides, Marina and Jenny just got back into town and are there. We should go see them and welcome them back. Oh, and Kit, I need to talk to you before you go. Alice turned to Bette. Got your poem?