Good. Shane said.

Really? I mean you really think its a good idea? Alice had been the last one to leave Bette and Tina at the Planet and when she left she had caught sight of Lara one more time before she had walked out the door. This sighting had prompted her to become nervous about seeing Dana that night. She was scared that she and Dana would start moving too fast again and that she would scare her off again. So she was thinking of calling off the whole thing. Which had led her here to talk to the only person that she could think of who might know what to do.

Yeah, Al. Why wouldnt it be a good idea? Shane tilted her head on Alices lap so that she was staring up into Alices eyes.

I dont know. I justIm afraid Im losing her. Alice said quietly. Shane sat up and looked at her friend, seeing and hearing for the first time exactly how much Alice was in love with Dana. If she chooses Lara, I dont-

Ok, Al, heres my advice. Shane interrupted Alice, not willing to listen to her doubt herself. First, cut this ***** about choosing. Youre her best friend shes already chosen you. Second, shes as scared as you are. And finally, when all your stuff is settled, no matter who she ends up with, she will still be Dana. Shell still be the goofy girl that needs you as much as you need her.

But she doesnt. Alice confessed. She doesnt need me anymore. Alice looked down at her hands trying to think of a way to explain herself when she saw the are-you-kidding look that Shane was giving her. OK, You know that Dana was kind of a project to me when I first met her. I mean she was such a geek right? And I feltbad, for her. You know not in a pity kinda way. Just in a way where I wanted her to be herself. I wanted her to be comfortable with who she was. Alice paused thought for a second. Ok and honestly I wanted her to stop looking like such a nerdy straight girl. She added as an afterthought and Shane let out a slight chuckle at Alice being Alice, and then watched as Alice shifted back into serious mode. But, nowShes like this big star. And she has professionals to tell her what to wear and what to say and, like, she goes places and people trip over themselves to do things for her. And what does she need me for, because shes finally there. Shes grown into this amazing woman and who the ***** am I to think that Im good enough for Dana Fairbanks. Alice finished, saying Danas name with an almost sarcastic reverence. She doesnt even wear sundresses anymore. Alice joked dejectedly when Shane didnt answer her right away.