CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Get it off!…Get it off of me Dana squeals going limp as the monkeys tail strokes her shoulders. What do these things eat anyway? She asks horrified.
Shane shrugs. Anything I guess
Anything! She stares up and panics even more when she cant see the monkey. Whats it doing. Please Al get it off of me
A tall man with sunglasses and a toothpaste smile goes up to Dana, holding one arm out, his free hand clutching a banana, the monkey climbs from Danas shoulders onto the mans arm grabbing the banana and unpeeling it greedily. He likes you The man says his accent undetectable.
The feelings not mutual Dana tells him staring warily at the monkey. The man chuckles gently placing the monkey onto the ground, staring fondly at it as it makes a run for the trees.
My names Brett He informs her holding out his hand. She shakes it, and frowns when he holds onto her hand even when she tries to pull it away.
Dana Dana answers reluctantly.
I just moved here right from Sydney He explains grinning, concentrating solely on Dana.
Ok
Do you like monkeys? He asks but continues without Danas answer. You may find it interesting to know that this wildlife sanctuary is home to about a thousand green monkeys. Now originally they came from Gambia, but about 350 years ago they emigrated to Barbados He goes on stepping closer to Dana as he speaks.
That is…
Not interesting Alice buts in. And a little advice Brett, if youre going to chat somebody up a) dont start up a conversion about monkeys, and b) dont chat up a ***** Alice informs him curtly. Bretts brow creases in confusion as he looks at Alice. Alice leans in a little. Especially not a ***** whose already taken She adds her voice dropping an octave. Bretts gaze wanders from Alice to Dana a complete look of confusion on his face. Christ do I have to spell it out for you? She grabs Dana by the face kissing her passionately. Danas arms go limp by her sides and it seems like if Alice released her hold on her then shed fall like a dead weight to the ground.
Brett gulps glancing around him. He spots an old aged couple and walks over to them quickly. Sir, Madam. You may find it interesting to know…
Alice laughs, an arm clutching Danas waist. Do you think he knows shes taken aswell?
You could always go and tell him Shane teases, surprisingly not paying much attention to Alice and Danas obvious embrace. Well Im going to take a look in the gift shop. Did you see the blonde at the cash register? She wolf whistles walking backwards and grinning at us. Later guys
I dont like it here, when do we get to go? Dana moans.
We all look to the left where Marina and Jenny are hugging and giggling as they take pictures of a baby monkey. Oh its so cute. Isnt it cute? Jenny gushes. Marina nods kissing Jenny on the cheek.
Its beautiful She whispers looking at Jenny with adoration.
Tina sighs. We cant go yet She sits down on a bench slipping her feet out of her sandals and rubbing them. I sit down next to her, my arm instinctively draping around the back of her.
Just give them a little longer I agree, massaging the back of Ts neck. She groans with pleasure, and I smile. Your a little tense. Remind me to work those kinks out later on Tina giggles.
Im going to go get an ice cream. You want one Dane?
Sure
Ill come with you. You want something baby? Tina asks.
Whatever your having Tina stands up squeezing my knee and then walking off with Alice. Im watching her retreating figure, and it feels corny but Im thinking about how much I hate to see her go, but I really do love to watch her leave. Its all about the *****, and in that small cotton skirt even the monkeys are leering at her.
The holidays end is creeping uncomfortably close. I dont want it to end. I really dont want it to end. But I know that when it does, Tina and I are going to be just fine. I sneak a peek at Dana, whose transfixed by Alices ever fading shadow. I wonder if shes worrying about what happens between Alice and her when we go home. So Dana begins nervously, hunching her shoulders together. Monkeys huh? I never knew theyd be so…close you know? I nod. And uh…do you think Im good enough for Alice? She spits it out like it hurts her to keep it to herself any longer.
I dont have one single doubt that you are
Its just…Im worried that maybe one day shell realise what a geek I am and then I wont even get to have her as a friend
Dana I think she really likes you. And I think that you two were made for each other. If Alice didnt really want you then she would never have told you anything. It wouldnt have been worth it
I guess so She glances down at her hands. It just all seems so weird. Jenny and Marina, Al and me
Love definitely seems to be in the air Dana blushes.
You and Tina seem to be happy
We are I confirm.
Youre so good at all that romantic *****. The holiday, and the boat, and the flowers. I wouldnt have a clue what to do for Alice
You dont have to do anything. Dana you need to realise Alice just isn’t something you can fail at. Once you see how much she cares for you thats when youll know what to do for Alice
Do what now? Alice asks, seating herself beside Dana. Two dripping ice cream cones in her hands. She licks the melting ice cream from off of the cone and hands it to Dana.
I brought you chocolate Tina says sitting down on my lap. I thought you might like something sweet
I take a lick of the ice cream T is holding. Oh your plenty sweet enough for me
Alice eats her ice cream oblivious to Danas meek gaze. Slowly, without looking at Alice, she places her hand ontop of Alices, gulping as she waits for her reaction. A part of me is as nervous as Dana, although looking at her pained expression I might be exaggerating. Its ok Dana Alice whispers, stroking Danas hand comfortingly. You can touch me Dana breathes a sigh of relief.
I…I know