After the realization of what could have happened, of what almost happened, Serena flew to New York without a second thought. Her place was beside Evan; her heart needed her. The reunion wasn’t as satisfying as Serena had hoped with everyone crammed in the hospital room… and still shortly after Evan’s return home. Around the clock visitors prevented Serena from loving Evan the way she wanted. The way she craved…. but Serena didn’t whine. She waited.

*****

“I think a trip is needed,” Tina declared to the girls sitting around their usual table at The Planet.

“A what?” Bette asked looking up from her fruit plate.

“A trip. A family trip. We need to get away from the city. You’re overworked. Evan is still healing…”

“Where is she anyway?” Alice interrupted sipping her espresso.

“With Dr. Rawlings,” Bette answered.

“How’s that going?” from Shane.

“It’s a slow process,” a pause, “She’s still having nightmares. But don’t say that I told you,” Bette quickly protected herself.

“Why not?” Dana asked.

“She doesn’t like to talk about it,” Tina explained.

“Not even to you?” Alice followed up.

“She’s talking to somebody, that’s all that matters,” Bette mumbled.

Alice spied Bette’s expression over her coffee cup.

“So this vacation thing?” Shane asked Tina changing the subject.

“I thought we could rent a cabin and go camping.”

“IF you stay in a cabin, is that camping?” Dana asked innocently.

Shane smiled.

“Technically no, Dane. But I’ve haven’t gone in a while and Bette’s never been and I’m sure would love it.”

“Good thing she’s the exact opposite of Bette,” Alice laughed.

“What is that suppose to mean?” Bette asked her best friend with a hint of anger.

“Nothing negative, Bette. Sheesh.”

“What Al means is that you’re not exactly the camping type. Getting dirty, sleeping on the ground.” Shane explained.

“You’re not , babe,” Tina agreed.

The gang waited and watched as Bette’s face eased into a smile.

“So when is thing going happen?” Alice asked.

“As soon as you gt the time off,” Tina informed the group.

“What?” Shane choked on her coffee.

“I thought we could make it a family thing,” Tina confessed.

The table grew quiet.

“C’mon guys,” Tina pleaded.

“We can do this… Shane, Al,” Dana directed to them, “for Evan.”