“You are not fucked up Shane.”

“I was before I met you, remember?”

Bette sighed knowing it was the truth. “Robbie sends his regards, by the way. He shipped out to boot camp yesterday.”

“So he really joined the army then In the middle of a war?” Shane said.

“Can you blame him? He lost his family in that attack Shane, I understand if he feels like he needs to fight,” Bette said.

Shane sighed, “poor Robbie. You know Bette, you have a habit of saving people.”

“What? No I don’t.”

“Oh come on,” Shane said, “first of all, you’re a fire fighter. Your job is to save people. Second, me! You saved me from drugs and crime, and look at me now, all tied up with my ball and chain. You saved Robbie. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn’t spotted him next to that elevator.”

“But I didn’t save Dana.”

“No,” Shane said, “but Dana saved you. You know Bette, sometimes it’s okay to let other people save you.”

________________________________________________________________________

September 11, 2011

West Hollywood, California

Tasha knocked on the door of the house holding the white rose. She rarely delivered these herself, but after the way Bette talked about the woman, Tasha had to send condolences herself.

The door was opened by a beautiful blonde woman. Tasha was speechless for a moment as the woman smiled at her, “hello.”

“Hi,” Tasha managed to say, she cleared her throat before continuing, “my name is Commander Tasha Williams, and I’m here to send my condolences on the passing of your wife in the tragedy of September 11.”

“Thank you,” the woman smiled, “please come in.”

Tasha smiled and followed the woman into the house where she sat on the couch. “My name is Alice Fairbanks, though I go by Alice Piezeki now,” she said sadly. She cleared her throat after a moment of silence and said, “would you like a drink?”

“Uh no,” Tasha said, “thank you. I’ve just come to offer my services if you should need anything.”

“Sure,” Alice beamed, “I always put these on Dana’s grave, every year. I would be honored if you came with me.”

Tasha stood up proudly, “That would be a great honor to me ma’am.”