“The crowds were getting a little too much for me I guess,” Alice said quietly, looking at Shane quickly, only to return her gaze to Dana not seconds later. Shane draped her arm over Alice‘s shoulder, and felt Alice rest her head on her.

“She’s really lucky to have you Al,” Shane said as they both watched Dana dance with Lara, the cake having been taken away to be cut up.

“No. I’m the lucky one,” Alice replied quietly.

“Let’s just say you’re both lucky and call it even?” Shane took another sip of her beer. “One day it will all work out Al.”

“You think? As much as I hope Shane, sometimes… sometimes it just doesn’t seem like it will. Then again, having her as my best friend is better than nothing right?”

Shane looked down at Alice who was still staring at Dana. She heard the small tinge of desperation in her voice, mixed with hope and fear and vulnerability. She needed to be assured that it would all work out, regardless of the truth. Even if it were a lie, it was what Alice needed right now to keep going.

“It is Al. It is,” Shane replied as she held Alice tighter.

The night went on in similar fashion, ending in the early hours of the morning. Everyone had had a fantastic time, to the point where Alice had been given a number of opportunities to organise similar functions in LA. Eventually the only people left in the Planet were the gang, who had begun to clean up the mess only to be stopped by Kit.

“Girls I don’t know about you but I’m dead, and definitely not in the mood for any of this cleaning. Just come back later today and we will clean it up, I’ll open up the coffee shop later tomorrow afternoon.” Kit’s idea was greeted by weak protest, but eventually everyone started to make their way back to their houses. Dana asked Lara if she could go and get the car, allowing her a few minutes alone with Alice, whom she had hardly spoken to that night.

“Al,” Dana called out to the figure who had begun to walk down the street. Alice turned and waited for Dana who had jogged towards her. “Al I just wanted to say thank you. So much.” She watched the blonde smile at her, her eyes almost closed, and her hair messed up. Dana couldn’t think of a time when she looked more beautiful.

“It’s no problem kiddo,” Alice replied, her voice almost gone from partying.

“It meant a lot Alice.” Dana looked down at her shoes, wondering where to go with this conversation. “Well, I better get going. Lara’s bring the car round,” she explained as she began walking back towards the Planet.

“Dana wait,” Alice‘s voice made Dana stop in her tracks. She felt Al’s hand reach out for hers, and in it she placed a small, wrapped box. Dana looked at it for a moment and then looked up at Alice. “It’s the final part of my present. It – It isn’t anything big or fancy… but ah, I thought you might like it.” Dana began to fumble with the wrapping, but her fingers were stopped by Alice‘s. “Don’t. Open it later ok?”