At the Planet

Shane was just about to chug back her usual morning shot, when she saw Dana walking towards her. She looked tired, but happy and was yawning widely as she took her seat next to Shane. Good morning, sunshine, Shane teased, noticing Danas t-shirt was on backwards. Yupit sure is, Dana said through a yawn. She gave Shane a goofy smile, and before Shane had a chance to ask her what she was so happy about, Dana stood up quickly, God, I really have to pee! She made her way to the bathroom without another word. A few seconds later Shane heard Alices voice, Triple shot, mocha, latte decafactually make that regular. She made her way to Shanes table, Oh, my God, Im never gonna make it to this interview on time! she whined as she plopped into a chair. Well, maybe you shouldve just asked for a regular coffee, Shane offered without lifting her eyes from her newspaper. Thank you, Shane, any other pearls of wisdom you wish to share? Alice retorted sarcastically as she checked her phone for messages.

Hey Al! came Danas cheery greeting. Alice spun around with a look of disbelief on her face. Dana settled down next to her and started speaking, apparently not noticing Alices expression, Listen, I was thinkingIm going on tour in a couple of weeks and Im gonna need someone to house-sit for me, and you dont have that much room in your place anyways, so maybe Tina should come stay at my place. She looked at Alice, eagerly awaiting a reply. Alice shook her head quickly, trying to make sense of what Dana was saying, Butbuthowwhat are you talking aboutwhat about Tonya? she sputtered. What about her? Dana replied, shrugging her shoulders. Well doesnt she live with you, Alice asked, as one would ask a child a question. Not since this morning! Dana screeched, folding her hands on the table and smiling excitedly. Shane nearly choked on her drink and Alice gaped in utter disbelief, confusion knitting her eyebrows together.

At Candaces office

Bette didnt know if what she was doing was right, but she had stayed up for a long time last night thinking about what Tina had said the last time they spoke. She stepped inside and walked over to the receptionists desk. Yes, Im Bette Porter, Id like to see Candace if shes available. I am, came Candaces reply. She was holding a clipboard and walking towards Bette from a back room. Bette gave her a small smile and fidgeted a bit with her commitment ring. We can talk in my office, Candace continued leading the way down a short hallway. She motioned for Bette to go in ahead of her into the office and then followed her in closing the door behind her. Bette looked nervously around; it wasnt much of an office. There was an old metal desk with mismatched chairs around it and a couple of filing cabinets that we overflowing with files and papers. Candaces laptop was on the desk along with several rolled up blueprints and what seemed like endless loose papers with sketches and measurements on them.

Have a seat, Candace said pulling out a chair for Bette. No, Im fine, Bette said with a wave of her hand, this wont take long. Candace leaned against the door and waited for Bette to speak. Bette cleared her throat and steadily looked at Candace, I wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterdayIyou didnt deserve thatthe way I treated you. Bette paused, waiting for Candaces reaction. Are you okay? Candace asked; her concern seemed genuine. Bette took a deep breath, She found outshe figured it out, she said quietly walking over to the wall and pressing her forehead against it. Candace walked over and stood behind Bette, she noticed that her shoulders were shaking and realized Bette was crying. She put her hands on Bettes shoulder, Im really sorry, she said softly. Bette turned around and looked at Candaces face. She closed her eyes and leaned forward slightly, hoping to meet Candaces lips without too much effort. Candace leaned forward and kissed her, softly at first, and then more forcefully when she felt Bette respond.

Candace grabbed Bette around the waist and neck and pulled her closer, but she suddenly felt Bette push her away gently, breaking the kiss. Candaces breathing was quick and she could feel Bettes breath on her face. What do you want, Bette? Candace asked, somewhat frustrated. There was silence for several moments. I want her, Bette replied softly looking at the floor. Then what are you doing here, Candace said through slightly clenched teeth. Bette looked up at her, there was pain in her expression, but her voice was full of resolve, Convincing myself of it. Candace looked away for a moment and then met Bettes eyes again, questioning. Bette looked over Candaces face, taking in every feature, then dropped her eyes to the floor again. Im sorry, she finally said. She began moving toward the door, but Candace placed a hand on her arm, stopping her, Bette, are you sure youre convinced? Bette didnt turn around, she just turned the doorknob, I love her, Candace. Candace let her hand fall to her side and Bette opened the door and left.

At Alices apartment

Alice and Dana sat at opposite sides of the couch. Dana had arrived unannounced five minutes before. Dana exhaled slowly and turned quickly to face Alice, Look, I know whats its like to have something great and then just let it slip away, or throw away just because youreafraid. Alice looked down at her palms. Dana forged ahead, I dont wanna make that mistaketwice. Alice finally looked at her, This is totallytotally, ***** crazy. A small grin spread across her face, which made Dana grin even bigger. Alice was becoming acutely aware of how cute Dana looked when she made that goofy grin, when they both heard the key in the lock. Dana stood up in preparation for greeting Tina and Alice started to take out the Chinese food cartons which were still in a bag on the coffee table.

Tina came in, unloading her stuff by the door. Hey, Tina, Dana called giving Tina a little wave. Tina walked into the living room, smiling a bit but visibly exhausted. Dana walked over and gave her a big hug, Is Alice taking good care of you? she asked, trying to keep the mood light. Yeah, shes been great, Tina answered with a little smile as she pulled away. You had me worried, young lady, I was just about to call the police! Alice teased, wagging a finger at Tina. Tina chuckled a bit at her joke and motioned to the food, Whatve you guys got there? Um, a little bit of everything, come on and join us, Dana said making herself comfortable on the couch. Im gonna grab some plates, Alice called as she went into the kitchen. Tina sat on the couch and grabbed a carton to open it. She assumed that Dana had been updated by Alice, and she didnt mind. At this point she just wanted to eat, take a shower, and go to bed. She had kept herself busy all day, avoiding any moments of silence or stillness, and now she was utterly spent.

Alice returned with plates and silverware. She and Dana exchanged knowing glances and Dana swallowed hard on her half-chewed dumpling to start talking, Listen, TinaAlice told me that youre gonna bestaying here for a while Dana stopped abruptly. Tina had just looked up from pouring herself some lo mein and was giving Dana a strange look. Did I say something wrong? she asked, grimacing as if she had tasted something bitter. Tina tried to relax her face and took a deep breath, No, Dana, go ahead. Alice and Dana again exchanged looks, having a nonverbal conference as to whether they should proceed or desist. The reached an agreement and Dana continued, Well, Im gonna be going on tour in a little while and Im gonna need someone to house-sit for me, so I was thinking maybe, you knowyou could do me the favor. She stopped to give Tina the chance to talk. Tina was chewing slowly and looked from Dana to Alice and then back. What about Tonya? she asked after swallowing. Its a long story, Alice interjected, gently patting Tinas shoulder as if to say dont trouble yourself. Tina raised her eyebrows, then wrinkled the and finally just shrugged her shoulders and nodded her head. Her brain was too tired to take all of this in right now.

Great! Awesome! Anyways, we were thinking since Alices place is so small and you guys are gonna be so cramped, you can just come stay with me until then, Dana said as she shoveled a piece of chicken into her mouth. You know that way you can get acquainted with everythingthe appliances and stuff, and the alarm systemthats a real ***** to figure out! she continued. Both Alice and Tina chuckled at Danas last comment. Whatwhats so funny? Dana asked, a grain of rice stuck to her chin. Alice and Tina both started laughing out loud as Dana continued to ask what was so funny, growing slightly irritated. Okay, so Im not a genius when it comes to alarm systems, so sue me! Dana shouted. Alice and Tina were laughing so hard at Dana that they were crying. Dana finally gave up and pouted slamming her chopsticks on her plate. Oh, Dana, were sorry, but you have some rice on your chin, Tina said through her laughter. Dana face cleared and she brushed her chin with her hand, chuckling a bit at herself and joining Alice and Tina in their reverie. They laughed for a little while longer, enjoying the clearing of the tension that had been lingering for so long