Not the mother of my children. Not Dylan. No one. What is happening to me? “Dusty,” I heard Ivan call.

We broke the kiss and looked into each other’s eyes again, then Dusty gave me a warm smile. “My turn,” she said softly, “we’ll be out here tonight.”

She brushed past me and went into the tent while I stood in place, thoughts racing in my head like NASCAR. There was collisions and explosions, and there were five different ones head to head. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I did what I promised I wouldn’t do again with anyone, no matter who.

I fell in love with Dusty…

…………………………………….

Alice:

I have been in therapy all day. David said that if I do well and my body can withstand the pressure, he’ll let me go home, as long as someone was always caring for me. Tasha volunteered almost instantly, and Shane agreed to care for me when Tasha was at work. Even Papi volunteered for a few nights, for when Shane wanted a night off.

The therapy was going moderately well. My legs were functioning, but I was walking like Bambi. I wasn’t scared to take a step though, because Tasha was there, catching me every time my legs buckled and I fell forward. After a long session, David scheduled a physical for later in the afternoon and if I pass, I get to go home.

Tasha was at the apartment getting it ready, just in case, and I lied on my bed flipping through the channels. Tina walked into the room holding flowers and I sat up happily.

“Tina!” I said happily.

“Hey Al, how you feeling?” she said smiling broadly and setting the flowers on the table. That’s when I saw the deep bruises on her arms and the hickeys all over her throat and chest.

“Holy shit!” I cried breaking into laughter.

“What?” she said, her smile never leaving her face.

“You got fucked hard last night!” I said wiping the tears that slipped from my eyes in my laughter.

“Actually this morning,” Tina said quietly, “but don’t tell Bette I told you. You know she doesn’t care if you guys figure out that we had sex by just looking at us, but she hates it when I talk about it.”