What the ***** is going on? Alice thought, but rather rhetorically because she knew exactly what happened. As her brown eyes welled up with tears once again, her self-indulging cry was delayed by the loud rapping on her door.

Alice, I know youre in there, I see your Mini outside. Open up! Came the sound of Shanes deep voice.

God, hang on, Im coming, dont ***** knock my door down. Jesus Shane! Alice scream irritably as she made her way to the door, bumping into her sofa in dark. Ow, *****! She reached for a lamp and then made her way to the door. Opening it to find a stoic looking Shane.

Alice, God, Tina and I were getting so worried. In an uncharacteristic display of emotion, Shane wrapped her arms around the blondes neck and pulled her in for an embrace. Alice struggled to pull away at first, but eventually giving in to the warmth of her friends care, she began sobbing. I guess I dont have to tell you, do I? Shane whispered as she stroked Alices blonde locks. Im so sorry Al. I told her she should at least wait until you returned and tell you in person, but she was afraid to face you.

Not letting her friend go, Alice inquired in a quivering whisper, when?

About a week ago. She spent the first week brooding over you being gone, but then –

Shane. The journalist interrupted, I dont think Im ready to hear this right now. Alice pulled away. I know she didnt choose me and now I know when it was that she decided it, but I dont think Im ready for the why. I think I already know the why, but I dont want to hear those four letters right now.

Okay, Al. Do you want me to stay with you? Do you need anything? Shane asked, looking earnestly into Alices sad eyes.

No, but thank you. Youve done more than enough, more than you needed to. Alice paused, and coolly remarked, its not your place you know, to be the one to tell me its over, its hers. More softly, the blonde added, Tell Tina Im okay, and that I will call her soon.

Shane remained there, torn between respecting her friends wishes and concern about what Alice might do if left on her own in her apartment that held so many memories of her and Dana.

Good night Shane. Alice said abruptly, shutting the door.