“Look, I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” Dana said, her frustration evident in her voice.

“Well, I don’t want to, either, but you keep avoiding the issue!” Alice exclaimed with a scowl.

Dana sighed.  “Al, there is no issue.  You’re jealous for no good reason.  There is nothing going on between Lara and me.  I love you, not her.”

“You’re too friendly with her,” Alice accused, pointing a finger at Dana.

“Aren’t I allowed to have friends?” Dana shot back.

“Not her!” Alice burst out.

Dana looked startled a moment, but then recovered.  “There is no reason that she and I can’t be friends.  You’re just too insecure, Alice.”

“I can’t help but be insecure, Dana.  She’s always flirting with you, and you flirt back!  Right in front of me!” Alice shouted, her anger growing.

“I’m just being friendly,” Dana protested weakly.

Alice laughed harshly.  “You’re being more than friendly, and you know it.”

“Keep your voice down, Alice.  People are staring at us.  Besides, I said that I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” Dana interrupted, her teeth clenched.

“Whatever,” Alice replied, anger evident on her face.  “Just leave me alone.”

“Alice,” Dana protested, reaching for her arm.

Alice pulled away.  “No.  Don’t talk to me right now.”

“Maybe if you’d stop smothering me I wouldn’t flirt with anyone else!” Dana suddenly exclaimed, mad that Alice had pulled away from her.

“This conversation is over,” Alice announced, her voice strained and body tense.  She abruptly spun on her heel and headed toward the door of The Planet.

Dana clenched her fists.  “I don’t want to talk to you, either, Alice!  Just leave!” she shouted at Alice’s back.

Without even looking back, Alice stormed out and pulled the door shut hard behind her.

Dana glanced around; her face reddening as she realized everyone was staring at her.  She put her head down and walked back to her table, careful to keep her eyes trained on the floor.  She silently reclaimed her chair beside Shane, avoiding eye contact with her friends.  After several moments, she allowed herself to glance up, noticing that the customers had lost interest in her, yet her friends were still observing her worriedly.