“Maybe we should leave you alone and let you save your voice,” Tina said, an expression of worry on her pretty face.

“No, no.  Stay with me and keep me company,” Alice insisted, waving her hand at them.  “It’s boring in here.  I’ve done nothing but lie around and get poked at since I’ve been here.  And for a change of pace, every so often they made me drink this nasty ***** and then stuck me into a big x-ray machine while I held my breath and didn’t move.  It made me feel like I had to pee.”

Shane’s cell phone began to vibrate loudly, and everyone turned to look at her.  “Hey, no phones in the hospital, remember?  Rules are rules,” Alice quipped, her black eye nearly closing as she smiled.  “And that thing vibrates so hard it could double as a ***** toy.  Hmm, I think I need one of those phones.”

“Sorry,” Shane said apologetically.  “At least I had it on silent.”  She looked at the screen, finding a voice mail from a frantic Dana saying she would be there any minute.  “That was Dana, Al.  I’ll bet you can’t wait to see her.”  Shane said this cautiously, hoping Alice had forgiven Dana over the argument earlier.

Alice frowned.  “What – “

She was cut off by a wail from Angelica.  Tina smiled apologetically and fished a pacifier out of her purse and popping it into the baby’s mouth, who quieted immediately.

“Shane,” Alice began, trying again.

“Oops!” Bette called out, laughing merrily as Angelica nearly dropped her pacifier.  She glanced over and saw Alice glare at her impatiently.  Smiling, she patted Alice’s arm.  “I know you’re anxious to see Dana, Al.  She’ll be here soon.  Don’t worry.”

“But,” Alice started to say, clearly looking frustrated.

“Dane!” Shane shouted, turning to see a frazzled and upset Dana running into the room, still clad in her workout pants and tank top. 

Dana, who had broken nearly all speed limits to get there, looked around wildly, before spotting Alice in the bed.  “Al!” she said, hurrying over to the bed and throwing her arms around Alice.  “Oh, Alice.  I was so worried!  I’m so glad you’re okay.  I’m so sorry about earlier.  I love you so much, honey.”  Her tears dripped onto the shoulder of Alice’s shirt.

Everyone else was smiling happily at the pair’s reunion.

Dana went to kiss Alice’s cheek, but Alice pulled away.  Dana stepped back, a hurt look on her face.  “Are you still mad at me about earlier, Alice?  I really am sorry, baby.”

“No, it’s not that,” Alice said, her face growing thoughtful.  “It’s justwell, I really don’t know how to say this.”

“Say what?” Dana prodded gently.