Youre looking a bit perky today, Bette remarked at Alice, seeing her out in public for the first time since the wedding.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Actually things are a little better. Im going out with Jack tonight.

The one from work?

Yeah.

What about Dana?

Alices face fell, What about her?

Bette didnt bother to hide the shock she received from Alices tone of voice, Have you talked to her?

Not for 19 days now. You?

No. Shes struggling with her game lately.

Really? Too bad for her.

Alice!

What? I havent been paying attention.

Shes got a big match tomorrow a couple hours away. I have some tickets. Would you like to go with me and Tina?

Why would I want to go? She hasnt called or written me in weeks.

Can you honestly tell me you dont care at all?

I docare. I just dont want to go.

Alice, if she loses this could be the end of her career. T and I think that maybe we could all go and wish her luck. And I think it would be good for you to get out of that apartment of yours for once. Im sure she feels terrible about the wedding. Its probably why shes not playing so well.

Alice simply glared at Bette, Do you have to bring that up?

Bette lowered her head apologetically. How are you?

Alice shrugged. I havent been sleeping right for weeksmonths-I dont know. Its kind of a blur. Everydays the same. I think some of its from before that dreadful day that Id rather forget.

Bette patted Alices back, If you need anything, let me or T know, alright? You dont have to go, if you dont want to. We just thought it would be a nice thing to do. Even if its just to support an old friend. Think about it.

*****
Twenty days earlier….Dana glanced around the room, there were flowers strewn about. She smiled seeing them. She removed her suit from the plastic bag. As she changed and put the various pieces on, she could feel the walls closing in on her. She sat down on the tiny wooden chair in the corner of the room and took a few deep breaths and chanted to herself that it was nerves. She was used to being nervous. Nervous right before a match, nervous before any sort of public event that she had to speak at. It felt different, like she couldnt breathe. She fished her cellphone out of her bag. She let her fingers make the decision on who to call. She breathed a sigh of relief hearing the familiar, calm voice. Lara.