She hung up the phone and wandered back out to the living room to locate Shane.  She found her clearly lost in thought gnawing on a piece of pizza crust.  “Kit is going to keep those tables for us and Bette and Helena are both going to meet us there.  How did you go?”

Shane tossed the now soggy crust aside trying to focus.  “I spoke to Tina she’s coming but when I told her the whole gang would be there she started mumbling something about us having to hold her down to stop her ripping Jenny’s head off so I think I should go back to my place to talk to Jenny and Max so I can convince Jenny to behave.  The last thing we need is her causing a scene.”

“Good idea, and tell her to leave that ridiculous excuse for a dog at home while you’re at it.  Have you thought anymore about the whole Carmen thing?”

“That’s pretty much all I can think about.  Listen Alice, I think it’s best if she doesn’t come.  I haven’t spoken a word to her since I ran away and I’m guessing whatever is in that box is going to be pretty emotional for everyone tomorrow and it’s not fair to suddenly to draw her back into all that intensity.  If I don’t tell her what it’s for she won’t come and if I do I feel that’s like emotional blackmail you know using Dana to get Carmen to talk to me.  I really think it’s best if she’s not there.  Once we open it if it’s something she should see or be part of we can always contact her then.  What do you think?”

“I think that sounds fair.  I think Dana would understand and as you say if it’s obvious she really should have been included we can always contact her later.”

“That’s decided then.  Are you going to be ok on your own here tonight?  Do you want me to come back after I talk to Jenny?”

“No I’ll be fine.  You get going I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Call me if you need anything. See you then”

Alice turned over to face the red digits on her clock once again – 2:47 it read.  She had been tossing and turning since she went to bed.  The box sitting out on her living room floor was playing on her mind.  She was desperate to know what it contained.  Patience had never been her strong point.  The inner battle between honouring Dana’s wishes and satisfying her curiosity had now been raging for close to four hours.  She knew she wasn’t going to sleep until she found out what was in the box.  Frustrated she kicked off her covers and marched into the living room.  She sat in the chair Howie had occupied earlier in the day and traced her finger over the writing on the envelope.  Marks she knew had been made with Dana’s hand.  She felt her heart thump harder in her chest. To be opened together she read over and over. If I just have a quick look what harm can that do, she thought to herself. I won’t touch anything inside if I just had some idea what to expect tomorrow then maybe I could get some sleep.

She reached out beside her and switched on the lamp, allowing her eyes time to adjust to the light, she gingerly leant forward and eased her fingers under the lid. She gently pried it open and set the lid aside.   She couldn’t help but laugh at what greeted her.  Fit to exactly meet the edges of the box so nothing underneath was visible there was a thick piece of card.  Again the familiar script met her eye.   This time the lettering was larger and written in thick marker.

Alice Pieszecki Stop right there!

I knew you’d peek.

 I promise you’re going to want your friends with you when you open this.

Now put the lid back on and wait!

xXx

Alice read the message a few times grinning thinking about just how well Dana Fairbanks knew her.  Reluctantly she put the lid back on and went back to bed.  She fell asleep quickly content in the knowledge that even though Dana was gone they still had a connection that transcended everything.