I roll my eyes at the same time Alice does. Shes in for a wild night if Dana doesnt pass out again soon.

Take her into the bedroom. Ill get her some water. Alices request goes unheeded by me.

Actually Al, I cant stay. Couldnt you just take her? I pawn Dana off on Alice. Oh, and she hurled in the bushes downstairs. Bye I tell her quickly before turning to walk away.

Great Shane, leave me with her, her voice trails off as I walk down the hall.

I soon find myself back in my truck, sitting next to the blonde goddess from Milk.

So, where would you like to go? I ask her, hoping shell say her place.

Well, we cant go to my placemy roommate asked me not to come home tonight. She has some special night planned. We cant go back to my place, my roommates would throw a fitand I dont bring people back there. Ill take her down to the beach. Its latewe wont be bothered down there.

Why dont I just surprise you?

Okay, she says, leaning her head back against the seat.

I drive the short distance to the beach and pull into a parking space. I shut off the engine and turn to my companion, wondering why shes been so quiet. I look at her face and realizeshes asleep. I guess Im not getting any tonight after all. I get out of the pickup and walk to the sand. I sit down and contemplate the days events. Running through my head as so many details that I need to sort out. I have to help Dana find out about Tonya, then Bette and Tina need some attention, and Alicedoes she even have any problems? I dont think so. Ill have to talk with her about the others. I think the two of us can work together on this.

I crumple up my jacket and place it under my head as I lie back in the sand. Gazing at the stars, I try to look for the different constellationsuntil I realize that I dont know any of them. I stare at the sky, wondering if there is a world beyond my little corner of the globe before drifting off the sleep.

I wake up to the feel of someones hand on my shoulder shaking me. I open my eyes to see the blonde goddess from last night. Im sorry I fell asleep on you, she says apologetically.

Thats okayI needed to think anyway. Cmon, Ill take you home.

To Be Continued