Where did Alice go? I ask the question hoping to find solace in the answer.

She walked out right after you and Dana left, Ivans answer doesnt provide the much needed solace.

Damn. Everyone is falling apart and theres nothing I can do about it, I chastise myself.

Shane, its not your job to hold everyone together. With the vulnerability of a child, I look into Julies eyes. How has she gotten through my wall so easily? The best you can do is to be there for them and let them be there for youbut you cant allow yourself not to grieve.

Shes right, Shane. Thats the mistake that Bette made. Dont do the same thing, Kits words pierce through her own grief and straight to mine. Shes right, but I cant help it. I dont show my grief. How am I going to make it through this? I cant go on without my guide. Bette has been a kind of anchor for me. Her commitment to Tina gave me something to strive for. I wont have anything to look at if she doesnt make it through this. And she has to get back together with Tina. Its clear that Tina still loves her. Please, God.help them. I know Ive been out of touch, but Im sure you remember me. Im the girl who asked you to spare that puppy when I was five. Thank you, by the way. She was the only friend I had. Like I said, I know I havent talk in a while, but I havent asked for anything either.and I wouldnt be asking now if this wasnt important. Im not asking for myself. Im asking for my friends. I know you dont bargain, but if you did Id ask you to take me instead. All I seem to ever do is ***** things up. Please help Bette through this…please. I feel my emotions welling up. I have to get out of here.

Ill be back, I say rising to my feet. I walk toward the door feeling Julies hand fall away from mine. I hadnt even realized we were holding hands. Walking out the door and down the hallway I realize I meant to check on Dana. I turn and approach the restroom. I walk in to find a girl leaning on the far stall. She appears to be listening to something. Dana must be crying and this little ***** is eavesdropping. I walk up to her with the intent of giving her a piece of my mind.

She turns quickly and presses her index finger to her lips as if to shush me. I think there are two women in there having *****, she whispers, barely audible for me to hear. Then she proceeds to look me up and down. Smiling, she holds out her hand, hi, Im Dani. This girl cant be more than eighteen, but shes bold. Maybe we should take the queue from them and have our own fun. She wiggles her eyebrows at me. Subtle, very subtle. Maybe it would be fun thoughI wonder if this Dani has even had ***** beforewith a guy or girl. Thinking about it for a second, I realize that I left Julie in the waiting room. *****! I cant do this. I came in here looking for my friendand friend who needs helpI cant do this right now.

SorryI cant, I tell her with a smile on my face. If youd asked me yesterday I would have though.

Oh, poopyshit! Her reply was unusual, but understandable. That sounds like something Alice would say.

What they fuWhos there? I here Alices voice from inside the stall. Her and Dana? Nothey wouldnt. Yesthey would.

Alits meShane.

*****! Shane, how long have you been there? Alices voice is panicked.

Uh, not long Al. I think Ill go back to the waiting room now, I say, turning toward the door. As I walk out, I hear two distinct voices mumbling but cant make out whats being said.

To Be Continued