“We’re eating at The Planet today Alice,” Shane told Al, more then asked her. She just smiled at Shane grateful but defeated at the same time, and it showing on her face. Shane looked at her and her face softened, a hand coming to rub her back.

*

They got there before anyone else and the four where leaned over the wooden table talking seriously.

“Shane- we can’t do that! I can’t do that,” Alice pleaded knowing she wasn’t going to win but hoping the threesome would change their minds about this ‘great’ plan.

“Alice,” Carmen said softly. They weren’t the best of friends, or hadn’t been before this. Not that they hated each other or anything, they had just never truly gotten to know each other on the levels they had other people in their tight knit group. “It’ll be okay, really. What’s sillier this plan. Or you and Dana not spending the rest of your lives together because your scared of your feelings?”

Alice smiled at her. Carmen couldn’t have said it better and Alice was truly grateful. Everyone knew then that there was no backing out. Alice reached for Carmen’s hand and patted it gratefully. Carmen squeezed and when Alice didn’t let go, neither did she. Shane smiled at the two.

“So we’re doing this thing then. Everyone knows what their supposed to do?” Everyone nodded and Jenny tried to lighten the mood.

“Who knows, this could be fun. I always wanted to be a secret agent,” Everybody giggled and the bell above The Planet rang loudly, announcing Dana’s arrival. Alice stopped laughing and gripped Carmen’s hand harder. Carmen comfortingly stroked her thumb over Alice’s hand and gave her a look that told her to be strong. Al let go and straightened up, trying to act comfortable.

Carmen and Shane sunk into the couch and snuggled together, waiting for their cheerio’s. Jenny curled her legs up under her and read her book from the puffy chair and Alice sat at the foot of the couch beside the bundle that was now Carmen and Shane. Shane delicately poked the toe of her converse between Alice’s ribs and it made her jump. Shane looked at her with the faintest hint of a smile, her eyes showing all the comfort and support Alice needed.