Dana paused, startled by Alice’s abrupt change in subject.  “Shane talked to you, didn’t she?” she asked.

“It doesn’t matter who talked to me,” Alice replied.  “The point is – are you thinking about not doing anymore treatment?”

Dana chewed her fingernail absently as she considered Alice’s question.  “I don’t know,” she admitted.  “I’ve been so scared about the idea of going back on chemo again that I blocked it out of my mind.   And, as soon as Dr. Bauer mentioned it, I just shut down, you know?  It’s like my mind couldn’t deal it.”

“I get it,” Alice said, laying her hand over Dana’s gently.  “But, as awful as it was, that chemo is the only thing that can get rid of this disease.”

“Yeah, if it doesn’t kill me first,” Dana replied sarcastically.  “What’s the point in subjecting my body to a treatment that might not work?  I might inject all those chemicals into my system, I might poison myself with them, and the cancer still might win.  Where is the justice in that?”  

Alice was quiet for a moment, thinking over her response.  “Dana, you can’t think like that,” she said.

“Why not?” Dana asked, her voice rising angrily.

“Because if you do, you’ve already lost this battle,” Alice replied, her voice gentle but firm.  “And, after everything you’ve been through, you can’t let this fucking disease have the last word.”

“Maybe I don’t want to fight anymore,” Dana said, feeling sudden tears stinging her eyes.  “Maybe it’s too much for me.”

“Dana, you’re not alone in this,” Alice protested gently, shifting closer to her on the couch.  “All your friends are here for you.  And, I’m here.  You’ve got to put up with me, whether you like it or not.”

Dana smiled weakly at Alice’s words.  “I thought you might want some distance, after what happened at The Planet the other day,” she said.

“I know,” Alice replied, looking down guiltily.  “Look, no matter what happens between us, I will always be here for you.  That will never change.”

Dana smiled gratefully at Alice.  “Thanks, Al,” she whispered, leaning forward to wrap her arms around her friend.  “I don’t think I could go through this without you.”

Alice shut her eyes as she returned Dana’s hug, pulling her tightly toward her.  After a few moments, Dana rested her forehead gently on Alice’s, revelling in their shared closeness.  

“Does that mean you’re going to have the treatment?” Alice finally asked.  

Dana paused for a split second, then nodded firmly.  In response, Alice gently kissed her cheek and gave her a bright smile.  “That’s good, because I’ve got lots more delicious shake recipes to try out on you,” she teased, laughing as Dana released an exaggerated groan of protest.

Suddenly, Dana felt herself giving into an enormous yawn as the exhaustion she’d been fighting ever since her doctor’s appointment overtook her.

Alice laughed.  “Ok, ok; I can take a hint,” she joked, as she started to get up from the couch to let Dana get some rest.  

But, before she could leave, Dana grabbed her hand with a hopeful look.  “I was thinking maybe you could stay?” she asked shyly.  “We could watch a movie or something.”

“You mean, I’ll watch a movie while you fall asleep as soon as the opening credits are over?” Alice teased, sitting back down beside Dana.

“Exactly,” Dana replied with a grin.  

“Alright,” Alice agreed, getting up to pick a movie from Dana’s collection.  Once she had settled on a choice, she resumed her spot next to Dana.  Grabbing the blanket off the back of the couch, she tucked it in around both of them as Dana rested her head on Alice’s shoulder.

“I’m glad you’re here, Al,” Dana said softly.  “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Alice said.  Twisting slightly, she brushed her lips lightly against Dana’s forehead.  “I’m not going anywhere.”

tbc