”Slim, where have you been its almost dark out there,” Janet asked worriedly.”

“I just went for a walk to help clear my head.” Alice still remained silent not saying a word but just stared at her.

”Well I guess I will turn in for the night, “Janet said standing up yawning.

“Okay mom I love you good night, “Tasha says watching her mom as she disappears up the stairs. Shortly after Tasha followed suit when she got half way up the stairs she turned around to face Alice.

“Are you coming Al?”

”Sure why not my little love potion, “she responds sarcastically following her up the stairs and then into the bedroom. As soon as the bedroom door shut Alice had questions and she began to drill Tasha.

“Ok Tasha, where have you been it’s been 4 hours!?” Tasha is sitting on the bed and looking at Alice as she approaches her.

”I told you,” Tasha starts,” I needed time to think.”

“Think, think about what?” Alice is now standing in front of Tasha looking down at her with a bothered look on her face.

”Is this about Simone?” Alice knew it was, so that’s the only answer she was going to accept from Tasha. She says in her mind, ”I know it was I read those letters.”

”What did I say, I said I needed time to think!” Tasha draws on that military training as if she’s been caught by the enemy and is being pushed to give up secrets. ”What the fuck, you think all this has been easy? I’m trying’ to deal with my Dad’s death Simone coming over here….” Before she could finish, Alice pipes in again.

”Uh huh, just what I thought! What did Simone want, “she says now raising her voice.

“What, you don’t know!? I’m surprised you didn’t have your ear to the damn door listening while she was here, “she responds clearly agitated. Tasha is trying to be careful, but she’s dealing with a lot of feelings and emotions and she’s wanting to deal with them in her own time. Alice is pushing things along a little too fast.

”I can’t believe you…I just lost my Dad and you’re hassling me about someone that I’ve not been involved with for over five years, really involved with.” By now, Tasha has stood up and she’s eye to eye with Alice she’s tearing up, just a little. Alice catches herself before she says something, she might regret. Tasha starts to move towards the door but Alice gets in between the door and Tasha.