The sincerity in Alices voice made Dana instantly regret cursing at her and her heart sank as the words I love you, replayed in her head. She spun around to see Alice wiping the tears from her eyes as she hunched forward on the table shaking her head. Dana sat beside Alice running her hand up and down her back trying to soothe her from crying anymore.

Im so sorry Al, Dana whispered, That was really mean for me to say that. Im such a moron, she continued, sliding even closer to Alice. Can you forgive me? She softly pleaded.

Alice shrugged her shoulders not knowing what to say. Her now broken heart was beating loudly in her chest and it ached from trying not to burst into a river of tears. She knew Dana might have been confused by their kiss, but getting cursed at was not the response she expected or deserved. She pulled back slightly not wanting her fragile feelings to get trampled on again. Dana tensed as she felt Alice move. She felt like *****!

Al, please look at me, she begged, reaching for Alices face. I really am sorry.

Alice looked up then looked away. Yeah, me too, she replied. I never thought youd be the one to say something so hurtful to me, she said in a near whisper, still choking back the tears.

Dana wrapped her arms around Alice and began sobbing. I want to believe you Al, honestly I do, but whyd you wait til now to tell me?

******

Shane reached out for the fading image of Zoe.

Please stay. You cant leave me again. Ive got go no one Zoe, no one, she whispered to the air.

Tears flowed uncontrollably from her eyes as pain, confusion, and anger pierced her veins. She thought of the gang and all the fun they had over the years. She thought of Tina who always managed to make her feel good, but thinking of Tina made her think of Bette, and the anger and confusion consumed her once again.

Die! I just wanna die! She moaned. I hate this place, these ***** machines, and most of all my life. Why? Why? Why Zoe? Why does it have to be like this? She continued reaching for the IV in her arm.

Shane began removing the tape that held the IV in place, slid it from her arm, flinching as it stung her tender flesh, and then removed it completely. She took the pressure cuff off her arm, the cap off her finger, and began removing the tabs of her heart monitor.

I dont need this ***** on me, she said out loud. I dont need any of this. Its all your fault Zoe. Yeah, thats right, your fault, she argued with herself, ignoring the dizziness she was suddenly feeling. If youd just stuck around, I would love better. I could be loved better! She snarled. ***** life and ***** you!

****

I, I, I dont know, Bette stuttered, still clinging helplessly to the doorknob.

Tina barreled through the living room well, if you dont know, Im sure as ***** gonna find out, she roared, through her still clenched jaw pushing past Bette. What the ***** are you doing here? Tina demanded.

Candace stood still trying to contain her reaction to Tinas hostility. She knew she had no right to be there, but concern got the best of her and she wanted to make sure everything was okay. Shed called Bettes cell and after getting no answer, decided to stop by. Something inside her made her believe that Bette would be alone knowing how badly Tina was upset. Seeing Tina threw her completely off course and she stepped back not wanting to engage in a confrontation.

Im sorry. I

Youre goddamn right youre sorry, you ***** home-wrecking-*****, Tina aggressively interrupted. Who the ***** do you think you are showing up here? Huh? Did you think she was all yours now? Tinas tirade continued.

Candace kept opening and closing her mouth as she tried to find the words to answer her.

Bette stepped forward and stood between Tina and Candace silently trying to form a bridge between the two.

You, Bette Porter, get the ***** away from us, Tinas fiery words rang out. Bette moved instantly not knowing what to expect. What the ***** do you want Candace? What the ***** made you come here?

Candace stepped back again to avoid Tinas flaring arms. Tina moved forward and onto the front step.

I was worried, Candace spoke nervously.

You were? Bette inquired.

Shut the ***** up Bette! Tina snapped. Shes talking to ME, NOT you, Tina pointed at herself. Bette stiffened. Tina was acting worse than shed done when they fought. Well? You had the ***** balls to show up here, so speak, she demanded.

Candace flinched as Tinas hand came even closer to her face. Her defenses were now up and she was reluctantly ready for a fight.

****

Alice bust into tears, clinging onto Dana. I, I dont know. I didnt know, she tried to explain. Oh God. Please Dana, please dont marry her, she bawled.

Dana lost it too. She couldnt take the sound of pain in Alices voice and could do nothing but hold her until they both stopped crying. Alice stopped first easing her way out of Danas arms to wipe her red, tear-stained face, while Dana turned away for a moment to regain her composure.

Listen, I know its too much for you to take right now and Im sorry. But please, Im begging you to think about what I said. Shes not good for you Dane, shes not, she implored Dana.

Dana locked her eyes on Alices wanting so much to understand Alices revelation and her own mixed emotions. She knew Alice would never say or do anything to intentionally hurt her, but she still couldnt understand why it took Alice so long to profess her feelings. That confused her more than their kiss.

Dammit Alice, you know Ive always trusted you and what you say, but you have to understand that this is a lot to accept. God! Please at least tell me why you waited til I got engaged to say you love me. Dana desperately pleaded. Can you just tell me that?

Alice got up and paced the floor. She really didnt know or have an answer. All she knew was what she felt and for her that was good enough. It always was for her, but knowing Dana needed something more, she forced herself to find an explanation.

******

Shane collapsed onto the bed her eyes moving erratically. The dizziness engulfed her head while the physical pains wracked her weak and tender body. She refused to succumb to it, ignoring the loud beeping sounds going off around her. She willed her mind to ignore the pain, ignore the dizziness until she felt a calm take over her. Her eyes stopped flickering, her mind stopped racing, and she only heard the sound of her heart soothing her like a lullaby.

Im not afraid anymore Zoe, Shanes mind spoke to her. Ive had enough of the bullshit. The lies, the one night *****, that still left me empty. I think you want me back, so Im coming, her delirium continued. Slow down. Wait for me. Ive missed you Zoe and you came back for me. I love you. ***** Cherie. Im sorry gang. I love you all, but I have to go now. Thanks for the memories. The good ones anyway. Zoe. Zoeee, here I The thoughts trailed off and Shane no longer heard the sound of her heart or the sound of the doctors and nurses that burst into her room.

****

Listen, I know it wasnt the best thing for me to come here, but I was concerned for Bette especially after the condition she was in, Candace tried to soften the air between her and Tina.

You? You were concerned for Bette? Tina questioned sarcastically and laughed. Shes not the only ***** one you should be concerned about *****. Tina spit, stepping even closer to Candace who now had her fists balled up by her side.

Candace flicked her attention between Bette who was awe struck and glued where she stood and Tina who was now completely in her face.

Step back Tina, Candace said softly.

Or what? Huh? What? Tina spoke boldly. Youre right you have no goddamn right to ***** be here, much less tell me what the ***** to do, she fumed and pushed Candace in the chest. What? You think you can ***** my wife then come here and tell me what the ***** to do? She fired off, pushing Candace again who now raised her hands to defend herself.

This time Bette moved from the doorway and reached for Tinas arm in an attempt to force the two apart, but her motion hurt Tina instead, as Candaces elbow caught Tina in the jaw. Tina broke free of Bettes hold, screaming in agony. She immediately saw red, balled up her fist and punched Candace square in the eye making her bow down and cover her face. Bette was caught in the middle of the two trying to stop Tina from swinging again and Candace from retaliating. Tina dodged Bettes hold elbowing her in the face knocking her backward to the ground, as she lunged for Candace. Candace stood her ground and grabbed Tinas hair forcing her head backward and swung with her free hand cracking Tina in the nose making it bleed on impact. Seeing Tina fall back, Bette jumped up and reached for Candaces throat and began to choke her.

Stop it! She yelled. Leave her the ***** alone, Bette screamed, tightening her grip as Candace fought to free herself.

Tina wiped the blood from her nose as she stood up and pulled Bettes hair so she would let go of Candaces neck. Bette wailed releasing her hold.

Why are you fighting me Tina, Im trying to help you, Bette yelled, staggering backward and trying to face Tina.

Shut up! Just shut the ***** up and get the ***** outta my way. Tina eased past Bette and ran after Candace who was trying to catch her breath and get away. Tina ran after her, grabbed her ponytail, raised her knee into the base of Candaces back, and yanked her backward forcing her to the ground where she smacked and scratched her face. Candace screamed out hoping someone, anyone would help her. Bette ran over to the two, trying to separate them, once again getting caught in the crossfire, and she fell down blinded by the blow to her eye. Candace and Tina were punching, kicking, and scratching each other as they rolled all over the yard hurling obscenities. Bette gave up her will to fight them anymore and crawled back to the house to nurse her wounds leaving Candace and Tina to fight it out.