(edited 5 Dec 2004)



*Chapter Four*



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Alice rolled onto her back with a small frustrated moan, and she glanced at the clock, 10.47am. Realising shed barely had four hours sleep she stuffed her pillow over her face intent on going back to dreamland. A light knock at her bedroom door changed her mind, Tinashit. Remembering what had happened she croaked, Mmm hmm, come in.

Hey Al, good morning, sorry to wake you, Tina said quietly, only her head entering the room, feeling a little rude waking Alice after everything that shed done already.

Alice sat up, concerned. No, thats ok, are you alright? Sorry I left you on the couch, but you were pretty much out.

Yeah, I think I wore myself out, but it was fairly comfy anyway. Umthanks Al, for last night, I was a bit of a messand Im sorry for just dumping on you, but, um, thanks, Tina rushed through the sentence, hoping the pace would stop the tears that kept threatening to break free. God, I am so sick of crying, isnt there a limit or something? she wondered when she remembered the reason for knocking. Oh, sorry, Danas here, she wants to talk to you, should I just send her in? Not even considering Alice would answer anything but yes she turned to call to Dana before the other woman could comment.

Hey, nowait, I, Alice fumbled, but Tina had already moved off. She quickly looked down at her white tank and cotton boxers, wiped a hand across her face trying to look awake, and then ran her hands through hair, but it was a lost cause. She looked up to see Dana appear in the doorway, *****, I am so not ready to deal with thisoh god, she looks like she hasnt slept. What the ***** am I doing?

Dana walked into the room and closed the door, she felt tired and confused, and she just wanted Alice to explain everything so that she could at least get things straight in her head. She had only gotten around two hours sleep before Alices visit, and there was no chance of sleep after that, instead she had laid in bed and tried to work it out, and the only conclusion she had come to was that it changed everything. She wasnt sure how exactly, but it had definitely changed. After four hours of thought she came to the decision that she couldnt marry Tonya, regardless of what happened with Alice, the kiss had made it clear she was settling for something less if she stayed with Tonya. Thats what she had spent the last two hours telling her now ex-fiance, and she hadnt taken it very well at all. But when she had realised Dana could not be manipulated into changing her mind the instant bitter scorn and spiteful insults had shocked Dana and validated her decision. The whole morning had left her feeling drained and wounded, but she knew she needed to understand what was going on before she could rest.

She looked at Alice sitting cross-legged in the middle of her bed, the sheet pooled around her waist. Her hair was more than mussed and stuck out at odd angles, her eyes still showed drowsy signs of sleep, and there were crisscrossed lines on her left cheek from the pillow. God, shes so beautiful. Why didnt I see that before? Dana thought to herself. Alices eyes were downcast but her natural curiosity couldnt stop her from occasionally stealing a small glance at Dana as the silence extended.

Alice, um, I think we should talkabout what happenedyou know, last night, well this morning really, cause 4am is technically morningeven though its still darkum. What I mean is I think I need to know what happenedI mean I know what happened, I thinkI mean yeah I do, I was there. But I need to know what it meantfor you, andumwhat you wantum, god Im such a geek. Dana took a deep breath and closed her eyes, berating herself for being such a loser. Look, Al, could you help me out here, Im making an idiot of myselfnot that I dont all the time, cause Im a dumb geeky athleteargh. she groaned in frustration, knowing she was starting to babble again. Could you just say something, anythingjustI dont knowgod, I mess up everything. She stopped again and looked down as tears of frustration threatened.

Alices eyes remained downcast for the duration of the bumbling speech, except for a couple of sneaked glimpses. Despite the seriousness of what Dana was trying to convey the blonde couldnt help the small smile that crept onto her face at the fumbling adorable babble she was being subjected to. God, its just so Dana, and so unintentionally cute. If only she could see that the geeky parts make her more beautiful, and that I love that about her. She could see that the situation was too much for Dana to work out in her need to keep things simple and manageable. But her own guilt over possibly being the Candace to Danas relationship stopped her from simply telling Dana how she felt.

Clearing her throat she looked up at Dana and started, Ok Dane, maybe we should talk, I didnt actually say much earlier, and I probably need to.

Dana snorted, a slightly goofy look on her face as spoke without really thinking. You said heaps actually, enough to change my life. Suddenly realising what she just said Dana looked up stunned. I mean your actions spoke pretty loudah, I She cut herself off and closed her eyes, dropping her head, she tried to collect her thoughts. What I mean, Al, is I think I need to know what your actions were really saying.

What do you think they were saying? Alice ventured shyly, not sure if she should answer honestly.

No, Alice, I think I want you to tell me, that way Ill know for sure, Dana replied, Alices tentative demeanour seeming to enhance her confidence. Al, you kissed me, I need to know why you did that.

You kissed me back, why did you do that? Alice questioned back still avoiding the request.

Why did you kiss me? Answer the question, Alice. Danas eyes were now locked on Alice, but Alice was doing everything not to meet them. Alice, please? she pleaded softly. The request was whispered, but that didnt lessen its power.

Refusing to look up Alice just whispered, Because.

Dana moved closer and carefully sat on the edge of the bed. In an effort to try and diffuse some of the tension and get Alice talking she replied quietly, Yeah, you told me that much already. She reached out slowly and touched Alices hand, gripping it lightly. Alice?

Alice finally looked up and Dana could see she was crying, but she gripped Danas hand like she never wanted to let go. Because she choked and looked at the ceiling trying to clear the tears from her eyes as she gathered her strength. I kissed you because. She looked Dana in the eyes and whispered her confession. I love you.

Dana released the breath she had been holding and pulled Alice into her arms. Holding her so tightly, she whispered into Alices hair just loud enough for the blonde to hear, I love you too.

Hearing the words Alice held her just as tightly, nuzzling Danas neck lightly, breathing in her scent and then sighed softly as Dana relaxed her grip. Alice pulled back and looked Dana in the eyes. What about Tonya, I dont want to be the other woman, a woman who breaks up engagements, or seven year marriages, I

Dana leaned in and tenderly kissed her, stopping that line of thought. She brought her hands up and gently wiped the remnants of tears from the blondes cheeks, then with a smile she looked up at Alices hair in its disarray, Shes beautifuland she loves megod, Im so lucky. Danas smile grew bigger and her hands traced over Alices face, attempting to tuck her hair behind her ears before coming to rest on her neck, her thumbs gently brushing the blonde’s pulse point. Do you honestly think I could have been happy with Tonya when Im in love with you? She couldnt resist kissing Alice again before continuing, That kiss

Kisses, Alice corrected with a slight gleam in her eyes.

Dana grinned back at her. Sorry. Those kisses not only showed me that I loved you they also made it clear that I didnt love Tonya. Regardless of what was going to happen between us I realised I would never have been happy with Tonya, and I told her that this morning when I broke off the engagement.

You broke off the engagement?

Yeah, of course I did, Dana answered incredulously. Did you really think I would be here with you if I was still with Tonya? I would never do that; you know that, dont you?

The look of confusion, tinged with hurt on Dana face had Alice gifting her with a light reassuring kiss. Of course I know that. You are too honest and kind and adorably sweet to be anything but truthful about something like that. A loving smirk flashed across her face and she couldnt help but add playfully, Once youre being honest with yourself that is.

Hey!

Before Dana could comment further Alice quickly leaned in and kissed her again, but this time with a little more force and a lot more passion. Dana slipped her hands into blonde hair as she responded, trying to pull Alice closer, opening her mouth she brushed her tongue softly against her friend’s lips. The blonde opened her lips and met Danas tongue with her own as it slipped into her mouth; she moaned softly and tried to pull the brunette even closer, further into herself. Dana sighed almost inaudibly in response and gently tipped them backwards on the bed until they were lying in a tangled embrace of arms, legs, hands, and lips.

Dana broke the kiss to catch her breath and looked down at Alice who was equally breathless. I almost cant believe this is real.

I know, but it is, she smiled at Dana as she got her breathing under control. Looking steadily up at the brunette she asked, Are you sure this is what you want? I mean, were friends Dane, this is a big step, are you sure you want to take it?

Wondering if Alice was having doubts Dana responded, I think weve already taken it, Al. I mean everythings already changed, hasnt it? I know I want to try this, are you sure you want to?

Alice saw Danas insecurities cloud her face and she just smiled and reached up pulling the brunette into another kiss, letting her actions speak.

After a long passionate embrace they pulled apart again, both gasping for breath. A clattering sound from the kitchen reminded Alice of her houseguest and the rest of her morning. A little guilt washed over her at how happy she felt in spite of everything that was happening outside of her room. Dane, I really want to just stay here all day, but theres stuff Iwe have to deal with. Our thing wasnt the only drama last night. When I got back from your place Tina was here.

As if just realising it had been Tina that answered the door and not Alice, Danas brow crinkled in confusion. Whats going on? Whys Tina here, did something happen? I didnt even really notice when I came in, I wasnt paying much attention, Dana admitted, looking a little embarrassed at her lack of perception.

Alice just rubbed her arm comfortingly. Hey, dont worry you had other things on your mind. But I should really go check on Tina.

Alice made to get up but Dana stopped her. Whats going on? she asked imploringly, now starting to really worry. Did something happen to Bette?

Its more like Bette did something. I dont know much, but I think Bette slept with Candace, that carpenter working at the CAC, and Tina found out last night, she explained quietly. She was such a mess, and I wasnt much help.

Danas jaw dropped and her eyes opened impossibly wide as she tried to comprehend this. Oh my god!

Alice rushed to quieten her, Shhh, not so loud. If it wasnt so serious she might have laughed at the typically goofy Dana reaction, but this was serious. We should go check on her, and maybe get some breakfast. Have you eaten?

Dana shook her head and slowly untangled from Alice so they could get up. She was having trouble grasping what Alice had told her, but determined to help she stood up and held out her hand for Alice. They straightened their clothes and prepared to leave the room, and with a final kiss they did just that.



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