“Shane I’ve got to ask?”

“What’s that?”

“I didn’t ask before because it just upset me that I couldn’t do anything, but seriously how is Dane?”

Shane exhaled; she knew she had to be honest “Well Al it’s like she’s been loosing her light.  These past few weeks she seems to have given up a bit, sure she’s still putting in a hell of a fight but the side effects are really knocking her for six. She sleeps and cries a lot and doesn’t really eat that much.  She misses you like crazy and after she’d visited it just made her more depressed. I gotta be honest, I’m so glad you’re here and you’re ok and you’re coming home coz I …” Shane started to choke up and her last line was barely audible. “Couldn’t cope with loosing you both.”

Alice stood up from her chair with the help of her crutch and hobbled over to her bed and engulfed the hairdresser in a hug.

“Don’t you worry Piezecki is back and I’m gonna sort out my Dane and she’s gonna kick this cancer’s butt ok?”

Shane just nodded.

Little under and hour later Shane pulled up outside Dana’s condo. It was Tuesday and after having another rough treatment session the day before they both knew that the chances of Dana being asleep were quite high.

They were right although Sharon did hear the car and opened the front door to see Shane helping Alice out of her side of the car and handing her her crutch.  Alice made her way up the path to Dana’s front door with Shane following behind with her bag.  Once at the door both Sharon and Alice were overcome with emotion. They openly embraced with Sharon whispering “Welcome home” in her ear.  Alice pulled back and smiled “Not quite.”

She hobbled into the house and headed straight for Dana’s bedroom where she found her soul mate in a restless sleep and covers everywhere.  She adjusted the duvet and due to the fibreglass cast on her leg, climbed into bed in a rather clumsy manner.  The movement in the bed woke a slightly confused Dana.  She turned round to see Alice, her Alice lying on her side, her hair growing back well from her surgery watching her and just smiling. Dana smiled back. It quickly faded however and she started to cry lightly and turned back round.

“Fucking chemo” she muttered.

Alice placed her hand onto Dana’s shoulder who turned back quickly.

“Al?” Dana croaked

“Yes sweetie, it’s me. I’m here.”

“How? when?”

“Dana was dazed and confused but most of all still shattered.”

“Shh Dane it’s ok some here.”

The moment that they had all been waiting for they snuggled together and both slept well for the first time in over 2 months.

“I’m here Dane, I’m home.” Alice whispered as she kissed Dana’s head and drifted off to sleep.