Alice got up, showered and dressed before waking Dana to get her up to prepare for the meeting of their friends at the Planet.

“Dane? Come on you need to get ready.”

“I’m tired Al.” Dana mumbled.

Alice climbed back into bed and gave her a hug.

“It’s horrible, I’ve felt like this for weeks but because I thought it was just the flu I shrugged it off, not I know I have cancer I just want to sleep.”

“It’s ok baby I understand, just rest.”

“Just another ten minutes I promise.” Dana was already falling back to sleep

“Dana?” Alice said in a slightly stronger tone

“Hmm?”

“Do you want me to meet everyone, explain everything and tell them about Friday? That way you can stay here and sleep till I come back then we’ll head to tell your parents?”

“No I dunno Al, I feel like I should tell them, at least be there, but…”

“It’s ok it’s your choice.”

“It isn’t fair on you though Al, you can’t take on this massive burden.”

“Dana I will never consider anything connected to you or us a burden. Ok? I love you and would do anything for you, even go running!”

Dana smiled a sleepy smile.

“Are you sure? I feel really bad but I’m gonna need all my energy for this afternoon I think.”

“Of course and you can sleep in the car if you want to.”

“No I’ll just get up, come on these guys are my family too and they’ll want to see me, make sure i’m still breathing” Dana gave a light sarcastic laugh.

“Ok but don’t overdo it.” Alice kissed Dana quickly before getting towels ready for her shower.

“Al you don’t need to fuss!” Dana laughed but deep down appreciated everything Alice was doing and had done since that meeting less than 24 hours before.

Bette, Tina, Shane, Carmen, Jenny, Helena and Kit were all sitting around one of their regular tables at the Planet just after 10 o’clock.  Helena had become a good friend to Alice over the previous months and knew that their friendship would be very important to her over the next few months.