Each of their friends reacted differently. Helena and Bette asked the sensible cancer related questions; Tina just stared at them both with tears brimming in her eyes too.  A simple “oh my god” escaped from Jenny’s mouth whereas Kit’s reaction was a sharp intake of breath and a simple almost silent “fuck”.  The only member of the group not to react was Shane, who simple stared at the same cup on the table that she’d been staring at since Alice and Dana sat down.  She’d known something was up, something was wrong but not this she couldn’t loose someone else in her life.

“Shane?” Dana asked gently

“It’s gonna be ok, I’m gonna be ok.  It’s just one of these shitty things in life that happen, you learn from and make you stronger.  It brought Al and me close together again, so it’s done one good thing already.” Dana tried her hardest to sound convincing

Shane looked up and shared a silent moment with Dana, a film of tears developing but remained silent.

Half an hour later, conversation was scarce, everyone was still in shock and Alice and Dana thought it would probably be best to leave and let everyone talk it over without them there. Plus the fact that they needed to start the drive to The Fairbanks’ family home to ensure they didn’t arrive too late.

Several hugs, kisses and tears later Dana was sitting in the passenger’s side of her Subaru with Alice driving them towards her childhood home.

“It actually wasn’t as hard as I thought you know.”

“They are our closest friends, I suppose deep down they all kinda reacted as I thought they would.”

“Yeh I know, im worried about Shane though.”

“She knew something was up.  I was with her having coffee when I got the phone call yesterday.”

“Shit”

As Alice drove up the Fairbanks’ driveway she felt Dana tense up.

“I’ll hold your hand the whole time Dane, it’s gonna be ok. It’s you mom, dad and Howie.  They’ll be worried and scared but above all they love you and will just want to take care of you.”

“I know but its still scary, how do I tell my mom, dad and little brother I have cancer?”

Alice just squeezed her girlfriend’s hand.

“With me by your side, come on. Let’s get it over with.”

With that they climbed out of the car only to meet Sharon Fairbanks coming down the drive.

“Dana? What are you doing here?  I thought you and Alice were over?”

“Just breathe Dana, this cannot be as bad as coming out!” Dana thought as she tried to keep her composure.