My mind made up, I go to the kitchen hoping Alice is up. Shes sitting at the table reading a newspaper.

Good morning, I say cheerfully.

Morning, she replies, still half asleep.

You look like you could use some coffee. Did you just get up?

No, she answers. Ive been up for a half hour.

Chuckling, I tell her, Let me make some coffee. Then I need to talk to you.

Theres no coffeeand didnt we talk enough last night? Did I do something else?

No, Al, you didnt do anything wrong. Should I tell her what this is about? Go for it. I just need to talk to you about Bette. That got her attention.

What about Bette?

Im thinking of seeing her today, I begin. Knowing I need Alice to be focused, I make a suggestion. Why dont we go to the Planet? I havent been there all week and you need coffee.

Okay. Ill just call Shane and Dana she looks like she has something else to say. She stands up and goes to the phone.

Hi. Is Shane there?………….Shane! Its Alice. She nearly screams into the phone. I think shes a little excited to hear Shanes voice, where have you been?…………….Ive been worried..OkayHey, Tina and I are about to head down to the Planet. Wanna join us?………………Great, Ill see you in a few. Bye. She hangs up the phone, then immediately picks it back up. Hi. Is Dana there?…Its Alice.Its okay Tonya, is she trying to sooth Tonya? Whats up with Dana? Well find her. I gotta go. Bye. She hangs up abruptly. She looks at me momentarily and picks up the receiver again. Yeah, Dana. Honey whats going on? I just got off the phone with Tonya…No, I called your place and she answered the phone.Just that you werent there when she got home last night and she hasnt seen you since. Dana, whats going on?…………………………..Tina and I are about to meet Shane at the Planet. Why dont you meet us there? She sounds apprehensive. Ill see you thereDana?…………Itll be alrightwhatevers wrongwell work through ittogether.