***

Dana’s parents insisted that she and Lara stay with them for the first couple of weeks after she was released. They felt helpless and wanted to do something to take care of their ‘little girl’. Considering Dana had kept them out of the loop so much she didn’t want to deprive them so she agreed to stay with them as long as Lara could be with her.

It actually worked out well for everyone. The Fairbanks’ lived in a huge mansion on the beach with private guest quarters. Dana and Lara had their privacy but still had the house staff to cater to their needs. For two weeks they did nothing but rest and reconnect. It was almost like being on vacation at a resort. They were finally able to relax.

Sharon was on her best behavior as she tried not to interfere or be too overbearing. The girls visited Dana periodically throughout the weeks but they respected that she really needed to take it easy and mostly rest. She seemed to be in pretty good spirits. Though she still had her moments of depression she wasn’t nearly as angry.

Once Bette was assured that Dana was fine, she kept her plans to attend the ten day silent retreat. By the time she got back Dana would be starting her chemo treatment and Tina would be back from Canada. For the couple of days that both Bette and Tina were out of town Alice stayed at the Porter-Kennard house to take care of Angie. Kit and Angus juggled their schedules to help care for the baby while Tina was at work. Shane and Jenny were on stand-by to pitch in wherever needed to help Dana, Lara or Tina.

Kit had given Lara family leave from her job at the Planet but Lara was ready to go back to work. Kit didn’t argue so she started back working a few hours a week to give herself and Dana a break from each other. Also to give Dana time alone with her parents and brother.

***

Even though Bette was on a silent retreat she managed to sneak down the hill to make one phone call per day. Usually she called Alice or Kit to check on Angie and they gave her updates on Dana. Dana’s tragedy had forced Dana, Alice and Lara to put aside their petty rivalry. Before long they started back to becoming friends again. In fact the whole gang had gotten closer. They now felt and acted like the family they’d been before Bette’s affair, and Alice and Dana’s breakup.