Dana stood nervously on the sidewalk, the cool night breeze ruffling her messy hair.  On a whim, she’d given the cab driver Alice’s address, but now she didn’t know what she was doing here.  And now that she was here, she’d sobered up slightly enough   Pacing back and forth, she finally got up the courage to make her way to Alice’s door.

Alice opened the door almost immediately after Dana’s hesitant knock, as if she’d been expecting someone.  When she saw Dana standing there, her expression changed.  First there was a flash of surprise, followed by an almost hopeful look, which quickly morphed into a slightly disappointed and annoyed glare.  “What are you doing here?”

“I just came by toI don’t know,” Dana admitted, tongue-tied.

Alice sniffed the air.  “Have you been drinking?”

“Yes.  No.  I forgot.  Can I come in?” Dana stared down at her feet.

Sighing, Alice opened the door wider, letting Dana shuffle in past her.  Dana sat down on the couch, letting herself sink into the soft cushions.  She suddenly felt sick, the effects of too much alcohol and being so close to Alice for the first time in months.  “Can I crash here?” she asked hesitantly, not sure she was able to even stand up again.

Alice frowned and crossed her arms.  “You avoid me like the plague for months, and then you just waltz right in and” she trailed off at Dana’s sorrowful expression.  “Okay,” she muttered softly.

Dana bit her lip, her horrible news from earlier on the tip of her tongue.  Now that she was here with Alice again, hearing her voice and smelling her scent, it brought back so many memories.  Being near Alice made Dana feel the way she used to, back before she was happy and learned of her health problems, and she longed to share the news with Alice, the way she used to.  She longed to feel Alice’s comforting arms around her, telling her it was all going to be okay.  “Alice?” she began uncertainly.

“What?” asked Alice impatiently, staring at her watch.

“Nothing.  Just” She trailed off, noting the expression on Alice’s face.  That one look was all it took to deflate Dana’s hopes.  Lying down on the couch, she finished weakly, “I’m cold.  Can I have a blanket?”

Grumbling quietly, confused over Dana’s behavior, Alice went to the closet to get one and brought it back, spreading it over her ex.  “You’re welcome to crash here on the couch tonight,” she began, once again glancing her watch.  “Helena was supposed to come over here, but she’s late anyway, so I’ll just head over to her place.  You gonna be okay?”

“Oh,” Dana said quietly, and then nodded dumbly.

Alice gathered up her keys and paused at the doorway.  “Wellgoodnight.  I’ll try not to wake you up when I come in.”