Chapter Six
Marinas POV

Come on Marina. It would be fun, Alice said as she followed me to our normal table.
Fun for who? I asked as I sat down next to Alex. Hey, how are you Alex?
Im fine. What would be fun?
Im trying to talk Marina into doing a karaoke night but she wont, Alice grumbled as she sat next to Shane. She did Drag Kings, turning Kit bi, but she wont do karaoke.
I think karaoke would be fun and speaking of Kit, has anyone seen her lately? Bette asked.
Her and Ivan called last night after you fell asleep. I thought I told you? Bette shook her head while Tina hit herself in the forehead. Im sorry Baby. They were just calling to say they were finally back in town.
I thought they got back a week ago. Alex looked at Marina. Marina, you should do Karaoke Night. There arent many ***** clubs that do.
I cant afford it and I only have a week left to come up with the money to buy Francessca out. Im sorry.
Alice looked at Alex. Tell you what Marina, Ill rent the equipment and you can charge a small cover fee saying its to pay for said equipment. You could also probably ask for donations. You have so many regulars that love this place, and you, that they wouldnt want to see this place closed.
Alex, thats sweet of you but Id have to hire someone to run the equipment. I dont know how.
Just then Kit and Ivan walked up. Run what equipment?
Were trying to talk Marina into having a karaoke night., Alice said as everyone made room for Kit and Ivan. OH! We can do like on that Britney Spears movie, where people give whoevers singing money but ask the singers to donate the money to you. OR we can have a competition and there be an entrance fee. Fifty percent of the money going towards prizes and the other half can go towards the Planet.
Kit looked at Alex. Why are we getting money for the Planet?
I still need ten thousand to buy Fran out.
How about an auction? Im sure there is something we can all do. Dana looked at everyone. I could give tennis lessons.
I could give a hair cut.
I could paint a portrait and sing at a function or something. That would count as two things.
I could talk to the magazine and see if there could be an intern for a day or something to the same effect.
Im sure Tina and I could figure something out. I mean, I might be able to talk the CAC into letting someone show a couple things after Alexs show is done.
I guess I would sing as well, Kit said. I could maybe serenade someone.
I can do the same, Ivan added.
Guys, I love all of you but I dont think itll be enough. Even if people pay a thousand for each thing Id still need two thousand. Alex pulled something out of her bag. Alex, what are you doing?
How much does Franny want?
$45,000. Why?
This place actually cost that much? Damn. Oh, and Im asking because Im gonna buy her out.
But I already have $35,000.
You can buy some new equipment for the place, including karaoke equipment. I slapped my hand on the top of Alexs checkbook. Marina stop. You cant stop me form buying Franny out. Im your sister. I want to do this.
Wheres your daughter?
School and stop trying to change the subject. Alex pulled my cellphone out of my pocket. We could only hear her side of the conversation but we could figure out what Francessca was saying. Franny! Its Alex, Marinas sister. Of course you do. Shane and Alice held me back. Just wanted to tell you I have a check here with your name on it for $45,000. What do you care? Youre getting your money. Ill be waiting. Well Marina, she said as she turned off the phone, looks like were partners.
Thank-you Alex. Alex waved me off and pointed to Alice. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Fine. Well have Karaoke Night. Kit, you know where to get the equipment and how to run it?
Sure do baby girl. How much money can we spend?
No more than $10,000. That leaves me with $25,000 to redecorate or repair and replace things in here.
Kit nodded, That can buy the best, and a bunch of CDs. Want me to buy those too? I nodded. Okay, Ivan and I will go now. See ya guys later.
Goodbye, Ivan said.
Bye Kit. Bye Ivan, everyone else said.
Alex stood up and walked out with Kit and Ivan. She came back in with Francessca. I watched as the two of them walked to the counter. Its all yours in a couple of minutes. How do you feel? I looked at Tina and smiled.
Wonderful. Francessca came over to the table, shook my hand, then left. Alex sat next to me. Thank-you. Alex shrugged and took a swallow of her coffee.
So, karaoke night tomorrow, right? I nodded. Well, the place is bought so no cover charge. Jenny will be in town, right?
Yep and for good. Her book tour is over.
I cant believe that story is so big. I looked at Bette. I didnt mean shes a bad writer. I meant because of the subject matter. Who knew a ***** romance novel would be so big.
Im sure Marina being on the cover helped a lot. Everyone laughed. Tina looked at Alice.
So, Alice, is Shanes nipple confidence real or just her ego getting in the way?
Shane turned beet red as Alice spit her coffee all over Alex. Alice!
Oh my god Alex. Im so sorry. Ill pay for the dry cleaning.
Dont worry about it. This outfit can be thrown in the normal washer and dryer. Alex looked at everyone at the table then stopped on Dana. Dana, you got something underneath that hoodie, right? Dana nodded. Let me wear it please. Most of Alices coffee ended up on my shirt.
Of course. Dana quickly took off her hoodie and handed it to Alex. She nodded her thanks and went into the bathroom. The rest of us were staring at Dana. What?
Lok at you, little miss hottie mc hot hot. Dana glared at Alice then turned towards the bathroom, watching for Alex. We all looked at each other. Dana, what exactly happened between you and Lara. You guys seemed so happy.
Lara realized something about me before even did I, that I was in love with someone else. The next night I realized whom she was talking about and that it was true.
Shane looked at Dana. Danes, who? Dana didnt say anything but continued to watch the bathroom door. Her face lit up and we all turned to see who she had seen. All we could see was Alex. We looked at each other again the our eyes widened as we realized what a somewhat outsider realized before us. Alex?
Yeah? We all turned as Alex walked up behind Dana. Shane, what did you want?
Um, Alice and I were wondering if youd sing Closer to Fine with us. You know the whistle solo, right?
You do mean tomorrow, right? Shane nodded. Okay, of course Ill sing with you guys. Alex looked at Dana. You ready to go? Dana nodded and stood up.
Where are you guys going? Alice asked, specifically looking at Dana.
Danas taking me to chemotherapy. Its getting to be even worse. Ill probably sleep all day today and all day tomorrow, cause Im coming to karaoke night, might need to leave early but Ill be there. We all nodded and watched as they left.
Now they just need to realize the others feelings, commented Shane.
Damn, our circle will never get bigger. WEre all dating each other. Everyone looked at Alice. What? Its the truth. Look at us. We all looked at ourselves. Shane was sitting on a stool, Alice sitting between her legs and Bette and Tina were sitting in separates chairs yet they were so close none of us could really tell. Now, look at how secluded we are from the rest of the caf. Youd thin the owner would want to be able to see what was going on.
You know what, I think we all need to get to work before we all get fired, Bette said, standing up. She held her hand out to Tina and helped her up. Anybody need a ride? Everyone shook their heads. Okay, bye Marina.
Bye Marina, everyone else said as they all walked to the door and then outside.
I shook my head and I watched the two couples walk out the door. She looked at her watch. *****! She took off her apron and threw it at one of the other waitresses as she ran out the door.

The Next Night – Danas House
Stacys POV
Stacy! Have you seen my leather pants? I looked down at my mothers leather pants that I just happened to be wearing. I spun around as I heard someone walk in.
Id run and change fast if I was you. Soon shes going to realize that youre wearing them. I nodded and put down the peanut butter jar I had been holding.
Too late. I looked at my mother and grinned. You know if you had asked I would have said yes.
Can I borrow your pants?
No.
But you just said-
I changed my mind. I looked at Dana and saw her smirking at our interactions. My mother looked at her as well. What are you smirking at missy?
Nothing Alex. By the way, I love your boxers. Theyre just the cutest. My mother glared at Dana. Go put on a different pair of pants and let your daughter borrow your pants. She wont ruin them. My mother stuck her tongue out at Dana, then glared at me and headed up to her bedroom. Real mature Alex!
Shut up!
Wasnt that the best comeback youve ever heard? Dana asked me. She was enjoying this way too much. She wont have to deal with my mother when shes old. I just shook my head, picked up the peanut butter and finished making my sandwich.
You want half of this? Dana shook her head but I could tell she really wanted it. Okay. I guess Ill leave it here for my mother. I picked up the other half and walked to the table, my back facing Dana.
Well, lets not tell your mother and Ill just eat it myself. I chuckled and pushed my glass of milk in between us. Thanks. I nodded and watched Dana eat her half, obviously deep in thought.
Penny for your thoughts?
Dana looked up at me. You got a million? I shook my head. Oh well. She took a bite of her sandwich then a gulp of milk. Im in love. I put down my sandwich and listened as Dana continued.

Half Hour Later
Alexs POV
I ran down the stairs as soon as I was ready. We were already running late. As I stepped down to the third step from the bottom, I stepped on the bottom of my jeans (or actually Stacys which is why they were so long) and slipped, falling down the rest of the stairs. Dana and Stacy came running into the foyer.
Alex, are you alright? Dana asked.
Stacy looked at my pants. Are those my pants?
I glared at her as Dana helped me up. I looked at her pants. Arent those my pants? Stacy grinned sheepishly as I limped to the breakfast counter with Danas help. I think I sprained my ankle.
You want me to bring you to the ER? I shook my head. Alex.
Dana, were already late. You know Marinas going to be mad if we dont show up tonight. Besides I need a night out. Ive been spending too much time in the hospital as it is. I probably just twisted it. You have an ace bandage right? Dana nodded. Let me borrow one and give me a couple motrin. Ill be fin in a half hour. Dana nodded and went to get what I asked for.
Mom, are you sure youre going to be alright? You know Aunt Marina wouldnt really care.
I shook my head. I want to go and Ill be fine. Dont you worry about me. Just then Dana came back in and handed me some motrin. Thank, Stacy will you get me some water please. Stacy nodded and went back into the kitchen. Dana pulled a chair over to me. What are you doing?
What foot did you hurt?
The right. Dana carefully lifted my foot and put it in her lap. What are you doing?
Im wrapping your ankle for you. Which shoes were you planning on wearing tonight? Dana started wrapping my foot.
My combat boots. They make me taller. I should have brought them upstairs and put them on up there.
Yeah you should have. We wouldnt be having to wrap your foot right now and making ourselves even later. Dana patted my foot. All done. Lets get your shoes on and get out of here. Im driving. I opened my mouth to argue but the look in Danas eyes quickly changed my mind.
Stacy, wheres my water? Stacy quickly brought me my water as Dana looked for my boots. Thank you. Stacy nodded and started looking for my boots as well

Radar – Hour Later
Tinas POV
I saw Alex, Dana, and Stacy run into the club. As they got closer I could tell Alex was limping with Dana helping her. They got to our table fairly quickly. Youre late. Stacy went to the bar.
No duh Tina, Dana somewhat snapped as she helped Alex sit down. It was obvious Alex didnt want her help. Alex, are you alright now? Do you need anything?
Dana, leave me alone. My ankle is fine.
Alice and Shane just walked over. Youre lucky I saw you come in. Youre late. Stacy came over with three drinks in her hands. Stacy, those better be sodas and I love your pants.
They are soda and thank-you but theyre my mothers. I just stole them for the night. Stacy sat down next to Alex and kind of clung onto her, somewhat scared.
Are you alright Stacy? I asked as Bette sat down next to me, having been talking to Kit. She nodded.
Alex, are you still going to sing with Alice and I? Alex nodded, although she wasnt really paying attention. Good because were going to be next. Alexs head whipped up at that. Knew that would get your attention. Alex glared. That was the truth. Were next. Alex nodded.
Okay, up next is Alex, Alice and Shane with Closer to Fine.

i’m trying to tell you something about my life / maybe give me insight between black and white / and the best thing you’ve ever done for me / is to help me take my life less seriously / it’s only life after all / yeah

well darkness has a hunger that’s insatiable / and lightness has a call that’s hard to hear / i wrap my fear around me like a blanket / i sailed my ship of safety till i sank it / i’m crawling on your shores

i went to the doctor, i went to the mountains / i looked to the children, i drank from the fountains / there’s more than one answer to these questions / pointing me in a crooked line / and the less i seek my source for some definitive / (the less i seek my source) / the closer i am to fine / the closer i am to fine

and i went to see the doctor of philosophy / with a poster of rasputin and a beard down to his knee / he never did marry or see a b-grade movie / he graded my performance, he said he could see through me / i spent four years prostrate to the higher mind / got my paper and i was free

i went to the doctor, i went to the mountains / i looked to the children, i drank from the fountains / there’s more than one answer to these questions / pointing me in a crooked line / the less i seek my source for some definitive / (the less i seek my source) / the closer i am to fine / the closer i am to fine

i stopped by the bar at 3 a.m. / to seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend / and i woke up with a / headache like my head against a board / twice as cloudy as i’d been the night before / and i went in seeking clarity.

i went to the doctor, i went to the mountains / i looked to the children, i drank from the fountains / yeah we go to the doctor, we go to the mountains / we look to the children, we drink from the fountains / yeah we go to the bible, we go through the workout / we read up on revival and we stand up for the lookout / there’s more than one answer to these questions / pointing me in a crooked line / the less i seek my source for some definitive / (the less i seek my source) / the closer i am to fine / the closer i am to fine / the closer i am to fine

Alices POV
We did great yall! I looked at Alex and Shane, expecting a nod of agreement but all I saw was them both rolling their eyes. Forget you two then. I sped up and plopped in my chair.
Stop being such a drama queen Alice, Bette said as Alex and Shane sat down. You guys did a wonderful job. This time I looked up right away. I saw them shrug but I also saw a slight blush creep up to their cheeks. That was why they just rolled their eyes earlier. Alex, you really know that whistle solo.
Better than we did on the was to Dinah Shore. I still wish you could have come Dana. You would have had so much fun.
Alice, you know why I couldnt. I nodded and looked around. Stacy was sitting with everyone but she seemed to be by herself. Just as I was about to say something Jenny and Marina sat down at our table. Hey Jenny, Marina. Where have you guys been?
Bartender was late. I had to work the bar until she got here and Jenny kept me company. Marina looked at Stacy. How are you Stacy? You didnt talk much when you came to get the sodas.
Stacy shrugged. Im alright. Just, the homesickness is just now settling in.
I perked up. You should sing something. Stacy glared at me. What? Singing always makes people happy.
I dont know. I dont want to sing by myself.
We all looked at each other, our eyes finally resting on Jenny. Stacy, sorry, but no. Stacy nodded and looked down at her drink, swirling around in her glass. I noticed Marina looked and Jenny and she sighed. Rolling her eyes, she said, Never mind Stacy. Ill sing with you but I get to pick the song.
Stacy nodded and smiled, her back getting a little straighter as her mood got a little better. Alex got Jennys attention and mouthed thank you. Jenny nodded then looked through the songbook. She smirked, closing the book and filling out a slip to bring to Kit. Picked a song? Marina asked. Jenny nodded and brought it up to Kit. As she came back, Marina asked, What song did you pick?
Not telling. Youll have to wait till were called to sing it. Stacys face paled. Dont worry. Its not bad. I smirked. I looked at Dana and Alex. Dana was fussing over her. Hey, Alex. Why were you limping earlier? The rest of us blushed as we realized we hadnt asked her what was wrong when she first walked in.
Well, since Stacy stole my pants I stole a pair of hers. Only, since shes taller than me, her pants are too long. I was running down the stairs, since we were already running late, and I slipped, twisting my ankle, and fell down the stairs. I laughed, spitting out my drink. Alex glared at me. Whats so funny?
I shook my head as I tried to calm down. Its just that you are such a klutz. The story you just told did not surprise me at all. Almost all your postcards told at least one story of you tripping and twisting your ankle. Alex stuck out her tongue and I wiggled my eyebrows. Shane rolled her eyes as she put her arm around my shoulders. Everyone giggled at her obvious display of jealousy. I grabbed her hand and snuggled closer, giving everyone a look that shut them all up.
Okay. Jenny and Stacy are going to entertain us with their rendition of Britney and Madonnas Me Against the Music.

B: Britney / M: Madonna

All my people in the crowd / Grab a partner take it down!

B: It’s me against the music / M: Uh uh / B: It’s just me / M: And me / B: Yeah / M: C’mon / B: huh / M: Hey Britney? / B: Are you ready? / M: Uh uh, are you? / B: uh

B&M: And no one cares / B: It’s whippin’ my hair, it’s pullin’ my waist / B&M: To ***** with stares / B: The sweat is drippin’ all over my face / B&M: And no one’s there / B: I’m the only one dancin’ up in this place / B&M: Tonight I’m here / B: Feel the beat of the drum, gotta get with that bass

B: I’m up against the speaker, tryin’ to take on the music / It’s like a competition, me against the beat / I wanna get in the zone, I wanna get in the zone / If you really wanna battle, saddle up and get your rhythm / Tryin’ to hit it, chic-a-taa / In a minute I’m a take a you on, I’m a take a you on / Hey, hey, hey

CHORUS
B&M: All my people on the floor / B: Let me see you dance / M: Let me see ya / B&M: All my people wantin’ more / B: Let me see you dance / M: I wanna see ya / B&M: All my people round and round / B: Let me see you dance / M: Let me see ya / B&M: All my people in the crowd / B: Let me see you dance / M: I wanna see ya

B&M: So how would you like a friendly competition / Let’s take on the song (B: let’s take on the song, let’s take on the song) / It’s you and me baby, we’re the music / Time to party all night long (B: all night long, all night long)

Oh uh dear, let’s go

B&M: We’re almost there / B: I’m feelin’ it bad and I can’t explain / B&M: My soul is bare / B: My hips are movin’ at a rapid pace / B&M: Baby feel it burn / B: From the tip of my toes, runnin’ through my veins / B&M: And now’s your turn / B: Let me see what you got, don’t hesitate

B: I’m up against the speaker, tryin’ to take on the music / It’s like a competition, me against the beat / I wanna get in the zone, I wanna get in the zone / If you really wanna battle, saddle up and get your rhythm / Tryin’ to hit it, chic-a-taa / In a minute I’m a take a you on, I’m a take a you on / Hey, hey, hey

B&M: All my people on the floor / B: Let me see you dance / M: Let me see ya / B&M: All my people wantin’ more / B: Let me see you dance / M: I wanna see ya / B&M: All my people round and round / B: Let me see you dance / M: Let me see ya / B&M: All my people in the crowd / B: Let me see you dance / M: I wanna see ya

B&M: Get on the floor, baby lose control (yeah) / Just work your body and let it go (let it go) / If you wanna party, just grab somebody / M: Hey Britney / B&M: We can dance all night long

M: Hey Britney, you say you wanna lose control / Come over here I got somethin to show ya / ***** lady, I’d rather see you bare your soul / If you think you’re so hot, better show me what you got

M: All my people in the crowd, let me see you dance / C’mon Britney lose control, watch you take it, take it down

B&M: Get on the floor, baby lose control / Just work your body and let it go / If you wanna party, just grab somebody / M: Hey Britney / B&M: We can dance all night long

B&M: All my people on the floor / B: Let me see you dance / M: Let me see ya / B&M: All my people wantin’ more / B: Let me see you dance / M: I wanna see ya / B&M: All my people round and round / B: Let me see you dance / M: Let me see ya / B&M: All my people in the crowd / B: Let me see you dance / M: I wanna see ya

M: All my people in the crowd, let me see you dance / C’mon Britney take it down, make the music dance / All my people round and round, party all night long / C’mon Britney lose control, watch you take it, take it down /

Shanes POV (starts during performance)
I watched Dana the entire night. After her admission the day before, she had been acting strange, even more so tonight. She was continually fussing over Alexs foot, making sure it didnt hurt or anything. Alice watched them too but she was also paying attention to Jenny and Stacy. Danas eyes suddenly opened wide. She snapped her fingers and stood up, right as Jenny and Stacy sat down. We all looked at her following her sudden outburst.
Sorry. Jenny, Stacy, you guys did a great job, really. Ill be right back. We all watches as she ran up to Kit and talked to her excitedly.
What the heck happened to her? Bette asked, looking at the rest of us. We all shrugged although I had an idea what was going on. I saw Kit hug a grinning Dana. I wished I could read lips wait a minute, Alex, can you tell what theyre saying?
Alex shook her head. Danas back is to me so Kits words mean nothing. Alexs eyes squinted but suddenly she looked under the table, acting like she had dropped something. *****! Kit saw me looking at her then Dana turned around. I nodded, looking over and seeing Dana sit next to Kit. Do any of you know whats going on? Alice and I looked at each other. Alice.
Alice shook her head as the rest of us tried not to laugh. We knew Alex would try to get Alice to spill. I cant tell you. Besides, Im not entirely sure what is going on. I just have an idea about what it might be. Alice looked at Alex. Are you even listening to me?
Shes gone.
Who? I asked but Alex didnt need to answer.
Oh my god, gasped Tina. Is that Dana on stage?
We all turned to look at the stage and there was Dana, standing in front of the mic. Ladies and gentlemen, mostly ladies
What is she doing? She cant sing, Alex said, looking at the rest of us. We all ignored her, the others had probably realized what was going on.
Please give a big hand for Dana!
The lights on the stage came on and the first notes of the song came trhough the speakers. I couldnt believe what song it was. I turned to Alice. This isnt what I think it is, is it? The look Alice gave me answered my question, as did Dana when she started to sing.

Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on / Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on / Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on / Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on

Stacy can I come over / After school (after school) / We can hang around / by the pool (hang by the pool) / Did your mom get back / from her business trip (business trip) / Is she there? / Or is she tryin to give me the slip (give me the slip)

You know I’m not the little boy / that I used to be / I’m all grown up / Now baby can’t you see!?

Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on / She’s all I want, and I’ve waited for so long / Stacy can’t ya see? / You’re just not the girl for me / I know it might be wrong but, / I’m in love with Stacy’s mom

Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on / Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on

We all turned and looked at Alex. Her face was pale but her eyes had a look in them Id only seen a couple times before. Hope.

Stacy do you remember / when I mowed your lawn (mowed your lawn) / Your mom came out / With just a towel on (towel on) / I could tell she liked me / From the way she stared (way she stared) / And the way she said / “ya missed a spot over there” (spot over there)

And I know that you think its just a fantasy / But since your dad walked out / your mom could use a guy like me

Stacy’s mom, has got it goin on / She’s all I want and I’ve waited for so long / Stacy can’t ya see? / You’re just not the girl for me / I know it may be wrong but, / I’m in love with Stacy’s mom

Stacy’s mom has got it goin on (shes got it goin on) / She’s all I want and I’ve waited for so long / Stacy can’t ya see, You’re just not the girl for me / I know it might be wrong, I’m in love with-

Stacy’s mom, ah-oh-ah-oh / I’m in love with- / Stacy’s mom, ah-oh-ah-oh / Wait a minute / Stacy can’t ya see? / You’re just not the girl for me / I know it might be wrong but / I’m in love with Stacy’s mom

I watched Dana walk back towards our table, grinning from ear to ear until she noticed Alex was no there. She stopped dead in her tracks and looked at me. I quickly got up and walked to her. Did she hear? she whispered.
Yeah, she heard.
So, shes just in the bathroom, right Shane? I didnt answer that. I knew I didnt need to say anything. Tears started coming to Danas eyes. I must have made a pained face because she said, I know you hate it when girls cry but I cant help it.
Dont worry about it Danes. Cry it all out. I hugged her and let her cry on my shoulder. I felt a pair of arms wrap around us. I looked up and saw Alice. Then Bette, Tina, Marina, Kit, Stacy, Jenny, and even Ivan joined in on our group hug. We stood like that for a good couple of minutes, just letting Dana cry. When she seemed to have calmed down, we all let go. We should just go home now. You think you can drive? Dana nodded as she composed herself.
You ready to go Stacy?
Yeah.
Lets go home then. With that, we all walked outside. Marina, Jenny, Kit, and Ivan waved as the rest of us walked to our cars.