“Can we see her?” Helena asked

“Yes” Lara dreaded “but she won’t be too thrilled with me, not that she has been lately”

“You did the right thing” Tina walked up to Lara and hugged her “you shouldn’t have to do this on your own” Lara broke down and sobbed on Tina’s shoulder

“It’s just that she needs you guys but is too pigheaded to admit it” Lara said in between sobs

“Tina’s right” Kit came over to them and joined Tina in comforting Lara

“We’ll all go to the hospital and be there for Dana” Bette added “a member of our family needs us” Alice got up from her seat and walked to the hugging group

“I know I’ve been an asshole to you” Tina and Kit let go of Lara who straightened up to face Alice “but I admire what you just did, and I’m sorry.  You’ve made her happy and that’s all that matters” Lara pulled Alice into a hug and held each other tightly

“I was the jealous one” Lara admitted “you’re all she ever talks about and she misses you so much.  All of you” they let go of the hug so Lara could look at all of them.

From that evening on they visited Dana in the hospital, and stayed during and after her mastectomy.  Bette and Tina would take Angie over sometimes to see her and the baby would brighten her day.  When Dana was released, they threw her a welcome home party which made her happy and lucky to have such loving people in her life.  She even felt bad for giving Lara a hard time.  She continued with chemotherapy treatment with one of the girls driving her to and from the hospital.  The thought of losing one of their own hit home for all of them making them realize how truly precious their time together as is.

The intercom buzzed and James voice sounded through the little speaker

“Dean Porter, Professor Lerner is here to see you”

“Send her in James” a minute later Jodie walked through the door then took a seat in front of the dean’s desk

“We need to discuss what you plan to do about the student complaint” Bette addressed elbows resting on the arms of her chair