Recap–

She turns out the light and is about to leave. I call her name, Alice?

Yeah, she answers.

Will you stay with me? I dont want to be alone tonight. I feel so alone alreadyI just want to be held.

Sure, she says, approaching me on the bed. She joins me under the covers and wraps her warm, inviting arms around me. In her embrace I feel safe enough to fall asleep and soon drift off to dreamland.

Chapter 12–

The sun shines through the window, blinding me and cutting through my brain like a blade. Uuugghh, what did I drink last night? And how did I get home? I open my eyes only to find that Im not actually at home. I look around the room wishing that damn sun will just go away. Im in Alices room. As I struggle to my feet, I recall the events of the previous evening. Did I really tell her I love her? Oh, my God! I just woke up in her bed. I remember her holding me. Did we do anything? No, she said she couldnt. She didnt want to do anything Id regret. How did I get such a good friend? Shes been there for me time after timewhen I came out to Mom and Dadwhen I broke it off with Larawhen I found out about Tonya. I cant believe I never saw it before.I DO love her. Im in love with Alice.

After looking around the apartment and not finding Alice, I go into the kitchen to make some coffee. I grab a cup from the cabinet and sit at the tableI have to work up the strength to brew that oh so wonderful concoction. I cant wait until I take that first sipbut right now, I cant even open my eyes without invoking the name of God to give me mercy. After who knows how long I hear the front door slammaking my head pound all that much more.

Dana? Uuuunnnnggggg. Why does she have to be so loud. I look up quickly to make sure she gets my point. Oooohhh, the pain. I find my face buried in my hands for comfort. Ill just lay my head down for a bit. Ill make you some coffee, Why is she still yelling at me?

A few minutes later she taps me on the arm and points out the wonderful cup of coffee and two little white angels. I sip the coffee and swallow the aspirin after saying, thanks.

Youre welcome, she says.

Alice?

Yeah.

What am I gonna do about Tonya?

I dont know, she answers, but well figure something out. If we have to get the whole gang together again, including Bette and Tinawell figure something out. Yeah, theyll think of something. They always think of something.

Thank you.

Youre welcome, she answers again. I dont think she knows what Im really saying.

Nothank youfor everythingfor last night. Its a little fuzzy, but I remember most of what happened.

Youre welcome.

We sit in blissful silence for a few moments before a freight train comes rolling through my head.

Hello, Alice says into the phone. Is that all it was? I could have sworn a train just ran over my head.

Uh, noUh, Tonya, listen, TONYA? Whats she doing calling here? Please, Alice dont tell her I’m here. I think I remember she has a tennis match in Chicago this week. Thats probably where she is. She shuts out everyone when shes playing, so I wouldnt worry. Shell call when she either wins the whole thing or is eliminated. I ask her with a sound, A match. She shrugs then says, listen Tonya, I have to go.SureBye. And as quickly as that, she hangs up. We have GOT to do something about this Dana. Shes living at your place and you wont even go back there.

I knowI know, is all I can say.

To Be Continued