Dana and Alice sat in silence, pondering the news.  The Planet had
become a refuge for their group over the years.  The cafe fostered
a comfortable atmosphere where friends could mingle, drink coffee, and
relax.  The possible extinction of the Planet was altogether
unthinkable.

In addition, Marina had been a friend.  Her sudden departure would be jarring indeed.

Dana broke the silence by stating quietly, “I can’t say I’m all that surprised.”

Glancing at the tennis player, Alice quipped playfully, “You certainly looked surprised.”

“Well, I am, of course,” Dana retorted, “but it seems like something
Marina would do.”  Shrugging her shoulders, she added unassuredly,
“I don’t know.”

As Dana looked down, Alice couldn’t help but revel in her best friend’s
adorableness.  Full of intent now, the blonde sat up straighter,
crossed her legs confidently and decided to place “the Marina debacle”
on the back burner of important issues.  

It was now time to have a chat with Dana Fairbanks.

Leaning in closer with a knowing grin, Alice muttered, “What a shocking turn of events.”  

Upon hearing Alice’s suddenly mischievious tone, Dana glanced up to
look at her best friend.  She knew the blonde wasn’t referring to
Marina’s departure anymore.  Contorting her mouth into a sheepish
half smile, Dana responded to Alice’s inquiry with a playful, “I’ll
say.”

Prior thoughts of Marina and the Planet vanished as the two best
friends eyed each other with knowing and flirtatious glances. 
Both girls gazed at each other  for a long moment, fervently
attempting to read the other’s thoughts.  

Taking the initiative, Alice finally stated in a mellow tone, “We can
try all we want, but ignoring what happened isn’t going to help.”  

An aura of relief infused Alice as she spoke the words.  Yes, she
was desperately anguished over Dana’s impending response; of course she
was.  But  the words were out.  Finally.

Alice sat quietly, the gentle swaying of one crossed leg her only movement as she waited for Dana’s reaction.    

Dana maintained her focus on Alice for a short instant. Suddenly
flustered, she diverted her eyes from the blonde’s disconcerting gaze
and looked down at her lap.  Now defensive, she managed to weakly
mutter, “I haven’t been ignoring it.”

“Oh really?  What have you been doing then?”  Alice questioned.

Dana paused frantically, searching for a response.  She replied
tepidly, “I’ve been contemplating it.”  Her eyes remained
downcast.