’ I may awsell leave then,’ Lara attempted to shift from the seat, but Alice pulled her arm, urging her to remain. ‘Don’t go,’ Alice whispered. Lara lead Alices lips to meet her own, their eyes piercing one another, their mouths only a breath apart. ‘ I don’t believe you can fall out of love with someone until you fall in love with someone else.’ Alice looked deep and hard into Lara’s sinking blue eyes. ‘You want me to fall out of love with Dana?’ Lara shook her head, still remaining close in contact. ‘No, but I want you to allow yourself the chance to love me.’ The ardour which danced between them was getting fierce with it’s direction. ‘ Do you want to make love to me?’ Lara swallowed hard at Alice’s suggestion. ‘Yes,’ she replied softly. Alice rose from the lounge and headed to her bedroom, not saying a word. Lara looked at the floor then towards Alice, her mind was made up.

 When she reached the room Alice had opened the curtains, the atmosphere of night, darkness and mystery absorbed both women. Alice lay face down on the bed, ‘Undress me,’ she groaned. Lara was puzzled by her strange behaviour, but complied with her somewhat difficult suggestion. Minutes had passed, and soon Alice was naked, she rolled over and stared intensely into Lara’s eyes. ‘You can make love to me now.’ As beautiful and tempting as Alice looked at that very moment, Lara felt the urge to leave. ‘I can’t.’ Alice rose, exposing her naked body. ‘This is what you wanted! She said furiously. Lara began to cry, the tears were too strong to fight off. ‘But I can see it’s not what you want, you’re looking right through me Alice.’

 Within seconds Lara had gone, Alice remained, naked and alone. What am I doing? Lara has been so good to me and I haven’t helped her at all. I’m insane. Dana’s image lingered in her fragile mind. She knew her friend would have wanted her to be happy, and look after Lara. I can’t do this for Dana, I have to do it for me. Alice stood at her window, watching as Lara stumbled off her stoop and onto the midnight road. As her figure faded into the night, Alice felt more naked and empty than ever. I need her. She realized. I could really love this woman…