Summary of the previous chapter: Tina, Alice, and Shane visit Alex. After some thinking, Alex decides she will call her doctor and begin taking her medication again.

Tuesday morning came and Alexs first order of business was to call Dr. Govan. He returned her call as soon as he finished with the patient with whom he was meeting when Alex called. Not all patients got such prompt attention, but Dr. Govan considered Alex special, she kept him on his toes.

After much argument, he agreed to call in a script for a weeks worth of medication to the pharmacy in LA. The logic was that if he gave Alex more than that, she would start to feel better and go off traveling somewhere. The psychiatrist told Alex that she had one week to get her ***** back to D.C. Naturally, Alex uttered a few choice profanities to which he only laughed and told her that he was looking forward to seeing her next week.

Alex decided that she would pick up her medication on her way to meet Dana for lunch. She could only imagine Danas version of Tonya, Lara, the kiss from Alice, and the death of Mr. P. If it werent for the fact that she was deathly allergic to cats, Alex would have liked Mr. P., the cat had attitude.

While waiting for the time to come for her lunch date, Alex puttered with the notes for her book. She considered calling the Kennard-Porter household, but decided it was probably best to wait until Bette or Tina came to her.

Alex stopped at the Pharmacy and picked up her medication on her way to Danas club. It was fortunate for Alex that she not only had an excellent sense of direction, but she had a great ability to remember her way around a multitude of cities. However, this time Alex took the easy solution, she had gotten a rental car with a navigation system. She typed in the address for the club and listened to the computer give directions as they traveled.

When Alex arrived for lunch, Dana saw something that she didnt think shed ever seen before. Alexs usual jeans and cowboy boots were replaced by khaki slacks and tasseled loafers. The ubiquitous long sleeve button down shirt was still present. As Alex herself would have said, she was dressed like a Republican banker on his day off. Fashion had never been Alexs strong suit.

As soon as they sat down together, Alex said to Dana, So, I hear you have a fianc?

This opening allowed Dana to launch into her version of events.

So, what do I do? Not the first time Alex had been asked this question.

First of all, how do you feel about Tonya.

Truthfully?

Preferably.

Ive grown to hate her. Shes always around except when she is shopping with my credit cards. As a matter of fact, she should be here any minute hanging around the court and annoying me. My practice always sucks when she is here. I cant get her annoying voice out of my head. The woman is driving me crazy.

Okay, it sounds like the first order of business is for you to rid yourself of Tonya before you proceed any further.

How? She isnt going to go easily. Now that she is getting sponsors for our wedding, it is too dangerous. She is posing as my representative and could ruin me. No one will ever sponsor me again.

Leave it to me.

What do you have in mind, Alex?

Is it okay if I involve a fellow member of the Sisterhood of the Pen and I dont mean the penitentiary?

Huh?

Can I use my pal, Al to help?

Do you have to?

Yes, I have an idea, but I am going to need the help of everyone. Trust me, Dana.

Dana agreed to trust Alex, though she looked scared. If she had known what Alex planned, Dana would have been terrified. Alex managed to leave the club before Tonya arrived.

Alex returned to her hotel and called Alice to inform her that she needed to come over for a planning meeting. Effexor must be taken with food and Alex had managed to slip a capsule into her mouth when Dana wasnt looking. It would take days, however, for the medication to begin working. Alex didnt have much time as she had to be in D.C. in a week. Therefore, she opened a bottle and had a couple of glasses of wine while waiting for Alice.

When Alice arrived, Alex declared to order the meeting of the Sisterhood of the Pen and she didnt mean the penitentiary. Alex gave Alice a summation of the plan she had been developing. Alice suggested a few modifications and then they tried to consider all of the contingencies. Alex left Alice in charge of calling a meeting that evening of Bette, Tina, Shane, Dana, Kit and herself. Meanwhile, Alex gave herself the responsibility of preparing for the role and making lists of what everyone would need to contribute.

Bette was less than enthusiastic about the meeting. She and Tina were finally working on their issues and she would rather be spending the evening alone with Tina. However, as Bette was trying to recognize and appreciate the important priorities in life, she knew that she had to be supportive for her friends.

When the gang met, Alex and Alice reviewed the plan, but gave as few details as possible. The element of surprise has to be real, was Alexs justification. As Tina was working only part-time, Tina was given a list of things to prepare.

You are absolutely, positively, beyond the shadow of a doubt sure that Tonya has never seen me? Alex asked Dana for the third time.

Shes positive, Alex. Alice and Bette said simultaneously.

After a final review, the troops were dismissed except for Dana who was given a little bit of extra coaching. If this was going to work, everything had to play out just right.

The plan was going to be initiated the next afternoon with the main event occurring in the evening. If all went well, they would meet success on the first try. However, plans were made just in case it would take multiple sessions to send Tonya running for the hills.

According to plan, Alex showed up at Danas club around lunchtime the following day. She had been dressed with the help of Alice in bell bottomed linen pants and a flowing oversized shirt. Alex felt completely stupid as a person usually feels when they are wearing clothes selected by Alice. She had to admit, however that the outfit would go nicely with their plan.

Alex made sure to be seen talking intently to Dana and Dana had let everyone know beforehand that she was expecting an important visitor for lunch. As they saw Tonya approach from her daily shopping, Alex and Dana parted ceremoniously so that Tonya would see, but would not arrive at the table until Alex was too far away to talk to her.
Whos that, honey pot? Tonya wanted to know as she clung to Dana.

Someone special. Youll meet her tonight, Ive invited her over to me everybody.

Oh why, passion flower? I would rather be alone with you?

This is just too important, Tonya. I would tell you more, but I think it is better to wait until I can explain it to everyone.

Tonya sulked for which Dana was grateful as a sulking Tonya was a less talkative Tonya.

That evening Bette and Tina arrived at Danas at the same time though they had taken separate cars. Alice, Shane, and Kit came together. They all sat around Danas living room looking at each other as if to say, what the ***** is going on? Why are we here?

Alex waited in the car parked carefully out of sight. She waited until her friends had been inside about 10 minutes before knocking on the door. Dana came to the door and greeted Alex as if they were long lost best friends. The friends exchanged a look and Kit, who was sitting closest to Tonya whispered, who is this freak?

Dana turned to face the group with her arm around Alexs shoulder. Guys I want you to meet somebody really special. This is Alethia. We met at the club and weve been talking to each other every morning or at lunch. I feel like shes changed my life.
The group again exchanged, what the *****? looks. Dana continued, that is why I wanted you guys to meet her. Alethias teachings have become really important to me and I want to share that with my best friends.

Dana continued beaming as she went to sit next to Tonya who was definitely looking pissed off.

Alex took the floor. Thank you ladies, for coming. I appreciate Dana letting me come into her home to share with you. I represent the Church of the Unbroken String.
What the ***** is that? Alice said, speaking her line.
I am afraid that the theory is quite complex, but I will try to make our philosophy simple. Alex was trying to be as condescending as possible as the Sisterhood of the Pen and they dont mean the penitentiary, decided that would irritate Tonya faster.

You see, there is a mathematical principle known as the principle of infinity. You may remember from Calculus, the concept that you can halve the distance between two points forever without touching the point. The halving can continue forever, i.e. infinity. Alex had no idea what the ***** she was talking about, just some stuff she half remembered from high school that she thought would sound mysterious.

She continued, you see, the same applies to all physical objects. Each object that is separated maintains a small connection, smaller than the smallest particle. Eventually, though, there will be enough of these connections that we will see. Each log will show its connection to the tree from which is came, each diamond will have a connection to the mine in which it was found. The world is going to be stopped, frozen, surrounded by these connections of particles. It is then that the spaceship will come to rescue us. It will take us back to the home planet of Morvar where they have mastered the concept of infinity. Only on Morvar can the unbroken string be broken. It was so stupid, Alex was struggling to keep a straight face. This was why she had not wanted anyone to know what she would say beforehand as she knew she would lose it when they looked at each other.

That is the stupidest ***** I have ever heard. Bette pronounced.

Im sorry you do not believe sister, but only the disciples of the Church of the Unbroken String will be taken to Morvar when the ship comes.

Dana, is this some kind of joke? Tina asked in her sweet voice.

I believe in it. It all makes sense, now. Dana exclaimed excitedly. The connection between everything has always been there but too small to see. I want to go to Morvar when all of the strings connect. I dont want to be stuck on Earth tied by these strings.

Man, you are whack, Dane. Shane said.

Honey, are you sure? Tonya asked. If you believe then I will, too. Tonya thought shed found a way to alienate Dana from her obnoxious friends.

Dana, honey, if you are feeling like you need some spirituality, I can help you. Kit offered.

I dont need it, guys. Cant you all see that Alethia makes perfect sense. You cant ever completely separate two psychical objects.

Bette stood up, this is ridiculous, I refuse to listen to any of this.

Tina grabbed Bette by the arm and pulled her down to the seat. She whispered theatrically, we cant just leave Dana like this.

Im sorry you guys dont understand. Dana pouted. But I believe and I am putting my money there. Dana went to the desk for her checkbook. Alethia, I am giving you a check for $5,000.00 to help spread word of the Church of the Unbroken String.

You will be blessed on Morvar. Alex assured her.

$5,000.00. Honey, no. Tonya tried to intervene.

I thought you just said that if she believed then you would believe too? Alice asked and received a, drop dead and die stare from Tonya.

This is your first step to the vow of poverty. Alex informed Dana.

What vow of poverty? Bette asked.

The one that all members take when they join the Church of the Unbroken String. Our sister here will give up her possessions and a take vow to be poor. We do this so that we will be more blessed when the spaceship takes us to Morvar.

Im gonna start now. Dana said as she jumped up. Take all of my tennis trophies. They are a sign of a life that I am giving up.

Dana ran around and put her trophies into a garbage bag and announced that she was going to the garbage dumpster. Unknown to Tonya was that Tinas Audi was parked by the garbage dumpster. Dana had Tinas keys in her pocket and was going to place the trophies in boxes that were already prepared with towels to keep the trophies safe.

While Dana was on her way to the dumpster, Bette took the opportunity to berate Alex. Look, I dont know what the ***** you are doing, but you need to step-off, *****.

I am doing nothing but spreading the truth about the Unbroken String. Alex looked at Bette as serenely as possible.

You dont actually expect anyone to believe this ***** do you?

Your friend believes.

Yeah, well Dana is sometimes a little bit nave. The rest of us know that you are a charlatan.

People often resist when they are confronted with the truth.

By this point Dana had returned and was putting all of her tennis gear into another garbage bag. Tonya, we need to throw away our clothes.

We what?

Yeah, once we join the church we will want to dress like Alethia.

Tonya took a look at Alex and was horrified. Baby cakes, this is some kind of joke, right? She asked Dana.

This isnt a joke, my love. This is the truth. This is our future on the planet Morvar. Dana said as she took Tonyas face between her hands. Dana knew how important it was to get Tonya out of her life. Therefore, she summoned all of her strength to keep from laughing over the insanity of it all.

Dana then began taking out her earrings. As part of my poverty vow, I am giving away my jewelry. Tina, Id like you to have these. Dana said as she handed the earrings to Tina.

Tonya, honey. I really would like you to give up your engagement ring. It is too pretentious.

Tonya looked as if she had been ***** slapped. No, Dana. Im sorry, baby love, youre just going through a rough time, right now. Youll see. Well help you get those silly ideas out of your cutie head.

Why cant anybody believe that Im serious? Dana pouted.

Because this is the dumbest *****, Ive ever heard. Bette said.

This is some serious whack, Dane. Shane added.

Dana began to cry. You know, I finally find true peace and I thought I could share it with the people I love. This is how you all act. Fine just go. All of you, go. We dont need them, Tonya. Weve got each other, the church and Alethia.

Alex made herself look smug.

Fine, Dana when you come to your senses you know where to find me. Bette said as she gathered her things to leave.

Sorry, Dane. Alice said. I guess we should go, too. Will you think about this? She looked sorrowfully at Dana.

Kit gave Dana a hug before she and Shane exited with Alice. This left only Tina.

Tina, thanks for staying. Dana said.

I think I should be going, too. Bette is pretty upset.

Before you go, will you take my credit cards. I wont be using them anymore. Being poor means only paying cash. Oh, and my gold bracelet. Id like you to have it. You are the only one who wasnt mean to me tonight.

As Dana went to get for the Tina all of the items she wanted out of the house in case Tonya decided to help herself on the way out, Tonya turned to Alex. Look, *****. I dont know what kind of fraud you are, but you are not going to take MY woman and HER MONEY. So, back off.

Dana will help you to see the light, my child. Alex said calmly. You will see that being poor isnt so bad. Im sure you will be very happy together when Dana gives up the fame of tennis and settles into a manual labor job.

Tina almost laughed out loud over the idea of Tonya doing manual labor.

It isnt going to work, *****. Tonya said as she gave Alex her best glare.

Dana returned with another garbage bag of items. Tina, if you dont want this stuff, just throw it in the garbage. As she handed the bag to Tina, she discretely passed back to Tina her car keys.

Tonya looked like she wanted to cry.

Tina waited outside the door as Alex said goodbye to Dana, giving her mumbo-jumbo blessing and the promise that they would meet tomorrow and say a blessing chant to Morvar.

Alex and Tina made it to Tinas car before they lost all control. They had tears running down their eyes as Alex headed toward her own car.

Tina carefully placed Danas stuff in her Audi which had become rather crowded with Danas stuff. She then drove to Alexs hotel suite where everyone else was waiting to meet up together.

The group of friends could not contain themselves once they were together. They were subdued only by the fact that Dana was unable to join them and was left alone with Tonya.
Each moment of the conversations that had occurred was dissected.

God, Porter. I thought you were serious. Alice said to Bette.

It was the dumbest ***** Id ever heard. Bette replied with a straight face.

Like you had a better idea. Alex shot back.

The planet Morvar? Tina asked.

Man, what were you smoking when you came up with this stuff? Shane wanted to know.

I refuse to talk all of the blame for this. Alex said. My fellow member of the Sisterhood of the Pen and I dont mean the penitentiary, had just as much input into this as I did.

I dont think so. Alice retorted. You told me you had to keep it secret so that we would all have the element of surprise.

Besides. It had to be something so stupid that even Tonya would realize that it was *****.

The debate continued. The group followed with a debate over whether to call Dana yet. Alex put the phone on speaker.

Hello, Dana. Your friends want to know how things are going. If Tonya can hear you talking, let us know by pretending that I am Alice.

Im sorry, Al. Im not changing my mind. Dana was playing along beautifully.

Is Tonya making your life too much of a living *****?

Tonyas mad at me, you guys are mad at me. The only friend I have left is Alethia.

Has she destroyed anything yet?

Tonya is sitting here trying to talk me out of this. She keeps looking at all of our stuff and saying why?. Cant anybody understand?

Dana do you need somebody to come over there? I know this is all acting, but I suspect it is hard on you. I know you are taking the brunt of this acting job.

You can stop by if you want to, Alice, but I am not changing my mind. I believe in the Church of the Unbroken String.
I wish I could come with, Alex said to Dana. Obviously, I cant, but you hang in there. Well get rid of the *****.

Alright, Al. Ill see you if you decide to come over.

Alice and Shane departed for Danas. Alice was prepared with her script for the second half of the nights show.