Alice cant seem to remember the last time shed slept so well. It had been months. The last time was probably with Dana, before She shook the onslaught of those thoughts and memories from her mind. Physically counteracting that train of thought, she snuggled closer to the warm body beside her, allowing the soft arms that enveloped her to hold her tighter. Instinctively, in her half-wake state, the brunette pulled Alice closer to her. Unable to sleep anymore with the morning sunlight kissing her face through the half open shade, Alice took a moment to study the lovely face of the woman beside her. She looked so content and peaceful, the lines of her aristocratic features softened by sleep. Alice gently brushed aside offending dark locks that obstructed her view of her lovers face. The blonde smiled softly as she recalled their passionate night, frantic in their need, intense in their desire, and loving in their friendship.

Alices mind wandered again to how she got there — the series of events over the course of seven tumultuous, heartbreaking, and bittersweet months.

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Seven months before

What? Are you breaking up with me Alice? Dana asked, exasperation thick in her voice. The tennis player sensed something like this was coming. Ever since the Heart concert, Alice had been acting freaky. Not in the cute, irreverent freaky way that had become the journalists trademark, but a brooding, distant, freakier than usual kind of freaky. Although she would be lying if she didnt admit that some distance might be good for them.

No, Dane. I just mean that maybe we should take a break. Ive been meaning to go see my mom in Palm Springs and Ive got all this unused vacation stored up. Its just going to be for three weeks. Think of it as kind of a detox program for me. Alice grinned. Since Im sort of addicted to ya. The blonde leaned in and gently kissed Danas frowning lips. Its okay baby, this will put the breaks on things, give you time to clear your head, and know whether it really is me you want to be with, you know? Alice half-whispered the last comment. Her voice quivered with emotion, a sound not missed by Dana.