Dana: (suddenly) Alice! Leave Tonya alone… she didn’t mean anything by it, I mean, we’re all in shock so just back off ok?

Although Tonya was annoyed at Alice’s outburst, she was proud that Dana stood up for her, “No its ok sweetie, Alice is right, we shouldn’t judge though…” With the reappearance of another dazzling smile, Tonya continued “Anyway, I had better be going, you know what they say ‘no rest for the wicked!’ Tonya laughs, trying to ease the tension between the group.

Alice: (muttering under her breath) Yeah, you got that right.

Dana glares fiercely at Alice, while Alice keeps her gaze fixed on the paper in front of her. Shane starts to get up from her seat …

Shane: Jen, you ready? I’ll drop you off at the library on my way to work, but I’ve got my first appointment in like ten minutes, so we have to leave now, is that cool?

Keen to leave the atmosphere in The Planet, Jenny quickly follows Shane out while Tonya says her goodbyes to Dana. “Ok sweetie, you have a good day, I’ll come and see you after training and we’ll go and get something to eat, I doubt that my meeting will run over…” Looking over at Alice, Tonya’s voice goes up in pitch as she tries to cover up her annoyance at the way she was spoken to earlier, “Alice… I’ll see you around…”

Not looking up, Alice replies in a monotone voice “Yep… bye Ton…”

Alice and Dana are left alone at the table. The Planet is starting to quieten down as the morning regulars all leave for work, Dana shifts uncomfortably in her seat again, and Alice notices from the corner of her eye, not wanting to make eye contact with the athlete for fear of her response.

Dana: (quietly) Look Al, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…

Alice: (interrupting) Forget it Dane, there’s no need, there’s a lot going on at the minute… tensions are running high…

Alice lifts her head and looks meaningfully at Dana, hoping for some sort of recognition from the athlete that she understands Alice’s not-so-subtle reference. Alice sighs and offers a half smile to Dana, who laughs gently, glad to relieve the tension between the two friends, and she smiles back.

Dana: So…

Before Dana even has a chance to talk, Alice looks away quickly… she knows what Dana is going to ask, and there is no way that the writer can even begin to explain herself, so instead she cuts her off, making excuses about work and having to get back to see Tina. Alice grabs her stuff and mumbles to Dana that she’ll catch up with her later before she heads for the door. For the second time that day Dana was left on her own, to silently contemplate the confused emotions and messages running between herself and her best friend.