Alice stood there, astounded. “How’d she take it?”

Dana: She went crazy Al, like, literally blew up. She’s worked so hard for me and I’ve just thrown it all back in her face.

Alice went to comfort Dana but Dana stopped her… “There’s more… she started throwing stuff around, just stupid things like photos and ornaments, but then she stormed out. I had to follow her because I knew where she’d be going…

Alice: She doesn’t know about us does she?

“Al I didn’t want to tell her, but she forced me to,” Dana put her hand up to her cheek; still aware of the numb throbbing.

Alice: Oh my god, Dane, let me see that… did she hit you?

Dana: Yeah but it was no less than I deserved, it’s ok Al, you don’t have to make a big deal…

Alice put her hand out and softly held Dana’s cheek where the red graze was still visible; she leaned over and kissed the mark gently, raising a smile from Dana’s lips.

Dana: By the time I got over here she was gone…

Alice: (sudden realisation) Oh that makes sense then. My weird neighbour upstairs kept trying to tell me that there was some crazy bitch trying to find me earlier so that she could kick my face in but I just thought he was having a bad trip or something…

Dana laughed, relieved that Alice was ok and could see the funny side to the mess they were in. “So anyway, when I got home, there were bags on the porch. I had asked Tonya to move out, but I didn’t think she’d go so soon. When I tried to get in the house she stopped me and told me that they weren’t her bags, they were mine…”

Alice had been listening intently, but when she heard this last part she had to stifle a laugh, “Dane, she kicked you out of your own house?”

Dana: That’s what I said! Except apparently it’s our house and she wants to keep it… I don’t know Al; it’s all so crazy…

Alice: You mean she’s so crazy…

Dana: Yeah… that too. She made a huge scene on the front lawn, threw my stuff at me and locked me out. I didn’t know what to do so I went to Shane’s for a little while but she wasn’t in, so I went to the beach to try and clear my head. It was raining so hard but I didn’t care, the water felt so good on my skin, and I realised that I couldn’t hide it anymore, so I came here… and… well here we are…”

Alice: So let me get this straight… you and Tonya are over and we’ve both been honest about our true feelings so there are no more hidden obstacles…

Dana: Yes…

Alice: So why are we still standing here then?

Dane: You were the one who said –

Alice: – Stop talking Dana and just kiss me…