Dana was laying in bed listening to her music, which Carmen had been updating for her.
Alice had been by her side twentyfour hours a day, for the past week. She was afraid to leave.
There were days when she'd have deep and meaningful conversations with Dana, other times she'd read the newspaper and talk about the world and how pissed off she was at it.
She talked about Angelica and how big she was getting. For the most part, there was no reaction, btu when she talked about Angelica she would notice the corner of Dana's mouth curl up.
It was barely noticable, but Alice, she noticed.

This day was different.
"So, I talked to Tina earlier and oh my god. She needs to set her priorities straight. I mean seriously, it's not good for the baby." Not knowing if Dana was listening or if she was asleep, she continued. "And Shane and Carmen, gee, so fucking cute! Helena was here, she brought you flowers. Jenny said she'd be over later." Dana took a deep breath.
"Are you okay? Dana? Is something wrong?"
Alice grabbed her hand, Dana squeezed it wit all the strenght she had in her. "I'm fine Al, I'm okay." She whispered.

It hurt Dana to have Alice see her like this. "I love you, Alice." No emotions were shown on her face. She was too weak. Everything she felt could be seen in her eyes.
They were sad and expressed all that she could not say. "I love you too, Dana." They closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep. Alice in a chair with her chin resting in her palm. Dana in the hospial bed.

She had wanted to let go so many times, but Alice kept her strong. She kept her safe and Dana knew that where ever Alice was, that was her home.
"I love you," She mouthed before she entered dreamland.

"Alice? Al?" It was Shane and Carmen. "Why don't you go get some fresh air for a bit?" No, she couldn't leave Dana. "We'll stay with her. We're not going anywhere." Neither was Alice. "I can't Shane, she needs me." They knew better than to question her decision.

The room was filled with flowers. All Shane could think about was Dana's smell, it wasn't there anymore. "I can't remember her smell." Dana was right in front of her. "What next? Am I going to forget what her voice sounds like? Huh? Her face? Am I going to forget that too? If so, then I'm out."
It was all too much for Shane, it was tearing her heart apart. If this is what she felt like, she couldn't even begin to imagine what it must be like for Alice. Was she split in two? Had half of her heart gone missing?
"I can't do this." Said Shane and left the room.

Carmen looked on after her, with a longing Alice knew too well.
"Go." Her voice was soft, but Carmen could sense the fear. "Shane's cell is on. Call at anytime. I love you Alice." She touched her cheek. "Bye Dana." She kissed her forehead.

Alice prayed that Dana had slept through Shane's little outburst.
She prayed that her silent cries were as silent as they seemed.
'Fresh air.'
She wished that Dana was strong enough, becaue then she would've taken her out with her. "Dana? Do you think you can do without me for a while?" Dana gave her a weak nod. "Alright, I'll be right back. Do you want anything?" But Dana was already asleep. Alice smiled to herself.
When Alice had left, when Dana sensed the emptiness in the room, she emptied her lungs of all old air and inhaled new 'fresh air'.
She knew that her time was up and with no one beside her, she could easily slip away.

How she'd miss them.
Her girls, her friends, her family.
Dana's body went numb and she felt a tingling sensation and then her heart stopped.