Dana: Alice I don’t care! We’ve been through hell today, and I want to touch you and hold you in public, I want to kiss you just because I can and I don’t want to hide my feelings for you from anyone anymore. I’m guessing by the look on Shane’s face that she already knows, and I’m sure that most of the group heard about what happened today so take my hand and let’s go over and face them… I mean they’re our friends Al, they’re going to be happy for us, right?

Alice looked up at Dana and smiled fully, she understood Dana’s past issues with her sexuality, and it amazed and impressed her that the brunette was prepared to behave so ‘out’ now that they were together.

“Dana, I’m so proud of you, and I’m so proud to be with you… let’s do it.” Alice smiled as her gaze met Dana’s and the brunette confidently pulled Alice in the direction of their expectant friends.

Tina was the first to stand up and meet the couple as they approached the table. “Alice… I’m so glad you’re ok, in fact we’re all glad that you’re both alright, I was listening to you’re show and I heard what happened, we all went down to the police station but they wouldn’t tell us anything, are you sure you’re ok?”

Alice smiled as she snuggled into the crook of Dana’s neck, “Yeah, I’m fine thanks T, luckily my knight in shining armour was there to rescue me…” Dana blushed as she felt Alice’s warm breath on her neck, “Yeah well, y’know… it was the least I could do for the woman I lov…” Dana caught her words in her mouth and she panicked “… the woman I love… to spend time with…my beautiful girlfriend"

Alice and the rest of the group caught Dana’s miscue, they all exchanged looks while the blonde couldn’t help but bite her lip when she thought she heard Dana say that she loved her.

Shane was quick to relieve Dana’s obvious tension, “Girlfriend? Well it’s about fucking time Fairbanks! Come here…” Dana smiled thankfully at her friend and went to meet her warm embrace. The group all laughed and raised their glasses in genuine congratulations. Alice and Dana smiled at one another as they joined the rest of the group for coffee, holding hands and sharing affectionate glances, relieved to have shared their secret and proud to be together.