Shane drags me out to her pickup, picking up some chick on the way out. They put me in the middle. I guess Im the ***** tonight.

Dana, I hear a voice from a far off distance. My cheek stingsIm being slapped. Dana, I hear Shanes voice. She rouses me from my slumberin her truck? Where am I? This looks like Alices place.

I think Im gonna be sick, I say, jumping out of the truck. I run for the bushes and my night of escape comes back up. When Im done with my vomiting, Shane helps me to my feet and drags me into Alices building, leaving her companion in the pickup.

Hi, Alice, I say as she opens the door.

How many drinks did you have, shes asking me.

How the ***** should I know? I count eat drink on my fingers several times, losing count each time. I hold up the correct number of fingers and say, only two. I dont know what happened, but I think Im drunk. My head begins to spinagain.

Take her into the bedroom, Alice tells Shane. She wont do that, she has someone waiting. Ill get her some water.

Actually Al, I cant stay. Couldnt you just take her? Shanes hands guide me to Alice. Its a good thing shes here, because I dont think I can stand on my own. Oh, and she hurled in the bushes downstairs. Bye

Great Shane, leave me with her. Ill deal with her by myself. Deal with me? Why do you have to deal with me?

Alice, I say, leaning on her for support, I love you. Thatll make her feel better. I think shes had a bad dayand she didnt look like she had any fun at Milk before she left.

She begins walking me to her bedroom. I guess she wants to pick up that kiss where we left off. Ill just help her a little by taking my clothes off.

Dana, she asks, what are you doing? Wait until we get into the bedroomthen I can find you something to sleep in.