From her vantage point by the counter, Alice surveyed the crowd in The Planet. She wasnt surprised that she didnt recognise over half of them; Shane had lived many different lives, ones that Alice knew hardly anything about.

In the middle of the room were a group of men and women, whose limp wrists, flamboyant hand gestures and impractical hair styles led Alice to believe they were Shanes colleagues and hairdresser friends. In the far corner, surrounded by a veil of cigarette smoke, was a group of scrawny young men. They were all sniffing more than normal, and Alice guessed they were Shanes friends from back when she used to turn tricks. She could hear the word ***** amongst the chatter coming from the table near the door, so she knew Shanes flatmates were sat there, and when she peered outside she could see her friends sat around their usual table, staring morosely into their mugs.

But Alice wasnt interested in any of those groups. It was the blonde woman sat alone at the other end of the counter, nursing an espresso cup and running her finger over a worn gold bracelet that really piqued Alices curiosity.

So how did you know Shane? Alice asked, sliding into the stool next to her.

The woman sighed, letting go of the bracelet and downing her coffee in way very similar to Shane, increasing the sense of loss that Alice felt in her heart. But when the woman turned to her, all thoughts of coffee flew out of Alices head and she let out a sharp gasp.

She had the same eyes as Shane.

Im her sister, Sabrina, the woman answered, smiling humourlessly at Alices shock.

I see me in you, the same eyes of our mother, I see you in me, the same vagabond as our father, Alice whispered, quoting the poem that had been placed in Shanes coffin. I didnt know she had a sister.

Why doesnt that surprise me? Sabrina asked rhetorically, putting the bracelet into her pocket. Youre Alice, right? Her best friend? Alice nodded, and she continued. Shane wrote to me once, two years ago. It was the first contact wed had in 11 years, since our brother died. She told me she was happy, and she had a group of friends that were practically inseparable.

Inseparable, Alice echoed ironically, shooting a glance through the window to Bette and Tina. Yeah, that would be us.

I was pleased for her, Sabrina continued, not noticing Alices tone of voice. She deserved to find people who would be there for her, no matter what.

Why didnt she tell us about you? Alice asked inquisitively.

Wewerent close. When our dad died I was old enough to support myself, and Shane went into care. Then, when our brother died two years later, I couldnt handle it and I moved away. I dont think she ever forgave me for leaving her alone like that.

Alice was silent as she digested this. I may be wrong, but I think she probably did forgive you, Alice told her honestly. She said something a few months ago, about finally being able to put old ghosts to rest and forgive past actions. I didnt read much into at the time, but now I think maybe she was talking about you.

Sabrina studied Alices face for a moment, then looked back down at her hands. Thank you, she said simply, and Alice watched as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the bracelet again, putting it on her wrist and fastening the fiddly clasp.

Just then, Alice felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see the rest of the gang. Its time, Tina said, gesturing to the small stage where Kit was stood, checking her music equipment was ready. Nodding weakly, Alice stood and made her way over there, climbing onto the stage and motioning for everyone to quieten down.

Silence fell over the caf, as everyone turned to look at Alice.

Ermhi, everyone, Alice began nervously, but after seeing the encouraging looks from her friends, she gained confidence. We will all miss Shane terribly. She was a good friend, a good colleague, and a good lay, and not a day will go by when I wont think of the best friend that Ive lost. I could go on and on about how much we will miss Shane, but this is not what weve gathered here for. The funeral was for the that; now, we have to remember the good times we had and celebrate Shanes life. I know if Shane was here shed want us to have a few Jello shots and play some decent music while she snuck off for a ***** in the bathroom. Everyone sniggered at that, and Alice smiled, realising that even though theyd all known different sides of Shane, one thing had remained the same. So, to honour Shanes wishes, free Jello shots are available at the counter, and we can imagine shes groaning away in one of the cubicles while we listen to this collection of her favourite songs. Thank you all for coming, and if I see any lesbians here not singing along to this first one, Ill have to deck you.

The crowd clapped as the opening bars of The Indigo Girls Closer To Fine came through the sound system. Alice stepped down from the stage and weaved her way through the people to her friends.

That was great, Al, Tina said warmly, handing her a green Jello shot, Shanes favourite colour.

Yeah, that was great. Shane would have loved it, Dana agreed, pulling Alice in for a hug.

To Shane, Bette said when theyd broken apart, and all four lifted their shot glasses up to toast the memory of their lost friend.

*****

Two hours later, Tina watched with a raised eyebrow as her wife ran around giving orders to The Planets staff as if she owned the place. She looked very frazzled, and Tina wondered what she was worrying about.

Is Bette ok? a voice asked at her elbow, and Tina turned to see Kit standing there, staring with concern at Bette.

I dont know, Tina said, turning back. She hasnt sat down since we got here, shes been too busy organising things and taking charge.

She looks like shes about to explode, Kit commented. Maybe you should

Yeah, Tina agreed, and she hopped off her stool and made her way round to the other side of the counter. Bette? she called, interrupting her mid-tirade. The waiter shot Tina a grateful look and made a quick escape as an irritated Bette turned to Tina.

What?

Why dont you come sit down, hmm? You need to relax a bit.

Tina, I cant come and sit down, Bette said exasperated. Someone needs to fill up the coffee maker, and fill up some more shot glasses, and WEVE RUN OUT OF CHIPS!! What are we going to do without anymore chips?! No chips means

Bette! Tina grabbed Bettes shoulder and pulled her rather neurotic-sounding wife into Marinas office and shutting the door behind them. Bette, calm down!

Easy for you to say, you havent got to worry about not having chips, Bette griped, running a hand angrily through her hair.

No, I dont, and neither do you. Tina pulled out a chair and gestured for Bette to sit on it. Baby, youve done nothing but run around since weve got here, whats going on?

Nothing, I just Bette fidgeted nervously, running her finger over her wedding ring in a habit shed only picked up these last few weeks. everything needs to be organised, and I needed to do it.

No, you dont need to do it, thats why the staff are here. Since Shanedied Tina swallowed down the lump that came up in her throat and continued. all youve done is organise things, write lists, make preparations. Im worried that all this activity is stopping you from grieving.

Bette looked up, and for a moment Tina was taken aback by the depth of the pain in her eyes. But, as soon as it had come it had gone, and the walls were back up again. Im fine, she insisted, making a move to get out of the chair. Now, I need to

Sit, Tina ordered firmly, pushing Bette back into the chair. Have you cried yet? she asked in a softer tone, taking Bettes hand and stroking it comfortingly.

Bette gave her a strange look. Yeah, in the car on the way back from the hospital. You were there.

And since then? Have you cried since then?

Bette shook her head. No, she admitted, eyes glued firmly to the ground. Im scared that if I stop and think about what happened, that Ill just fall apart. Keeping busy is keeping me together.

Oh, baby, Tina whispered, pulling Bette into an embrace. You probably will fall apart, but Ive got you. Ill help you put yourself back together again.

Bette was silent for a few minutes, her face buried in Tinas hair. Eventually she spoke, her voice so small that Tina had to concentrate to hear it.

I thinkI think I want to go home.

Smiling lovingly, Tina stood and held out her hand for Bette to take.







HI, MY FELLOW L-***** LADIES, I WAS WONDERING, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT DOING ANOTHER COLLABORATION ONCE THIS ONE IS OVER? MAYBE A NICE, LIGHT-HEARTED ‘GOOD OLD TIMES’ ONE? I’M SURE WE CAN PUT ALICE IN A VENT AT SOME POINT! ANYWAYS, WHADDYA RECKON? AFTER ALL, WE’VE GOT UNTIL FEBURARY!

RIGHT, YOU’RE UP JADED! JUST, DON’T KILL ANYONE…