Elaine felt strangely uplifted as she and Jennifer walked to Gwen's apartment. It was a struggle to keep from saying anything to Jennifer. So long as her mind was still hazy, she knew bringing the kids into a discussion wasn't an option. She hoped Gwen would ease her mind.

"You seem in better spirits," Gwen said as she brought Elaine a cup of coffee. "How did it go with Alex?"

"I'm not really sure," Elaine admitted. "Not bad, but I wouldn't say good, either."

"Tell me everything."

So she did - what she could formulate anyway. The more she spoke, the more she felt she was contemplating the right decision.

"I think I need to break up with Arnie."

"Are you sure?"

"It's really not right for me to be with him when I'm feeling so drawn to Alex. No, I can't confidently say that whatever I'm feeling for Alex right now isn't in part wanting to go home. He asked me and I couldn't answer. But I know that I can't keep burdening Arnie. The fact I don't feel comfortable talking about any part of this is telling enough. I don't know if anything will ever happen with Alex. We've avoided it for so long. I just know that I felt like myself again when I was with him. I don't have to pretend around him. Aside from you, I don't have that here. I do feel guilty that I've put so much of this on you."

"Heck, are you kidding? This is the most fun I've had all year!" Gwen laughed. "That sounds a bit sad, doesn't it? I dunno. I'm always locked away painting or hanging out with Faye. Since moving here I haven't quite settled, either."

Elaine chuckled, then let it turn into a serious smile. "I wish I could bring you with me."

Gwen's amusement faded. "So… you're gonna go back to New York?"

"I think I need to… I need to talk to Arnie first. Then the kids. Although… I do need to consider how they will feel about everything. They love Arnie. I don't think they will have a problem moving back to New York, but when they talk about going home, I don't think they realize that Arnie wouldn't be coming with us."

"Then maybe you should talk to them first?"

"Is that fair to Arnie though? To have everyone know before him?"

"True…"

Elaine shook her head. "When did my life get so complicated?" Thinking a moment, she chuckled again. "Want to hear something ironic?"

"What?"

"Alex is the one who encouraged me to give Arnie a chance."

Gwen's eyes widened. "Did he really?"

"There was never any problem discussing our relationships. The nature of our relationship really has been platonic. I think had I moved in with Arnie in New York and got married or something nothing would have changed. Being away was what brought everything to the surface. I'm not counting on anything happening with him, but I need to go back home. I don't like who I've become here."

Looking down, she said through tear-filled eyes, "I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you, too," Elaine reciprocated, leaning over with her arms extended.

"I am happy for you, though," Gwen said with a sniff. "I mean if things do work out the way you hope. As much as I've enjoyed knowing you, I can't say I've recognized the look in your eyes when I opened the door."

Pulling away, Elaine replied, "Oh?"

Gwen continued. "There's a lightness to your voice talking about going back. Like you've been freed of something."

"You're not just saying that to make me feel less guilty, are you?"

She rolled her eyes. "No, I mean it. Don't forget about me, all right? I want to get to know the 'New York' Elaine."

"I promise, she's a lot less of a train wreck… most days."

Gwen chuckled as she dabbed her eyes.

"You'll come and visit, won't you? You'll stay with us, of course. You and Faye both."

At the same time, both women were hit with a realization, looking over to Faye's bedroom door.

"Oh, no…" Elaine said.

"Do we tell them now?"

Thinking a moment, she then shook her head. "No, not yet. I do need to talk to Jennifer and Jason first. Would it be all right if both spent the night with you? It would be best if I can talk to Arnie alone."

"Absolutely," Gwen said, nudging Elaine's arm.

"Thank you. I'll drop them off later if all goes well…"

Crossing her fingers, she said, "Good luck."