Tina made her way to The Cup cafe, a few blocks away, to meet Alice. She arrived about 15 minutes early to prepare herself for any and all possible reactions.

Knowing Alice as well as she had, Tina thought Alice could be over the moon to see her again, or Tina could wind up with a black eye?She had no idea what to expect.

Tina wandered into the caf and glanced around. She noticed the similarities the quaint little establishment bore to the Planet. I see why they chose this place. Tina thought to herself, thinking back to a time when her life was much simpler, Yep, Warm and cosy just like the Planet!

Tina grabbed a latte; she was certainly getting her caffeine fix for the day, and proceeded to sit down at a table in the corner. She could see the door from the table, but people walking in couldnt see her. Perfect Tina thought.

Tina sat quietly drinking her latte, observing people going about their daily lives all around her. Something so simple, that she had always naturally taken for granted, somehow now gave her a sense of being alive.

Her perception of life had change somewhere along the way and she wanted to fully appreciate this second chance she seemed to have been given.

Tina was sitting, glancing at the people coming and going, quietly immersed in thought, when 15 minutes later, a punctual as always Alice walked through the door. Tina noticed Alice the moment she walked in.

Alice hadnt changed much in 5 years. Her hair was longer and she looked like she was wearing one of Bettes power suits, otherwise she appeared to be the same old Alice.

Alice had her cell to her ear and her notebook and pen out. She was yelling abuse, to whom ever she was speaking with on the phone; Tina could hear her voice all the way over where she was sitting.

Alice hung up her phone and looked around the caf, obviously trying to locate Shane. Tina nervously stared at Alice, her legs temporarily turning to jelly; she was unable to stand up.

Alice scanned the room, frowning when she didnt spot Shane. She took out her cell, planning on calling Shane for her whereabouts, when her eyes fixed on a visibly nervous Tina staring back at her.



Alice just stood there and stared for a few moments; her face was unreadable and her eyes appeared emotionless.

Tina braced herself for whatever reaction was coming.

Alice hesitantly approached Tina. Tina finally regained control of her legs and stood up, (nervously) Al, before you

Alice just smiled, engulfing Tina in a huge hug, she held her so tight that Tina thought her lungs would collapse.

Tina was pleasantly surprised and hugged Alice back, smiling too, Hey Al!!

Alice broke the embrace and just glared at Tina, (in her best serious tone) Just so you know Im still pissed with you young lady!! (grinning) but Im so happy youre back

Alice had so many questions; she didnt know where to start.

Tina: (relieved) Im sorry Al, I can explain if youll let me!

Alice: Tina what are you doing back here after all this time?.. God I missed you!!..(a thought just occurred to her) I was supposed to meet Shane here? Have you seen Shane yet?

Tina: (shyly) YeahI kinda got her to ring you and set up the meeting for me

Alice: Ohok

Tina: With Shanes initial chilly reception to my re-appearance, I expected a different response from you Al.

Alice: (happily) What did you expect a black eye?(Tina smiled internally, she had only been joking but had thought the exact same thing 15 minutes ago) (Alice became serious) Tina you are one of my closest friends, sure I was pissed that you didnt call, but I got over itI came to the conclusion you mustve had a really good reason to leave us for.. what .5 yearsyou are the most loyal, compassionate, and loving person Ive ever known. I know you wouldnt purposely hurt anyone, let alone your friends!

Alice: But that being said, youd better have a bloody good reason Kennard!!

Tina: Well youre right Al. I do have a bloody good reason. Dont take this the wrong way, but if you shut up for one minute, I will tell you ok!!

Alice saw the jest in Tinas face, Ok, lets hear it!

Tina: (seriously) Alice a little over 5 years ago, you remember I went to stay at my mums?

Tina looked at Alice ensuring she was tentatively listening and understanding her words.

Alice looked Tina in the eye and nodded.

Tina continued, Al, a few weeks after that there was an accident.

Alices ears pricked up and she interrupted, (concerned) God Tina, were you ok?..Are you ok?

Tina: Please Al, just let me finish(dejectedly) Basicallyit was a hit and run. The result of which had me in a coma for the last 5 years

Alices jaw hit the ground, What?? she yelled a little louder than she had expected.

Everyone in the caf glanced at the two friends. Tina lowered her head and Alice just kept talking.

Alice: How come we never knew about this? Why didnt your mum tell us Tina? God, did Bette even know? (Alice thought about it for a minute) No she didnt did she (looking at Tina, knowing the answer) and now Now it was Alices turn to realize what she was about to say, and stop.

Tina was now seriously worried. That was twice in one day, that her friends had dangled the carrot in front of her, in relation to Ms Bette Porter, and both times they had yanked it back out of her reach.

What the ***** is going on with Bette? Tina thought as her mind wandered to the most painful conclusions

Alice saw Tina become lost in thought, and noticed the sadness wash over her face.

Glancing at her watch she suddenly realized something, Um. Tina do you want to go for a walk. Its a bit stuffy in here and Id really love to catch up. I can fill you in on what you missed. Anything you want to know, I can even tell you what Ive been doing since youve been gone. (smiling) Thats if youre interested!!

Tina: (taking a deep composing breath) Sure Al, thatd be great. I could really do with some fresh air. The tears were welling in Tinas eyes threatening to spill.

Alice and Tina walked out of the caf deciding to head to a nearby park. It was only 2 blocks away so they decided to walk.

Tina: ***** Al, I left my wallet at the table. Before Alice even had a chance to respond Tina ran back to retrieve her wallet.

Luckily the wallet was still at the table where she was sitting, Thank God Tina thought, the relief evident. She grabbed it and walked back through the caf, towards the door, her head immersed in her wallet checking its contents.

Tina was walking through the doors to leave, when she bumped into a woman who she could hear laughing and conversing with another. Tina hastily took her eyes out of her wallet and looked up. Firstly she observed the little boy, What a cutie, Tina acknowledged smiling. She had always adored kids.

Tina: Im sorry. I dont. Tina spoke to the woman holding the little boys hand, still smiling bringing her eyes up to look at the woman.

Woman: (friendly) Dont worry about it!

Meeting the womans gaze she saw a very attractive blonde woman standing in front of her.

She could feel an intense, uncomfortable stare enveloping her and realized another woman was holding the little boys other hand. Tina looked over at the other woman, ready to apologise to her if necessary too.

Her eyes met the womans and Tinas breath caught in her throat, as she gasped for air.

Tina just stared back……………… at her past, following the woman’s hand back to the little boy, and then back to the blonde.

She couldnt believe it; tears were starting to stream down her cheeks. She took one last look at the two women and the little boy and ran out of the caf as fast as she could..

tbc