Alices

I have to go out, but Ill be back, Tina yelled to Dana and Alice who had left her in the room after their loving moment.

Whats that about? Alice asked Dana who was more content with snuggling than being in Tinas business. Shes leaving again, Alice tried to stand, but Dana pulled her back on the couch.

You agreed to stay out of it, so let her go, Dana gave Alice The Look.

Fine! Alice pouted as she turned her attention back to Dana.

Tina called for a cab, rambling off her destination as she walked down the stairs. The cab came faster than she expected and she jumped in, repeating her destination to the driver who sped off.

Maniac! Tina thought. She stared out of the window trying to make sense of the babbled details of Marinas call. She surmised that Bette ran into Candace, but things seemed to be sketchy. What the *****? Tina unintentionally said out loud causing the driver to turn around. Im sorry, she blushed. Not meant for you.

The driver turned back around, continuing to Joels. Tina wondered how Bette could have found it because it was a little off the beaten track of places they used to go. She tried to dismiss her overactive thoughts of how Bette could have possibly run into Candace as she tapped her hands on the very worn leather seat.

How much longer? Tina impatiently asked.

Maybe ten more minutes. Sooner if the lights are on your side, the driver nonchalantly replied.

At Joels
Can you tell me what the ***** you were thinking? Bette ranted, as she paced in front of Jenny.

Fuuuck! Jenny whined. Im sorry, I didnt think about it. I was just worried about you, Jenny replied, arms flailing around her. I guess things werent as bad in there as I thought huh? Jenny reached out to stop Bettes pacing.

Bette kept running her hand through her hair and pulled the front tightly back and off her forehead. She stopped in her tracks as Tina came barreling through the door, face red, and anger in her eyes. She pushed Jenny to the side and stood in front of Bette seething.

Wanna tell me what the ***** is going on and why Jenny had Marina track me down? Tina said through gritted teeth.

Bette looked around to make sure no one was watching them. A few heads turned, but turned away as Bette caught their gaze.

Can we sit? Bette ushered Tina to the table with Jenny following behind them. They all sat down looking at each other. Uhm I think Jenny overreacted a bit, Bette offered to a still very pissed off Tina.

Jenny? Tina looked at her wanting her to answer.

Uhm, was Jennys nervous reply. All I know is that some woman Bette knew was here, she went to talk to her, then Bette came back real upset, Jenny rambled while picking her nails. Then

Bette was staring fiercely at Tina and Jenny, hoping that Jennys explanation would defend her and not make Tina think even worse about her, but before Jenny could finish, Tina caught sight of Yolanda.

Yolanda? Tina mumbled. Oh, this just gets better by the ***** minute doesnt it? Tina said rhetorically as she looked at Bette. Did you know she was here? Bette nodded. Dont tell me, shes here with Candace? Bette nodded again, as she saw Candace emerge from behind Yolanda. Tina stood up as she too saw Candace. Get up! Tina commanded to Bette and Jenny. Were taking this ***** outside. Someone is gonna tell me what the ***** is going on.

This sucks! Jenny mumbled.

Yolanda smirked at the sight of Tina while Candace grimaced. The look on Tinas face as she got closer delighted Yolanda who now bore a beaming smile. Bette looked back at Jenny who refused to make eye contact with anyone. Nothing was said as they all walked out the door and into the dimly lit parking lot. Bette handed Jenny the keys to her car and she happily took them as she walked away quickly.

T, please listen to me before this gets too far out of control, Bette turned to Tina eyes pleading for compassion and understanding. Tina rolled her eyes. Me seeing them here was an accident, she told a half-truth resting her hands on Tinas shoulders, looking her dead in the eye.

Candace tried to walk away and Yolanda waved Candaces keys in the air. Shed picked them up and put them in her purse when Candace went to the ladies room. Candace rolled her eyes and shook her head. When will this nightmare end? She thought as she squatted on the ground. Yolanda walked over to Bette and Tina.

Leave them alone Yoli, Candace yelled out. This isnt your fight, she tried to stop Yolanda from talking by getting up and covering her mouth, but Yolanda squirmed away. All Candace could do was hope for the best, whatever that was, and stepped aside knowing there was no taming her.

So Tina, she said cheerfully, would you like their version or the truth? Yolanda smirked at Bette.

Tina didnt know how to respond. She knew there was tension between her and Bette and it was hard to tell if she was really siding with her or if she was just playing get back on Bette. Either way, she knew she wanted answers and fast. It was too late for her to think about it.

Did you know that Bette has called and seen Candace since your fight? Yolanda volunteered. Tinas mouth dropped. From what I know, there have been a few meetings since that day other than the time you caught them, she continued, as she watched Tinas horrified face flush. Seems like your wife has quite a thing for Candace. From the look on your face, it seems like theres a lot you dont know, Yolanda turned her attention from Tina to Bette who was frozen where she stood.

Candace heard Yolandas story, jumped up, and pulled her aside where she promptly began arguing with her, leaving Tina and Bette alone. The look on Tinas face turned from horror to disgust.

I hate you Bette Porter! I ***** hate you, Tina screamed. Tears refused to fall and her only recourse was to slap Bette across the face. Bettes face stung as she covered her cheek and a minute later, she slapped Tina back causing the held back tears to erupt from her eyes.

Enough! Ive ***** had enough! Bette yelled. Im sick of everything and everyone, she balled. Through her misty eyes she saw Tina crouched on the ground covering her face and realizing what shed done, she kneeled in front of Tina.

Candace pushed Yolanda out of her way and ran over to Bette and Tina. You two have got to stop this, she said softly, trying to ease their tension. Tina looked at her and for the first time saw Candace as someone other than the ***** who slept with her wife. It was something in her tone that stopped her from wanting to go at her like shed done before. Please stand up. Both of you, she pulled Tina to her feet. Look, I know Im way out of line here, but hear me out. Please. Bette nodded and Tina shrugged. Tina, I didnt do this to hurt you. I knew Bette was with you and I shouldnt have let it happen. Attraction is a powerful force of nature and I allowed myself to get caught up. Im sure you know how beautiful Bette is or you wouldnt have fallen for her, Candace tried to soften the blow as Tina bit her lip and turned away. Anyway, Im truly sorry for what I started and let continued. Bette can speak for herself on how she feels, but I know what I did was wrong and for that I deserve your ill feelings toward me. I will have to stop doing the work you asked me to do due to conflict of interest. You shouldnt have to see me again. Or if

Stop. Please stop, Tina asked, wiping her eyes. Youre right I do hate you and I do put blame on you for what happened, but Bette is the main one truly at fault here and I need to take that up with her, Tina sniffed. If you can recommend someone else to finish the job, Id be grateful. Id hate to see the kids suffer because of this. Im sorry for attacking you, but my emotions got the best of me.

Its okay, I understand. I wont apologize for Yolanda, Candace looked over at her. She needs to do that herself. It wasnt her place. I just needed a friend to vent to and for the record; I didnt tell her it was Bette. She figured it out when she saw my reaction to seeing Bette tonight, Candace felt a lump wedge in her dry throat. Look, Im exhausted. Im embarrassed, and I think you and Bette need to talk as much as Yolanda and I do. I wont ask you to forgive me, I dont deserve that, but please know that I am sorry and wish I could undo the pain Ive caused, Candaces voice cracked. I have to go, she said quickly as she started to walk away. Bette, you need to figure yourself out. Im sorry it turned out so badly, Candace lost it and began to cry as she snatched her keys from Yolanda and ran to her car.

Yolanda huffed and waved a dismissive hand to Bette and Tina. Youre both pathetic! She said coldly.

Bette stared into the night, collecting her thoughts as Tina rubbed her still stinging face and wiped the remaining tears from her eyes.

Have you ever heard the song Now That Youre Not Here, by Swing Out Sister?

Bette shrugged, not sure why?

Find it. Listen to it. And then call me.