Tina couldnt believe the Bette who just walked out the door. She was so sincere, in so much pain, and so beautiful. If Bette had even looked as if she wanted to kiss her, Tina would not have been able to hold herself back. She would have given herself completely to Bette.

All of a sudden, things were crystal clear. She would talk with Bette and they would save their marriage, one way or another. She had a lot of thinking to do. She had to deal with this new aspect in her life: Cindy. They had a really good time tonight. Tina had forgotten her problems for a while. But when she had turned to see Bette! Two weeks without hearing from her, and as soon as she tries to put her life back together, in strolls Bette to tear her heart open again.

First she had been furious. But then as she listened to Bette, she could see how much Bette was really trying to change her ways. She had never seen her so calm in dealing with a problem. Bette always rushed in and took control of the matter. Tonight she had quietly explained why she hadnt contacted Tina, and then asked for a chance to explain everything. Everything! She realized it wasnt just about the affair. Tina was finally filled with hope for their relationship.

Maybe she needed to talk to someone too. See if she could get a clear understanding as to just where everything had gone so bad. Suddenly she realized that it was she who was not ready to talk to Bette, she who needed to put things in perspective. She would see if Dan Foxworthy would talk to her; that is if he didn’t consider it a conflict of interest to deal with both of them. First thing in the Monday morning she would make an appointment, but right now she was beat! It was almost 2:30 a.m. and it had been such an emotional day! Tina was sure she could sleep a week!

Tina was had drifted right off to sleep and slept like a rock. No dreams invaded her rest. But someone was calling her. She tried to ignore it but then the shaking started.

Tina! Come on, wake up! Alice was shaking her.

Tina came up out of the fog she was in. Whats wrong?

Alice, Shane, Dana, Kit and Ivan were all standing there.

What the ***** is going on Alice? Tina got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Tina, we dont know what to do. Bette is missing.

What do you mean Bette is missing? Missing how? asked Tina.

Thats what we dont know Tina!

Ok Al, give me a minute. I was really out of it. Tina got up, went to the bathroom, and then washed her hands and splashed her face with cold water. She came back out and said, Ok, someone tell me what is going on.

Well, Shane started. You had just left the Planet with that Cindy chick when Bette came in looking for you. She said she had to talk with you. Said she had been calling you with no response.

Kit broke in; Its my fault Tina. I thought she needed to know that you had gone on a date and so I asked her to sit down and we told her. She took it in without blinking an eye. She took it too well. Then she just left and disappeared.

Somebody give me some more information here! demanded Tina.

Alice continued, Bette said that when you returned from your date, to tell you to call her on her cell phone. She was so calm. She said she was ok, and she left the Planet. I know she went home because her car is there. But she isnt. We have been calling her cell phone all night. We cant get a response.

Kits turn, Ivan and I went to the house twice looking for her. We went inside and searched for her, but she wasnt there. We have been calling all night. Im so worried Tina. Kit was starting to cry again.

Dana said, We have been to all the hangouts asking people if they have seen her and no one has. We have driven by the house several times since, and there has been no change. Never any lights on. No one answers when we knock.

Ok, said Tina. When was the last time you tried to call her?

Just before we came in here to tell you, said Shane.

Tina reached over and picked up her cell phone.

~~~

Bette had come home, let herself in, undressed and went to bed without turning on any lights. She was in such a funk. She had been so hopeful when she had left Dans office. Sleep just wouldnt come. Not that it mattered. The damn phone would have kept her up anyway. Alice, Kit and Shane had been calling all night! She just should have answered the damn thing so it would stop ringing. She had been afraid to put it on vibrate because what if she fell asleep and Tina called. As exhausted as she was, she would have slept right through the call.

Bette had no idea what was going to happen now. She had given it her all and time would tell. Why had she waited so long! Tinas words kept ringing in Bettes ears. Didnt that kiss you got in the shower suffice?

Oh God! Tina had taken a shower with Cindy. And they had kissed in that shower. What else had happened? What do you think happened? she asked herself. You dont just take a shower with someone unless there is a reason for the shower! She had cheated on Tina, and now Tina had slept with someone else. Another woman! Up until now, she had been the only woman Tina had ever been with. That had felt so good. Well, that was gone. Another casualty of her infidelity. You got what you deserved Porter! she told herself.

That damn phone was ringing again! Bette checked the caller id. Tina! She answered the phone. Hi Tina.

Hello Bette. Where are you? Tina asked.

Im in bed, trying to sleep. It isnt working though, said Bette. Are you calling me to set up a time to talk?

No Bette. Im not ready for that yet. Hold on a second. Tina handed the phone to Alice.

Bette, where the ***** are you, we have been searching for you all night! Alice yelled into the phone.

Why? asked Bette.

Why? Because we have been worried about you, thats why. Why havent you answered your phone?

I told you when I left the Planet that I was ok. I didnt want to talk to anybody. Tina is the only person who I wanted to talk to. Thats why I told you to have her call me on my cell. You guys are really too much. exclaimed Bette. I got to go. Tell Tina if she wants to speak to me to just call my cell. Then realizing how harsh she sounded, she said, Give me a couple of days Alice, and I will call you. Thanks for caring. Bette hung up.

~~~

When Alice handed Tina back her phone, Tina asked, When was the last time you checked the house for Bette?

Kit answered, Around 1:00. But we drove by several times after that.

Bette was here at 1:00, said Tina.

Here? Alice asked incredulously. Why was she here?

Why did you have to tell her about the date? Tina asked, ignoring Alices question. You brought this worry on yourselves. You interfered by telling Bette. We will either get out of this mess or we wont. But it is we ourselves who have to deal with our problems. I love all of you and I dont know where I would be right now without your support, but please just be there for us when we need you. Dont pass on information about one to the other. Believe me, that does not help. Now Im going to go take a shower.

When Tina went to take her shower, everyone else just looked at each other. This was neither the Bette nor the Tina that they knew. What the ***** was going on with them? But they also realized that Tina was right. They had carried tales. This breakup was just so hard on all of them. They decided to go get some sleep.

First thing Monday morning, Tina called Dan Foxworthy. He said that as long as they did not discuss what Bette and he talked about, there would be no conflict of interest. Tina got an appointment for that afternoon.

~~~

Bette was sitting in her office trying to get some work done. She had said no interruptions and now someone was knocking at her door.

What! she yelled.

The door opened. In walked Candace.

Bette was livid. I thought I told you never to seek me out again. Never to call me! She yelled.

Candace was shriveling up inside. I know what you said, but I have something important to tell you. I never would have come if it wasnt a matter of life and death.

Well say it and then get out. I am still trying to get Tina to forgive me and I wont have you complicate things further.

Bette, please calm down and listen to me. I just came from the doctors office.

Ok, Ill bite. What does that have to do with me?

Bette, I have the HIV virus.

Im sorry for you Candace but it changes nothing between us.

No Bette, it changes everything. We had unprotected *****. I may have given it to you. Thats what I came to tell you. Ill go now.

Candace left without saying another word, not that Bette would have heard her. Bette’s office door slid closed without a sound.