At Bette and Tinas house
When she awoke, she instinctively rubbed her face, only to feel the sharp pangs wash over her cheek. She sat up in bed, stupefied and confused. Was it real, or was it all a horrible nightmare? she thought. She pushed aside the sheets and got up heading toward the bathroom. Halfway there she felt her right foot step on something soft and plush, a stark contrast to the hardwood floor. She looked down and saw it. The dress she had torn off of Tinas body in desperation. Bette took a step back, kicking the dress away like a snake found in underbrush.

All of a sudden it felt like the air had been sucked out of her lungs, out of the room, out of the entire house. She rushed to the hallway, being careful to avoid the dreaded dress. She staggered down the hallway, drunkenly bracing herself to the walls. Her breathing was labored and tears were welling at her eyes. She finally reached the French doors leading to the courtyard, struggling to see the lock through her tears. Finally swinging them open, she stumbled outside, breathing deeply as if she were doing it for the first time. The sunshine reflecting off the pool water stung her eyes which she struggled to open. As she squinted, she felt the stinging on the right side of her face again. She raised her hands to block out the sun and immediately noticed so many tiny scratches and bruises on her forearm; miniscule, tangible memories of what had transpired the previous night.

The recollections soon became too much for her, and she doubled over hugging her abdomen. She felt as though someone had ripped out her very soul, leaving a gaping hole of nothingness. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably as she slowly sank to her knees, sobbing quietly beside the pool, the reflected sunshine rippling enveloping her.

At Alices apartment
Alice lightly buttered the English muffins and placed them on the small plate along with the fruit and orange juice already on the tray. She let out a small sigh, Well, Im definitely not Martha Stewart, she thought. But at least Im way cuter, she chuckled to herself and headed down the hallway to the bedroom. She managed to get the door open with the pinky and ring finger of her left hand and had expected to find Tina still asleep in bed. Instead, Tina was sitting quite still on the edge of the bed facing the window. Alice slowly walked into the room and gently placed the breakfast tray on the bed. She walked around to Tinas side of the bed and carefully sat down as one would next to a dubious stranger on a bus. Tina remained immobile, her gaze directed toward the window. Alice shifted slightly to face her and was shocked by what she saw in the dim light streaming through the blinds.

Tinas eyes were bloodshot and the skin around them was puffy and reddened as well. Her cheeks were pale and tear-streaked and lips were dry and chapped. Her blonde hair was dull and limp and somewhat matted. She realized Tina had a quizzical expression on her face, as if she was trying to make out what exactly blinds were. Alice placed her hand on Tinas shoulder, rubbing it gently with her thumb and cleared her throat. Tina, do you want anything to eat? Alice asked softly. Tina seemed to be roused slightly from her quandary and turned her head to Alice. She frowned slightly, and Alice gathered that she should not pressure her too much. She wrapped her arm around Tina and pulled her in so that Tinas head was against her shoulder, and was surprised she did not meet any resistance. After a few moments, Alice spoke in a hushed voice, Listen, Tina, I dont want you to do anything you dont want tobut maybe you should take a bathI could get it all ready for youyou know, so you can relax a bit. She kissed the top of Tinas head. Huh, what do you say? she asked in an utterly motherly way. Tina sniffled and then looked up at Alice, her head still on Alices shoulder. She closed her eyes and nodded slightly to communicate her agreement. Okay, Alice whispered grinning a bit, Ill go get that ready for you mlady.

Just then, a series of urgent knocks at the front door startled both women, making them jump slightly on Alices squeaky bed. Coming! Alice yelled, quickly getting up and grabbing the glass of orange juice. How about a little bit of OJ? she asked offering it to Tina. Tina took the glass and turned around, returning to her apparent fascination of the window blinds. Alice stepped out into the hallway, gently closing the bedroom door behind her. She looked through the peephole and let out a sigh of relief as she opened the door. Shane, thank God youre here, she whispered, ushering Shane down the hallway and ultimately into the kitchen. She closed the door behind her and motioned with her hands for Shane to keep her voice down.

Shane leaned against counter, dark rings encircling her bloodshot eyes, So whats going on? she quietly asked, using her hands to rub her face and finally ensnaring them in her tousled hair. Well, Tina isnt fairing any better than how she was last night, Alice began, pouring some coffee into a mug and offering it to Shane, but Im gonna get a bath going for her in a little bit, so I think shell be feeling better. She took a quick sip from the mug she had poured for herself. Im a little worried about Bette, she continued, Ive called like a gazillion times and I havent been able to get a hold of her. Realizing Alices unspoken request, Shane pushed herself off the counter and quickly patted Alices shoulder, Ill call you. She opened the kitchen door and slowly strutted toward the hall. Just as she was around the corner, Alice hissed, Shhhhane. Shane peeked around the corner putting on her fighter pilot sunglasses. Are you okay? Alice asked, concern wrinkling her forehead. No, but I will be, Shane responded raising the corner of her mouth into a half-hearted smile. And with that, she disappeared around the corner and Alice heard the front door open and subsequently close.