At Alices apartment

Alice stopped chewing, suddenly aware of how loud she actually was. The sound of her chewing was the only sound filling the living room. She glanced down at Tina who was sitting on the floor, her turkey and provolone sub untouched and staring at the pickle she was twirling on her plate. She seemed lost in thought, I have to meet Oscar tomorrow at the house, she suddenly said in a faraway voice. Well, if you need to go anywhere, Im here to take you, its no problem, Alice replied, sliding off the couch to sit on the floor across from Tina. Tina shut her eyes tight, holding back tears, thinking about the fact that Candace would be there working on the house, which made her remember seeing Bette and Candace touch, which led to what happened in their bed, in their home, which made her realize why she was sitting in Alices apartment.

I have to call him to let him know I cant she whispered looking aimlessly around. Its okay, Ill get it, Alice said in a soothing voice as she got up to get her phone. She held it out for Tina, but Tina just shook her head, I dont know his numberfrom memoryits on my cell. She rested her elbow on the coffee table and placed her head in her hand, like someone with too much on their mind and not enough time to sort it all out. Alice placed her hands on the back of the couch and took a deep breath, Okay, so this is what we are going to do, Im gonna head down and get your stuff, she grabbed a pen and pad from her desk and offered it to Tina, write down everything you need. Tina looked up at her as if to protest, but instead took the writing material and began her list.

At Bette and Tinas house

Shane was throwing out empty burger boxes and soda cups while Bette sat by the pool. Shane had practically force fed her and now Bette was feeling extremely nauseated. She felt her stomach suddenly lurch and she clasped her hand to her mouth. She got up and ran straight to the bathroom, nearly knocking Shane over in the process. She retched into the toilet, clinging to the bowl as if for dear life. Shane walked in and grabbed a wash cloth, dampening it in the sink. She walked over to Bette, knelt down, and placed the cool cloth against her forehead. Cmon, she said grabbing Bette around the waist, lets put you to bed for a little while. Bette was so drained, emotionally and physically, that Shane literally dragged her to the bed. She covered her with the sheets and smoothed her unruly hair out of her face, Get some rest, okay? Shane sat beside her on the bed and Bette soon drifted off to sleep.

As Shane walked back down the hallway, she heard the front door opening so she quickened her step. Alice was closing the door behind and gave Shane a little wave, who was signaling her to be quiet, She just fell asleep, she whispered pointing in the direction of the bedroom. I just came over to pick up some stuff for Tina, Alice explained smoothing out the folded piece of paper she had clutched in her hand. Whatwhy? Shane asked somewhat shocked. Because, woman cannot survive on one outfit alone, she replied in a flat tone eyeing Tinas cell phone and placing it in her pocket. Good, its just like mine, we can just share my charger, she thought. She walked around seeing if she could find anything else nearby that was on Tinas list. Shane just shook her head and sat down, putting her feet up on the dining table. She placed her hands behind her head and closed her eyes, trying to wrap her head around everything she had witnessed. Alice began making her way down the hall when the home phone started ringing. Alice stopped dead and Shane was roused from her musings. Shane grabbed the phone as fast as she could, Hellouh, noumwellwell, you seeuh, okay, she covered the receiver and started walking toward Alice. Who is it? she whispered. I think its Bettes boss, he sounds kinda pissy, says its an emergency, Shane searched Alices face for an answer, Well, go take it to herthe last thing she needs is to lose her job too.

Shane made her way to the bedroom with Alice on her heel. Bette, Bette, its your bosscmon wake up, he really wants to talk to youBette! Shane finally was able to shake Bette awake. Helhello? Bette answered sluggishly, Hmmm? No Im fine. Alice, who was now sitting at the end of the bed scoffed quietly. What?! Bette shouted suddenly wide awake, Okay, alright, Ill be right there. She turned off the phone and looked out the window with an expression of utter disbelief on her face. Wellwhats going on? Alice asked impatiently. One of the displays is coming apart, one of the hanging onesjust my ***** luck, her tone was full of bitterness. She quickly got out of the bed and crossed over to the closet to pick out an outfit. Shane go home and get some sleep, Ill be fine, she said turning around with her clothing choices in hand. Well its nice that youre sotogetherwhen it comes to work, Bette, Alice shouted, unabashedly glaring at Bette and quickly getting off the bed and heading down the hallway. Bette hung her head, clutching her clothes. She looked up at Shane, hoping for consolation, but expecting more disdain. Do you want me to drive you? Shane offered, stepping closer toward the door to give Bette privacy to change. No, just go get some rest, she replied quietly. Shane nodded as she let herself out of the room.

Bette quickly changed into more presentable clothes and pulled her hair up tightly since she didnt have time to shower and actually do her hair. She went into the bathroom to wash her face and realized her face was still a little swollen and discolored. Ill just make something up, she mumbled to herself as she made her way down the hall. She noticed Alice was outside near the pool waiting for her to leave. She grabbed her purse and keys and headed toward the front door. With her hand on the *****, she turned on her heel walked back toward the courtyard and stood in the doorway. Alice stood her ground and met her eyes, arms crossed. Please, tell her that I love herwith all my heart. Alice continued staring without blinking. Alice, please, the urgency of Bettes request made her voice break a little. Alice sighed heavily and looked at the ground. When she met Bettes eyes again, she replied, I will, Bette, I promise. She then walked past Bette into the house and toward the bedroom to finish getting Tinas things. Bette walked out into the courtyard, her gaze lingering on the soft ripples dancing on the water. She then turned into the driveway toward her car