Bette: Hey guys, I know this is going to sound lame but it is good to see you all again. How is everyone?
Alice: Hey guys, its good to see you all again, how is everyone? You have got to be kidding me. You disappear for a year and a half and thats the best you can do. Go ***** yourself Porter. I dont need this *****. Tina, you must be out of your mind.
Alice got up and stormed out of the planet.
Dana: Let me go see if I can get her to come back.
Bette: No, Ill go.
Bette ran after Alice, holding her tummy the whole time. It was times like these that being pregnant was damn inconvenient. She caught up to Alice as she was opening her car door.
Bette: Alice, Alice, stop. Weve got to talk.
Alice: I have nothing to say. I said it all inside.
Bette: Well I have some things to say. Please wont you at least listen and then decide that you hate my guts?
Alice walked over to Bette and started again. The hurt and anger she had kept bottled up inside her all these months came pouring out like a volcano. She started striking Bette with both fists on the upper part of Bettes torso.
Alice: You left me, you left us. You just walked away like a coward. How could you do that, I was your best friend. Didnt I deserve a call, an explanation? Why didnt you believe that I could be there for both of you, even if you were the one that fucked up everything. And I mean everything. Since you left nothing has been the same. The whole balance of the group is off. There is no center without you and Tina. How could you do it? How?
Bette had just been standing there letting Alice get it all out, without regard for her physical safety. She finally grabbed hold of Alices hands and pulled her in for an embrace. Alice slumped onto Bettes shoulder and began sobbing uncontrollably. Bette just held her there and let her cry until her breathing started to even out and the crying subsided.
Bette: Let me try to explain. I needed to leave to save myself because I was so lost. If I had been myself I never would have cheated on Tina. Never. But it happened and I knew I was out of control. I couldnt make anything right, Tina hated me, and no one would look me in the eye. I finally decided that the only way I could take back control was to take my life. So I did.
Alice pulled away from Bette and just looked at her wide eyed, saying nothing.
Bette: Kit found me, she saved me and has been there for me ever since. Ive been in therapy and I realized that I needed to rebuild my life and change it so that I could love myself again. Ive changed so much. Not just in physical appearance, but here in my head and most importantly in my heart. Somehow, by the grace of God Tina is back in my life and we are happy. Please think about what Ive said and try to forgive me. I want nothing more than to be part of your life again Alice. I want to be someone you can talk to and trust. Please?
Alice continued to look at Bette, not saying a word. She was trying to process what she just heard. Finally she composed herself enough to speak.
Alice: You really tried to kill yourself? How? Never mind, I dont need to know. Bette, you were always the strong one. This doesnt make sense.
Bette: Alice, dont kid yourself. You know me almost as well as Tina. My exterior never matched what was inside. I was always insecure. Tina was the strong one. She just let everyone, including me, think I was in charge. Without her I was lost and nothing made sense. I spiraled out of control and you know how I need to be in control.
Alice: Why didnt you come to me? I would have been there for you. I thought you knew that.
Bette: I did, but I couldnt face any of you. I knew what I did hurt more than Tina, that the ripple effect would be felt throughout the group. (Tears were brimming in Bettes eyes, as she softly said): More than anything I didnt think I deserved any of you.
Alice: Bette, we are a family. Families stand by one another through the good times and bad. Trust in that, always. How are you, really?
Bette: Im terrific. Ive never been better. Ive been painting and Peggy talked me into doing a show at a gallery here in town. I live by the ocean and sell my paintings at arts and craft fairs to get by. My life is so much simpler. Most important Im truly happy and at peace with myself.
Alice: Painting? I never knew.
Bette: Long story. Am I forgiven?
Alice pulled Bette into a warm embrace and held her there.
Alice: Yes, but if you ever disappear like that again Ill hunt you down and take care of you personally. Bette, you look so different, youre really pregnant arent you.
Bette: Yes Alice Im really pregnant. Ive always wanted a family, even when everyone doubted me.
Alice: Well, I guess we better get back inside Porter and join the rest of the group.
Tina, Shane and Dana had been watching everything from inside and they were relieved when they saw Alice and Bette embrace. They knew they were working things out. Tina asked that Shane and Dana keep an open mind, that Bette had changed, and they were very happy together again. As Alice and Bette approached the table Shane and Dana stood and embraced Bette when she got close.
Shane: Welcome home Bette.
Dana: Ditto. Sit down and lets catch up. So, how pregnant are you?
Alice: Dana!
Dana: What? Isnt that something you would ask?
Alice: Exactly, let me ask the questions.
Bette: Hey, Ill answer everyones questions. But first I want to say something. You guys are my family and I should have trusted in that bond. I didnt and I know I hurt all of you by disappearing the way I did. I thought it was the only thing I could do given the circumstances. I know now I was wrong and I promise to never violate your love and trust again. Im a different person than I was before and if you give me a chance I think youll like the new Bette. Okay, now Ill take any questions you care to through at me.
Alice smiled and with a gleam in her eye asked the first question: So, what exactly did you do with all of your power suits, cause the overalls and tank top are just not working for me.
The whole table burst out laughing. Tina grabbed Bettes hand and gave it a squeeze while she smiled intently at her new girlfriend.