Chapter One

It had been six weeks since that night.  That night, so much happened that night, most of all she walked out on the love of her life.  Was tonight the night things would finally be resolved, one way or another?  She was meeting Bette at the house.  It was time; they had danced around each other for the past six weeks.

That Night

When Tina got up and started to dress Bette asked where she was going?  Without a word Tina just walked away.  There was never any doubt in Bette’s mind that she would turn to Alice.

The next morning Bette called Alice.

‘Hello.’

‘Is she there?’

‘She’s sleeping, finally.  What did you do?’

‘Betrayed her.’

‘With that carpenter?’

‘Alice, don’t, please.’

‘She wrote her name on the board.  You know it’s permanent don’t you?’

‘It wouldn’t matter; it will always be there.  Would you ask her to call me when she wakes up?’

‘Sure.  Bette?’

‘Yea?’

‘I love you.’

‘Thanks.’

* * * * *

Tina slept most of the morning, but when she finally woke Alice told her about the call.  There was no response; she just went back to bed.

Later that afternoon Tina sat on the couch holding the phone.  After several attempts to dial Alice reached for the phone and dialed Bette’s cell.

‘Hey, Alice, how is she?’

‘Ask her yourself.’

She handed the phone to Tina and walked toward the kitchen.

‘Alice, please stay.’

‘Hello Bette.’

‘Tina would you come home so we can talk?’

‘I can’t be there now.’

‘Would you meet me somewhere?’

‘No.  Not yet.  I’ll call you when I’m ready.’

‘All right.’

‘And Bette?’

‘Yes?’

‘Don’t call me.’

The Next Week

A week went by and Bette was beginning to think Tina would never call.  She had kept in touch with Alice and knew that Tina was slowly beginning to talk with their old gang.  Bette was uncomfortable talking to anyone except Kit.

She had started seeing Dan Foxworthy.  She never liked him but at least he knew something about their relationship.  She was unaware that Tina was also seeing him.

The girls had all left messages for her that they were there for her too, but Bette felt undeserving of their loyalty.