Tina immediately went outside hoping that Bette would be there. No Bette! She went back in to call her cell. No answer! The phone went immediately to voice mail.

*****! Tina said out loud.

She left a message pleading for her to call back. Tina was too shocked at Bettes disappearance to cry. Instead she went to the bathroom, took a long hot shower, then got out and dressed. She put on a little makeup to conceal the puffiness in her eyes from crying and called Alice. Alice would know what to do, she thought. She waited for Alice to pick up as she paced the floor.

Pick up! Pick up, Tina fussed.

Yeah, hullo? Came the groggy inquiry.

Hey Al, its Tina. Got a minute?

Alice sat up in the bed. Dana was still sound asleep.

Hey! Yeah. Whats up? Are you okay? Alice inquired.

Yeah, Im fine, she said at first. Then told the truth. Actually, Im not. Bette left. I dont know where she is, and shes not answering her cell. Tina rambled.

What? Why? Alice blurted, out momentarily forgetting Dana was still asleep. What happened? Want me to come over? Alice gasped. Did you guys fight again?

Alice got up and tiptoed out of the room so she wouldnt wake Dana.

No! We were talking and I told her it might not be a good idea for me to stay there even if we did it my way. Then she got really upset and I couldnt console her. I ran out of the room and when I came out, she was gone. Tina sniffled.

Tina sat down. She no longer felt steady on her feet and the hospital food had since worn off.

First of all you have to calm down. You dont wanna end up back in the hospital, Alice consoled a fully crying Tina.

Already did that, she sobbed. Last night.

What the ***** Tee. What the ***** is going on with you two? I dont get it, Alice snapped.

Calm down Al, Tina said softly. Bette wanted to take care of me while I was recuperating and I agreed. But like I said, on my terms, she quickly added.

But Tee, are you sure youre ready for that? It hasnt been that long since Bette and Alice stopped herself before she said too much. The thought of the piece of paint-stained tee shirt that she found made her feel ill again.

Its okay, you can say it. Its not like I dont already know, Tina sighed. Im still trying to digest it all and Im sure its over now, but I cant for the life of me think of why shed do this in the first place, Tina continued.

I dont know what to tell you Tina, Alice said sadly, knowing that Tina could be wrong. I know theres a lot to give up and a lot at stake for both of you. Come back here and give yourself time to regroup, but if you feel comfy staying there, then you have to do whats best for you right?

Thats just it Alice, I really dont know what to do. Bette left the house in a terrible state earlier and shes not answering her phone, Tina began to whimper.

Tina put the phone down to wipe her eyes and nose. When she picked it up again, she heard whispering, but couldnt make out the voices.

What did you say Al? I sat the phone down for sec.

Dana woke up looking for Alice and she slid up on her, kissing the back of her neck. Alice made the ssh face.

Ah, uhm, nothing. I was just mumbling to myself, she lied.

Al, I heard more than your voice. Do you have someone over?

Yeah, Alice conceded. But its okay, I can talk to you. So, you were saying you dont know where Bette is.

Yeah, Im worried for her. Shes not herself.

Got that right! Alice replied without thinking. She showed that by fu She cut herself off. Oh God, Im sorry Tee. I didnt mean to, well you know. Its just that

Its just what Alice? Tina interrupted. Whats going on with you? Its not like you to be so snappy, Tina said in an agitated tone.

Truth is, Bette knows I know about what happened and when I came to the hospital and then to the house, we didnt exactly act friendly to each other. Lets just say things are a little tense between us.

Oh Alice! Tina sighed. Im sorry youre caught in the middle of us. I think its time for me to just go away for a few days to clear my head.

Alice started to speak, but Tina cut her off.

Dont try to talk me out of it. Its for the best. I cant live here seeing Bette everyday and seeing me isnt helping her either. We can talk by phone, email, or even meet, but for now I need to get away.

I understand how you feel Tina, but everyone will notice.

You know what Alice? I really dont care right now what anyone else thinks. Thats been my ***** problem. Always worrying about everyone else and not me, Tina stated firmly. Its like this, I can act as though its work related or I can just say I need a break from all the stress of the baby catching up with me right? Tina rhetorically asked.

Alice didnt know what to say. She was already caught between them, the question of the torn tee shirt she found, and she didnt want to make things any worse. She held onto the phone waiting for Tina to speak again. Dana looked for something to drink before going back into the bedroom.

I cant take it anymore Al. The stress, the pain, and especially knowing that I gave in to Bette before weve even had a chance to talk about all this *****. Its crazy how much I love her.

Tina, I am so sorry youre going through this *****. Its not fair. Bettes being a big baby right now and you cant give in to that. Youre right its time to be selfish. Take the time away, clear your head, and then come back refreshed so you can handle this *****. I dont wanna sound like Im Bette bashing cause its not like that, but dammit Tina, you cant let her get over on you. You just cant. Remember how you guys got on me over Gaby?

Yeah.

Well, its the same thing. Sometimes you have to take a stand. So take the ***** stand. Bettes a big girl; she can do without you for a few days. It might do her some damn good anyway. She needs to figure herself out and get the sneaky witch out of her system. I still cant ***** believe she did it with her. Alice rambled on. She is kinda hot though, she thought to herself. Stop it Alice. Its not right, she continued her mental tirade.

Tina heard a car pull up and she jumped to see if it was Bette. It was!

Hey, Bette just came back. Gotta go. Ill call you. I promise. Love you. Bye. Tina babbled in nearly one breath.
She waited by the kitchen as Bette strolled through the backyard. Bette paused as she reached the door, she seemed to contemplate entering, but did anyway. Tina sat on the counter waiting. She was very anxious and hoped that she could get through to Bette without losing her cool. She knew it wouldnt be easy

Where ya been Bette? You had me worried, Tina asked trying to remain calm.

Bette shrugged her shoulders. She looked a mess. Tina hopped off the counter and walked toward Bette who backed off.

What? Tina asked. What did I do to make you back away from me?

Nothing. Everything. I dont ***** know Tee. I just dont know, Bette blurted in an exasperated breath. I just went driving to clear my head and calm down.

Tina was getting frustrated and was having an even harder time than before trying to remain calm. She walked out of the kitchen and into the bedroom where she pulled a travel bag from the closet and began to fill it. She had it half full before Bette walked into the room.

Why are you packing? *****! No, stop that! Bette screamed, pulling the bag away.

Tina stared at her. Why not? This isnt working. Its too soon Bette, Tina stated pulling the bag back. We cant do this. I found out that you cheated and we got into a huge fight, where we fucked each other. I leave and come back to make you pay for what you did by making love with you. Thats ***** ridiculous and makes no damn sense. Obviously theres something very wrong with us, Tina rambled her reasons.

But, but, we can Bette interjected.

No buts, Bette. This is crazy. We need help and it wont happen if I stay. I ended up in the hospital twice and in between that I fucked you instead of trying to reason with you. Does that sound sane to you? Tina began to yell, frustrated with herself and Bette. Does it?

Bette finally let go of the bag and threw herself down on the bed sobbing. Tina just stared at her knowing that trying to better the situation would only make it worse. She had to leave. She finished packing and put her bag by the front door, then returned to the bedroom, where Bette was still laying face down.

Bette, I have to do this. Its the only way. I love you, you know that, but I cant stand you right now and if were gonna get through this, I have to do things my way, Tina stated.

Bette rolled over, looking at her with pleading eyes. Tina stared back at her barely recognizing Bette. She looked so broken and worn out, but Tina stood her ground in spite of her internal tears and aching.

Im sorry Bette. Ill call to let you know that Im okay and Ill call the gang and tell them I just needed to recoup from the stress of the baby, my volunteer work, and whatever ***** else I can think of, Tina resigned. This really is the best thing Bette.

Bette sat up and drew in a long, hard breath. She tapped the bed, motioning for Tina to sit down. Afraid of her own torn emotions, she shook her head no. Bette looked away to wipe the tears from her eyes, then stood up and walked toward Tina.

I cant change your mind, so I guess Ill have to let you leave, Bette said sadly. Im sorry Tina.

Not knowing what to say or do, Tina walked out of the room, patting Bette on the shoulder as she walked by. She picked up her bag and walked out of the door.