Bette had called Alice Friday afternoon, after she had picked up the keys to her new apartment. She was hoping the gang would be willing to see her since she had finally worked up the nerve to face them. She asked Alice if she thought the gang would want to get together Saturday. They could check out her new apartment, have some drinks, a little dinner and maybe watch a movie.

Whats wrong with right now Porter? Alice asked. Shane, Dana and I are here now, with nothing to do. Why do we need to set up a special time?

What about Dana and Shane? You have not even asked them. Bette was happy that Alice was willing to drop everything to see her, but wasnt so sure the others would be.

Like I said, we are not doing anything anyway, so give me the damn address already! Alice demanded.

Not until you ask them Alice!

Oh all right!

Guys, Bette just got her new apartment. Want to go over and hang out?

Shanes Sounds good! and Danas OK was clearly heard by Bette.

OK Porter, now whats the address?

Bette gave the address, then said, Al, how bout you come here in a couple of hours? Ive got to go by the house and get some of my things.

Thats cool. Alice replied. Well leave now and meet you at the house. Well bring Shanes truck and help you. Rent-a-Dykes at your service! See you soon.

Before Bette could say anything, the phone clicked in her ear. Alice was still Alice. Well, if she hurried, she could get to the liquor store, get some supplies and probably some boxes too. She grabbed her keys and headed out the door, thinking how good it would be to see her friends again.

~~~

When Bette pulled up in the driveway, she was feeling a little nervous about the initial reaction she would receive from the gang. She had been working on preparing herself for the worst. She figured they would drill her a new ***** for the way she had treated Tina, and she knew she deserved it. But even as upset as she knew they were with her, they were still going to come and help her. She knew she didnt deserve friends like that after the way she had avoided them.

Bette grabbed a couple of boxes and was headed for the door when she heard Shanes truck come roaring up. The window was open and the music was blasting. The three stooges just about fell out of the truck, obviously under the influence of one of Alices little happy cigarettes.

Shane walked over to Bette and pulled her into her arms. Dont you EVER stay away from us like that again Bette. I may not be happy with you right now, but I am still your friend, we all are, and we are here for you too.

With tears in her eyes, Bette dropped the boxes and hugged Shane back. The next thing she knew, there was a group hug going on in her front yard.

Alice said, OK, enough of this sentimental bullshit! Lets get this stuff packed and moved so we can PARTEEEE!

Less than an hour later, Bettes clothes and bathroom supplies were boxed and in the back of Shanes truck. Her friends were waiting in the truck to follow her to the apartment. Bette picked up her favorite picture of Tina, kissed it, and slipped it into her purse. She took a final look around the living room, and with a sad heart, locked the door.

~~~

Several hours later, after hugging each of her friends goodnight, Bette got a shower, threw on her nightwear and climbed into bed. Sleep often eluded her, but tonight she was exhausted. It had turned out to be a pretty good day. After everything was unpacked, they had ordered pizzas and sat around talking and drinking. There were some emotional words, and tears were shed. Bette had apologized to them for her actions, and for breaking up their little family. And, as she had thought, they tore her a new *****, but then provided the antiseptic and bandages needed for their friendships to continue.

They had talked about what was going on in their lives; Bettes work, Danas tours, Als articles, and Shanes decision to never date another client. They drank, they smoked (yes, Al had brought more cigarettes, Oh Joy!), and they laughed, and yet each felt the difference. A vital member of the family was not there.

As they were getting ready to leave, the girls invited Bette to Milk on Saturday night.

No thanks. I dont want to upset Tina. I know she cant handle seeing me right now, and Im not sure Im up to clubbing. Bette said.

Alice had replied, Tinas been out of town on business and is suppose to get home later tonight. She isnt going to feel like going to Milk! And we are not clubbing; we are having a couple of drinks and talking. So dont give us any bullshit, youre going. Dress up, your sister will be performing! Well pick you up.

Bette had laughed, As long as I wont be crowding Tina, Ill go, but Ill drive myself.

And so, just like that, she was going out with her friends. She hadnt gone out since the breakup, but she knew she needed to get out of the work, work and more work mode she was in. She needed to see life and feel people around her. She needed that empty feeling in her chest to go away, the ache to stop. She knew none of that would happen, but maybe a night out with her friends would help dull the ache for a few hours, and it would be good to watch Kitt perform.

With a final yawn, Bette fell asleep.