It was late when Bette pulled up to her driveway. She almost opted for staying at a hotel, not wanting to bother with putting together a boxed up house, but she was too tired to even entertain that idea for too long. The drive down was both physically and emotionally tiring. And here she sat, staring at the shell of her home that is now foreign to her. She wondered if she was ready for what was held inside, but suspected she never truly would be. It was time to confront her past regardless of how she felt currently.

Her heart raced as she fumbled the key into the door, not sure what to anticipate, save for accumulated dust on the boxes and furniture she left behind, which she didnt even pack herself. Somehow through the grace of god, Bette managed to convince Kit to close up the house for her after hours of pleading to extend the huge favor. I cant believe she did that for me. I owe her big, was the last fleeting thought before her mind went blank. Holding her breath, she entered the house, immediately stopping at the threshold of the living room. The world seemed to move in slow motion as Bette surveyed her surroundings with what could only be described as overwhelming remorse. The house, as unrecognizable as it stood before her, still embodied ghosts of forgotten hopes and dreams. Once replete with life and beauty, all that remained now was the vestige of regret.

Deep down, Bette had expected the worst, yet she still was unprepared for the magnitude of emotions the simple act of walking through the door would bring. As tired as she thought she was before, she now was completely spent. The only thing Bette could muster up the energy to do was sleep, and the only likely place for that to happen was on her couch. She discarded the luggage on the floor next to the door, took off the couch cover, and then patted as much dust out of the cushions as she could. Tomorrow she would give them a good beating, she thought. Tonight however, at 2:00 AM, it was too late to care about anything except closing her eyes. It didnt even matter that she would be sleeping without any pillows or covers. Bette plopped her weary bones down onto the couch, a plume of dust wafted to her nose causing her to sneeze, took off her shoes and succumbed to fatigue.


Faint laughter had echoed through the house startling Bette who was busy cleaning every inch of it. Convinced it was her imagination playing tricks on her, she returned to scouring every nook and cranny in the kitchen. A few minutes passed by before she heard another burst of laughter, this time more audible. She placed her scrub pad on the counter along with her gloves, then strained her ears against the otherwise quiet house. She heard nothing at first, then there it was, indistinguishable laughing emanating from an unknown source. She walked around the house in search of it until the recognized sounds of water directed her to the backyard. She stopped in the doorframe, surprised at what she saw. The sun high, and the garden rich in vibrant colors, she saw Kit and Tina sitting in two chaise lounges laughing at Dana and Shane who were engaged in a cat and mouse chase with Alice in the pool. Their only goal was to relieve Alice of her bikini top.

A flabbergasted Bette couldnt believe her eyes; blinking them into focus only confirmed what was playing before her. Could this really be happening? It felt real enough Donning an excited smile happy to finally see the girls, she walked over to Kit and Tina. She was only several feet away from the two of them before her steps halted, her breath caught in her throat. Tina looked gorgeous. No, that wasnt itshe was unequivocally radiant: the way the sun caught in her hair perfectly, giving it a golden sheen, the way her smile curled and stretched as she enjoyed the pool girls antics, the way her eyes sparkled like the brightest star commanding the night sky. For the first time in what felt like forever, Tina looked happy. Bette hadnt realized how much she missed Tina until right this second. She cleared her throat before trepidation seized her, Hi Kit, hiT. Neither had turned around, so she called out again a little bolder. Hi guys. Again, neither Kit nor Tina made like they heard her. Bette, confused, tried a third time, only more forcibly to the point of yelling, HELLO? Nothing. Before she could figure out what was going on, Tina had turned her head toward Bette, her eyes as hard as steel, her stare as cold as the ice in her voice. We heard you Bette. Its going to take a lot more than yelling to get our attention.


A car honked outside jerking Bettes eyes open. It took a few seconds for her to recognize her surroundings; her gaze shifted around the room slowly remembering crashing on the couch, her couch. As she stretched the sleep out of her body, the dream she just had performed an encore in Bettes mind. It was so real, all of it. She remembered how happy she felt seeing the gang relaxing and having a good time in the backyard, until Tinas words struck her at her core. Bette sighed knowing just how hard the homecoming will be for everyone. First things first, Bette needed to start making this place hers again. She had a lot of work to do before unpacking the boxes, so she forced herself to begin the daunting task of putting her house in order.

Bette spent the better part of three days cleaning and organizing the house, until she was satisfied with the results. The home still felt empty, but she was resigned to getting comfortable with that feeling until other changes could take place. It was nearing 8:00 in the evening when Bette grabbed her cell phone and speed dialed number 2. The phone picked up on the third ring.

Hi Kit.

Well hello, stranger. To what do I owe this honor of you ringing me up out of the blue?

Very funny. You make it sound like I never call you. I just spoke to you A look of concentration passed over Bettes face straining to remember just when she had talked to her sister last.

Please, that was a month ago. Kit interjected.

Well, its not as if youre calling me off the hook. As quickly as the words came out, Bette wanted to real them back realizing Kit was always the one to reach out. In fact, Kit had left several messages for her these last few weeks, none of which Bette returned. She quickly backpedaled before Kit could respond, Im sorry. I dont know why said that.

Shaking her head mildly annoyed, Kit sighed audibly. So anyway, whats up?

Bette took a deep breath before beginning, Do you remember when I told you last month I was considering coming home?

Yeah, did you think more about that? Kits curiosity peaked at the prospect of her baby sister finally coming home to clean up the mess she left behind.

I did. In factuh wellIm back. Bette waited for Kit to respond, but was left with a long silence. Kit? You there?

Yeah, Im here. What do you mean, youre back?

Just exactly how it sounds. I came back a few days ago.

Surprise, elated, overjoyed were not the words fit to describe Kits reaction to the news. No, she was exasperated.

Let me get this straight. Youve been gone for, what2 years? Not quite, actually Bette interrupted. Oh no no no, this is not the time for you to speak. Kit was worked up beyond control. The suppressed frustration that had been slowly stewing since Bette left town, and which she chose to ignore because she just wanted the best for her, was no longer containable. There was nothing that was going to stop Kit from giving her self-involved little sister a piece of her mind”the forthcoming admonishment was long overdue.

First, you pretty much left without a trace two years ago with not so much as a ta ta or so long to anyone who mattered in your life. And, this was under the pretense that you just needed to clear your head for a couple of weeks. You left and you didnt even contact anyone, except for me”quite frankly, I dont even know how convinced I am that you would have given me that courtesy, if I werent related to you and could kick your ***** with one hand tied behind my back. You didnt so much as tell anyone you were leaving, let alone that you were staying gone, until another month after that. ***** Bette, you just shut everyone out like they didnt matter. Girl, dont even get me started on the ***** your little stunt caused. I mean, you were already skating on thin ice for stepping out on your wife, but when you left too afraid to deal with your problems or try to fix them, itit was like a war had broken out and I was caught in the crossfire having to explain your actions. I did not appreciate being placed in that kind of position. Kits last sentence was uttered nice and slowly lest Bette failed to cull the weight of her words.

I know Kit, I heard my fair share of it when I finally called everyone. Besides, I thought you understood. You said you supported me, no matter what, but Im starting to question otherwise.

Her tone even, Kit continued. Despite of all that has happened with you being gone for however long, which I *do* support on some level, you have the audacity to return home as if its business as usual? You only said you were considering, the key word there is *considering*, of coming back. And as much as I was happy to hear you were finally tired of hiding out, I strongly suggested you think long and hard about the move because life would be much much different than how you left it. But in typical Bette fashion, you went ahead and did the opposite, didnt you? Baby girl, when are you going to learn that there is more to the world than the one you have conveniently created for yourself?

Thats not fair! Bette understood Kits anger, but she was a bit off on at least the part where she accused Bette of acting impetuously. Bette did consider the impact of her returning to LA. In fact, she spent extra sessions with Dr. Wright the whole month before, delving into all the past and expected issues surrounding her decision. Susan agreed with Bette that it was time for her to face her demons head on. She was tired of running away when life became too painful to deal with; something Bette had learned early in her sessions was a pattern she failed to see before fleeing. She also realized all the therapy in the world wouldnt help her to ultimately resolve her problems or change her behavior unless she is able to confront her past with the one person with whom she needed to set things straight. There was no more running away for Bette now, emotionally or physically. It was time to make amends.

After listening to her sisters onslaught, Bette was left wondering why she presumed telling Kit would be the easiest conversation she would have to have? She should have known better. If there were anyone that would call Bette on her *****, it was one Kit Porter. Bette couldnt help but love her big sister for that brutal honesty sometimes.

Listen Kit. I respect your honesty, as hard as it is for me to hear, but you have to understand that I didnt just decide on a whim to reclaim my life. I have been discussing it, along with everything else, with my therapist from when I first started seeing her until I left. I am fully aware of how much work I need to do on myself and with others.

It had just dawned on Bette that Kits lambasting was pretty generalized with nary a mention of Tina, save for the former title as wife. Granted, Bette herself didnt reference Tina directly, but her omission was understandable, at least to Bette. She shook the thought from her mind, not wanting to dwell on it, and didnt think it was the right time to voice the observation. So, she decided to shelve it away for another day. God. Just how much have things change around here? Bette wondered.

I dont expect anything from anyone. All I can do is hope that people will be understanding, if not forgiving. I know thats asking a lot considering I didnt do a good job staying in contact with anyone other than you, but Shane, Dana, Alice and Tina are still my family, Kit. She said it. She voiced her name to her sister for the first time in how long? Bette couldnt even remember. This was not lost on Kit, who silently prayed that whatever work Dr. Wright had done with Bette was more than what she was being privy to in this conversation. From where she sat, it didnt seem like Bette had gleaned much from her therapist consultation or the time away.

Bette had no more energy to defend herself against further lashings she assumed Kit had lined up. As she was poised to ask for a continuance, Kit was preparing to speak. Sensing the exhaustion in her sisters voice, she softened her tone, mildly regretting how hard she had come down on Bette.

Honey, Im sorry for getting so riled up. I guess, I should have expressed some of these feelings to you before. I totally understand the space you needed to clear your head, and I trying to comprehend why you stayed away for so long, but its hard for me to wrap my brain around that. I mean, I always thought you were so strong and driven to do what you needed to do to make things right in the world. But, your absence forced me to change my perception of you giving me time to realize that youre equally as fragile as the rest of us I just wish I could have been there to help you through this. I mean, thats what sisters are for, right? We help pull each other up out of the mud.

Bette was awash in relief. Kit had made valid points, some of which she had been working on with Susan, and she was reminded that there was still plenty of room for growth where communication was concerned.

Thanks, Kit. Im sorry I didnt tell you sooner I was coming home. You have shown nothing but patience and support towards me this whole time. Well, except for this evening. They both chuckled at the attempted levity. And you deserve more than what Ive been able to reciprocate. I, Im sorry for being such an *****. I have nothing but love for you, Kit. Always.

Apology accepted. *****, I dont even remember why I got all excited anyway. Im just happy youre back where you belong. So, what do you say we get together for lunch or dinner when you have time. Catch up in person, hmmm?

Of course. And since I currently dont have a job, I can pretty much get together anytime.

Well then, why not meet up tomorrow. Im dying to know how the ***** you spent your time up north, in all that rain. Who in their right mind moves from LA to Portland anyway? Kit was now laughing to herself, trying to imagine Bettes life in a state that was barely referenced in the news of any kind, except during election year when Ralph Nader tried to secure a Green Party base.

Okay, okay, enough with the teasing. Youd be surprised by how much the city has to offer, but Ill tell you all about it tomorrow. And Kit, thanks again for everything. I mean it.

Youre welcome, baby girl. Ill stop by tomorrow around noon.

Sounds good. See you then.

The two hung up, both feeling better after the heart to heart, though Bette was now even more apprehensive about contacting anyone else, especially Tina. She slowly exhaled the residuals from the conversation as she made her way to the bedroom. The idea of finally talking to Tina after complete silence for over a year and a half was without a doubt unnerving. She would have to get it over with at some point, but next up on her list was Alice.