World Weary
Flickering Light in Distance
Part Five


Ocean sparkled with blue reflecting off, gentle waves came by occasionally. The beach was sparkling white and serene silence surrounded the people who stood in awe.

A sleeping figure laying out on the chaise lounge, completely and utterly relaxed. Getting away was a good idea; it helped to erase her problems and staying in unfamiliar place made the problems in her life nonexistent. All of the cares were where she is and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and doing absolutely nothing. There are simple pleasures out there; a beautiful weather and the quietness that eases her ever-chaotic mind. She smiled sleepily as she went back to her nap.

Few hours later, Tina sat up and stretched out as she yawned. Tina picked up her stuff and walked back into the cabin she rented. Tina smiled at her lightened blond hair in the mirror in the hallway. Since she spent all her time outside relaxing, reading, and swimming. Tina continued to walk down the hallway, turning left into spacious living room, which is the center of the cabin. Tina whistled as she entered into open kitchen, picking her headphones from the table and put them on when she made her lunch. Bringing her lunch with her, heading outside to sit on the beach while she eats her lunch.

Tina couldnt avoid any longer, she allowed herself to think about Bette and everyone else. Tina was glad that she took solitary time since she was feeling lost, confused, and angry so her emotions was in a mess and everything seemed to be crashing down on her. Tina couldnt even talk to Bette or her friends. At first she was running away, she mused, but now after all that time she had did help to clear her head and she is ready to deal with Bette, their relationship, and herself. Bette… its unbearable to think about what she did, but Tina needed to know the answers to her questions. The future of their relationship is uncertain and her feelings for Bette are also uncertain. True, they stopped connecting emotionally and continued to live together like they were strangers. Tina quit her job because she thought it was for the best thing for both of them, not thinking it would cause strain on their relationship since Tina would depend on Bette for money and staying home, keeping the house clean, which bored Tina. Along the way Tina ignored her needs and tried to keep Bette happy. In the end, she lost herself in that relationship. Tina admitted she let Bette dominate her, not having the partnership they shared at the beginning of their relationship. Tina is determined to take control of her life by finding a job and getting a place to live in. Its ironic that her life stopped when she met Bette, forgetting her old friends and her family. Tina sighed, everything in her life revolved around Bette, including her friends, Kit, and the house.

Why did the affair happened? Tina doesnt know Bettes reasons but some answers she did figure out after she did some thinking. One is simple, the communication was gone and they stopped talking, Tina was afraid to push Bette to talk what was on her mind or her feelings because she did not want to end up fighting with her but now she realized she should have. She let Bette control everything and Tina did nothing to stop it. But wanting to have ***** with another woman, Tina didnt understand anything and made everything worse. Now trust is lost, there is no relationship left to rebuild.

Now Tina is ready to start over with her life. Her smile was now content as she finished her lunch. Tina changed into old, faded jeans and white tank top under the flannel shirt needing to take a walk.

Few weeks later, Tina found something out about herself which is she enjoyed taking long walks. It cleanses her mind and body as she takes everything in. Tina hooked her hands in back of her jeans as she walked along the forested road, taking in the view. Tina continued to walk, while the day turned into night, seeing the stars scattered across the sky as Tina knew its time to go back to home.

******************

Rousing from restless sleep as the ringing echoed throughout Bettes ears. She rubbed her eyes sleepily; she swung her legs over the bed, sitting on the edge. Eyes grew wide as she heard someone opening the door.

“*****, *****!” ran frantically through Bettes mind as she prayed its not Tina walking through the door. Bette quickly put her robe on and walked out of her bedroom. And quietly closed the door, trying not to disturb her sleeping companion.

Panic fluttered across Bettes _expression turned into relief as she greeted Kit. Kit became aware of that Bette is acting differently, not being composed as usual and she looks frazzled and guilty.

“What is going on, Bette? You seem to be hiding something,” Kit stared into Bette, causing her to squirm uncomfortably. Kit turned her head as soon as the strange voice called out for Bette. Kit slowly turned to gawk at Bette; shocked that Bette is sleeping with someone else.

“You are really fucked up, baby girl” Kit said, upset that Bette is ***** up her life, a carbon copy of their father, not admitting that she is losing control, not being stable right now. A sense of pride leads to downfall. Kit shook her head sorrowfully, hoping Bette will change some things before its too late.

Im disappointing everyone, Bette thought angrily. Nothing I do is right. Reluctantly, Bette walked back into her bedroom, seeing Candace waiting for her. Bette sat on the edge of her bed, aghast with herself, letting Candace sleep with her. Bette is poisoning their bed and their love, mine and Tina.

Her back to Candace, Bette needed to be alone. Not able to find the words to explain to Candace that its over, Bette closed her eyes and her lips set in straight line, and needing to be left alone. Candace recognized the tension, seeing the sign. Obviously Bette doesnt need me. Just ***** and some company. Candace hitched her jeans on and put her overall back on.

Candace kneeled down to Bette, forcing her to look at Candaces eyes, ” Bette, this got to stop. I cant continue to be used, Im human and I have feelings. Its apparent, you never wanted a relationship but led me to believe there is something more than *****.”

Bette lowered her head in shame; Candace smiled gently, “I understand. Bette, just figure out what you want. I hope we can remain to be friends. Be happy.” Candace leaned over and kissed Bettes forehead. Candace left the bedroom.

Bette, frustrated with herself, threw herself into the bed, taking the bed sheet and hide in it. Exhausted with everything, Bette departed into sleep.

Few days later, Bette ignored the insistent knocking at her front door; continue to sleep as she sank into depression. Not knowing what to do and not caring for anything anymore. Wanting to be left alone, she blocked out the sounds. Continuing to live in a dark place called loneliness and not deserving to be worried about by anyone. Bette lay on the bed, having any energy to do anything including working. Bette shut her eyes, wanting to fade away.

*************

“Christ. This place stinks,” Alice said. Dismayed, Alice entered into Bettes bedroom. Silently apologizing to Bette about breaking the glass on her door to get in. Alice said something indistinct to Dana, asking her to get something. Dana nodded as she stepped around gingerly, avoiding the mess. Dana disappeared into the living room.

Seeing the dark, curly brown hair on the top of the covers while rest of her is hidden. Alice stepped forward to wake Bette, but paused for a minute, wondering if Bette have taken a shower, not wanting to touch her if she smells awful like this place. Alice sighed, putting some courage into her as she started to shake Bettes shoulder, trying to wake her. It didnt work, as Bette remained like a stone, Alice blew her stray lock of blond hair out of her face. Irritated, Alice waited for Dana to come back.

“Here,” Dana said as she handed something to Alice, seeing what Alice is planning to do. Dana shook her head in amazement; observed Alice has some guts to do that. Alice grinned like a devil, ready to make some mischief. Alice asked Dana to remove the covers fast, Dana grimaced as she stepped closer to the bed, and grasped the top of the covers.

Dana took a deep breath, she moved down the bed pulling the covers off the bed in one sweep at the same time as Alice threw the water out of the bucket at Bette.

“*****!” Bette screamed as she bolted upright, feeling ice-cold water soaking her skin. Holding her stomach as Dana laughed at the sight of Bette and enjoying Bettes reaction. Bette glared at Alice who is smirking at her and waved “hi” to Bette. Bette looked like *****, Alice assessed her critically, wearing crumpled clothing with some spots on it, her greasy hair plastered to her head, her glassy brown eyes showed that she had been sleeping too much.

“Get the ***** out of bed,” Alice said coolly. Bette rolled her eyes. “Fine, act like a baby. We will strip you and throw you in the shower.” Alice crossed her arms, daring Bette to challenge her. Dana looked back and forth between Bette and Alice uneasily, hoping it wont come down to that.

Bette groused and her face showed that she wanted to strangle Alice. She climbed out the bed for the first time in a week, except getting the food and bathroom; she spent all her time in her bed. Bette acknowledged the effort that Alice and Dana are trying to help her. Bette felt a little better, she knew she has a long way to get back where she were, but some things will change. Bette grabbed Alice and Dana in a bear hug as they wiggled, trying to get away from Bette. Bette smiled for the first time in long time, now having a purpose to start over and picking up the pieces now called life. Bette let them go, they shrieked as they tumbled backwards, grabbing each other when they tried to balance themselves but they fell to the floor in a heap. Bette stepped over them, chuckled when she got her revenge as she headed to the shower. Thinking up a plan to get Alice and Dana to help her clean up the house, Bette grinned at the plan.

*******************

Dana sniffed, revolted at the smell and grime that Bette conned her and Alice to help her to clean the house. Shaking her head as she headed to the club.

Remembering one week ago, Tonya was upset with Dana when she disappeared from the restaurant. Dana was horrified when Tonya scolded her front of everyone in the club. Dana was embarrassed but the surprise was Lara came up, asking Tonya to back off and telling her that Dana has the right to have her own life and her privacy.

“You shouldnt talk about this in front of everyone,” Lara gestured toward to people who were listening. Tonya rolled her eyes, not minding the attention, and left in a huff, making dramatic exit. Dana smiled at Lara, showing her gratitude in her blue eyes as Dana walked past her and Lara reached out to touch her shoulder in affection. Dana walked away with a goofy grin, knowing there is some hope left.

*********

Dana exhaled noisily, as she hasnt seen Lara after what happened at the club. Entering the locker room to change into her practice attire. Looking up when she heard the door open, Lara appeared.

“Hey Lara. How are you?” Dana asked nervously, Lara smiled at the fact that Dana never changed at all.

“Im good. You?” Lara moved to her locker to get her cooking apron out. Dana nodded, not answering her question. Dana is afraid to reveal to Lara that shes engaged even though shes uncertain about Tonya. Dana didnt want to lose Lara for the second time.

“Lara, I wanted to thank you for last week.” Lara shrugged, saying its no big deal. ” Since we parted on bad terms. Im hoping we can become friends.”

“I dont know, Dana. Theres the past we have to consider and its hard to move on from that. But we will see.”

Dana nodded in understanding and headed to the door, holding the door open. Dana looked back to Lara, “If you want to come, the group get together every morning to have coffee and hang out at the Planet.” Dana smiled goofily and waved goodbye. Lara chuckled and closed her locker, leaving the locker room to the kitchen.

****************

Someone shaking Jennys shoulder, trying to wake her. Jennys head slowly came up, squinting and rolled her shoulders and neck as she slept in uncomfortable position.

“Hi. Whats up?” Jenny sat back in her chair as she spent her time in that chair for few days.

Tim stood there, amused that Jenny is worried and staying there, making sure Marina wont disappear in front of her.

Tim crouched beside her, “I need to call Bette, to let her know whats going on. And about her business, Im sure Bette know what to do with it and keep it running.” Jenny agreed with Tim, giving him a go-ahead and she wont have much time to spend with Marina before the group gets here. Tim leaned over and kissed Jenny on her cheek. Tim left the room to make a phone call.

Jenny stared at Marina, wanting to her to wake up and start to be part among the living. It seems that Marina is sleeping on purpose to avoid her and dealing the fact that she almost died.

Jenny felt the blow that she thought Marina had died; never forgetting the image of her lying in the bathtub, look like she is slumbering. But Tim refused to give up when he picked Marina up from the bathtub, telling Jenny to go and call 911 while Tim gave CPR to Marina. Jenny couldnt even move or cry when she watched Tim trying to save Marinas life, eventually she called 911 on her cell phone.

How ironic, Tim was betrayed by both of us, in return he gave the kindness and trying to save Marinas life. Tim continued to work on Marina, Jenny ran downstairs hearing the ambulance coming up on the driveway. She opened the door, letting them in and explaining to them about the situation and where she is. The men nodded, carrying the stretcher as they went upstairs. Jenny sat down heavily on the stair, trying to breathe as the toll of everything weighed on her and it was too much for her. Needing the fresh air, she walked outside and wanting to wallow in her despair.

Snapped out of her thoughts when the nurse checked Marinas vitals, Jenny released Marinas hand and stood up. She needed to get away from here. Wanting to shut out everything that goes on around her, so the writing provided her the escape she needed. She left the hospital.

****************

Bette felt refreshed, entering into Planet after she pulled her act together. Wearing silk black shirt and nice pair of blue jeans, Bette ordered her coffee and sat down near the window. Bette frowned as she noticed that Marina is not around. Bette continued to drink her coffee and reading the newspaper.

Started to make choking sounds, Bette looked over her shoulder seeing grinning face of Alice. Annoyed, Bette removed Alices arms from her neck.

“Bette, you look ravishing,” Alice sat next to Bette; Bette ignored Alices comment and continued to read the newspaper.

“When Kit called me and you didnt show up at work. I was worried about you,” Alice said seriously, feeling touched by Alices concern, Bette gave her a tender smile. Alice patted her hand, happy that Bette is okay. Alice waved Dana to join them and Dana nodded, getting her water bottle.

“Hey guys.” Dana said cheerfully, pulling up a seat next to other side of Bette and happy to see that Bette is up and back to her old self. Frowning when she noticing two missing friends Tina and Shane.

“Alice, have you heard from Tina lately?” Dana asked, Alice shot a threatening glance at Dana who is being insensitive. Bette tried to compose herself; feeling hurt when shes out of the loop, giving the impression that she is the only one who doesnt know how Tina is doing.

“Its okay. Alice, how is Tina?” Bette tried to smile but failed. Seeing that, Alice tried to make it easy for Bette to take it.

Alice moved her shoulders in no big deal gesture, “Tina is fine and she wont say where she went but shes enjoying her time away.” Bette felt relieved that Tina is doing well.

Bettes cell phone began to ring, “Hello?” Bette answered, hearing Tims terse voice and her smile faded when she heard the news.

Dana and Alice were distracted, watching Shane they havent seen in weeks hopping out of the jeep and talking to someone. Then waved goodbye and Shane saw them watching them. Shane came up to the window and flattened her face on the window making a comical expression causing Dana and Alice giggle. Bette turned to the window, seeing Shane looking ragged and filthy, still holding the cell phone. Shane sauntered into Planet, expecting to see Marina handing the coffee to her, Shane paused uncertain. She looked over to the group, seeing everyone except Tina and noticing Bettes grim and serious expression as she closed her cell phone. She went to join them, knowing something is wrong. Shane sat next to Dana, waiting for Bette to reveal whatever it was.

“Marina tried to commit suicide,” Bette said bleakly as she continued on, ” She is in hospital. Jenny and Tim found her.” Bette sat back, not believing what had happened. Everyone sat gaping and uncertain what they are going to say.

Bette looked at the tanned legs approaching the table as she slowly moved her eyes upward and felt her heart skipped a beat at the person she havent seen in two weeks. She looks happy, Bette thought miserably.

“Hey guys. Im back,” Tina said, grinning but it faded when everyone sat quietly, ” Whats wrong?” Sensing something is wrong; Tina took the chair from other table and sat between Shane and Alice, putting her bag down. Shane turned her head at Tina, confused and not knowing what she missed out as she noticed Tina and Bette avoided looking at each other.