Bette had stopped off at the Video store after picking up some Chinese takeout; she knew exactly what she was in the mood for and hoped there would still be a copy left. Tonight was about humor, it was about levity and finding a release from the self-berating she had put herself through the entire week for being too chicken ***** to pick up the damn phone. Bette never remembered being this afraid to talk to anyone. Well, life has a funny way of changing you when you least expect it Realizing she just voiced the thought aloud, she looked around to see if anyone had heard her and was relieved the long isle was fairly empty. Bette continued to make her way through the Comedy section in search of Wet Hot American Summer. The sheer absurdity of the parody always rendered Bette into fits of giggles to the point of tears, especially after partaking in some redolent herb beforehand; a new hobby she took up in Portland.

I cant believe Im renting this movie againwhat is that, three times now? Well, if its not already a cult classic, it should be. Bette was so lost in her own internal conversation, she didnt notice the svelte figure at the end of the isle, propped up against the Monty Python section, intently staring at her. Only peripherally could Bette sense the lithe figure slowly approaching though her W.H.A.S. reverie still distracted her from noticing, a silly grin plastered on her face, a muted chuckle on the verge of escaping her lips.

So, the rumor that you had come back is true after all.

Huh? A startled Bette turned her head to the voice, then did a double take as she focused on the woman in front of her. Shane! Oh my god! How are you?

Ahhh, its good to know you can at least remember my name, but I guess I cant count on anything else given your recent track record. There was no hostility in Shanes tone, or anger, only genuine puzzlement with running into the last person she would have expected to see at Scarecrow Video this evening.

Bette tried to maintain her even expression though her eyes betrayed her calm exterior, I know I deserved that.

There was a pregnant pause before she continued, thankful that Shane allowed the time for her to gather her thoughts. Shane. I dont know what to say other than when I left I didnt know who I was anymore or what the ***** I was doing. I didnt even *mean* to leave for good when I took the trip up north. Itit just happened that I stayed. Bette cocked her head a little simultaneously giving a shrug of her shoulders hoping to communicate more by the physical gesture than the words she just spoke.

That was a long time to hide out dont you think?

Bette looked at the floor, a part of her wanting to escape the awkwardness of the situation, but a bigger part wanting to just throw her arms around the petite woman she missed terribly. She knew she could do neither right now. I suppose.

When did you get back? Shanes steady gaze penetrated Bettes meager defenses.

A week ago. Look, I was going to call you guys, I just was working up the nerve to do so Wait, did you say you heard a rumor that I was back? Who told you? Kit? Remembering how Shane greeted her, Bette was afraid her sister was blabbing to the world after promising she would allow Bette to tell everyone in her own time.

Well, actuallyI saw you at Red Apple the other day as I was driving past. I thought I was hallucinating, but then I saw your car parked just few yards away. Shane blew out her breath in disbelief. I was completely shocked to see you walking out with groceries as if you never left.

While Shane wondered who her friend had become since the breakup, she couldnt help but see a little bit of herself in the person standing before her now. You know, its funny how your disappearing act reminded me of someone very close to both of us. I just never thought I would see the day when you, of all people, wouldnt have the strength to face your problems head on. You used to be so focused, so determined to go after what you wanted. The irony was not lost on Bette. She served a pivotal role in helping Shane get off the streets so many years ago.

When she met the young waif, Shane had snuck into Milk looking for a score both chemically and sexually, though she was already high as a kite. An imperceptible smile appeared as Bette revisited the memories of the naf trying to use her budding sexual prowess on an already fine polished seductress. She would have found the advance sweet if it werent for Shanes tattered body and bloodshot eyes that only revealed the misery her corporeal form had endured. She immediately took pity on the young Shane, acknowledging the girl was on the brink of total self-destruction. Bette brought her home that night, under the guise of being wooed by Shanes charm, but really wanting to provide a safe place for her, if only temporary. Fortunately for both, Shane had passed out by the time they arrived at Bettes apartment, the young lothario was none the wiser to Bettes altruistic intentions.

In the morning, Bette made a proposition to Shane, offering her a place to stay and help getting her on her feet, so long as she made a sincere effort to get herself out of the mire. Bette truly wanted to help this lost soul in any way she could, but she didnt want to hand out a free ride”her upbringing wouldnt allow such charity. Although Shane had accepted the incredible offer, amazed that a beautiful stranger would want to help a street punk, the urge to bolt wore on her for a couple of months, ultimately causing her to leave the comfort of a warm bed and stable environment for the familiarity of the streets. The retreat worried Bette and left her a little disappointed she couldnt do more for the wayward girl, but deep down she had a feeling that Shane would return soon and prayed her intuition would be right.

Bette instantly took to Shane, for reasons unbeknownst to her. Maybe it was her soulful eyes that seemed to speak for her when words failed her otherwise. Perhaps, it was Shanes tenacious independence at such a young age, though Bette suspected this skill was forced upon her out of unfortunate circumstance, rather than through natural self-discovery. Parts of Shane reminded her of herself when she was a little younger, a fledgling undergrad at the Art Institute of Chicago trying to prove to her father and herself she was worth the prestige the school offered. Because of that connection, Bette couldnt help but want to protect the fragile girl burdened with so much suffering.

It wasnt until Shane started to trust in the friendship that was so generously offered to her by a woman who seemed to embody all that Shane found lacking in herself did she truly appreciate the gesture and concede to the generosity. The night she picked up Bette Porter, or so she thought, her only skills were hustling and surviving, barely accomplishing the latter successfully. Through Bettes patience, strength and kindness, she had managed to help Shane see lifes other opportunities. She had only stayed with Bette for six months total, but in that time, Shane slowly discovered she had the tools and more importantly, the ardent desire, to leave her street days behind her. And also during that time, a lasting bond forged between the two.

So, are you here for good or are you going to check out on us again? Still with an even expression, Shane really just wanted to know what to expect from Bette, no longer certain in her ability to read her former mentor.

No. I mean, Bette stammered before composing herself. Yes, Im here for good, and no, I wont be disappearing like that again. Look, Im sorry for running away. If I could take it back and undo everything, I would. I know it was a cop-out, but I just couldnt I was suffocating, Shane, in my own guilt and self-loathing. And, with Tina refusing to even talk to me, I just lost it. So, when I left, I stayed because I was too afraid to face anyone or her. Glad to have gotten that off her chest, even though it came out in one long rambling, she searched Shanes face for some sort of understanding. Shane expressions continued its neutrality while she took it all in.

So, I take it you havent spoken to anyone else then.

No. Well, except for Kit. Bette didnt attempt to conceal the shame she felt.

Do you plan on it anytime soonyou know, reaching out and touching someone?

Of course! Like I said, Im just working up the nerves, thats all. Shane demeanor finally softened as she tried to figure out this person before her.

What happened to you Bette? Wheres the woman who help me find strength and perseverance all those years ago?

Ive been wondering that myself, believe me. Shane just nodded, hoping Bette would eventually find her way back.

Okay. Well, I gotta go. Dont be a stranger, okay? Im serious. Finally letting down her resolve, Shane pulled Bette into tentative hug she immediately tightened after allowing herself to openly miss her friend. Bette was grateful for the hug and the forgiveness as she choked back the few tears that threatened to spill into Shanes hair. Thank you, Shane. Ive really missed you.

The two separated, both looking away briefly to recover from the slightly emotional reunion. As Shane started to turn around, Bette called after her almost afraid to ask, but dying to know, Hey Shane, hows. Hows Tina? Bette noticed her question caught Shane off guard and wondered if she would say anything after witnessing the conflicting expressions cross over Shanes face. She decided to let her off the hook not wanting to spoil the moment, Im sorry, you dont have to answer that.

You really should to talk to her yourself, Bette. Was all Shane offered in return. With that, She bid her adieu and promised Bette they should meet up for coffee soon.

Bette didnt know what to make of Shanes response or lack thereof, but figured shed find out soon enough, if ever she could muster up the courage to do as Shane suggested. She picked up the last copy of Wet Hot American Summer then made her way home.