Tina was sitting alone at the Planet on Monday morning. Shane had briefly appeared, and had disappeared just as quickly, tossing out some explanation about an early morning appointment. Tina had called Alice Sunday night to let her know that Bette had survived the impromptu meeting, and had discovered that Alice was staying at Danas house. She had also found out that neither of them would be coming for breakfast this morning, so she was just waiting for Bette, who had yet to make an appearance. After waiting a few more minutes, Tina tried Bettes cell, only to be put through to voicemail. Not bothering to leave a message, Tina hung up saying, ***** this! and left for the office.

~~~

Bette had gotten up early and had called Alice, expecting to be blasted for waking her up, but was surprised to hear a cheery voice.

So Bette, you are alive!

What the ***** does that mean Alice?

Well after that mysterious call from Tina telling us not to come and pick you up no matter how you tried to convince us to, I was not too sure of your fate, although Tina did call and say you had survived. Alice said laughingly.

Al, you mean she really did that? I though she was just being sarcastic when she said she called everyone and that no one would be coming to my rescue! Bette exclaimed.

Nope! She really did it. So, what is going on?

Beats the ***** out of me Al! Im supposed to meet you guys this morning at the Planet for breakfast.

Sorry Bette, I wont be there. I took a couple of days off work and am going to be totally tied up. (I hope! she mouthed to Dana.)

Well, Bette said, I guess it will just be the rest of us.

Alice said, Well, Dane wont be there either, and I know Shane had an early appointment, so it will probably just be Tina and you.

***** Al, Im not up to another one-on-one with Tina. Are you sure you cant make it?

Positive! Alice emphatically stated.

Is everything alright with you Al?

Better than I would have ever believed Bette, thanks to you and a little advice that you gave me about action speaking louder than words!

Thats great! I take it you and Dana have em….talked?

Not exactly, but we reached an understanding. We will talk more over the next couple of days though. I only wish I could do something to help you work things out with Tina. Alice said.

I dont know what you could do Al. Things between us right now are very confusing. How long has Tina been so totally in control of her emotions? Bette asked.

Since about a week after you two separated. She cried all the time before that, then just seemed to shut all her feelings off. Alice answered.

Im worried about her Al! I just dont know her anymore.

Im sure she feels the same about you Bette. Alice replied.

Im sure she does. Do you know that she went out with Candace Saturday night before she came to Milk?

WHAT!

Ill take that as a no. Im not sure what is going on in her head Al.

Shes hurting Bette.

I know that! Bette responded. I just dont know what to do to help her.

Whatever she asks of you. Alice replied.

Thats what Im afraid of Al. She isnt really asking anything. She is telling me what she wants me to do, but says she wants to just be friends. I will do whatever she asks of me, but it is really weird right now. Listen, my cell phone is dead, so I am going to go this morning and get it fixed. Call me later at work, ok? I really need to talk with you.

Sure Bette. Bye.

Hey Al?

Yeah?

Im really sorry for all Ive done and the repercussions it has had on all of our relationships. I really love you and treasure your friendship. I love all of you and Im sorry my actions have hurt everybody. Bette said.

Apology accepted, at least by me. I cant speak for everyone. Youll have to talk with them. I know we have all missed you. Alice replied.

I know. Ive missed all of you also. Thanks for being there, for Tina and for me. Bye.

Bette hung up from Alice and tried to call Tina, but her cell just went to voicemail. She got dressed and headed to the phone store. It turned out that it wasnt just the battery. The whole phone was shot, and she got a whole new set-up. New phone, battery, and chargers, but she was able to keep the same number.

Realizing she was now late to breakfast, the first call she made was to Tina to try to arrange for lunch instead, but again, her phone went right to voicemail. Knowing that she was in deep ***** once again, Bette then called James to let him know she wouldnt be in today. She had decided that she was going to the Planet to talk to Kitt. She needed a sounding board and she knew that no matter how much she fucked up, her sister would be there for her.

When Bette walked in, Kitt took a break and brought coffee over for both of them. Arriving at the table, she started, Girl, you were so out of it Saturday night, totally drunk! It didnt help though, did it? Your problems were still there waiting for you on Sunday, werent they?

Bette replied, I know Kitt, in fact, they were even worse on Sunday. You tried to warn me, but I just didnt know what to do. I tried to give her space, but she wasn’t having it, and now she wants to be friends. I really dont know if I can be, but I’m going to try. All I know is that I love her and want to be with her.

Kitt stated, I dont think she is ready for that, and probably won’t be for quite a while Bette. But it is obvious to me that she still loves you and that you could have your lives together back again, but it is going to take a lot of work on your part.

Kitt, if there was even a chance that we could be together again, I would do anything it took. Bette earnestly stated.

Good, Kitt said, Because it isnt going to be easy. She was here this morning, but when she left, she was really angry!

Damn, I tried to call her several times, but her cell kept going to voicemail. Could you get us a nice lunch together that I can take to her office to maybe try and make up for missing breakfast? I want to try and work on this friendship that she wants to develop.

Will do Baby Sister. Ill have it sent right out. I love you. Kitt said as she stood up and gave Bette a hug.

I love you too Kitt, and I am so sorry.

Hush now. We are good. Now you need to work on getting your wife back.

From you lips, Kitt, from your lips!

~~~

Tina was really pissed off by the time she arrived at her office. A couple of hours later, she finally had her anger under control, but just didnt understand why Bette had stood her up. She had sworn that she would do whatever was asked of her, and then couldnt even be bothered to show up for breakfast. And on top of that, she had turned her phone off! Bette was obviously just lying and trying to appease Tina, but for what purpose, when she just continued to avoid her anyway?

Trying to get her mind off Bette, Tina went to check out the renovations. It was now 10:30 and Tina realized she was starving. Since she had not eaten this morning, she thought she would order in an early lunch. On her way back to her office, she spotted Candace and asked her to come to her office.

A few minutes later Candace walked in. Tina looked up from the paperwork on her desk and smiled. Candace was floored! Damn, she had thought she had this attraction thing for Tina under control!

Whats up Tina? Candace asked.

Im starved. I am going to order an early lunch and want you to join me. Im just wondering what you feel like eating. Tina said.

Candace pulled her mind back from where it had just raced off to and stated, You dont have to do that. Besides, I brought a sandwich in today.

Candace, I appreciated your straight forwardness on Saturday night. It made me take a good long hard look at the way things are going in my life. I want to express my gratitude with this small gesture. Im also not going to take no for an answer. So, that being said, what kind of food would you like for lunch?

Not really wanting to refuse anyway, Candace replied, How about Mexican?

Ok. Tina said, Anything in particular?

No. I like anything.

Fine. Come back in about a half hour and we will eat here in my office. Tina said.

~~~

Lunch turned out to be a pleasant time for both of them. They talked like old friends about their lives as children, their families, where they grew up, etcetera. Candace was curious about what happened when Tina had talked with Bette, but since Tina was so much more relaxed and natural around her today, she didnt want to start an unpleasant conversation by broaching the subject.

After they had finished lunch and had cleaned up, Candace headed back to work and Tina followed her.

I have a favor to ask you. Tina started.

Candace stiffened, thinking, Ut-oh, here it comes!

Whats that? Candace quietly asked.

Well, Tina said, for some reason, my friends seemed to have all disappeared. I have decided to move back to my house. Would you mind give me a helping hand? It is basically all clothes, but there are a few things that could use a little extra muscle to move.

Candace couldnt believe her ears! Im not so sure that is a good idea. I really dont want to be around Bette and I am sure she wouldnt want me there. And I wouldnt want to run into any of your other friends either. I want to continue to live.

Tina laughed out loud.

Bette isnt living at the house right now, and she wont be helping me, so you wont run into her. And I already told you that my other friends seem to be missing in action, so your life is fairly safe. Tina said.

Once again Candace wondered what had happened on Saturday night but didnt want to ask.

Please? Tina added, thinking Candace was about to say no.

Candace felt something strange happening in her stomach when Tina said please in that tone of voice, and just couldnt refuse. She replied, Ok, as long as you are sure that Bette wont be there.

Tina still laughing at Candaces worries about Bette, didnt notice a piece of wood in her path, and tripping over it, fell to the floor. She started to get up, only to be stopped by the sudden pain in her ankle.

Ow! Tina said as she grabbed at her ankle.

Candace quickly bent and examined Tinas ankle. She said, I dont think it is broken, but you definitely have sprained it. You shouldnt walk on it. Hold on!

With that, Candace placed one arm around Tinas shoulders, and the other arm under her knees and effortlessly lifted her, carried her back to her office, and placed her on the couch. Candace then took Tinas foot again and asked, Can you move your ankle? Try to rotate your foot.

Tina was able to do it, but was hit with another pain shooting through her ankle. Suddenly, the thought of the last time she had ended up on the floor ran through her mind. She had slid to the floor in the kitchen while thinking about the son she and Bette had lost. Bette had found her there and helped her up and held her while she cried. It was one of the last times she had felt the love from Bette. Between the pain in her foot, the pain of her memory, and the kindness that Candace was showing her, she lost control of her emotions and suddenly burst into tears.

Candace quickly sat beside Tina on the sofa and pulled her into her arms.

Does it hurt that bad Tina? Should I call an ambulance? Candace asked.

Its not that. Tina replied. I just had a memory about the loss of my child.

Oh Tina, Im sorry. Candace said as she hugged Tina tighter.

Tina held on for dear life, sobbing on Candaces shoulder. Finally she calmed down and Candace released her, leaning back to look at her. Candace saw so much pain in Tinas eyes, that she just couldnt help herself and leaned in, giving Tina a short, but comforting kiss. Suddenly realizing what she was doing, she pulled back apologizing for her spontaneous action.

A whole range of emotions raced across Tinas face. She felt very confused by the brief, but not unpleasant kiss she had just received. Not quite sure why, she reached out and pulled Candaces lips back to hers. This kiss was neither comforting nor brief.

Tina did not feel the emotional wreckage she thought she would feel. She felt a pleasant sensation in her stomach. It wasnt the uncontrollable desire or the love she usually felt when she kissed Bette, but it was a pleasant feeling nonetheless.

Candace, however, felt the kick in her stomach and the undeniable spark of desire run through her and just went with the feeling. She ran her hands up Tina sides, stopping at her ***** and gently rubbing the edges of the mounds with her thumbs.

Just then a voice came from the doorway. Sorry to interrupt, but I thought you might be hungry and brought some lunch.

Tina broke the kiss, but not the hold she had on Candace, as she turned to face Bette.

With anger in her eyes, she said, Well look who decided to show up, over four hours late!”