Bette?! Alice was shocked; it took everything she had not to drop the phone and fall over.
Yeah Al, its me. Bette rushed on before she lost her nerve, Look, I know I havent talked to you in a while Alice let out a bitter laugh, but Bette ignored her and continued, I really need to talk to you and everyone else. Do you think you could get everyone together on Saturday? We could all meet at that new restaurant in town at 2:00. Bette almost held her breathe waiting for a response, she wasnt sure why, but she was afraid Alice would say no.
Alice smiled to herself, she could hear Bettes nervousness, but she was also a little worried. Alice also caught a hint of desperation. Sure Bette, she hesitated slightly before continuing, What about Tina? I can try to get here there, but Im not so sure shell go for it. It was Alices turn to hold her breath; she had no idea how Bette was going to react to the mention of Tina. Alice knew through her chain of sources that Bette was still seeing Candace, but she hadnt shared that information with Tina.
If you can get her there, then fine, but dont force it, Bette paused; her heart had dropped when she heard Tinas name. If she shows up, how will she react to me leaving? Will she even care? Will she miss me? Bette shook her thoughts. She was getting ahead of herself.

The conversation ended in a hurry. Bette was having a hard time keeping her emotions under control, and rushed the end. Alice had asked what was going on, but Bette brushed her off by telling her that she would explain everything Saturday. As soon as the phone was back in the cradle, all of the emotions that Bette had kept bottled up in the past two weeks came rushing out. She was furious with herself for letting her marriage go like she had. Bette was supposed to be the strong one; she should have recognized the problems right away. She should have stopped everything from the beginning. Bettes anger faded to sadness. Her tears seemed to flow forever. Pain flooded into every part of her body; her soul. She walked to the bedroom and collapsed on the bed. She pulled Tinas pillow close. Tinas familiar scent immediately filled her senses. Images of Tina flashed through her mind. Bette cried harder, and her heart felt like it was about to explode. Bettes entire body was shaking. She wasnt sure what time she fell asleep, but Tinas pillow was soaked by the time Bettes tears stopped. The pillow would never carry Tinas scent again.

Shane rolled over in the unkempt bed. Her naked body was drenched with sweat; she didnt want to get up and turn the air on, but she decided her nap would be better if the air was circulating. She got up, not bothering to cover her lean frame, turned on the air, and hurried back to the bed. She really needed a shower, but she decided to finish her nap first. Riley, or whatever her name was, had been gone for about an hour, but Shane could still taste her on her lips. She really needed to wash her hands, but again, her desire to stay still won out.
Shane had lost count of how many girls she had been with since everything happened with Cherie. Then there was that mess with Bette and Tina. The world had told her for so long that she needed to calm down, open up, and let someone in. She had finally done that, only to feel more pain then she had ever felt. She couldnt even begin to understand how Tina felt; she didnt want to. Bette and Tina had been her hope, her comfort. How was she supposed to have faith when this couple that she had though was so perfect crumbled before her very eyes? Shane had stayed hidden in her apartment for a few days. Shed cancelled all of her appointments. She had stayed away from everyone until she was able to get her emotions under control, in the end her heart had turned to stone. Shane swore to herself that she would never open up again. A single tear slid down Shanes cheek and she quickly wiped it away, wanting to hide her emotions from the empty room. Soon, her eye lids became as heavy as her thoughts, and Shane started to fall back asleep, and she hoped that her dreams would bring her some happiness. The phone, however, had other plans, and it rang before Shane had a chance to slip away completely. Shane jumped, and began fumbling for the phone. She found it wrapped in the sheets, and answered it.
Yeah, she said in a rough voice.
Shane? You sound like *****. What are you doing? Alices sarcastic voice rang through the phone. Alice had her fingers crossed that she hadnt interrupted anything.
Taking a nap. What can I do for you?
Well, Alice began, Bette called me she wants everyone to meet at that new restaurant in town at 2:00 on Saturday. Are you busy?
Nah, Shane lied. She had appointments but she would cancel. She figured if Bette wanted to see them it was something important, especially since Bette hadnt talked to any of them in over two weeks. Ill be there, but whats going on?
I got as much of a clue as you do. She wouldnt budge on the details; it just sounded pretty important, so I agreed to call everyone.
Alright, Shane replied, Ill be there. Two on Saturday. Ill see you then Al.

Alice hung up the phone, extremely relieved that she hadnt interrupted Shane. Her heart started racing at the next person on her list to call. Lets see, she thought, Its Thursday, so Dana will be playing tennis at the club right now. Alice decided to try her cell phone first. She held her breath as the phone began to ring. Breathe damnit, she thought.
Hello, answered a disgustingly peppy voice.
Yeah, can I speak to Dana, Alice asked, extremely confused.
Well, shes on the courts right now. Can I take a message?
Alice took a guess as to who the pukey voice belonged too, she wanted to let fly every thing she every thought about Tonya while she had the chance, but she didnt.
Actually, Alice replied in a falsely sweet voice, This is an emergency; will you please take her the phone so that I can speak with her?
The pep disappeared from Tonyas voice immediately, Ill see what I can do.
There was a pause. Alice assumed Tonya was taking the phone out to the court. She could hear voices in the background, but couldnt understand them.
Finally she heard what she thought was the phone being passed to someone else, and a very confused, but sweet and ***** voice come over the line, Hello?
Hey Dana! Alice thought her heart was going to explode if it didnt slow down.
Alice, Dana sounded frantic now, What is going on? Whats the emergency? What happened? Alice couldnt help but laugh, which only lead to Dana becoming exasperated, Alice what the ***** is going on? Im in the middle of a match.
Im sorry, Alice giggled, Ill make it fast. Bette called me; she wants us all to meet her at the new restaurant in town on Saturday at 2:00. Can you make it?
Well, Dana hesitated, I was supposed to go visit Tonyas parents with her, but I can go some other time. Sure, Ill be there.
Good, Alice took a deep breath and said the rest before she lost her nerve, Maybe afterwards we can go do something and catch up?
Danas heart fluttered and she couldnt stop the goofy grin that was spread across her face, Yeah that would be fun.
Alright, Ill see you then.
Okay, bye. Dana hung up, but the grin was still there. She handed the phone back to Tonya, and when no explanation was given as to the nature of the phone call, Tonya almost snapped.
Well, what was that about?
Dana jumped. She had forgotten for a moment that Tonya was even there.
Nothing, she said, trying to sound casual, but she would have to tell her what was going on. She had to cancel for Saturday. Look, she began, I know I was supposed to go to your parents place with you Saturday, but I dont think Ill be able to. Bette asked to see everyone. It sounds pretty important; I really need to be there.
Tonya was visibly upset, Well alright. I know my parents are going to be really upset about not getting to meet THE Dana Fairbanks, and the love of my life. Tonya stuck her bottom lip out a little.
Aww, baby, dont worry. Well make it up the next weekend. I promise. Dana stepped over and pulled Tonya close to her, and drew her into a deep kiss. Danas thoughts however, were still with Alice.