You could have told me Alice, Tina started screaming with the tears flowing down her face again, You could have at least warned me instead of letting me just walk into that!
Oh sweetie I didnt know the name of the restaurant when I talked to you, Alice tried to explain. You have to know that I would have told you if I had known. I met up with Dana at her place and then we walked there. I had no idea, Alice said, desperate now to make Tina understand.
Tina collapsed on the couch. She immediately felt awful for yelling at Alice. Of course Alice would never let her go into that kind of situation blind. She should have known better. Now, not only was Tina upset about Bette leaving, but she was racked with guilt for thinking Alice was being a bad friend. For the second time in a month Tina completely broke down, and Alice was there to hold her. This time however, Alice didnt hold back her own tears. Tina was surprised to feel Alice shaking with sobs too.
Al? Whats wrong?
Alice shook her head. As much as she wanted to talk to someone, she wasnt about to let anyone know what was going on with Dana.
Nothing, she said, failing to convince Tina, but Tina let it go. Cmon, Alice said standing up, and getting control of herself, Lets go to bed. Wanna sleep with me tonight?
Tina nodded, her tears still flowing down her face. She left Alice to change for bed. Alice just sat there, her thoughts racing. The days and nights events were running through her head. She wondered how Dana was feeling right now. She looked at her hand. She could still smell Dana on her fingers. She was terribly lost and confused. Alice heard Tina coming out of the spare bedroom and quickly wiped away the tears that had fallen down her face. She stood up and put an arm around Tina; they walked into Alices bedroom. Alice changed as fast as she could and they lay down on the bed. Tina was still crying, and Alice held her, silently crying her own tears again. Tina didnt know when they fell asleep, all she knew was it felt nice to be held.

Shane woke up with a jolt and looked around. Where am I, passed through her mind, but the thought didnt stay there long. She had long ago gotten over the shock of waking up and not knowing where she was. Shane shook her head trying to rid herself of the headache that was forming due to all the alcohol from the night before. She laid her head back down and looked at the body next to her. Tess was facing the other way, and as far as Shane could tell she was out of it. Shane wished she could sleep like that again. Of course, if she had that many orgasms in one night she would probably be sleeping that well too. Shane hadnt had a single release since she last slept with Sherrie. Shane suddenly felt very empty and she longed for her own bed. She glanced at her watch. Four thirty, she thought, Damn. Shane sat up slowly. She silently got up and crept around the room gathering her clothes. She dressed in a hurry and slowly snuck out of the house. Shane jumped in her truck and drove away, not bothering to look back.
When is everyone going to stop leaving me?

Bette was sitting in her bed trying to read the book in front of her to make herself go to sleep. She couldnt shake the look in Tinas eyes. In her mind, she replayed the scene in the restaurant. It was like some sick movie, and she didnt have the remote control. Bette decided she really needed her sleep. She got up and walked to the kitchen and looked through the medicine cabinet. Bette found the sleep aids and took two. She made her way back to the room, her eyes growing heavier with every step. She climbed in the bed and pulled Tinas pillow close to her. She fell asleep, not knowing that her dreams would bring her no relief.

Alice woke Tina up the next morning with some toast and coffee. Alice sat down on the bed to enjoy her breakfast with Tina. They sat their in silence, though both had a lot to say. Tina finally spoke up.
What time does she leave Al?
She has to leave her house at six, to catch her plane at eight, Alice said shortly.
Are you guys going with her?
Yeah, Kit wants us to all meet yourBettes house at five thirty and then were all going to go to the airport in one car. Alice looked at her nervously before she continued, Tina, Im sure Bette would love for you to come too her voice trailed off, mildly afraid of the reaction that statement would warrant from Tina.
Tina shook her head, maintaining her composure, I cant Al. Iwell, I meanI justI cant Al.
Alice nodded, not really understanding, but not wanting to push the issue.

Kit looked around. Shed been at Bettes for a while. They had gone to lunch, and tried to go through all of Bettes things to make sure that she had everything.
How do you pack for a three month trip?
Well, said Bette, Franklin let me in on luggage weight limits for the airlines Ill be on, then I just put everything in the suitcases that I could.
Bette and Kit started giggling. The doorbell rang, bringing the two women back to reality.
Thatll be the girls, Bette said looking at her watch.
Ill go let them in, you finish getting everything together.
Kit went to the door and let Alice and Shane in. Dana was pulling up at the same time, and while Alice wanted to look at her, she couldnt. Alice felt a jolt in her heart; she felt awful. Dana walked up with a small, sad, smile on her face. Dana walked over to Shane and gave her a hug, and then Kit, and finally Alice. Alice immediately felt comfort in Danas arms and she breathed her in. Dana held her hug with Alice a little longer as if to tell Alice she wasnt mad at her. They finally broke apart, and Alice turned to Kit.
Wheres Bette, she asked quietly.
Shes still getting some of her stuff together inside, Kit answered.
Well, Tina was home when I got there last night and she was pretty torn up about Bette leaving. I asked her to come to the airport with us, but she said she couldnt. Bette hasnt said anything about Tina has she?
Kit shook her head sadly.
Cmon guys, lets go see Bette, Shane said. Her voice was hollow and empty and everyone could hear it.