After Bette had stormed out of Candaces place, Candace couldnt wipe the huge smile off her face. The night had turned out exactly how she wanted it to.

Now what she needed to do was initiate phase 2 of her plan.

Candace called her friend Hollie.
Hollie, had been Candaces friend since trade school and owed her a favor or two. She was the only friend Candace had, that she felt she could trust enough with this plan!
She knew she was going to need some help for the next phase.

Candace arranged to meet Hollie down at the Planet at 9 am, she would tell her then what was going on. Hollie agreed.

———————————————-


In her haste to get to Tina, Bette forgot her car was still at Milk. She was at this point already out the door. FuckThink, Porter think.

Bette noticed that Tim, who lived in the apartment next to hers, was home. His car was out front, so she hoped he was home. She practically sprinted to his door and started banging. She didnt stop until he answered the door.

Tim: Hey Bette, wheres the Fire?

Bette: Funny. I really need a lift. Please Tim?

Tim could see the emotion in Bettes face. He had never seen her like that before.

Tim threw Bette his keys. I cant give you a lift, I am expecting somebody, but you are welcome to take my car!

Bette: (without thought or hesitation) Thanks Tim accepting the keys.

Bette ran hastily to Tims car; put the keys in the ignition.. Thank God, it started She thought and was on her way. Tims car was a 1976 brown dodge, which had seen better days. It didnt even have power steering. Usually Bette Porter would not be seen dead in a vehicle such as this. However today she was just thankful that it was able to transport her to the hospital, to Tina, in quick time she hoped.

———————————————-


Alice was at the Planet early. She was worried about Bette so she couldnt sleep. She had tried Bette numerous times on her cell and got no answer. She left a message for Bette to call her back as soon as she could, so Alice was just waiting and it was driving her nuts, not knowing where Bette was.

She arrived at the Planet at 8:45, grabbed her coffee and the newspaper and sat at a quiet table in the back, realizing Shane wouldnt be there for another hour or so.

Alice had just got to the world news section of the paper when she heard a familiar voice; she couldnt initially remember whose voice it was.

She looked up from her paper and saw Candace walking in with another woman. Candace was involved in what looked like an intense conversation with this woman.

Alice wanted to immediately walk over to Candace and demand to know where Bette was and what happened, but her journalistic instincts told her to wait and see how this played out. She hid her face behind the paper and situated herself within earshot of the conversation.

Candace and Hollie grabbed their coffees and took a seat at an empty table.

Candace: Alright Hollie, We have been friends for a lot of years now and I have got you out of a lot of ***** over them years. Now I need your help, and you are going to help me, you owe me!

Hollie; Ok Candace, Im listening.

As soon as Alice heard the intent of the conversation she knew it was going to be good. She got out her little tape recorder she uses for interviews and turned it on. Something told her this dozy of a conversation would come in handy. She hid the tape recorder and herself behind the newspaper.

Candace: Ok, Hollie, I am desperately trying to form an intimate relationship with Shane McCutcheon, you know the interior designer. She is justwell shes so hot, she takes my breath away. Anyway she isnt giving me any interest at the moment, playing hard to get. I though if I got her jealous, sleeping with one of her friends, someone as hot as she is, she might come around.

Hollie: Ok, and??

Candace: A woman named Bette Porter arrived at the club last night and she was a stunning looking woman. Shes a good friend of Shanes and she was in her own little world. She didnt even notice when I gave her one of my special scotches. Worked like a charm. I convinced her friends that Id drop her back home at her place. She passed out as soon as I got her in my truck.

Hollie: ***** Candace. Why must you always want someone you cant have?

Candace: Focus Hollie. Anyway I took her back to my place. She was totally unconscious, so I carried her up to my room, stripped her down and put her in my bed
Candace then paused, smiling. You know the best bit..
The best bit is, I could tell she didnt know if she had ***** with me or not. She didnt even wake up while I was practically dragging her upstairs.

Hollie: Alright Candace, I dont want to hear anymore. What exactly do you want me to do?

Candace: Ok, heres the plan, we are going to spread it around that I had ***** with Bette Porter, if that doesnt get Shane going I dont know what will? I just need you to tell everyone you know, nature will take care of the rest.

Hollie: What makes you think anyone will believe us?

Candace: Because even Bette herself, doesnt know for sure. You and I are the only ones who know the truth. This is our little secret.

At this point, Alice was sitting at the table behind the paper with a huge smile on her face. She had the whole conversation on tape.

Hollie: Ok Candace, Ill only do this because I owe you, I wish you would go after women who were interested, instead of persisting with ones who arent. It would make your life a ***** of a lot easier

Candace: Yeah, Yeah..Thanks Hollie.now, lets get started.

Candace and Hollie walked out of the planet totally oblivious that their whole conversation was just recorded, and in the hands of one pissed off journalist. Mmm the possibilities Alice thought. Wait till Bette and Shane hear about this.


———————————————-


Bette arrived at the hospital in record time. That old dodge can really fly, she thought to her self. She asked at the desk for Tina Kennard and was directed to Ward 17.

Bette took the elevator up to Tinas room. Something dawned on Bette while she was in the elevator. She didnt know what to expect. She didnt know how badly Tina was hurt, why she was in the hospital, she didnt know anything.

God.Tina please be ok? Bette said to herself almost in prayer.

Bette was now nearly in tears, everything that had been so perfect, less than 2 days ago was now all totally screwed up.

Bette walked into Tinas room and Tina immediately locked eyes with Bette. A single tear fell down Tinas cheek. As soon as their eyes met, all the confusion, all the doubt, all the worry Bette had been feeling for the last 2 days completely disappeared.

She saw the love in Tinas eyes, the love she so desperately missed, she so desperately needed, and she knew Tina was still hers. The tears Bette had tried to hold in came trickling down her face and the biggest smile graced her lips.

Bette walked over not breaking the gaze and, taking Tina in her arms, she tenderly kissed her. Bette, had to pull away from the kiss. She realized she hadn’t taken a breath since she walked into the room, and was feeling light headed.

They had a lot to talk about but right now, Bette just wanted to sit there with Tina in her arms. To feel safe, and loved the way that only Tina could make her feel.
Both women started crying, tears falling freely.

Bette pulled back, looking back into Tinas eyes.

Bette: (concerned) Hi baby, I missed you so much, I didnt know what to do. Are you Ok? Bette embraced Tina again, holding Tina tight.

Tina could see all the emotion in Bettes eyes. She felt like her heart was breaking, she was the cause of such pain and confusion anddoubt residing in Bettes mind. She was determined for Bette never to have to feel that way again.

Tina: Im so sorry babe that no one let you know I was here Tina put her hand on Bettes face and gently caressed her cheek. I love you Bette and Im so glad youre here with me now!

Bette: (teary) I am too Tee, you dont know how much. I love you so much

Bette and Tina just sat on Tinas hospital bed and held each other. Thats all they both needed right now. They sat in each others arms, in comfortable silence and for them, it seemed as if time stood still. They felt like they always did when they were holding each other; that they were the only two people in the whole world. No words were necessary, not yet. Both women just wanted to reconnect with each other, to try and take away each others pain.

After a long while Bette broke the silence What happened Tee? I was so worried, I couldnt reach you and after what you said, I didnt know what to do? I have never felt more helpless and scared in my whole life.

Tina: (confused) After what I said? What did I say babe?

Bette: When we got cut off, our last conversation, you said to me, I cant do this anymore, do you remember? Why did you tell me that? What were you talking about Tee?

It just registered in Tinas mind what Bette thought. Oh my god baby, you thought I was talking about us? I would never even think that, babe. I was talking about my parents, they reacted horribly to the news and I was trying to tell you I cant do this anymore, seek approval from my parents.

Tina was realizing just how much ***** Bette had been through in the last 2 days. Tina took Bettes hands in hers and looked directly into her eyes. Baby, I could never choose between you and my parents. You are not a choice, Bette Porter; you are my life, you are part of my soul, we belong to each other.

Bette just looked at Tina teary eyed. Tinas words were repairing her somewhat broken heart

Tina: Im going to make things right babe, so you dont ever have to go through that again, and Bette I want you to never doubt my love for you ever again. What will it take for you to believe in mein usno matter what?

Bette: I believe in you baby, and I definitely believe in us, its just when I didnt hear from you and theyre your parents baby, I know how important they are to you. Well I kind of got insecure, but its ok now, because as soon as I saw you I knew, I saw in you eyes and I wont ever doubt .us again Tee. Bette brought her lips to Tinas and gave her a kiss filled with passion, love and trust.

At that moment Tinas doctor walked in the room

———————————————-


Shane arrived at the Planet at 10 am to meet Alice. She was feeling guilty about subjecting Bette to the likes of Candace Jewell and was going to do anything it took to help Alice find out what happened the previous night.

Shane spotted Alice; still sitting at the same table she had been sitting at all morning. Alice saw Shane and a huge smile immediately graced her lips. Shane grabbed her coffee and wandered over to Alice.

Shane: Hey Al, why are you so happy this morning. Have you heard from Bette? Is she Ok?

Alice: (excited) No, havent heard from Bette yetbut I did overheard a very interesting conversation this morning.

Shane: (confused) What does that have to do with Bette? Arent you still worried, Al?

Alice couldnt wipe the smile off her face. I know Bettes Ok Shane, and I got a feeling everything that went on last night will work itself out.

Alice: Im just waiting to hear from her and (patting her coat pocket that contained the tape recorder)..yep..everythings going to be just fine.

Shane was totally confused, What are you talking about Al?”

Alice: Shane I need to speak to Bette first but lets just say, your little friend Candace is going to get whats coming to her.

Shane knew that look, Alice was up to something, and she thought to her self, great..thats exactly why I dont mix business and pleasure.

Shane: Dont forget Al, I may not like Candace but I do need to maintain a professional relationship with her!! She is the best carpenter in L.A.

Alice: Dont worry Shane, Ill tell you before anything goes down, I just need to speak to Bette first.

Shane: Ok Al.

Alice and Shane sat, sipping their coffee, reading in silence for a few minutes when Shane came across and interesting article on page 5 of the newspaper. Al, I believe I know where Bette is.