At Bettes house
Bette arrived home around midnight, tired, but happy. Well, at least for the most part. Shed had a great day playing hooky with James, driving nice cars, and doing some of the fun things in life she tended to negate. She smiled in recollection and was thankful for the day, but the realization that she had entered an empty house, leading to an empty bed, was more painful than the hangover she woke up with that morning. Although she could still feel a part of Tina in the house, there was no way of escaping the sterility that still remained with her not physically there. Bette walked into the bathroom, intentionally leaving the bedroom the last place shed go. Bette turned on the shower, stripped, and threw her clothes to the corner; and looked at herself in the mirror. She recognized the face that reflected back, but what she didnt see was the vibrancy that once lived in her eyes. The same eyes that once captivated the beautiful blond who no longer looked at her quite the same way. Tears welled in Bettes eyes and she turned away from the mirror. She got in the shower, letting the hot water beat down on her love starved body. The water was the only heat shed d feel tonight. James is with Katey, and Tina is at Alices. At least she has someone to be with, Bette thought.

Bette remained in the shower until the water ran almost cold and she got out, reaching for the fluffy towel that would provide a little more of the warmth she so dearly missed. After drying off, Bette reluctantly walked into the bedroom wishing so much for Tina to be there, but no such wish would come true. Bette fought off the loneliness and sadness that enveloped her and reached for the pajamas shed stolen from Tina and put them on. Tinas scent had long since faded, but Bette still felt the closeness she needed. She looked around the room and through the drawers to see what Tina had taken; a few more dresses, shoes, some slacks, and a photo. Bette felt her heart flutter and a smile involuntarily brightened her face. She does still love me, Bette said to herself, as hope for reconciliation stirred within. Bette was suddenly hit with a second wind and the need for sleep became elusive, so she went to the living room and pulled her laptop out. Bette powered it up and immediately began to express everything was feeling in an email.

The hours ticked away and before Bette knew it, it was well after 2:00am. She scrolled back through the email and couldnt believe how much shed written. Opting against reading for fear of changing any of it, Bette addressed it and hit send. She powered off the laptop, pulled the blanket off the back of the couch, and fell asleep.

The sound of voices in the back of the house, disrupted Bettes peaceful and she rose, infuriated by the unwelcome sound of people talking loudly. She wrapped the blanket around her and opened the doors to see three two men and a woman around the pool.

Uh, excuse me? Bette tried to be polite in spite of her annoyance. Is there a reason youre here? She continued, looking at the woman taken samples from the pool.

Yes, were servicing your pool. Youre scheduled for quarterly maintenance, the burly man replied with a gap-toothed smile.

I am? Bette questioned, not recalling it.
Yeah, you called and said it needed to be done soon, so here we are, the petite woman chimed in, still taking samples.

Bette turned to go back in the house. Oh, okay, was all Bette could say still confused over the call and then it hit her. Uhm, did the person who called say who they were? Bette turned back around.

The second man whod been overseeing the others looked at his clipboard. Yeah, said her name was Bette. Bette Porter. Is that cool miss? The man asked, noticing Bettes expression.

Yeah. I mean, yes. Its okay. Thank you, Bette went in and closed the door behind her. She didnt recall making the call and couldnt understand who would say they were her. And then it hit her like lightening. Tina must have called, Bette said to no one. She must have remembered and called while she was here, Bette smacked her head. How does she do it? How does just know these things and pay so much attention to the small things? Bette continued talking to herself as she began preparing herself to get ready for work.

Hello? Bette answered the phone. Oh hey James. Yes, Im up. I know its early. You should too considering your call, Bette retorted. Pool people are here and they woke me up. No, Tina must have. Yeah, I know. Shes amazing. Youre right. I know and I will. Okay, see you in a bit. Oh, before I go, Bette paused for a second. Uhm, did you get any sleep? Bette delicately inquired. Laughter. I know its none of my business, but I have to live vicariously through someones experiences, Bette laughed again. All right. See you soon. Bette tossed the phone aside and went into the bedroom to get ready.

At Alices
Im sooo tired Al, Tina whined as she strolled into the kitchen. If not for the smell of coffee, Id still be sleeping, she went on, reaching for the mug. I worked so hard yesterday.

Well, after your little stunt, I thought Id find less intrusive ways to wake you up, Alice said, faking like her feelings were still hurt. Tina smiled. Up for breakfast Ms. Teaser. I mean Ms. Tina, Alice said, playfully.

Yeah, actually I am pretty hungry. I havent eaten anything since lunch yesterday. Whatcha got?

Nuttin really. I thought you might wanna treat seeing as you a balla now, withcha two jobs an all, Alice spoke in Ebonics, making Tina spit coffee out from laughing. Oh, thas funny to ya, sista? Alice continued. Dat ***** aint funny. Ya know folk aint happy when dey aint eaten, Alice had it in full swing and Tina was on the floor in stitches.

Okay, okay, Tina, conceded. Ill treat even though I havent started receiving any checks yet, Tina tried to stand up, but Alice wouldnt stop.

Whachu mean you aint go no checks yet? Gurl, how you gone be workin an dont got no check, Alice was now struggling to keep a straight face.
Stop, stop! Tina pleaded, finally managing to stand up.

Aiight! Aiight! But Imma only stop if you gone take me tgit some chicken an waffles, Alice rolled her neck, while waving her index finger in the air.

Yes, yes, yes. Anything. Anywhere, just stop doing that, Tina waved her hands signaling stop. I, I, I cant take anymore. You are too crazy, Tina staggered from side to side. How the ***** do you do that?

Do what? Alice acted innocent. I aint doin nuffin, but bein me, Alice kept rolling her neck and then fell out laughing at herself. Actually, I was out on an assignment yesterday writing a story about an Compton girl who, in spite of great odds, managed to graduate high school top of her class after surviving many tragedies and raising her daughter, Alice began to explain.

And?

Well, in spite of her Berkley scholarship education, she still speaks like shes in Compton and she was teaching me how to speak like her. She was a lot of fun and I learned a lot from her, Alice smiled fondly. Ill tell you what, we dont have ***** to complain about Tina. And the ***** you and Bette are going through needs to be handled one way or another cause, what I learned from Sharonda, thats her name, love and life are nothing without someone to share it with, Alice said firmly and walked out the kitchen leaving Tina dumbfounded.

At the CAC
Bette sauntered into the office, smiled at James whod arrived before her, and went into her office waiting for Franklin to predictably arrive. She powered on her pc, listened to her voice messages, and before she could call James for a cup of coffee, he was already standing in the doorway.

Okay, heres the scoop, James whispered. Rumor has it that you and I were planning ways to over throw the CAC. They scoffed at that one. Other rumor is that you and I are an item and youre cheating on Tina. They laughed hard at that one. And the best one is that Tina, you, and I were trying to conceive. Neither laughed as hard on that one. Well, thats what I know. Oh, and Franklin is on the war path because we were both out and he also heard a little something about Rayne Bryants call, James quickly added.

Oh, well this should make for an interestGood morning Franklin, Bette stopped mid sentence to greet her boss. Thats all for now James, Bette excused James, turning her overly cordial attention back to Franklin. So, what can I do for you this fine morning, Bette smiled.

Franklin was mildly perturbed by Bettes demeanor, but tried not to let it show. Im fine Bette, he said sternly. So, I hope youre feeling better today? Franklin tried to contain the agitation he felt recalling Bettes less than professional message. Are your faculties up to par today?

Yes, very much so and thanks for asking, Bette replied sarcastically. Im feeling much better and I trust you were able to manage with out me yesterday? She continued in the same sarcastic tone.

Franklin rolled his eyes, obviously frustrated that he wasnt able to push Bettes buttons, which would allow him to say what was really on his mind.

Uhm, well, yes, even with James being gone too, Franklin attempted to make an implication, the CAC managed to stay afloat. Thanks for asking, Franklin tried, but again failed miserably to get to Bette.

Im glad to hear that. Now, if you dont have anything else for me, I have some calls to make and things to accomplish today, Bette moved to usher Franklin out, but he wouldnt move.

Well, now that you mention it, Franklin stood toe to toe with Bette, I heard through the vine that youre being courted by Rayne Storm Industries. Well, Rayne Bryant specifically, Franklin implied like he knew facts.

Bette smirked and played it cool. She knew he was trying to call her bluff and see if shed volunteer anything. Im sorry to inform you that the grapes on your vine are sour Franklin, Bette stated nonchalantly. Ms. Bryants call was a personal business matter and had nothing to do with you or the CAC for that matter. So, for future reference, Id advise you to wait until the wine has fermented thoroughly before taking a sip. Now, if youll excuse me, Bette ushered a now extremely pissed off and frustrated Franklin out of her office. She threw herself into her plush chair and chuckled to herself.

Moments later, James came in wearing a tell me now expression. He tried to piss me off for calling out and when that didnt work, he threw Rayne Bryants name out of nowhere saying he heard she was courting me, Bette sat up in her chair, meeting James stare. I played it off, but Id like to know who he knows in Raynes camp. Can you get on it?

Sure boss.

And can you hold all calls around ten? James nodded. I need to take care of a personal matter.

No problem. Im here if you need me, James reassured Bette as he walked out her office.

Bette knew James understood it was a matter concerning Tina and respected her privacy on it, but to know that he was in her corner provided the comfort she needed.

Bette tended her CAC affairs and at 10 o clock, Bette pressed the hold button on her desk phone, pulled out her laptop, and powered it on preparing herself to read the email shed written earlier. Shed sent it to herself instead of Tina because she wasnt sure how it would read once her mind was focused and she didnt want to sound like a babbling fool. Half way through reading the email, Bettes cell phone rang.

Hello?

Bette, its Kit. Why did you send me this email addressed to Tina?

Oh *****! Was all Bette could say.