Alice looked at Tina confused. Tina lay back on the couch just smiling at her friends.

Ooookkkaaaaaayyy so whats going on Kennard? What IS with the smile?

What? Cant a girl smile?

Oh come on you know what I mean!

Yeah what is with you? Alice said she saw you two sleeping by the pool Dana said.

Tina turned her heads to look at Alice. So you saw us did you now?

Yes as a matter of fact I did. And I want to know what is going on between you two?

Come on guys, give it a rest. Well know when they tell us, Shane interjected.

Alice rolled her eyes at Shane who was now taking an interest in her ring.

Shut up Shane. She has to tell us sooner or later and I prefer soon!!!!

Tina laughed at her friends. She loves them so much. She wouldnt know what she would have done without them. And Bette, well, thats another story.

The bedroom door opened and Bette emerged wearing a robe over her track pants. She had her hair tied up and was smiling at everyone. Her presence brought light into the room and as ever, her smile was contagious, it made everyones eyes lit up and their lips turn to smiles.

Bette knew her friends would always be there for her but she also knew that they are very disappointed in her right now. She walked slowly to take a seat next to Tina. Once seated she finally realised all eyes were on her, and everyone was looking at her with an expression she couldnt describe.

Hey guys so what brought you here? Her questioning was directed more towards Alice as she knew Alice wasnt one to pass up on opportunities like this.

Well if you should know, were here cos Tina called me. I mean at least thats why Im here. The rest are just well, they go wherever I go, right guys? Alice smiled.

Were here for the moral support you guys Shane said telling the real reason they were there.

Oh is all Bette could muster. She dropped her head and stared intently at her two hands.

So Tina. And also Bette, are you gonna tell us what is going on? Or do I have to force it out of you two?

Come on Al! Theyll tell us when theyre ready

Yeah Al, come on! Dana said.

Okay, okay! You guys are such spoil sportsbut T, I just wanna know, why did you call me?

Bette looked at Tina also wanting to know why she called her.

I, I wanted you to pick me up so I can go to your place Tina was returning Bettes stare while talking.

So, now that Im here, do you still want to go?

I, umm

Its ok T; you can go if you want to. Im not stopping you, not from anything. But do you think I can have a minute with you before you do go? Bette said.

Tina looked at her three friends who were watching their every move. Umm, yeah sure. We should go round the back

Excuse us guys Bette gave them all a weak smile.

Bette let Tina lead the way and she followed behind with one arm on Tinas back.

—–

What do you guys think theyre doing? Alice asked.

I dunno Al, but hopefully its something good Shane said.

Dana was quiet but looked at Alice. She sighed shook her head. Shane noticed and patted her on her shoulder.

Al

Alice was looking out from where she was seated to see if she could see what Bette and Tina were up to that she didnt hear Dana calling out for her.

Al!

Oh er what? I was just checking up on them.

Thats not it, I, well, Ive been meaning to talk to you the whole day but I havent had the chance to so I

Urm guys I think I better go out for a while I need a smoke Shane excused herself leaving Dana and Alice alone.

As I was saying, I thought we should talk about last nightYou know, when you came over and kissed me

I kissed you? You kissed me too!

Yeah I know Al, I know. But what I want to know is why you kissed me? And why wont you let me marry Tonya?

I, I, I just couldnt let you marry the cat killer Dane! She

What? I thought were over this. She didnt kill her ok Al? Jesus will u let it go already? Dana stood up one hand on her hip and the other on her forehead.

Alice stood up trying to collect herself. How did she get it to this? She likes Dana, ***** she loves her but shes a friend and if things dont work out she really didnt want to lose her.

Dane, I, hmmm What I meant was, I just couldnt see you marrying her I cant let you marry her cos

Cos what Alice? What is so ***** wrong about me marrying her?

I, everything is wrong Dane! Everything about her is wrong! Ever since she met you shes been clingy and shes been in your face the whole time. Its like you two are actually one person. You guys dress the same way, I mean did you even see yourself in the mirror standing next to her last night before you went to Bettes show? You guys look like twins, its just too perfect and did I mention too ***** soon?

Dana couldnt believe her ears. She loved Tonya and she loves Alice. But if thats her reason for not letting her marry Tonya, however relieved she felt about letting her go, she knew her reasons were all wrong.