Tina, where were you? Its Alice. I want to tell her that I bumped into Bette when I went back to the house but for some reason I dont.
Hi. I just went out for a walk. Im feeling a little better.
Im so glad to hear that. Im going to be a little late. Im meeting Dana and Shane after work. You want to come. They want to see you.
You told them? Anger starts to show its ugly head again. I try to calm myself. I was overreacting – it didnt matter if my friends knew that Bette and I had broken up.
Tina, it just kind of slipped out. I was telling them that you were at my flat, they asked why and
Alice, shut up. Tell them I say hi and that Ill see them soon. I just need some time alone.
I put the phone down and walked back to the spare room. I lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. The phone rang again. I didnt get up.
Hi, Alice here. Leave a message and Ill phone you as soon as I can. I heard the beep.
Tina, its Bette. Please speak to me. I love you very much and I dont want to lose you. Please, can we just talk? I turn away from the voice. I dont hear the rest of the message. All I want to do is portal myself in a time machine to when everything started going wrong. But as much as I think about it, I cant pin point it exactly.

I open my eyes. I wonder what time it is and look at my watch. Just after five. I get up from the bed and go to the lounge area. I look at the answering machine. I see there is only one message pending. Bette. I push the erase button and pick up the phone. I dial Alices cell number. After three rings she answers.
Tina?
Hi, are you at The Planet? I want to get out and feel a little normal.
I havent left work yet. Ill swing by and fetch you in about thirty minutes.
Thanks. Im sorry about earlier.
No need. Ill see you later.
I put the phone down. I walk to the bathroom and have a quick shower.

I hear Alice just as Im finishing up.
Tina, you hear? I poke my head out of the bathroom and smile. She smiles back.
Hi, Im just about ready. I take one last look at myself and leave the bathroom. Alice smiles again.
Lets go and meet the girls. Alice locks the door behind her and we walk down the stairs towards her car. She is talking about some new story shes doing. Ive switched off. Im wondering if Im doing the right thing here. Dana and Shane will probably want to know details – details I was not willing to share right now. I stop walking.
I dont think I want to do this anymore. Alice stops walking and turns to look at me.
Itll do you good. They are your friends. The will understand.
They are also Bettes friends. I dont want them to judge her.
Tina, they wont. I havent exactly judged her. The two of you just need your time apart to realise certain things. Alice walks towards me and takes my hand. She doesnt let go until we are at the car. She gives me a quick hug and unlocks the car. I get in and fasten my seat belt. Alice starts talking about her story again. I try to listen but my thoughts are somewhere else. I think about Bette. She must be so alone right now. Im with Alice meeting up with Shane and Dana. All she has is Kit. And of course, Candace.
***** you. I say under my breath. Alice hears me but she chooses to ignore it. We arrive at The Planet. Alice finds parking right outside the entrance. I scan the cars and dont see Bettes car. I get out and close the door behind me. I walk with Alice into The Planet. I immediately see Shane and Dana. I look at them and smile. They both smile and Dana gets up. I walk towards her and she gives me a hug.
Have a seat. What do you want to drink? Coffee? Water? Dana asks me. I sit down.
I want Vodka.
You go, girl. Shane says with a grin. Shane always solves her problems with either drugs or drink. I prefer drink.
Alice and Dana get up and get the drinks. Shane justs sits with me. She doesnt say anything and I just look around. Sitting there with her has a calming effect. I turn towards where Dana and Alice are standing. The two look slightly uncomfortable. For once Alice isnt chattering away. I turn to Shane.
Did something happen between those two? Shane shrugs and smiles her wicked smile. It tells me everything.
Oh. Ohhhh. Those two?