Now boarding flight 216 to Washington D.C. The announcer echoed through the empty terminal. Tina picked up her bag, walking towards the gate. As she handed her ticket to the attendant, she took a deep breath and headed towards the plane. Sitting in her seat, she looked out the window and saw the moon glowing on the runway, almost ready to fall over the horizon and let the sun have its turn.

Bette arrived at her office in the morning throwing a file on her desk. As she sat down, she noticed the red button blinking on the phone, telling her a message was there. She listened.

Hey Bette, its Tina. Im calling on your work line because its the middle of the night and I didnt want to wake you. I wanted to let you know that Im going away for at least a week, maybe two. I really need to finish my thesis and its best if I get away to do that. Ill miss you.

Bette replayed the message and sighed. Suddenly the day seemed a little darker.


Later that night, Tesa, Mandy and Liz were at the usual bar for a couple of drinks, one friend short. They were chatting and having a good time when Bette walked into the bar, clearly looking for someone. She spotted the three women and made a bee line over to their table.

Hi Bette! Liz was the first to see her, clearly excited.

Hey guys, how are you?

Were just having a couple of drinks. Wanna join us? Mandy pushed an empty chair out next to her. Bette obliged. What are you drinking?

Oh, no, I can get it. Actually, I was wondering about Tina.

Well tell you anything you want to know if you have a drink with us, Liz said as she stood up to get another drink for herself. Mandy held back a laugh thinking this was going to be an interesting conversation.

Ok, ok, Ill have a drink, but please let me get it. Bette laughed and held up her hands surrendering. She went to the bar and ordered a gin and tonic, wishing Tina was sitting with her friends.

Walking back to the table, Bette sat down next to Mandy and smiled at the three women despite her feeling of nervousness.

So, Bette… what question did you need to ask us? Tesa asked.

Well, I had a message from her this morning at the office. She said she was leaving for a week or two to work on her thesis.

Thats right. She needed to get away, though Ill miss her terribly. Liz took a drink.

I guess I didnt realize she had all this work to do. She never even told me.

You know Tina… work, work, work. And she never likes to inconvenience people. Mandy glanced at Bette.

Where did she go?

She went to D.C. They all said in unison like schoolgirls.

D.C.? Whats there? Its all the way across the country.

One of our old friends from college is in law school at Georgetown. Tina thought itd be a great place to go with an empty dorm during the day while Adison is at class. Mandy explained.

Adison? Bettes eyes grew wide in shock. I didnt know she still kept in touch with her…

Youve heard of her? Mandy gave her a questioning glance.

Um… yeah, I saw a picture of her the other night.

Of Addie? When were you looking at pictures with Tina? Liz asked.

It was nothing. We just had dinner at her place, thats all. Bette was beginning to get nervous.

Well now shes in D.C. hopefully getting work done. She needs the break or shell never graduate. Tesa sighed and sat back in her chair.

Is there any way I can get a hold of her? I tried her cell phone but her voicemail picks up right away.

Mandy dug in her purse and held up a cell phone. She gave me her phone.

Boy, she really means business, huh?

You have no idea. Liz laughed.

Well, guess I wont be talking to her any time soon. Bette put her empty glass on the table.

Youve been spending a lot of time with her lately? Tesa asked.

Mandy shot Bette a they-dont-know look. Bette caught it. Well, here and there. Shes turning into a new friend. Bette looked at her watch. I should get going. Big day tomorrow at the gallery. Thanks for letting me know whats up with Tina.

Have a good night. Liz waved as Bette turned to leave.

You know where to find us if you need anything else. Mandy gave Bette a quick wink.

As Bette drove home she couldnt help but worry. Tina left in the middle of the night without even saying goodbye until she was gone and D.C. was so far away. Bette felt powerless when it came to Tina and this was no exception.


At the gallery the next day, Bette was feeling disgruntled until she saw Mandy walk in the door. Smiling, she greeted her.

Hi Mandy. What brings you here?

I came to give you something. Mandy held out a piece of paper.

What is it?

Open it up and see.

Bette opened the paper and saw a phone number scratched down with a name under it:

324.587.4438
Adison Sinclair