Summary of the previous chapter: Tonya invites herself into Bette and Tinas house. Tina tries to drown out Tonya and ends up hearing something she wishes she hadnt heard. Bette disappears.

Except for Tonya who is, as usual, oblivious, everyone looks around the room then at each other wondering where Bette has gone. Tina looks as if she is going to fall apart at any second. Shane rushes over and puts her arm around Tina. Alice and Dana look at each other. Tonya looks confused.
What do I do? Tina asks Shane in a whisper.
Having no good answer, Shane holds Tina tight. She feels Tinas tears as they begin to roll down her arm.
Alice cant take it anymore and goes looking for Bette. She isnt in the kitchen or bedroom. There is no light coming from under the bathroom door. Alice opens the slider to see if Bette is by the pool. She isnt.
Returning to the living room, Alice shrugs. Dana, Shane, Alice and Tina exchange looks of total confusion. Realizing the opportunity that has presented itself, Dana and Alice go and kneel in front of Tina who is sobbing in Shanes arms.
What happened? Dana asks softly.
Bette came home early is all Tina can say before the sobs overtake her voice.
Its okay, honey. Dana whispers softly to Tina. Take your time.
Tonya is getting very bored with the fact that she is completely ignored. Can somebody please turn that radio down? She yells.
Alice gives Tonya a look similar to the one she had earlier seen Bette give to Helena. She gets up and turns off the stereo.
Now would somebody please tell me what the ***** is going on? Tonya yells.
Sit down and shut the ***** up. Shane yells at Tonya in a tone which even Tonya knows is one she had better obey. She sits in a chair in the corner pouting.
Tina continues to sob, but tries again to explain. I was with someone.
She cannot continue any further. Her friends sit in stunned silence. Slowly, Tina begins to compose herself. She gets up and walks to the bathroom. Tina returns to the living room having washed her face. She gulps the beer remaining in her bottle and prepares to tell the story. Before she can begin, she is interrupted by the sound of the front door opening.
Bette enters the house holding two plastic bags.
Porter, where the ***** were you? Alice asks as she jumps up and walks toward Bette.
Didnt anybody hear me say that I was going to the store? Bette asks.
They look around. NO! Alice answers for the group.
Sorry. Bette laughs. Anyway, I thought this party needed a few things. From the bags she brings out scotch, rum, Coke, Godiva chocolate, shortbread cookies, Nutella. It is obvious that Bette plans to turn the evening into one big party. The gang look at Tina. It is obvious that she is as confused as everyone else.
The silence is finally interrupted by Tonya. WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE ***** IS GOING ON HERE!
Bette turns to Tonya to give her a patronizing smile. It is very simple, Tonya. I have the day off tomorrow. Tina hasnt yet gone back to work full time. Our friends are here. That spells a recipe to PAR-TAY.
The gang is now at a moment of indecision. This is hardly a party situation. However, they are afraid to leave as Bette is acting so goddamned weird and Tina is obviously very upset. They turn to look at Tina for guidance. Meanwhile, Tonya has already opened and is picking through the box of chocolates.
Uh, Bette. Shane says nervously. Are you sure you want us here right now?
Why wouldnt I want my friends here?
Uh, maybe, like, I dont know, you and Tina want to be alone.
That is sweet Shane, but we like spending time with our friends also. Right Tina? Bette looks at Tina who nods for lack of knowing what else to do.
Well, you know it is kinda late. Dana says.
Oh, hooky-pooky Tonya says as she eyes Bettes purchases. It was obvious that she spared no expense. Even Tonya could appreciate the smoothness of Johnny Walker Black Label. Just one drinky with all of our dear friends. Tonya, while speaking, is also trying to figure out how to leave with that bottle of Scotch. She would create a plan for the chocolates also, but has no intention of leaving any left in the box by the time they depart.
Ill go get ice and glasses Bette announces and she heads into the kitchen.
Squaring her shoulders, Tina walks into the kitchen.
Bette.
What baby?
Will you stop it, please.
Stop what? I just thought it would be nice to have some fun with our friends.
Goddamnit, Bette Tina yells so loud that she is heard in the living room. You know what the ***** I am talking about.
Must we do this now, Tina? Bette smiles calmly as she speaks.
Yes, damnit, we must.
Okay. Bette speaks in a voice of utter calm and utter control that belies the fact that the calm and control is razor thin. I will put this very simply for you Tina. What I saw today is going in a box. I am walking that box down a long hallway and entering a large room. The box will be placed in the very back of a large storage locker which will be locked with multiple combination locks. The entire storage building will be buried hundreds of feet below the earth. The box will never be seen or spoken of again.
But..
No but, Tina. Not to be seen or spoken of again. Now, lets go have some fun with our friends.