The next morning Mandy stopped by Tinas apartment for coffee and bagels and hummus, although it was more of a brunch by the time Tina actually got up.

Mandy, I love having breakfast with you, its always the best tasting food.

I know, isnt it great?

They chatted and Tina told Mandy the details of the night before about being able to hang out with Alice and going to the ***** bar.

So things are going well with Bette I take it?

Its been amazing, Mandy. She is the best thing thats ever happened and I can thank you for putting your hand in things. I dont know if I wouldve been so bold without you.

Oh, I think eventually you wouldve come around on your own, say maybe when you were an old spinster looking back on your life. She grinned. But Im glad I could help. What are friends for other than meddling and proving your doubts wrong? She raised an eyebrow at Tina, smirking. Hey, you know what? I talked to Adison yesterday.

Oh yeah? Tina became slightly nervous, hoping Addie kept their drunken night just between them. What did she have to say?

Shes flying out in a couple of days. And shes bringing a friend. I guess this woman is moving out here over the summer when shes done with school so shes looking for a place to live.

Great! Thatll be fun. I want her to meet Bette.

Shes pretty excited. Where will they stay? They can stay with me, but you know Im in the middle of moving. I dont know if my room mate will be happy about people crashing on the couch. I cant wait to have my own place.

Well, I guess they can stay with me. I have the futon in the living room. It shouldnt be a problem, dont worry about it.

Looks like youll be the one dealing with Addies snoring, then.

They both laughed and walked into the kitchen for more coffee. As Tina poured two more rounds of sweet caffeine Mandy looked over Tinas refrigerator as she had done hundreds of times before. This time, something caught her eye.

Tina?

Hmm?

Dont you think its time to change this poem? Tina glanced over at the magnetic poetry scattered across the appliance. A wave of sadness rolled over her for a moment as she reflected on the cause of compiling that piece.

I forgot that poem was even there, Mandy. I made it so long ago and never took it down, even after I moved out here I took it from my fridge at home and put it up on this one.

Maybe its time to take it down and replace it with a new one… one about a new love perhaps.

Maybe… Tina read over the poem again:

after morning
she lingered blindly

dazzled by a cup
of wild lies

full-ness
a warm voice

he robbed her
with perfumed words

never to heal
she longs for a home

to trust today
is fresh

explore gods eyes
we are born
peacemakers.



How are your folks, anyway? Mandy asked.

Good, theyre good. Itll be good to see them for Christmas next week.

I know, I cant wait to go home either.

Youre right, Mandy. Im going to make a new poem, one that takes the hope from the end of this one to put it in a new one, filled with new hope and love. Besides, things are on the right track at home anyway. Why dwell on the past?

See? What would you do without someone lending a hand in you looking at things outside of the box?


Bette climbed out of bed and headed straight towards the shower. As she stood under the hot water, letting it glide over her body and massage her back, she heard the front door close. Eyes wide in fear, she stepped back into the tub and held her breath. She grabbed the only weapon she could find, a razor and clenched it with white knuckles. Slowly, the bathroom door creeped open and a figure stepped inside. Bette threw the curtain back, ready to pounce.

Jesus, Bette, what the ***** are you doing? You scared the ***** out of me!

Alice! What are you doing in my apartment! I thought you were a burglar or something.

First things first, please put some clothes on. Its not like I havent seen it before, but Im really not interested now. She handed Bette a towel, hiding a grin. Bette, realizing she was buck naked, grabbed the towel with a huff of annoyance and slight embarrassment.

After Bette had slipped some sweat pants and a tank top on, she walked into the living room where Alice met her with two fresh cups of coffee from the local cafe.

Thanks, Al.

Sorry I scared you, didnt mean to. Just wanted to stop by and say hi.

Thats it? Youre not going to hound me about last night until I break down and confess everything?

Not today.

Whats wrong, Al? Everything ok?

Bette noticed a shift in Alices usually saucy and witty behavior. Today she was mellow and distant. Something was up.

Bette, can I talk to you about something?

Always, you know that. All joking aside, you are my closest friend.

I know. Sometimes I feel like you dont take me seriously because Im always joking and sarcastic.

Dont feel that way ever. I love your sense of humor. Besides what would I do without someone always harassing me for every detail of my life? Id go crazy from all the secrets Id keep inside. She smiled reasssuringly at Alice. So whats up?

Well… first of all, Im very happy for you with having Tina and all. Youre a new woman and I love it.

But…

But… Im afraid that once you start to hang out with Tina more and more that youll brush me aside. Ive seen it happen before with other people. They find someone, settle down in a long term commitment and push their friends away, so wrapped up in their relationship. I just dont want that to happen with us. I love our friendship and I want to always be there for you and you for me. Is that possible?

Bette smiled and saw true concern in her friends eyes. Understanding Alices worries, Bette took Alices hands in her own and looked her in the eyes.

Alice, that will never happen with us. I want you to stay right here and I wont brush you aside ever deliberately. If I ever do something like that, I hope you call me out on it. I never want to be that type of friend. And with Tina, I want you to get to know her. I want her to become your friend too because you are like family to me. If something is important to me, I want you to understand why. Youre not going anywhere. I promise.

She reached over and hugged Alice and Alice squeezed her back, taking a deep breath.

Thanks, Bette. I needed to hear that.

So did I, Alice.