Chapter 32 – Friends

Tina and Oscar had just finished up with the camera crews, the interview went great. Thanking each of the on air personalities and inviting them to stick around and bid on some items, Tina was heading in to find the girls before it got crazy. Tina wanted to thank them all again for all the work and effort each of them had given. As she approached the girls she could hear them talking about Bette. Not really hearing the whole conversation Tina did catch Danas last outburst.

Everything slowed down and Tina began to get a twisting ache in her stomach. What did she hear? Tinas ears were ringing and her head was pounding. Bette tried to kill herself. Bette tried to kill herself. Did I hear that right? That cant be right. Bette tried to kill herself. These words kept repeating through Tinas head as if on an endless loop. Thats it! Thats what happened to her. Tina had been racking her brain trying to figure out what could have turned her tough, invincible Bette into the vulnerable woman she had seen the other day. This was it. Bette had tried to kill herself. Could Bette have done such a thing?

Kit looks up and sees Tina standing there. Tinas face is wearing a mask of horror. Kit realizes immediately that Tina heard Danas remarks. Oh God, Tina Kit screams. With that all the girls turn at once and see Tina.

Hearing Kit, Tina looked up at all her friends. All the good will that Tina had for these women all evaporated in an instant. They all knew and hadnt told her. How dare they. Bette needed her and they didnt even let her know. With all the anguish in her heart Tina moans: I cant believe you guys didnt tell me!!! Turns and walks away.


TinaAH.Tina wait up. Alice was desperately trying to chase Tina down. Wait Tina its not what you think.. Wait come onhear me out. TINA. As Alice finally grabs Tinas arm and spins her around. Hold on Tina.
Tina was so angry right now that she almost wanted to scream at Alice. She had to get some fresh air and slow down the thoughts racing through her head. Between gritted teeth: Alice just what game are you guys playing here!
Alice is desperate to get through to Tina now: Tina, we all didnt know. I havent even seen her. You know Bette better than anyone. YOU KNOW HOW SECRETATIVE SHE CAN BE. None of us are supposed to know. I only know because I blurted it out and Shane and Kit were so stunned they couldnt answer.
You know me, I thought I would lighten the mood, I just blurted it out as a joke and when Kit and Shane werent laughing I realized what had happened. Tina believe me theres a lot that none of us know.
Tina was staring at Alices mouth trying to put meaning to the words as they were tumbling out of her. Tina was trying to merge Alices words with the thoughts churning in her own head. I thought she didnt love me anymore. I thought she had moved on. Why the secret? Why would she try to kill herself? Looking at Alice: Why Alice??
At this point Alice grabs both of Tinas hands and looks her in the eye. Look Tina, we are all your friends and you have to know AT THIS MOMENT we only have your and Bettes best interest at heart. I dont know what else to tell you. After we get this auction over with we need to sit down and get ALL the cards on the table. You know us. We would never hurt or mislead you.
Alice still keeping hold of one of Tinas hands and starts leading her back to the girls. The girls surround Tina, all trying to give Tina a hug. The result was one huge group hug that had all the girls in tears which said it all.