Tina was extremely anxious about what was awaiting her, in relation to the last 5 years of Bettes life, after Shanes almost declaration even more so, but that was going to have to wait.

Tina knew Shane well enough, to know that Shane wasnt going to disclose any further information, and right now Tina thought she should spend some time to catch up with Shane first.

By the initial chilly reception Tina had received she knew Shane was obviously deeply hurt by Tinas disappearance. Coming back, getting my life back, may be a lot harder that I had thought. Tina sadly acknowledged.

After both women had composed themselves they broke away from their embrace and Shane went to sit back down across from Tina.

Tina looked at Shane and hesitantly smiled, still a little unsure of herself, Um. Shane would you have a bit of time to catch up? I would really love to hear what you have been doing with yourself for the last 5 years? Thats if you canIll leave you to it, if you have to be somewhere?

Shane looked at Tina and could see the kindness and compassion emitting from her eyes, the same kindness and compassion that was always present in Tinas eyes, ever since the day they had first met, all those years ago.

Shane thought back to all the times, that now seemed like a distant memory, when Tina had shown her nothing but friendship, love and kindness.

Shane had a moment of clarity and realized that the woman sitting in front of her was that same woman, Tina Kennard, one of Shanes closest and dearest friends! It wasnt Tinas fault that she had disappeared for the last 5 years and Shane knew it was going to be hard enough for Tina, without her making it any harder.

Shane let go of the last remnants of animosity and anger she was harbouring, and smiled back at Tina, Sure, I have time for you Tina! Just give me a minute!

Shane looked at her watch, walked inside and spoke to her companion. Shane then pulled out her cell and dialled, walking back out to Tina.

Shane: Hey yeah its me. Im not going to be back in todayNo, something very important came up. Yeah Ill be back tomorrowReschedule all my appointments Thanks, bye.

Shane put her cell back in her pocket and smiled at Tina, Ok Tina, Im all yours for the afternoon.

Tina: (feeling better about herself) Great So Ms McCutcheon, tell me, what has West Hollywoods most eligible bachelorette been doing for the last 5 years?

Shane: (thinking) Gee. Tina do you want the long or the short version?

Tina: (attentive) I have time, either one, its up to you?

Shane: (humbly) GodWhere do I start?

Shane looked at Tina and saw the familiar face she knew she could trust.

Shane: (nonchalantly) HmmmLets see.. The first couple of years that you were gone were pretty uneventful. I had a pretty bad break-up with the Hollywood wife, (Shane couldnt even say her name, she didnt want to dredge all the old feelings up) so I basically partied and shut downdid what I always dothe drugs, the women and the boozebut I had a good timeI always didand I finally got over it.

Tina: (compassionately) Im so sorry I wasnt there for you Shane!

Shane: (sympathetically) Its ok Tinayou were preoccupied with your own ***** and then the accidentShane got caught up thinking about the time she had since managed to long forget.

Shane: (proudly) Anyway 2 years ago, I opened my own salon Tina. from my own hard work and. (modestly) talent. It turned out I didnt need anyones help after all; I could do it on my own!! I still work there, at Shanes I managed to gain a pretty good reputation, and my clientele is very exclusive..and I live in a studio apartment above the salon.

Tina: (smiling) Wow Shane, Im so proud of you! I knew you talent would take you far. Im really happy for you!!!

Shane: (grinning goofily) Thanks Tina.

Tina: Sohas there been a someone special along the way?

Shane: (sadly) NoNot really, but I did just recently meet this woman named Toni, (smiling) and she definitely has potential! … (quietly, lowering her eyes) I kinda lost hope, about love, after you and Bettewell you know.

Tina felt the sadness in Shanes words, Im sorry ShaneI guess we never realized how many people our separation affected

Shane continued, looking back up at Tina, Bette and you were like my Ozzie and Harriet? I lost faith in loveif you two couldnt make it how could I possibly Shanes words trailed away.

Shane hesitantly asked, How do you feel about Bette now Tina? I mean what do you expect to happen? What do you expect from Bette after all this time? Shanes heart rate began to quicken.

Tina just stared into space, lost in thought for quite a while, before speaking, Shane I honestly dont knowIts like the betrayal was only 3 months ago .Im still hurt. but she was (sadly) is the love of my life. People change in 5 years, maybe she isnt the woman I fell in love with anymore.(with tears in her eyes) Maybe she has moved on? Shane gazed at Tina sympathetically. She had never seen Tina so unsure and confused.

Tina needed a minute to compose herself. Shanes heart was aching at the mere sight of Tina in so much emotional pain.

Tina continued, Shane, honestly I came back here to see if I could get my life backI dont know what I want with Bette or what she would want with me for that matter, after all this time. but I need all of you, including Bette, in my life. you are my familythis is my life right here (pointing to Shane then her heart), I want to try and reclaim itreclaim the life that was cruelly taken away from me! tears were streaming down Tinas cheeks by the time she had finished.

Tina: (dejectedly, almost whispering) If nothing else, Bette and I at least need closure.

Shane: (taking Tinas hand) Ah Tina I think Bettes closure came in the letterBette was so hurt by that. I dont know what you wrote but at the time, it looked like Bettes heart had been ripped outShe was walking around like a zombie for weeks.

Tina: (sighing) Shane. I never meant for Bette to see that letter. It was on my bedside table, in my room, and my mum posted it while I was in the coma(despondently) You know I wrote that letter the day after we broke up I was so hurt and angry. I didnt really feel like that. I didnt mean any of it. I was just trying to use the words to therapeutically heal my broken heartI didnt know what else to do at the time.

Shane looked at Tina and didnt know how to respond.

Shane: Well Tina, one things for sureyou and Bette need to talk.

Tina felt emotionally drained and needed to change the subject, I knowanyway, lets get onto a lighter subject heywhat about the rest of the gang? (thinking) I dont suppose you could do me a favour?

Shane: (curiously) What?

Tina: (a smile started to spread across her lips) Is Alice still hanging around these parts?

Shane: (hesitantly) Yeahshe sure is!

Tina: (smiling) Do you think you could call her and get her to meet you here in.. say an hour? I would really like to see her?

Shane: Okshell be suss though. We dont usually hang here anymore. I just had a client meeting today, thats why I was here. We hang at The Cup, a caf a few blocks away. Can you meet her there instead?

Tina: Sure can you give me directions?

Shane: (semi jokingly) Ok, but shes going to kill me! You will owe me Kennard!!

Tina: I really appreciate it Shane.

Shane: What about BetteWhen will you see her Tina?

Tina: (seriously) I think I need to work my way up to Betteit has already been such an emotionally draining day. I want to be in the right frame of mind to see Bette.

Shane just nodded. She took out her cell and phoned Alice, asking Alice to meet her at The Cup in an hour. Of course Alice had questions. Alice always had questions, but Shane managed to get Alice to agree to meet her without fessing up.

Shane hung up the phone and looked at Tina, Alright, all set. Listen I will leave you to it. If you need anything at all Tina, call me Ok! Shane handed Tina a business card, jotting down the directions to The Cup, Anytime ok! looking into Tinas eyes.

Tina: ThanksShane, could you please not tell anyone where I was in my absence. I need to mend my own fences with the family. I know Mum was only trying to do the right thing but something tells me.. she mayve cost me everything!!

Tina didnt want to elaborate on the admission and Shane didnt want to know, they both sat in silence for a minute sharing a knowing look.

Shane stood up and walked over to Tina giving her a warm hug, whispering, Im so glad you came back to us TinaI really missed you.No matter what happens, remember you can always talk to me! Good Luck.

Tina was moved by Shanes words, Thank you so much Shane. I missed you too..I will see you soon OkMaybe when things settle down a bit?

Shane: Sure thatd be great Tina.

With that Shane turned around and walked away leaving Tina sitting there, contemplating her next move

Tbc..