Tina Bette turned to face the voice coming out of the darkness, both wondering how much of the conversation was overheard. Bette looked sternly at Tina trying to see if she knew Alice was coming.

Hey Al, Tina cheerily greeted and walked toward her.

Hey yourself, Alice quickly replied, eyeing Bette up and down. Seems like I arrived at the premier part of your conversation, Alice said with a hint of sarcasm and Bette looked at Tina like help me out here, but not such help came. I never thought Id be alive to see or hear you to concede to ever being or doing something wrong Porter. I must say Im impressed, Alice delivered her verbal thrashing straight-faced and without regret.

Nice to see you too Alice, Bette said tongue in cheek. What brings you here?

Tina left a message to pick her up. I didnt call back because I couldnt get through, Alice lied and dismissed Tinas perplexed look. Must have a weak signal or something, she continued with a smirk.

Im sorry, Tina cut in, hoping to ward off an incident between Alice and Bette. Maybe I need to upgrade my phone, she went on and began walking toward the house, Alice and Bette in tow.

Bette and Alice looked each other up and down as if they were preparing to spar. Alice had held off talking to Bette for Tinas sake, but there was plenty she wanted to say.

So, Porter, you look like *****, Alice rudely stated. Still keeping late nights and long hours?

Gee thanks Alice, Bette was mildly hurt at Alices implication. Ive had a few long nights, but thats not from what youre implying, Alice huffed and Bette went on. And I dont sleep much these days, so forgive me for looking like ***** as you so rudely put it, Bette indignantly retorted.

Okay, you two, can we act like adults here? Tina intervened. If you two need to talk, can you do it in the house where the neighbors arent privy to anymore of our *****? Tina reasoned.

The three women walked into the house and Bette immediately went to the bedroom to change and calm down. She was feeling pressured and although she wanted to talk to Alice and thank her as she stated in the email, she simply wasnt ready to do it at the moment. Bette was having a hard enough time talking with Tina, and Alice was far more assertive and aggressive, which would cause her even more distress.

So, whats going on? Alice asked Tina, who was looking around the house and wasnt really listening to Alice. Hello! Earth to Tina, Alice teased.

Huh? Oh, sorry. What did you say? Tina casually replied.

I said, whats going on. You know, with you and, Alice nodded her head toward the bedroom.

We were just talking, Tina said in a low voice. We went to Maries to have dinner and talk, but that didnt go so well, Tina continued, as Alice leaned in to hear. We ended up not eating and talked in the bathroom.

You what? Came Alices surprised reaction. You talked in the bathroom? Whats up with that? Alice was still stunned.

Its a long story, Tina sighed. Ill give you details later, but the edited version is that we talked, it didnt go well, we left, and without thinking she drove us here, Tina said in one breath. Then I called you to get me because we needed a little space and I didnt want her driving upset, Tina sensed Bette coming and stopped talking.

So, Ive got news on the car, Alice beamed, catching on to Tinas silence. Bev Hall, Special Contact, Alice winked, called me back and said shes got a couple cars you can look at. Shes a Harley Girl, but has the hook up at a dealership and wants you to stop by on Saturday so youll have something for work on Monday, Alice went on, not playing attention to Bettes arrival.

Sounds great, Tina smiled. Im excited about being able to drive myself around.

Yeah, thats great Tina, Bette cut in. You can always count on Alice as your go to person, Bettes compliment almost sounded insulting and Alice made a face. I wasnt being sarcastic Al, Bette said passively. I meant it in a nice way.

Is that right? Alice doubtfully inquired.

Alice, please dont be that way, Bette implored. Look, I know I havent made it easy for you to be my friend and Im sorry for that, Alice stared hard at Bette. Im serious Alice, please believe me, Bette sighed. You can ask Tina to let you read the email where I told her to thank you for being there for her and that I was sorry for leaving you to pick up the pieces every time I wasnt there for her, Bette looked at Tina.

Its true Al, she really did say that. I know its hard to believe and Im sure you still have issues with Bette, but hear her out okay? Tina patted Alices thigh.

Alice got up and paced the floor feeling like she was caught in some kind of parallel universe were people actually did and said what they were supposed to. This was not Bette Porter. Well, at least not the one she knew. The one that was steadfast, headstrong, and unwavering in disposition. This Bette Porter scared her a little. Alice looked at her and at Tina and it seemed to her that theyd almost switched places and she nervously chuckled to herself.

Okay Porter, if things are as you say, can I ask you something?

Sure, Bette nodded.

Why? Alice asked bluntly. I know its not my place to question you, but youre one of my best friends and if were ever gonna be real friends again, I have to know that I can trust you and that youll always be straight with me, Alice picked at her nails.

Bette stood up and faced Alice head on. It was an escape. A cop out and a way to make something out of nothing I suppose, Bette held Alices hands. Truthfully, Im still trying to work out that issue, but thats the best Ive got so far. But, thats not really important to me right now Alice. Whats important is that I first apologize for causing you to not like me because of how I treated Tina and also for blaming you for always being the first to know what was going on with her, Bette looked down and then up again. Had I been as supportive, I wouldnt have taken things out on you. And secondly, and this is the most important thing, Bette paused as she saw Alice choke back the tears. Im so sorry for lying to you and playing you for a fool when I should have come clean and had you help me work through my problems, Bette pulled Alice into a tight hug and they both cried.

Tears ran down Tinas face as she witnessed yet another breakthrough in Bette, and she felt proud of her for coming clean with Alice. When the tear-fest ended, Alice pulled herself together and tried to play it cool.

Okay, okay, were grown up and shouldnt be crying like little girls, Alice sassed. Plus its getting late and I have an early start in the morning. Got an interesting assignment and I needs my beauty rest, Alice grinned.

Okay, I get the hint, Tina replied and stood up.

Do you guys really have to leave? Bette looked sad.

Yeah, Tina replied softly. I only have another day left at the Center and have to finish pawning off the rest of my work and I still need to get familiar with CM&E for Monday, Tina explained, trying to be delicate with Bettes feelings.

Alright. I understand, Bette responded in kind to Tinas tone. Thank you both for listening to me and Im sorry I was such an *****, she admitted and watched Tina and Alice walk out the door.

Next Morning
That was pretty intense wasnt it, Alice recalled her conversation with Bette the night before. Tina nodded; her mouth filled with a bagel. I felt really cocky when I first heard Bette talking and really wanted to rip into her, but after we went into the house, I just couldnt. I saw so much pain and sadness in her eyes, Alice sipped her coffee.

Tina put her bagel down. I know what you mean Al and it pains me to see her that way. Shes pretty lonely too, Tina added.

Alice looked at Tina with questioning eyes. Are you ready to go back?

Tina leaned on her elbows, I really dont know Al. I just dont know, Tina replied with a pensive tone. God knows a part of me wants to, but I just cant be sure ya know?

Yeah, I know, Alices reply was equally pensive. She appreciated and accepted Bettes apology and admission, but Alice found herself still a little doubtful that Bette had learned her lesson so quickly. She didnt want to be accusatory so she kept her thoughts to herself.

Well, you know youre welcome to stay here for as long as you want kiddo, Alice patted Tinas hand and got up. Well, Ive gotta get going. Wanna meet the rest of the gang for drinks tonight? Im sure theyd like to celebrate your new job too, Alice smiled sweetly knowing that the rest of the gang had been mindful of the breakup and were giving Tina space and would really like to see her and spend some time.

Tina thought about the rest of the gang and how everyone had been affected by the breakup and more so how shed kept them at bay from asking questions. Didnt want them to take sides and place blame. Yeah, sure. I think it would be fun. Im guess everyones gotten used to things now right? Tina rhetorically asked. But can we go someplace other than Milk or The Planet? Tina frowned.

Sure, Alice sensed Tinas feelings. Lemme think of something and Ill call you later. K? Alice kissed Tinas cheek and left.

Tina finished her bagel and coffee, brushed her teeth once more, and called for her a cab to take her to the Center.

At The Center
Tina arrived to the sound of cheers and applause.

Wha? Whats going on? Tina blushed and tried to duck the confetti raining down on her.

We won the bid and were going to break ground in less than a month, Oscar beamed, pulling Tina into an embrace. Thank you so much Tina for your diligence. I couldnt have done this without you, Oscar spoke through a confident smile.

And we also wanted to congratulate you and wish you well at Chestnut, Maxwell, & Elba, Cheryl spoke up and walked forward with a cake. Youre an inspiration to us all, she added.

Tina was speechless. She couldnt remember the last time she was the center of attention; or at least attention that wasnt stemmed from a catfight or something equally embarrassing.

You guys! Tina blushed again and wiped the tears welling in her eyes. I just wanted to help is all, she walked around hugging her co-workers. And I couldnt have done any of it without all of you, so this celebration is about all of us not just me okay, Tina gently pleaded.

Heads nodded, smiles were in abundance, and Tina received hugs and well wishes from everyone. So, this is what happiness really feels like, Tina thought to herself as the wave of excitement cascaded through her.