Its about time she showed upI was beginning to worry. Sorry I didnt call Alice, she says walking into the living room. She seems a little winded. Its just, I went back to the house

How did THAT go, I wonder if Bette was there. Of course Bette was there, she spent the night. Never mindit must have gone well since you spent the night.

Not really, she says, she sounds as disappointed as I am.

What happened? I say as I get up and walk over to her. I give her a hug and motion for us to sit on the couch.

I just went to pick up some more clothesthe interview went greatin fact I have to stop by the personnel office today to fill out some paperwork. My old boss practically begged me to take my old job backbefore I had a chance to tell him why I was there.

What happened at the house Tina? I wish shed tell me whats gotten her so upset.

Well, I packed my suitcase and when I was about to leaveI took one last look around, she says before pausing, this must be hard for her. thats when I saw my pregnancy journalit was sitting out on the coffee table.

You think Bette was reading it? Of course she was reading it! Why else would it be sitting out in the openI know Tina put all that stuff away somewhere.

I flipped through it and found some of the ink had run, she continues, like it had been wet.

Wet? With what? I dont understand.

I think it was her tearsI think Bette was reading the journal and started crying.

Oh, Tina, Im so sorry honey; I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better.

You know, the only time I saw her cry about the baby was on that show. Why couldnt she open up to me? I wish I could tell youI wish I knew myself.

I dont know honey, all I can do to comfort her is a hug, I dont know. Tina begins to cry. I have to help her through thisshes cried enough this week. Tina? I softly call her name. Tina?

Huh?

What happened after you found the journalafter you looked through it?

I fell asleep on the couch, she starts crying again.

Did Bette come home when you were still there? Is that why youre so upset? I dont want to bring you more pain, but you need to let it out.

I dont think she came homeher car wasnt there when I left.

Oh Tina, all I can do is hug her. Waitshe could be with Kit. Shes probably just at her sisters place. I bet thats where she went. She probably drove by and saw your car and didnt want to bother you.

Yeah, thats probably it.

Why dont you go take a nice, hot shower? Itll make you feel better.

Youre rightI think I will, she says, standing up.

I need some advice later alsoif you have a chance. I cant let her leave without asking about my situation with Dana.

Sure, Alanytime. Let me just take a shower and Ill feel betterbetter able to give advice. Okayshes agreed. All you have to do it tell her what happened. Shell know how to handle it. Her and Bette always give the best adviceI just hope it wasnt team effort and Tina will be able to help.




Okay Alicewhat kind of advice did you need, she takes my attention away from the article Im writing. I close my computer and face her.

Okay Alice, spit it out. I need help with Dana.

Al, I dont think you should stick your nose in her relationship with Tonya, too lateits already there. Shane and I both agreeTonyas not that bad. Why cant you see that?

I think my judgment is a little clouded when it comes to Dana.

Clouded, she asks. How so?

The night of Provocation I say, bringing a grimace to her face. Im sorry Tina, but you were so upset that nightI couldnt bring it up then.

Bring what up? Now shes agitated. Here goes nothing.

I kissed Dana.

You WHAT? Now shes downright angry. What were you thinking?

I was thinking I couldnt let her marry Tonya.

So you kissed her? Why is she so mad at me? You should have just told her you dont like Tonya.

I triedbut I couldntand thenI just kissed her.

Alice she exclaims. Look, I cant deal with this right nowI have to go fill out some paperwork. Just like thatshe walks out. Now what am I supposed to do? I hope Tina tells me what I said to make her so upset. Dammit Alice! …Just get back to workit will help take your mind of things.

To Be Continued