There she was, carrying a single red rose, standing at the doorway.

I love you.

Dana just stared at the beautiful figure before her.

I

She didnt let Dana finish, instead she leant in and placed the softest kiss on Danas lips.

Dana still stood in the doorway, her eyes now closed from the kiss.

Lara

I love you Dana. Please let me love you.

I You I cant.

Lara was now the speechless one.

Im sorry Lara.

Dana took a step outside and shut the door behind her. She slowly touched Laras face.

I have to go.

Lara just looked at Dana.

Alice?

Dana smiled as she whispered Yes.

Okay.

With that Lara touched Danas hand which was still on her face and moved it aside.

Goodbye Dana.

Dana just watched as Lara turned and walked away.

Bye.

***

She turned the key in the lock and slowly pushed open the door. She lingered at the doorway before taking a slow step into the house she once shared with Tina.

She walked in, expecting to find the place as she had left it, messed up – like her life. Instead, it seemed as though nothing had changed. The house was exactly how it had been when she was with Tina. It looked as it did when she used come home after work. Only now something -someone – was missing. Tina was not home.

She grabbed her bags off the front porch and took them into the house, shut the door behind her and switched on the lights.


She walked over to the phone. Two messages.

Humph away for ten days and only two messages – god Im loved.

She pressed play and walked into the kitchen for a drink.

Hi Bette Its Tina. I know youre at Melvins now but I thought Id leave this message anyway. I just wanted you to know that Ive gotten everything I need, so I wont be coming back. Im sad that it ended the way it did Bette, but it did, and I guess this is just my way of saying goodbye. Kit told me what you said. The house is yours. I cant stay here. I do hope you have a good life Bette. Seven years is a long time and I wont lie. I do not hate you. I just dont know if I still If I can still love you or trust you enough to love you. Despite the last few months, it was good while it lasted. What Im trying to say is, I need this to be a clean break Bette. Maybe we can be friends in the future but for now I need my space. Take care of yourself.

At first Bette was relived to here Tinas voice, but as the message proceeded Bettes hopes sank as she slid down against the cupboards to the floor. It was over. Bette was on the verge of breaking down yet again when she heard the second message. When she heard her voice she couldnt hold it in. Not primarily because of what she had done but mostly because of what she was going to do.

Hi, its Candace. I heard what happened. Why didnt you call me? I know youre away right now. I dont know where or I would have tried to reach you. Well you know how to reach me. Id love to see you again.

Bette pulled herself off the kitchen floor and walked to the phone. She picked up the picture of Tina and herself and looked at it for a minute before placing it face down on the table.

Its over now. I can do what I want.

She lifted the phone off the receiver and dialled Candaces number.

Hey, its me. I just got back.

A slight smile slowly crept across Bettes face as Candace whispered something to her.

Ill be there in soon.

With that Bette hung up, grabbed her bag and keys and left.

***

So, do you wanna dance?

Carmen smiled at Shane.

Well do you?

Yeah, lets dance.

Shane took hold off Carmens hand and led her on to the dance floor. Making their way to the center of the floor she bumped into Tina and her new brunette friend heading towards the exit.

Shane! Hey, Im gonna get going okay?

Shane just smiled and nodded.

Tina leant in and gave Shane a hug.

Were only going for coffee.

Shane hugged Tina back and whispered to her.

I wouldnt think any less off you if you werent going for coffee. You deserve to have some fun.

Tina smiled and took a step back before grabbing onto the brunettes hand.

Lets go.

Shane and Carmen made their way to the dance floor, as Tina and the brunette headed out. Once outside, Tina looked at the woman beside her.

You know, I generally dont get coffee with strangers.

The brunette cocked her head to a side and smiled.

Maybe I should introduce myself then. But I think you should go first.

Okay then. Tina Kennard.

Tina extended her hand.

Well its nice to meet you Ms. Kennard. Im Helena. Helena Peabody.

With that she reached out for Tinas hand and instead of shaking it, lifted it up so she could kiss it.

Would you like to get some coffee then, Tina?

Tina smiled.

Id love to.

***

TBC