Tina dressed quietly, trying not to wake Bette. Julies flight came in early and Tina hated leaving Bette on a Sunday morning, which was usually their day to stay in bed together, forgetting the world. Grabbing her purse and stumbling around in the dark, Tina froze when she heard a quiet knocking on the door. She tip toed to the door and listened, holding her breath. It continued, slightly louder. She looked out the window and saw Mandys car in the driveway. Puzzled, she cautiously opened the door.

Mandy? What are you doing? Tina asked as she walked outside, locking the door behind her.

Mandy shrugged. Oh, I dont know. Thought you might want some company on your way to the airport. We could do breakfast at the terminal.

Tina looked closely at her friend and felt a wave of sadness spread through her. Eyes misting and heart aching, Tina wrapped an arm around Mandy and squeezed her. Anytime.

Mandy and Tina hadnt exactly spent a lot of time together since Adams death. Tina dove into her work and her relationship with Bette was also very time consuming. Mandy spent a good amount of time at her parents, but when she returned to LA, she closed most people off. Tina was the exception, but only sometimes. There was a distance between them, and Tina knew there were some things she could never understand, like losing a sibling. Tina felt like the playing field was no longer even or fair, and they no longer played side by side. Instead, they fought for different goals and as the other fell down, they no longer knew how to help each other up. They played the same game but didnt know how to play together any more.

As they drove, Mandy was exceptionally talkative and Tina remained quiet, allowing her friend the release she held back too often.

After several minutes of small talk, Mandy brought up a new subject. Did you ever think I was *****, Tina?

Almost swerving off the road, Tina turned her head to look at Mandy. What?

Tell me the truth.