I just had my microwave dinner. Well, I do know how to cook. Since Tina left, I had to find my way around the kitchen and cook for myself. I had a few months off work since I resigned and those were the rough times when I really had to work. I never imagined how Tina did all this, how did she manage to do all the housework on her own? She mustve been one superwoman.

It was ten on a Sunday evening and I was clearing up my things when I heard the phone ring. Yup right on time!

Bette: Hey Kit!

Kit: Hey baby girl! Just wanted to tell you that I received your invitation for the opening. It looks good!

Bette: Well hopefully it will be good! How are you?

Kit: Im sure everything would be fine. Im good, you know Im good. How are you? Did you go out last night?

I knew that was coming. This is usually why Kit remembered to call me long distance. Just to see if I have actually settled in. I looked around my living room, I still have a few stacks of boxes left to unpack. The girls have tried to help me unpack but I guess I just have too much stuff.

Bette: Nope, didnt go out at all. Stayed til late at the gallery putting in some finishing touches. You know the works.

Kit: You should go out more Bette! Well at least tell me you had a break today!!!

Bette: Actually I went to the gallery to do more work Kit.

Kit: Baby sis! You know you have to take the day off! Its a weekend for gods sake!

Bette: I know Kit. I just had to get everything ready (well everything was done this is just an excuse to give Kit!)

Kit: Ok well, please go out next weekend ok? I mean me and the girls will be in New York by Thursday. I mean, Alice and I will be there Thursday. Dana and Shane will be there Friday cos Dana has a match on Thursday. So you MUST come out with us ok?!

Bette: Ok ok! Send my love to the girls. I have to go downstairs now to

Kit: Theresa?!?!

Bette: Yes Kit Theresa!!!

Kit: How is she? Last time I saw her, you two were getting close… So whats happening now girl?

Bette: Nothing Kit, nothings happening. Were just friends

Kit: Ok well, tell her Ill see her next week. And baby girl?

Bette: Yeah Kit?

Kit: nothing just go out there ok?!?! Love you!

Bette: You too Kit. Bye.

I sighed as I hung up the phone. I took the tickets from the shelf near the door and went for the lift. Next week will be a blast. Every time the girls come over, which is not often, we always go out until the wee hours. I miss them. Last they were here was the opening of my previous show. All of the girls were here except Tina. No one brought her name up during their visits. I guess it was better to leave it at that. I really want to see her but I dont know if shed want that.

Alice came to visit me a month after the show. Well, she had a conference here in New York for the magazine and had to write an article about something that was happening here at that time and stayed with me the whole week. It was awesome. I love having her around, although sometimes she does get on my nerve pushing me to go out with Theresa. In fact, I think she has a crush on her!

I rang the doorbell as I got to Apartment 3. I heard footsteps approaching and laughter behind the door.

Theresa: Well, well if it isnt my photographer friend

Bette: Hey Theresa.

I looked at her up and down; she was dressed to go out clubbing. Theresa is Shanes age. She has this carefree life that I wish I had. Nothing bothers her, anything negative she will take it and shrug it off like it wont affect her no matter how great the point made was. And to be honest, she could get away with anything anyway. Im glad I met someone like her here in New York; people can be pretty uptight around here!

Theresa: Were going to Paragon tonight, you wanna come? The girls are here were going in a few minutes.

Bette: No I, I just wanted to give you two tickets for the opening. You said your friends wanted to come?

Theresa: Oh yeah. Thanks Bette. You sure you dont want to come?

Emma: Hey Theresa who is it?

Theresa: Its Bette, my neighbour I told you about.

Emma is Theresas cousin. Shes been here a few times but I just never got a chance to meet her. I was either busy or locked up in my room doing nothing in particular. Yup she fits the description. Theresa told me Emma was a struggling actor whos never actually appeared in anything. But one thing shes good at as what Theresa has told me, is that she could sing. Well have to see about that and take her out to a karaoke bar! The thought of it made me shiver I cant sing! Emma smiled at me.

Emma: Hello Bette. Im Emma. So why arent you coming out with us tonight?

Bette: Hey Emma. Its nice to finally meet you. I umm

Emma: Come on!!!

Bette: I cant you guys are all ready to go and I havent

Emma: Well wait wont we?

Emma was looking at Theresa and Theresa just smiled and laughed.

Theresa: Yeah well wait if you decide to come

I looked at Emma and Theresa. Should I go? Then Kits words rang in my ear you should go out more Bette Hmm. Am I getting boring? Is that the ME I want to be? Well I know I deserved a good night out after all the work Ive done! Well, what the *****!

Bette: Ok, ok Ill come Ill be down in a few.

Paragon was THE happening spot, not my words but Theresas. Its been a while since I last stepped my foot in one of these clubs. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Bette: Ill get the drinks!

Theresa: There we should sit there! Meet us here later Bette!

Bette: Ok.

After ordering a few drinks, I made my way to where the girls were seated. Theresa, Emma and Stephanie were laughing about something. They are having a good time! I smiled.

Bette: Here are your drinks

Emma: Thanks Bette

Stephanie: So how come I never see you out here Bette?

Theresa: Bette works loooooooooong hours!!!!

Bette: Well, Ive just been busy. But tonight I just thought I should have a well deserved break from work!

Emma: Amen!

As we were talking and laughing, I saw a familiar face hanging about at the bar. It couldnt be, could it? She wouldve told me when shes here!!! I stared at her for a minute more making sure it was her. She turned around and saw me. Oh my god. It is her! A huge smile was in order! She smiled back and I waved. My my after all this time

Bette: Why didnt you tell me you were here?!?!?!?

Melanie: I did try your phone but it was busy!!!

Bette: Oh really!

Melanie: I even left a message at your gallery. I just flew in this morning. It was last minute so

Bette: Im so happy to see you

Theresa, Emma and Stephanie were looking at Melanie and I knew all three found Melanie quite a catch. I laughed.

Bette: Melanie, these are Theresa, Emma and Stephanie.

Melanie: Hey girls nice meeting you guys.

Theresa, Emma and Stephanie nodded and said shy his.

Bette: So how have you been Mel?

Melanie: Oh you know, out and about! Ive just got back from Melbourne, Australia Lizzie!

Bette: Really? How was it then?

Melanie: It was great!!! You should go there!!!! And maybe open a gallery there!!!

I laughed! Mel could think of the most ridiculous thing sometimes!

Bette: If I had the time Id probably already be out there Mel! And Im not talking about opening up a gallery there!

Melanie: Oh Lizzie! You work too hard. I heard about your gallery; how huge it is now! Im here for a week or so, depending on my ever-changing schedule.

Bette: You know you came at the right time. I have a show opening next weekend and I would love it if youd come. Alice and the girls will be there too.

Melanie: Thats great! I will definitely be there! So how about a dance then? Oh havent you had your dink yet?

Bette: I have unless youre going to buy me one?

Melanie: Well, a dance or a drink? Its your call!!!

Bette: A dance would be great Mel! Come on

As we danced I could see a few heads turning our way, I could see our reflections on one huge mirrored wall. We do look amazing together! A good-looking couple on the dance floor!!! Oh *****! Bette dont go there! You know you have and remember how it ended!!! I looked at her and she was smiling at me. Gosh that smile!

Somehow through all the noises and fast paced music, the DJ changed the song to one slow number. Melanie held me in her arms, and our body moved with the music. Now I remember why I didnt want to go out to dance. Every time they play a very slow song, it reminded me of dancing with Tina. How I miss dancing with her. How we sometimes dance to our favourite music after dinner, and at parties where it felt like it was just the two of us, and I remembered the Boat Party Shane hosted; just me and Tina in one corner. I also remembered her taking my hands as I stepped into our house and she took me in her arms and danced with me. God I miss her so much. How proud I am to have her in my life. *****! I had her in my life. I HAD her! But I had to go and ***** it all up.

Melanie: You ok there?

Bette: Yeah Im good Mel Im just… glad youre here

Melanie: Hey hey! Whats the matter?

Bette: Nothing Mel, nothing.

Melanie: That didnt look like nothing to me. Is there something wrong?

I thought about Mels question. Something wrong? Of course theres something wrong! A lot of things are wrong! I shouldnt be here. I shouldnt be here in New York! I should be back in West Hollywood. I shouldnt be in Mels arms. I should be in Tinas!!! Its been three long years without her, why cant I move on? Is it cos I DONT want to move on? Why cant I have Tinas arms around me? I frowned. But it felt good to be in someones arms no matter whose. I just needed to be held. Ive been living alone on my own for three whole years and the familiarity of being held by someone came rushing back to me. How good it feels to be held. I looked at Mel who was waiting for an answer

Bette: I just Just hold me Mel… It feels so goodJust, dont let me go just yet!

Melanie: I wont I promise

Melanie kissed me on my forehead and as promised, she didnt let go of me as we danced the night away