Bette watched Tina slip through the sliding door before returning her full attention to Mrs. Lee. I just cant believe shes gone, I dont know why she did it, it just hurts so much to know she was so alone, alone and desperate enough to end it all.

Mrs. Lee flinched at that, Yes, that is one of the hardest parts, knowing my baby was suffering so much and doing so quietly. Makes me think that somewhere I failed as a mother… Amanda Lee completely lost it, crying and covering her face. Her body pulled inward to protect herself from the idea she just threw out.

Bette immediately counteracted and embraced her once again. Amanda, you know thats not true. You two had an amazing relationship; you were always levelheaded and open to everything. There was never a time when Rachel didnt have something wonderful to say about you. You know I feel the same way, you and Ken are like my parents, you supported me and watched me grow more than my own did. Bette cried too, they both sat in an embrace letting out their emotions freely.

Amanda stiffed and gently let Bette go. She left a note Bette, one for Kenneth and I and she left one for you. She instructed us directly that we give this to you immediately. Amanda handed an envelop to Bette. I feel like I am letting her down Bette, she told me to be strong and not to worry about her, that she was better this way.

Bette stared blankly down at the envelop before her, scared as ***** to read what it said, to finalize the fact that Rachel Lee was gone from her physical life. I… was all she could muster to say.

Dear, this had been one of the hardest days to get through, I am happy to see you, but right now I just need to be alone. Im sure you do too, you probably have your own things to get through and with your opening on Friday.

That isnt important, Bette said immediately, how could something as like that fill the void of a friendship.

Ill leave you alone with it, I will see you tomorrow dear. Amanda hugged her again, before gathering the glasses and heading into the house.
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Tina dropped off Albert and made her way home. It was late afternoon and there was too much going through her mind at the moment to even think about sitting in the office for a couple hours. She made it pretty clear when she left that she wasnt coming back today. She parked her car in its normal place and lugged her personal things and scripts into her apartment.

She took awhile to settle in before getting back around to her work. She was startled by the phone and rushed across the room to answer it.

Hello?

I was beginning to think you had disappeared on me, Eric had said into the receiver.

Oh, hey babe, no I am so sorry, today has throw me in a thousand directions and every time I was about to call you I got sidetracked, she lied.

Yeah Gail told me it was a rough one, so what are you going to do?

Nothing, what can I do, besides going to showing and funeral in the next few days.

Yeah, I was thinking about dinner tonight, but one of the guys said something about the game and…

Tina interrupted, Eric it is totally fine, I am behind as it is and really wouldnt be the best for company right now.

I will make it up to you, I will go to the funeral with you…when is it?

Wednesday.

Right, we can go and work some things out afterward, just a quiet night at my place, what do you think? He asked.

Hmm, well see, you have fun tonight and I will call you tomorrow.

Ok babe, I love you, he said cheerfully to her.

I love…OOH! Eric, you will never guess who I met today, Bette Porter, she said quickly changing her tone completely.

Bette, wow, she is gorgeous isnt she, wait how did you run into Bette Porter? He asked her puzzled.

She was a good friend of Rachels and I met her at the Lees house this afternoon.

You still didnt answer my question Tina, Eric reminded her.

What? Wait I am confused. Tina sat there baffled at his remark.

I said isnt she gorgeous.

Oh, yes dear, she is, well, Tinas mind flashed back to her encounter with Bette, swinging and laughing, hold her hand… Yes, yes she was very attractive. Tina got out.

Told ya, ok well talk you later sweetie, bye! And Eric hung up the phone.

Yes, she is…very well, she is something all right, and Tina quickly got up and went back to her work.
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Bette got in her car and put the envelop on the passenger seat. She quickly started the car and began to back down the driveway. She hesitated a bit and pulled into the turn around. Her hands fumbled as she reached for the crisp white envelop and torn it open as fast as she could. She held her breath as she read it:

Bette,

I know you arent sure what to think right now, knowing I am gone and you had no control over it. But please know that I wanted it this way, there is nothing you could have done to change it even it you wanted to. You were never not here for me, when it came down to it, what I needed the most I drove away. I am at fault for this.

Things crumpled when I lost Kristen, be it my fault or not, I couldnt take living without her. I asked for her back repeatedly only to be let down again and again. I should have known better than to get caught up and to stray, cheaters are always discovered, no matter how careful you think you are being. Enough with that, on to what it is I wanted to tell you.

Bette, I may have lost my one true love, but at least I had it in me to find it. What you are doing, the way you are going about things is completely wrong. You are missing out on so much, sure there is heartache and pain, but there is happiness too. I wouldnt trade anything for the experience of finding the one person who fit me so well. So I am telling you that you must, you have to let go of your old ways and really open yourself up for someone to have. That is my wish you for, what I want you to get out of this life that is so fast and often times unfulfilled. I wanted to thank you as well, for being my friend, for controlling yourself enough to let this become a reality. You have meant everything to me and my family as well, look after them for me Bette and dont forget what I said.

Shes out there and I know it, even if she doesnt know it yet, you just need to help push a bit and Im sure she will make it off the ground.

With all my love,

Rachel

Bette reread the letter what seemed like a hundred times before she leaned back into her seat and closed her eyes. She regained herself enough to drive home and shower before crawling into bed. She laid there in the dark and let Rachels words soak over her before finally putting this day behind her.
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Dont worry Tina I wont let you get too high.

Tina awoke startled from her dream. She shook her head dazed as she looked at her alarm clock, 4:47 damn. She grumbled and rolled back over, half smiling as she drifted back into dream…