**Bette sat alone in the house she once shared with the woman she loved with all her heart. She still loves her but the question is, does Tina feel the same way? Tina has been trying to get on with her life, a life that didnt include a certain Bette Porter. She was quite content being in Helena Peabodys arms, until the baby would kick. Then the unsettling reminder that this baby was a product of her love for Bette would set in. Tina often found herself starring out the window at the bright moon. Bette did the same but she didnt see the moon as bright due to the tears falling from her eyes; in fact she didnt see anything in her life as bright. This object in the sky brought them closer than they will ever know.**
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A groggy Bette picked up her phone that was vibrating on the wooden floors. She knew there could only be one person who would call her this early in the morning. Alice.

Al what do you want?

Well good morning to you too sunshine. I can tell someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

The couch Al, I sleep on the couch.

Same difference.

So tell me, why are you calling me so early?

Oh you know you love to hear this voice. Anyway its not early, its 11:00.

Bette sprung up from her comfortable position on the couch shes slept on every night since Tina left. She looked confused.

What! Its 11? ***** I had a meeting at 9! Gotta go bye

She hung up and stumbled over the beer bottles and dirty dishes that had been piling up on her floor. She got dressed as fast as she could. It wasnt until she was in the car that she realized she was wearing the same clothes from the previous day. When she got to the CAC she burst through the door like the American Troops on the beaches of Normandy.

James, I know Im late but please tell me Franklin is still here.

Uh what are you talking about?

The meeting! Dont tell me you forgot too?! Both our asses are going to be on the line!

Bette, its Saturday, your day off. The meeting is on Monday.

What the *****? Are you sure?

Im positive. You can look for yourself. It says right here: MEETING W/ BOARD MONDAY @9AM

Bette scanned the words and felt like an idiot. She wondered how she could confuse the days of the week. She mumbled to herself before reaching behind her for the chair. Much to her embarrassment she missed the seat completely and fell on flat on her *****.

*****!

James rushed to her aid and extended a helping hand. Here let me help you.

Bette said angrily, You cant give me the help I need if you tried.

James looked defeated and unworthy as he softly said, Im sorry.

Bette recognized the look in his eyes and realized she might have upset his sensitive self.

Dont be sorry. Can you get me some coffee please?

You got it. He rushed off to get her what she needed. He loved to be at her beck and call no matter what it was. Bette sat in the chair thinking about the help she actually needed. She picked up her phone and dialed the number she feared to call.


Hello?

Hey Kit.

Baby sis. Long time no talk.

I know. Im sorry.

Hey girl whats done is done. What can I help you with?

Can we meet for lunch?

Sure. How about you swing by here at 2:00. Business is slow today so we can sit and talk.

Ok that sounds fine. Thanks. Ill see you later.

Bye Bette.

The sisters hung up their phones and remembered the last time they spoke.
It was four weeks after Tina left Bette. Bette was trying to permanently get rid of Candace but the woman just wouldnt take no for an answer. Kit had been on Bettes case about getting rid of the vermin that ruined her life. She told her baby sister to try to show Tina that she really did care about her. She suggested something as simple as having a dozen roses delivered to her. Bette listened to her older sister because she figured she had nothing to loose. So that day she ordered the roses and had them sent to Alices apartment where Tina was staying. Apparently Tina wasnt moved by them. Later that day Bette went to the apartment hoping to talk to Tina but she had been out for a walk.

Alice answered the door still in her pajamas. Bette wondered why she hadnt changed all day but that thought was pushed aside when she saw the roses cut into pieces in the garbage can. If it was possible for her heart to break once again it did at that very moment. She kneeled down next to the can and picked up the pieces of the stem, pricking herself on the thorns. Tears were streaking her face. She pulled the petals off of one rose.
She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me. She loves me not she loves me not. Bette cried harder and uttered the words, I knew that already.

Alice tried to console her deeply hurt friend. Seeing her in such pain made her want to cry. Bette was inconsolable. Dana emerged from the bedroom and held onto Bette. After a few minutes of rocking Bette like a little child, her tears subsided. Thats when she realized Dana was in her pajamas too.

Whats this about? Is there something I dont know about?

Dana and Alice looked at each other with panicked expressions.

Uhh we uhh had a sleep over last night. Ya know girls night in? Alices face turned a bright pink.

So thats what you girls are calling it these days? Bette finally smiled at the thought of the two of them together and trying to hide it. She seemed to be doing better until Tina walked through the door. All eyes were on her. Her eyes were fixated only on Bette sitting on the floor looking like a train wreck. She felt bad for the woman she once loved because she knew she must have seen the roses. Bette took Tinas expression as one of discern and she started to cry again. Instead of being comforted by her two friends, she rose to her feet and managed to walk towards the door. As she passed Tina she said, You love me not. She closed the door gently behind her and ran to her blue Saab waiting for her outside.

Bette drove like a maniac to Kits apartment. She was lucky she made it there in one piece because the tears falling out of her eyes and the music blaring out of the speakers caused for a great distraction. She banged on Kits door with such great force. She didnt stop until her hand met with air and she faced her sister.

Bette vented her anger, Great idea Kit! Telling me to send her flowers. She ***** cut them up and threw them in the garbage. She hates me and that only made it worse.
You made it worse!

What? Dont you dare put the blame on me! Im not the one who was fooling around with a certain carpenter! That was you. All you! You did this to yourself; I was just trying to help.

Well you didnt. I dont know why I listened to you in the first place. Youre a straight girl getting involved with a man that is actually a woman! You refuse to see it but its there Kit!

My personal life is my business. Leave Ivan out of this!

Actually I want you out of this. Bette drew a circle around herself with her flailing hand. I want you out of my life. I will handle things on my own.

Do whatever you want. Pretty soon no one will be in your life at the rate youre kicking out everyone who loves you.

***** you

Kit slammed the door and Bette left. She wandered why she just exploded on her sister who was being genuine but she didnt care to solve it. That was the last time the two sisters spoke.



Kit saw Bette park right outside of The Planet. She slipped into her office to make it seem like she was busy. Bette sat down at a table waiting for her sister. A few minutes later Kit re-emerged and put a hand on Bettss shoulder before sitting down across from her.

Hey

Hey Kit.

Can I get you anything?

No, Im good.

So whats on youre mind girl?
Bette closed her eyes and opened her mouth. Listen, Im sorry for everything. What went down was uncalled for and childish. I just have a lot going on in my life and I took it out on the wrong person. I love you. Youre my sister. But I also love Tina and I need her. Im falling apart and I need help. I cant live another day without her by my side.

Tears started to trickle down Bettes face. Kit got up and hugged her.

Shh everything will be alright. These things take time. Let me talk to Tina.

No I need to talk to her myself. Im a grown
woman. I can handle my own battles. I created this now I have to fix it.

Dont be stubborn. This is one battle you dont want to fight alone.

Ive grown accustomed to loneliness.


Meanwhile Tina was spending more and more time with her new leading lady. Helena treated her like a queen. She fulfilled all of her sexual desires while showering her with gifts. Tina hadnt been treated like that in a long time and she liked it. But one question lingered in her mind, What about the baby?