Chapter 7

Previously. . .

Buoyed by the relaxing evening, I work my way up the steps with enthusiasm to what has been one of my homes for many months now. Sadly, I’m reminded of the night I wearily took the same steps and found myself on Alice’s couch. Of all our friends I went to her then perhaps because she would best relate to my loss or provide insight into why Bette had the affair. They were together after all, friends before and after being a couple. Thank goodness for Alice. Tonight I was looking forward to her humor that was usually a comfort to me.

Tonight however, Alice’s exuberance and humor were missing, at the very least tempered with having to relay a message to me. It’s been quite some time since she last tried to contact me.

“Bette called, she asked if you would please call her. She said it was important. Please she said.”
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I had sensed the air of uncertainty almost immediately upon entry into the apartment. Alice was visibly nervous. Now I knew why. Bette called she stated.

Approaching the couch, I sit to her left and turn toward her, my gaze questioning the mood.

Although the elapsed time blunted the pain, Alice believed this would upset me. No feeling human wants to necessarily do this to another. She maintained allegiance to Bette given their connection yet remained protective towards me. After all, she bore witness to my crumbled and inconsolable state over some duration. Her current struggle affected by her continued interaction with Bette while being supportive of my situation.

I’m glad they continue to spend time together. They’ve still been meeting up and I knew she had been attending the exhibits at the gallery to which we’d both received invitations. Needless to say, I hadn’t gone but found it eased my mind knowing she would be there to support Bette. I did still care for her. One’s feelings just can’t cease, even when challenged.

Still, even with this knowledge, our conversations were still victim to awkward moments at times. Much like this one.

I reassured Alice with a smile and thanked her for the message. It’s been a while since the last attempt and I find myself more receptive to today’s initiated contact. Not that I’d forgotten…or perhaps better put, not that I’m not reminded we’d fallen apart when she does. It’s just I feel I’m ready to entertain the idea of exposure…maybe.