(At the Planet, after Kit left Tina in the back office, she headed outside to her car. She sat in the driver’s seat and exhaled. She shook her head. She pulled out her cell phone, took out a little piece of paper and dialed the number.)

ANSWERING MACHINE- “You have reached the voicemail of Bette Porter” (Kit hangs up and looks ahead, dropping the phone on her lap and grasping the wheel in frustration. She thinks for a bit and then picks up the phone again. She re-dials the number and after hearing the beep that followed the outgoing message of the Whitney Director again, she left her voicemail)

KIT- (In a tense voicea bit annoyed) “Hi, it’s Kit. It’s Saturday morning. I hope you’re ok. I expected you would at least call by now. Just thought you should know that Tina is here with Angelica. Tina is having lunch with Alice today and I’m watching Angelica. Hear that Bette? Just because you’ve decided as you have doesn’t mean that I’m walking out of anybody’s life. I’m getting to be with my little girl today. I already got to hold her and I’ll be spending a few hours with her, and I couldn’t be happierwellanyway” (Her tone changes and gets milder) “I missed her. You know I think she missed me too. Apparently, she’s still unsettledkeeping her mother up and everything. But sheyou should see the look in her eyes when she looks at meshe’s so beautiful. It’s funny, she reminds me of you. Imagine THAT! Anyway” (Her voice becomes a little harsh again) “I just thought I would call my sister and say hello and I just thought I’d let you know your little one is here today andher mother asked me how you were doing so whateveryou better figure out what you’re doing because Alice is getting antsy at not seeing you and I don’t know how long it’s going to take beforewell, just figure it out. I’m getting too old for this crap. II hope you’re wellI just thought you might want to know how the rest of us are doing. Bye.”

(After sitting in her car for a while. Kit changed her mind about taking a ride and went back into the Planet. Alice and Tina were still in the back office.)

ALICE- “Tina, I’m worried.”

TINA- “About?”

ALICE- “Something isn’t right. Angelica and her earth mother feel there’s something amiss.”

TINA- (Somewhat sarcastically) “Oh, amiss. Ok.”

ALICE- “I’m worried about Bette.”

TINA- “Well I’ve got more important things to worry about.”

ALICE- “Excuse me?”

TINA- “What Alice? I have my daughter to worry about.”

ALICE- “You know Tina it’s like your brain has been kidnapped by aliens and replaced by an imposter’s.”

TINA- “Alice, I don’t understandwhere have you been? She kicked me out of the house. She went off to her Buddhist retreatAlice she sought sole custody.”

ALICE- “Tina, do you remember what you were doing when she was off trying to figure out what the hell was happening to her life?” (She looks at her) “Oh yeah! And while you were carrying on with your new life, which as I learned only recently is something called ‘Hellry’, she called and left a message for Angelica telling her she wanted her life back. Isn’t that what you told me? Her “life back”. And she didn’t throw you out on the curb either. And let me tell you something, after she came home and discovered you were dating this Hellry guy, I think she would have been well within her rights to totally throw you out. Geez Tina, think about it. I mean I had no idea what was going on. I had my own problems as you may recall. But son of a bitch Tina, I butt my nose out of your lives for 5 seconds and it all goes to hell. What the fuck happened for crying out loud? First you break up, then Bette wants sole custody, then you want to take the kid away, she takes the kid in the middle of the night, and you take her back and away from her other motherand where we are now I don’t even knowyou don’t give a crap and Porter’s disappeared. Kit’s making you cry and she’s yelling at me. What the fuck Tina? What the fuck? I haven’t said much to you until now, but after the past few weeks I’ve just about had it. I ain’t taking this crapola no more.”

KIT- (Walks insmiling at hearing Alice go on) “I didn’t yell at you Miss Alice.”

ALICE- “Well you may as well have. You put on that scary Porter look and that’s all I need”

KIT- “Don’t be silly. What are you two still doing in here? Alice you practicing being a therapist again?”

ALICE- “Oh f, go fly a kit Porter.” (Kit laughs.)

KIT- “Well, resolve anything yet?”

ALICE- “Oh that she ONLY needed therapy! She needs brain surgery! Or please God make the aliens bring her brain back! I really need to get a life. I can’t take this anymore. Following the high drama of our crazy clan is going to drive me to insanity if not to just drink. And you” (Looking at Kit)

KIT- “Yes?”

ALICE- “Where the hec is Bette? I can’t seem to find her. Did you tell her I called? After her e-mail I got nothingwhat’s going on? It wasn’t my fault I was driving the car that dayshe must know that.”

KIT- “Alice you know how she isshe’s busy, wrapped up in work. Put yourself in her shoes. Look I’m just gonna talkTina over there already knows how I feel so she’s welcome to walk out instead of hearing me outbut damn Alice, she lost her family and most importantly that little girl over there.”

TINA- “She hasn’t lost her Kit.”

KIT- “Tina, I’m not going over this again. She was her mother, now it’s not the same.”

ALICE- (She looks at Tinanods) “It’s not the same.

KIT- (Looking at Alice) “Thank you.”

ALICE- “No problem.”

TINA- (Looks at Alicethen back at Kit.) “Look, neither of you know what wewhat I went through. You weren’t in our house, in our bed. You don’t know what it was like, you don’t understand. I can’t be blamed for feelings I had. At least I didn’t betray her…at leastlook, we fell apart, it’s nobody’s fault. I know she was hurting about AngelicaI knowI know. But nowthe custody issue is between me and Bette.”

KIT- “You and Bette?”

ALICE- “You and Bette?”

TINA- (Sarcastically) “Sorry, was there a third parent I don’t know about?”

ALICE- “Well, apart from the fact that I’m her earth mother and Kit here is her aunt really, since when is it ‘me and Bette’or should I say ‘Bette and I’? What? Are you suddenly realizing that Bette is her mother too? The aliens bringing your brain back piecemeal?” (Turning to Kit) “Maybe there’s hope yet.”

KIT- “Listen, I’m glad we all cleared the air a bit, but I’m going to take this little girl now while you two go off and do whatever you like. Her and I will be here waiting for you when you get back, but I’m going to take her to the park if you all don’t mind.” (Kit walks over and gentle receives Angelica from Tina.) “There we goyes little ladywhat say you join me on a trip to the park on this lovely Saturday morning? Oh, you like that huh?” (Angelica responds well to Kit. After taking her, Kit leaves and Tina continues sitting with Alice.)

ALICE- “Well THAT was fun. I’m sorry Tina, I know I’ve just be blurting things out like I’ve got turrets or something but it’s been building up for a while. It’s all so weird. I thought things were bad when you two broke up the first time around, but thisthis is just out of control. So, I’m sorryyou know I love you both right?”

TINA- “Aliens have taken my brain and are returning it piecemeal?”

ALICE- “You have a better explanation?”

TINA- “Alice”

ALICE- “Yeah, I know it’s between you and Porter. Whatever”

TINA- “Al, you know I value you as a friend and as ‘earth mother’ and I hope you’ll always be in her life.”

ALICE- “Thanks. But from dedicated earth mother to biological mother.the little kid needs her mamma B back. And that’s all I’m sayingno more. Now, let’s go have brunch, I’m hungry.”

(Tina and Alice went for brunch. The topic of conversation shifted to everything but what had occupied them in Kit’s office. Shane shows up.)

SHANE- “Hey guys.” (She looks at Tinashe’s feeling a little strange, and she was afraid she’d get questions about Bette. This is really the first time she had seen Tina since that day.)

TINA- “Hi Shane. Please join us.”

SHANE- “Are you sure?”

ALICE- “Since when do you need an invitation?”

TINA- “Pleasesit.”

SHANE- “Where’s Angelica?”

TINA- “She’s with Kit.”

SHANE- “Oh.”

TINA- “Have brunch with us. When she gets back you can spend some time with her.”

SHANE- “Are you sure it’s ok?”

TINA- “Yes, of course. What kind of a question”

ALICE- “Aliensremember the alienssee they’re scaring everybody, even Shane”

TINA- “Alice”

SHANE- (She prevents everything from escalating) “TinaI’d love to spend some time with her.” (But she feels saddenedBette isn’t getting to spend time with her at all.)

ALICE- (To Tina) “So, listen, I want you to come with me to the gallery thing this week.”

TINA- “The opening you were telling me about?”

ALICE- “Yeah. Usually I’d takewell, you know, I need to take someone and I may as well have a beautiful blonde on my arm. So, what do you say?”

TINA- “I don’t know Alice.”

ALICE- “Oh come on. Shane can look after Angelica. She’s been dying to baby sit her. Right Shane?”

SHANE- “I’d love to, yes.”

TINA- “Well, ok.”


(In New York, Bette and Lily spent the day together. They had a great time and in the evening, Bette got ready to meet up with Lily, Miranda and her partner Julie. The latter two were at home preparing.)

JULIE- “I don’t know Miranda, maybe you should talk to Lily.”

MIRANDA- “Talk about what? What am I going to say? She’s a grown woman, so is Bette.”

JULIE- “Lily’s a grown woman but she’s also a little nuts. I love her dearly butfrom what you’ve told me so far, Bette is vulnerable right now.”

MIRANDA- “Lily’s a little nuts, not conniving or totally off her rocker. I’m sure she’s sensitive to Bette’s situation. Besides, we don’t really know all the details. Lily isn’t interested in her, so I don’t know what the problem is. I know you like to get involved and share your advice, but maybe we should just let them be. You know Lilly somewhat better than I, so I’ll leave it to you.”

JULIE- “Well, I would feel better if you talked to her in any event. If you don’t, maybe I should.”

MIRANDA- “Maybe that would be a better idea. You’ve got this way with her as it is and I’m not too gentle in my choice of words.”

JULIE- “Mhm. Okay, she’s coming here first isn’t she?”

MIRANDA- “Yep, and so is Bette.” (She sits on the bed and looks at Julie.)

JULIE- “What?”

MIRANDA- “I don’t know.”

JULIE- “What don’t you know?”

MIRANDA- “Plenty.”

JULIE- “Out with it. You look wounded.”

MIRANDA- “Apparently, they were together for over eight years. They had a child, she’s almost one from what I’ve learned, and Bettewell, she’s now working at the Whitney.”

JULIE- “Yes, I know. And?”

MIRANDA- “Well that’s just it. I don’t get it. Are they trying to work it out? Are they going to make a go of it here in New York? Or is that just it? Her former partner and daughter are on the other side of the continent and that’s it. I don’t understand.”

JULIE- “Well they broke up from what I gather.”

MIRANDA- “Julie, you and I have been together a little longer. I think I’d curl up and die if we broke up, but if I raised our child with you for a year, somehow, even if the unthinkable happened and I lost your love, I don’t see myself moving three thousand miles away.”

JULIE- (Sits on the bed next to Miranda) “Well then, make mental note to selfhave child so that Miranda never moves away”

MIRANDA- “No, make another mental noteMiranda is hopelessly in love with meain’t going nowhereever” (Julie affixes a quick kiss.)

JULIE- “Life changes Miranda, feelings change, everything can change in an instant, over weeks, over months, years…it’s nothing new. Long-term relationships break up all the time. Bette’s is no different. I guess It’s harder to pick up the pieces when you’re faced with the constant reminder of what you once had.”

MIRANDA- “But Julie, a child is not just a constant reminder. A child, I would think, is a huge part of your life. Maybe she never really got involved with the child, although I don’t see that somehow.”

JULIE- “I’ve been really wondering about that myself. Maybe her partner isn’t making it easy to see the child. It’s not like Bette can really do anything about that. And depending upon what her connection to the child was, I imagine it’s very painful. How do you stand by, on the periphery of someone’s lifesomeone whom you love dearlyand just stand there watching them live their life without you in it, or at least not a significant part of it?”

MIRANDA- “I don’t know.” (The doorbell rings. Miranda and Julie go to the living room area and Miranda heads over to open the door. Lily enters and they both walk over to Julie.)

LILY- “Madam, I’ve missed you!” (Julie smiles, walks over and the two embrace.)

JULIE- “How’s my favourite conductor?”

LILY- “Flailing my arms as brilliantly as always.”

JULIE- “Come on, let’s have a seat for a bit.” (They walk into the living room and sit on the couch. Miranda heads to the kitchen.) “So, Maestro, what’s new in your life?”

LILY- “Well there’s this cellist”

JULIE- “Another from the string section?” (They both laugh.) “I hear you met Bette.”

LILY- “Yes. She’s really amazing. She speaks very highly of Miranda.”

JULIE- “The feeling appears to be mutual. I can’t wait to meet her.”

LILY- “She’s gorgeous. A stunning woman.”

JULIE- “Is that right?”

LILY- (She notices that Julie is looking at her in a serious way) “What?”

JULIE- “Nothing. She moved here from the west coast as I understand it.”

LILY- “Yes.”

JULIE- “Left her life behind too.”

LILY- “Apparently.”

JULIE- “Lil”

LILY- “You don’t have to”

JULIE- “I DO have to. Are you forgetting what happened with the violinist?”

LILY- “That was different.”

JULIE- “That was just awful. I don’t want to see you hurting like that ever again. Not to mention the poor violinist.”

LILY- “Julie, I’m not interested in her in that way. Besides, she’s not an impressionable teenager or even young adult. We’re all grown ups here. She’s actually kind of intimidating.”

JULIE- “Wow, someone who intimidates youthis I gotta see.”

LILY- “She’s stunning. There’s something luminous about her.”

JULIE- “Not interested huh?”

LILY- “Noodd, isn’t it?”

JULIE- “Mhmmmm. One thing’s for sure. I can’t wait to meet her.”

MIRANDA- “Ladies, I just mixed a couple of drinks for you. Here you go. (Doorbell rings.) “That must be Bette.” (She goes to let Bette in and then they both walk over to Julie and Lily.) “Lily you’ve met, and thisthis is my partner Julie.” (Bette looks stunning in her black pantsuit outfit, but as she shakes hands with Julie she feels stunned and looks it. Her eyes are caught in a concentrated gaze and Julie is not only taken aback by Bette’s presence and beauty, but by the captivated eyes. Julie smiles warmly and looks at Miranda quickly.) “So Bette, did you have any trouble finding the place?”

BETTE- (Her concentration breaks only after a moment or two. She turns to Miranda) “No, not at all.”

LILY- (Her eyes awaken, as though she realizes something) “Julie, can you help me in the kitchen to fix the drinks?”

MIRANDA- “I just brought”

LILY- (Interrupting her) “I make a great cosmopolitanBette you’ve got to try it.” (She grabs Julie and heads to the kitchen.)

MIRANDA- “Have a seat Bette, while we wait for these two to work their wonders.”

(After they make it to the kitchen, Julie and Lily start discussing what happened.)

JULIE- “She’s absolutely stunning, but was it just me or did she look like she saw a ghost?”

LILY- “She did.”

JULIE- “What?”

LILY- “I only realized it when I saw her looking at you just nowand then I remembered.”

JULIE- “Remembered what?”

LILY- “I first met Bette at a gallery showing where she used to work, in L.A. I just got to meet her there. It didn’t go further than that, but I also met her partner.” (She looks at Julie) “Her blonde, hazel eyed partner.”

JULIE- “Oh you’re kidding me! Please don’t tell me”

LILY- “SorryI think that’s it though.”

JULIE- “Oh my. What do we do?”

LILY- “I’ll run interference.”

JULIE- “Don’t be silly. I’m sure I don’t look that much like her. I’m sure that after she’s absorbed the initial shock, everything will be fine.”

LILY- “Oh this is going to be fun.” (Julie slaps her on her arm and they both chuckle. The two head back over and join the conversation. Every time Bette looked at Julie she went numb. It was as though all she could do was just look at her. No real thoughts went through her mind, just a heaviness in her chest made itself known. As the conversation continued, the effect this had on her started to subside, and with every passing minute, it seemed that Bette and Julie couldn’t stop talking and swapping stories. It turned out they both had an ivy-league background and some common though distant acquaintances. They all left the house as the conversation continued. At one point, Julie was able to get Miranda alone as Lily and Bette walked up ahead.)

MIRANDA- “She’s great isn’t she?”

JULIE- “She’s wonderful. Listen, just so you know, earlier at the house Lily mentioned why there was a bit of shock and awe about her when she met me. Apparently, Lily recognized that I look like Bette’s former partner.”

MIRANDA- “Are you serious?”

JULIE- “Lily met them both in L.A. a long time ago. She seems fine about it now, but there are moments I feel like I’m looking into these big, sad puppy dog eyes. Now I know whypoor thing. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was hurt beyond measure. The problem is it’s very much an open wound I think.”

MIRANDA- “That’s interesting. Justin said something like that to me about her the other day.”

JULIE- “I told you that Justin is brilliant.” (They both chuckle.) “You know, I guess I’m lucky.”

MIRANDA- “How’s that?”

JULIE- “Well, instead of sad eyes, I could’ve been looking into angry ones. In fact, I’m surprised that’s not the case, given my resemblance.”

MIRANDA- “Maybe it was an amicable break-up.”

JULIE- “No, I doubt that.”

MIRANDA- “Why?”

JULIE- “Did I mention the large, still open wound? It seems to me to run deep.”

MIRANDA- “I don’t understand how you and Justin can see such things. How could you possibly have any idea?”

JULIE- “Some people have that gift my dear.”

MIRANDA- “Right. Well, come on, let’s catch up.”

(The group conversation picks up and develops throughout the evening. Miranda put her hand on Bette’s arm as Bette talked about the Whitney and everything else as they walked. Every time Bette looked at Julie it was like another dent was delivered to the Porter armor. Miranda and Lily couldn’t get over how well Bette and Julie were getting along, though they found the whole thing a bit funny.)

MIRANDA- “Well, perhaps my wife and Ms. Porter will run away together. It’ll be my sacrifice and contribution to the art world- a happy Bette Porter.”

LILY- “It’s ok, I’ll take you in.”

MIRANDA- “OH LORDjust shoot me now!”

LILY- “Hey! At least you’ll never have a boring moment.”

MIRANDA- “Excuse me? Are you implying that my Julie isn’t the most interesting, most beautiful and captivating woman in my life? I’ll have you know, you crazy conductor, that I wouldn’t give her up for anything or anyone.”

LILY- “Easy there madam vice chair, I’d never imply such a scandalous notion about your better half!”

MIRANDA- “Look at themit’s hilarious really. Poor Bette.”

LILY- “Poor Bette? Poor me. She’s spending the evening with Julie on her arm and I’ve got the terror from Queens on mine!”

MIRANDA- “Oh well now, that’s a brilliant thing to say in such close proximity to the terror from Queens”

LILY- “Ah, I know you could never lay a finger on meyou love me to much.”

MIRANDA- “I need a drinkare we there yet?”

LILY- “I don’t know. Let’s catch up to Romeo and Juliet over there and see how far we have to go.”

(The night progresses and finally comes to a close at Miranda and Julie’s home.)

LILY- “Well ladies, I guess I better go. It’s getting late and I’ve got a morning meeting with some members of the orchestra tomorrow.”

MIRANDA- “On a Sunday?”

LILY- “Beautiful music waits for no one.”

JULIE- “Ladies, it’s been a wonderful evening. Bette, do you have to go too? Why don’t you come in for some tea?” (Miranda looks at Lily. Lily smiles.)

BETTE- “I don’t want to keep you up and it’s late”

JULIE- “Don’t be silly. Come in for a bit. I’m not sleepy in any event.”

(Lily says goodbye and leaves. The three go in the house. Miranda, despite feeling a bit tired, stayed for some tea and the three of them seemed to catch a second wind. They talked for at least another hour. Bette and Julie seemed to want to go on and on.)

MIRANDA- “It’s a little past my bedtime ladies, so I’m just going to head up.”

BETTE- “I’m sorry Miranda, I really over did it”

MIRANDA- “Don’t be ridiculous. Stay here with Julie and enjoy the conversation. She’s a bit of a night owl, so don’t worry at all. Honeymay I be excused?”

JULIE- (She kisses her) “Goodnight.”

BETTE- “Thanks for everything Miranda. Goodnight.” (Miranda disappears upstairs.)

JULIE- “Let’s take the tea in the living room. You take the glasses, I’ll bring the rest.” (Bette goes to the living room and sits on the couch. As she’s waiting for Julie, she pulls out her cell phone, and calls her answering machine at work. Julie walks in.)

BETTE- (To Julie) “I’ve got to check for messages. Justin said we’re waiting word about a possible afternoon meeting tomorrow, so I thought I’d check for his message.” (Julie nods. Bette dials her password and learns that there’s only one message leftit begins, and it’s from Kitthe one she left after stepping out of the Planet. Bette’s face changes. Her eyes start to get intense. She starts to walk away from the couch and Julie, who caught a glimpse of Bette’s face just before she started to walk away. Julie sat down with her tea and waited. When Bette was done listening to sounds of the life she left behind, she turned and started to walk to where Julie was sitting. She came upon her and Julie looked up at her, which unsettled Bette.) “Julie, thank you for this and for everything this evening. II can’tI really should go”

JULIE- “Bette”

BETTE- (Not looking at her and gathering her things) “I’m so sorry I have to up and go like this after you made tea, and I, well”

JULIE- “Bette” (She stands and walks over to her. Julie places her arm on Bette’s arm and Bette looks up.) “Hey, it’s ok. Pleaseplease stay a bit. Come on, just sit with me for a while.” (She smiles at her) “You’re not going to leave me all alone with my tea are you?” (Bette reluctantly sits.) “You know, I’m a good listener. I don’t want to pry, but are you ok? Can you talk about it? Do you want to talk? It might help. And I won’t say a word to anyone, not even Miranda.”

BETTE- (She felt unsettled and inexplicably annoyed.) “Julie, thank you, but I really have to go, alright?”

JULIE- “Of course.” (Bette got her things. She started to approach Julie, who was expecting a handshake or some sort of goodbye greeting. But Bette stopped, quickly said ‘Goodnight’ and walked out. After a bit, having heard the door, Miranda came downstairs. She walked up to Julie who was still just standing there.)