Laughter filled the apartment the next morning, acting as a beautiful wake up call for Alice. She looked to her side where Bette had slept only to find it empty, and then turned her attention to the laughter and conversation

originating from the hallway.

“I am very happy, Daddy. My dream is about to come true.” There was a pause as her dad responded. “Thanks, Daddy. That really means a lot. Oh, I got a beep. All right, talk to you later, Daddy. I love you. Bye.”

Alice smiled at this interaction; understanding behind that stoicism of Bette Porter there was love greater than anyone may ever know.

“Bette Porter,” she answered the other call. “What do you mean it fell through? Listen I don’t care what you have to do or who you have to kill… I want that space and I don’t want hear from you unless you’re calling to say its mine.” Alice hears Bette slam her cell phone shut and groan in

frustration.

Deciding she had laid there long enough, Alice crawled out of bed and found one of Bette’s t-shirts lying on the floor. She threw it on as she walked into the living area of the apartment to find Bette already dressed in one of her

power suits and gathering her things.

“Hey,” said Alice. “Is everything okay?” She was referring to the previous phone call.

“What?” Bette seemed a bit surprised to see the half-naked Alice standing in front of her. “Oh, yeah just some complications that came up at work. Look

I’ve got to get to work to clear this up. Are you okay to let yourself out?”

“Yeah, yeah that’s… fine,” Alice replied.

“Great. Hey, don’t forget to lock up.” And with that, Bette was out the door, leaving behind a very confused, half-naked Alice.

“What? No kiss goodbye?”

May 5, 1998

Three days had passed without Alice hearing a word from Bette. Not that she hadn’t tried contacting her, but Bette was very elusive these days. Finally, after utilizing one of her many investigating reporter skills, she obtained what she believed to be Bette’s current office number. Without a hint of hesitation she dialed it, hoping to hear the voice she made scream just a few nights previous.