Tina spent the next 30 minutes pacing the living room floor trying to rationalize her feelings for Daphne. Maybe it had just been the lack of intimacy between she and Bette. Or perhaps it was the way Daphne looked at her, leaving her weak in the knees. Either way, it was no excuse. She had no right to let Daphne kiss her and even less of a right to kiss her back. But worst of all was the pathetic message she had left on the young ingénue’s voicemail.

Tina: Shit! Shit! Shit!

Ashley: Something wrong Tina?

Ashley flashed her most innocent smile.

Tina wanted to shout at the top of her lungs that yes, something was definitely wrong.

Tina: Uh, no. Why do you ask?

Tina knew her face must have been bright red. She could feel the blush run from her chest straight up.

Ashley: Well, judging by the footmarks you’ve made in the carpet it looks like you’ve been pacing. Not to mention the steady flow of profanities flowing from your mouth…

Tina: Ah yes, that.

Tina hadn’t realized she was being watched.

Ashley: I’m just worried about you. You work so hard on that show and then deal so selflessly with me…

Tina walked over toward Ashley and placed a loving hand on her arm.

Tina: I appreciate your concern Ashley. I can handle it though. Now, what about you? How’s school going?

Tina changed the subject grateful for the chance.

Ashley: It’s great. Really great. I made some friends.

Tina: That is wonderful!!

Ashley: Sure is. In fact, I had some of them over this afternoon.

A light bulb went off in Tina’s head and she wondered if that was why Bette was so worked up earlier.

Tina: I heard you and Bette had a little scuffle this afternoon. Was it about your friends?

Ashley bowed her head, perfectly playing the innocent child.

Ashley: Kinda. I guess we were being loud while Bette was trying to relax. I said I was sorry but she gets so mad…

Tina: She over reacts sometimes. You just have to let her yell and get it out of her system.

Ashley: Gee Tina, I hope she isn’t still mad.

Tina smirked.

Tina: She isn’t. I talked to her already and she said it was nothing. Don’t worry another second about it. OK?

Ashley: Ok.

Tina glanced over at the clock hanging on the wall. It was nearly 2:30 in the morning.

Tina: What are you doing up so late? You have school in just a few hours.

Ashley didn’t see the need in mentioning that she wasn’t planning on going. She was enjoying playing this role and she figured she’d continue.

Ashley: Oh well, I have this chemistry test tomorrow and I’ve been so nervous that I couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d get some warm milk.

Tina: Alright. I’m going to head back upstairs. Will you shut off the lights when you come up?

Ashley nodded.

Ashley: Of course.

Tina: Ok then. Sweet dreams.

Ashley: Goodnight Tina.

As the blonde walked toward the staircase a devilish grin spread slowly across Ashley’s face. This was going to be much easier then she thought.


Tina had finally made it up the steps when she saw her bedroom door quickly open. Bette appeared in the doorway looking as if she were still asleep.

Bette: Tee?

Bette was squinting her eyes at the bright light in the hallway.

Tina swallowed hard at the thought of facing her girlfriend again tonight.

Tina: Yeah babe. I’m coming.

Bette: Your cell phone was ringing.

Tina’s face contorted in confusion when she remembered the time.

Tina: Who would be calling me at this…

Tina’s voice caught in her throat at the realization. Daphne.

Bette: Daphne I think. Why on earth would she be calling this late?

Bette rolled her eyes and turned to head back to the bed.

Tina: Um, you know I left her at the theatre still working on the set so maybe something went wrong. Yeah. I mean that’s probably it.

Tina heard the words leave her mouth and she knew they made no sense.

Bette was in the middle of a yawn.

Bette: Then you better call her back.

Tina knew that if Bette hadn’t been half asleep she would have found this very suspicious, but right now all Tina could do was thank God!

Tina watched as Bette stumbled back to bed, probably not even aware that she had woken up in the first place. It only took Tina as second to race back down the steps. She looked in the living room and the kitchen for Ashley who was nowhere to be seen.

Tina: I asked you to shut off the lights when you went back upstairs.

Tina sighed knowing teenagers weren’t exactly responsible. She found a comfortable, secluded spot on the couch and sat her weary body down. What would she say when she called? Should she even call back? She scrolled her list of contacts in her phone and stopped on Daphne. At the sight of the name, Tina felt her body immediately betray her. She was once again filled with lust as she quickly hit the “call” button.

Daphne: Hello?

Tina smiled at the sound of her voice.

Daphne: Tina?

Tina snapped out of her daze when she heard her name.

Tina: Hi.

Daphne: Hey. I got your message…

Tina: Yeah?

Daphne: I need to see you too.

Tina: We need to talk Daphne.

Daphne knew what that phrase meant. Everyone knew it.

Daphne: Oh.


Tina: Where can I meet you?

Daphne: Now?

Tina: Yeah, now.

Daphne: I live downtown and your uptown, right?

Tina: Yes.

Daphne: Ok so how about the theatre. It’s half way.

Tina: Perfect. Half an hour.

Daphne cleared her throat, hoping somehow that the fear she felt would just crumble away.

Tina: Is that a yes?

Daphne’s voice was barley above a whisper.

Daphne: Yes.

Tina ended the call and jumped to her feet. She would tell Daphne that this couldn’t continue. No matter how much she wanted it to, it just couldn’t. She walked to the kitchen counter and grabbed a piece of paper.

Bette,

Had to go back to the theatre. Scenery emergency. Call me when you wake up. ~ Tee


Tina took one last look at the note. It sacred her just how easily the lies had become to tell. Slowly she traced Bette’s name on the paper with her finger. This was a pivotal moment and Tina knew it. In her gut she knew she would remember this exact second for the rest of her life.




Daphne must have walked the block outside the theatre 20 times nervous Tina wouldn’t show up. What scared her even more was the thought that she would. Daphne continued her nervous pace up 45th street and then back down again. She felt a cold hand touch her arm and she stopped dead in her tracks. Her breathing slowed and Daphne found herself afraid to turn around.

Bum: You got a dollar?

Daphne jumped, not expecting the voice to be that of a man. She turned around quickly to find an older man, dressed in clothes that did not fit standing beside her.

Daphne: No, I don’t. I’m sorry.

With that Daphne began to walk away. The man grabbed her arm again.

Bum: You ain’t got nothing? Food?

Daphne: I’m sorry, no.

She was quickly becoming very uncomfortable with the current situation.

Bum: Come on lady. I know you got something in that purse!

He was inching closer to her causing her heart to speed up.

Tina: She doesn’t have anything for you sir!

Daphne heard Tina’s voice echo behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief, unsure if it was because the man would leave or because TINA had been the one to come to her rescue.

Bum: Well there is no need to yell!

The man covered his ears and walked away.

Daphne blushed as she turned to face Tina.

Daphne: Thanks.

Tina: No problem.

Tina refused to meet Daphne’s eyes. She kept her gaze planted firmly on the ground.

Tina: Shall we go inside?

Daphne nodded.

She followed the blonde in the double doors of the theatre and watched as she locked them.

In her head, Tina quickly went over the speech she had planned to give Daphne. Lifting her eyes to finally meet Daphne’s, Tina lost all resolve.
Instead of the long-winded explanation she found herself rushing into Daphne’s arms. Shocked, Daphne fell back into the seat behind her. The young actress placed her lips on Tina’s as quickly as she could, savoring the moment. The two let their tongues wrestle endlessly, both desperate and needy for the other. Tina hadn’t wanted this to feel so good, but it did. It was as if Tina hadn’t been touched in years. Her body came alive with each gentle touch Daphne had given her.

Daphne: I have wanted this so much.

Her voice cut the silence snapping Tina back to reality. Gradually Tina lifted herself off of Daphne and began to back away.

Daphne: What’s wrong?

Tina didn’t respond.

The concern was now audible in Daphne’s voice.

Daphne: Tina?

Tina stumbled back over the carpeted walkway. Daphne jumped to catch her arm but Tina pulled away.

Daphne: What’s the matter?

Tina: I can’t.

Daphne: Can’t what?

Tina: This. I can’t do this.

Daphne: You are the one who called ME Tina. You wanted to see ME, remember?

Tina did remember. But know she hadn’t the faintest idea why.

Daphne: Please don’t do this to me Tina.

Tina: I’m sorry.

Daphne: Answer me this, why did you ask me to come here?

Tina: I wanted to tell you that this couldn’t happen again.

Daphne wiped her lips that were now stained with Tina’s lipstick.

Daphne: Funny that.

Her words dripped with sarcasm.

Tina turned away, ashamed.

She could feel the breeze flow past her as Daphne left the theatre as quickly as she could. Tina’s eyes welled with tears. Why had she been so uncontrollable?

Tina: I’m sorry.

Tina’s voice was soft and fragile. At that moment she was unsure who she was apologizing too. Was it truly meant for Bette? Or had it been directed to Daphne? Without hesitation she reached for her phone and dialed as quickly as her fingers would allow.

Tina: I need to talk to you. Can you please come to the theatre? I have something I need to tell you.

Tina ended the call and sat back down in the seat. She needed to get this out of her system. Nervously, she waited.


A loud knock startled Tina out of her train of thought. She jumped up and fumbled to unlock the door. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight before her.

Alice: This better be good Kennard.

Alice stood before her in sweat pants and an old T-shirt. Tina recognized the logo on the shirt. It had been from a restaurant that the two had worked at back in Arizona years ago. Her eyes were red and still sleepy. Tina opened the door wider allowing Alice to enter. Trailing right behind was an equally disheveled Alex.

Tina: What are you guys, a packaged deal?

Alice: For your information we were having our weekly slumber party when you called.

Tina eyed Alex up and down taking in the wonder of his pajamas. They were blue flannel, covered in teddy bears and rainbows. As if that was not enough he donned a pair of pink fuzzy wuzzy slippers on his feet.

Alex: I was having the most wonderful dream before you called.

Tina: I’m sorry.

Alex: As you should be!! I was in a field of daisy’s surrounded by the most gorgeous men to ever grace this planet. And you were there and you were there and Toto, you were there too!

Alice glanced at Tina.

Alice: Sorry. We were watching The Wizard of Oz before bed.

Tina: Figures.

Alex: What is that supposed to mean?

Tina: Nothing, it just always amazes me the ease with which you fit into the stereotype.

Alex: Well that’s nice Tina. Drag us out of bed only to sling insults!

Alice: Can everyone stop yelling please?

Finally the two stopped bickering.

Alex: Yeah! Why are we here?

Tina dropped her head. For a moment she almost forgot the reason herself.

Tina: I did something awful.

Alice: Here we go. Is this going to be a long story that I might want to sit down for?

Tina nodded.

Alice: I thought so.

She dropped back into the seat behind and Alex followed suit.

When the two were comfortable they looked up at Tina.

Alex: Ok, spill.

Tina sighed deeply before beginning.

Tina: It’s Daphne…

Alex: Fuck.

Alice: I knew we shouldn’t have left them alone.

Tina: Do you want to hear what happened or not?

Alex: Continue.

Tina: She kissed me.

Alice: That whore!

Tina: I kissed her back.

Alex swallowed hard.

Alex: You whore!

Tina: Guys! Please I need your help!

Alice composed herself as quickly as she could.

Alice: Ok, what happened next?

Tina proceeded to fill them in on everything that had taken place. She could see the shock in her friends faces and wished she had a place to hide.

Alex: You didn’t sleep with her though, did you?

Tina jumped in quickly to answer.

Tina: No! Of course not.

Alex: Good. That’s good..

Alice cut him off.

Alice: Did you want to?

Tina: What?

Alice: Sleep with her Tina. Did you want to sleep with her?

Tina was prepared to lie.

Tina: No.

Alex: Tina?!

They had seen right through her.

Tina: The point is that I didn’t.

Alice: No, the point is that you considered it!

Tina: Please don’t judge me Al. I asked you to come here so that I could talk to a friend. Not to answer to Judge and jury.

Alice: I’m sorry. I’m just a little taken back.

Alex: I think we all are.

Tina: Well, so am I. I never expected this. But once she kissed me it was like I became possessed. I needed more.

Alex: Here’s how I see it. She kissed you and yes you kissed back, but you didn’t have sex. Therefore you didn’t technically cheat.

Alice: Oh come on Alex!

Tina: Wait Al. He has a point.

Alice’s expression was that of shock at Tina’s agreement.

Alice: He has a point? Are you kidding me?

Alex: Think of it that way Tina. At least you’ll be able to sleep at night.

She knew the idea was ridiculous, but if it worked then she didn’t care.

Alice: Let me ask you a question. How do you feel about Daphne right now, this very second? Do you still want her?

Tina stayed silent.

Alice: I thought so.

Bette stretched her arms up high hoping to relieve the crick in her neck. She hadn’t slept well and was not looking forward to the day ahead of her. She was supposed to meet with her new producers and cast as well as rehearsal with Tina later in the afternoon. This was going to be impossible to juggle but until she could figure out how to tell Tina, she had no choice. She stood in front of her new coffee maker and without thought hit the green button at the top. Why Tina couldn’t figure that out was beyond her, but the thought of her girlfriend yelling at the silly machine made her smile. After pouring herself a cup of liquid energy she reached for the phone in front of her.

Bette: Hey Tee.

Tina gasped at the sound of Bette’s voice.

Tina: Hi babe.

Bette noticed the strain in Tina’s voice.

Bette: Are you ok?

Tina looked at her two best friends for encouragement.

Tina: Yeah, fine. Just really tired.

Bette: Did you take care of everything last night?

Tina: Uh huh. All done.

Bette: Good. I just wanted to let you know that I might be a little late to rehearsal.

Tina: Oh, why?

Bette prepared herself for the lie.

Bette: I have to meet with Jackie for a little while.

Tina knew meetings with her agent were important but so was rehearsal.

Tina: Bette, I really need you here.

She could feel the anger bubbling in her gut.

Bette: T, I will be, just a little late.

Tina was silent. She looked at her two friends who were urging her to calm down.

Bette: Tina, can’t Daphne just fill in for a little while? That girl has been dying to get on stage.

Tina gasped at the sound of Daphne’s name. The events of last night quickly played through her head and Tina realized she had no room to argue, not after what she had done.

Tina: Ok. I’ll put in Daphne.

The name rolled off of her tongue like water over a fall.

Bette: Thank you. I won’t be too late.

Tina: Ok.

Tina hung up without saying ” goodbye” or “I love you”. The reason was simple for Tina; she didn’t want Bette to hear the anguish or hesitation in her voice.

Bette knew she was wrong and figured Tina was just angry. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her. She took a deep breath and headed upstairs to get dressed.

Tina looked to Alice and Alex for guidance.

Alex: What did she say?

Tina: She’s going to be late, something about some meeting. I need her here!

Alice: You also needed to not kiss Daphne.

Alice’s words stung.

Tina felt her heart sink a little more.

Alex: Cut her some slack Tina. Bette is doing her best.

Tina: I know I know.

Alice could see the fear in her best friends eyes. She wanted to console her. To tell her it would all be ok. But the truth was she was angry with her. How could she go astray like this?

Tina’s head was buzzing and her heart racing. She would have to come face to face with Daphne much sooner then she had imagined.

TBC…