Alice and Alex watched with baited breath as Bette described what she had come home to. The two friends tried their best to act surprised but the truth was they had expected this to happen.

Bette: I don’t even know what more to say. I’m shocked. I never saw this coming.

Alice just nodded. She couldn’t very well say that she was surprised.

Bette: I assume this is the first time that they have…um…you know.

Bette couldn’t even bear to say the words.

This time Alex nodded.

Bette stood, infuriated.

Bette: She and I had just slept together this afternoon. So I walk out the door and she calls Daphne? What is that?

Bette looked to Alice and Alex for answers.

Neither said anything.

Bette: What is it with you two? I could use a little love and support. For Christ’s sake, I just caught Tina cheating on me!

Bette let the words swirl around in her mouth for a few seconds. Her brain pounded in skull trying to make sense of this. Then, like a ton of bricks, reality hit her smack in the heart. She began backing away from Alice and Alex.

Bette: Oh my god!

Alice stood to meet her friend.

Bette: Holy shit!

Alex was up next. He jumped behind Bette and placed his hands on her shoulders.

Alex: Now Bette calm down.

Bette: How could you?

Alice opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.

Bette’s eyes watered over as tears began to form.

Bette: You knew! Both of you knew! I can’t believe this!

Bette’s head was spinning. The world as she knew it had spun completely upside down. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her face was now flushed with anger. The air that once filled her lungs was missing. She couldn’t breathe.

Alice: Bette, please. We didn’t exactly know.

Alex: Listen to her Bette. We just found out ourselves what was happening. We told Tina to stay away from her.

Bette held her hand to her chest.

Bette: And no one thought to tell me?

Alice: At that point nothing had happened between them. There was nothing to tell.

Bette was outraged.

Bette: Nothing to tell?? Are you kidding me? How about ” Gee Bette, we thought you should know that Tina’s got it bad for someone else”? How does that sound?

Alex: No one intended to keep anything from you sweetie. I’m sorry you had to find out about all of this.

Bette wiggled her way free of his embrace.

Bette: Well I’m not! I’m glad. Fuck her!

Bette turned and went straight for the door.

Alice: Wait! Where are you going?

Bette: Where ever the hell I want to.

Alice shot Alex a look of horror.

Alice: We need to tell her.

Alex: I don’t know about that Al.

Alice: Bette?

Bette spun around.

Bette: What?
Alice was all ready to tell her that they knew about the show, they knew everything. But after taking one look at Bette’s worn face she thought better of it. Alex was right; Bette had been through enough for one night, she would save the draining conversation for another time.

Alice: Nothing. Just call us if you need anything.

Bette mouthed the words “thank you” and walked out the door.





Tina stood paralyzed at the front door, unsure exactly what to do next.

Daphne: I really think I should go.

Tina: Please stay. I don’t want to be alone.

Daphne: I’ve caused enough trouble Tina. I think staying would be a bad idea.

Tina grabbed Daphne’s arm and pleaded.

Tina: Stay.

Daphne gave in with a nod.

Daphne: Ok.

Tina: Come upstairs.

Daphne looked up the winding staircase. The last place she wanted to be was in Bette Porters bedroom but she knew she would never win that fight with Tina. Silently she followed the blonde up the steps. She watched as Tina turned the knob to the bedroom and walked in.

Tina: You can have a seat over there. I’m just going to freshen up in the bathroom. I must look like a mess.

Tina was visibly shaken from her encounter with Bette and it showed across her entire face. When Bette walked out the door she wanted to chase her and beg her to come back. The problem was that Tina wasn’t sure why? She had enjoyed her time with Daphne. The new brunette made her feel appreciated and wanted. It was that reason alone that kept Tina standing in the doorway as Bette ran off. All Tina knew for a fact was that she was terribly confused. She wanted Bette back, the old Bette. The Bette that made her heart fill with love and her body soar with desire. Making her way into the bathroom, Tina closed the door and ran the water in the sink. If the water were loud enough it would cover the sound of her uncontrollable sobs.


Daphne jumped when the door to the bedroom creaked open. She should have known.

Ashley: Well Miss Daphne, it would appear that our mission has been successful.

Daphne: Ashley, please not now.

Ashley: What is your issue? I thought this is what you wanted.

Daphne: It’s not. I was wrong.

Ashley laughed causing Daphne’s skin to crawl.

Ashley: Well it’s too late now. Bette’s out the door and you’re in Tina’s bed.

Daphne: I’m in love with her.

Ashley: With who? Tina?

Ashley laughed again.

Ashley: You have to be kidding me? Tina Kennard? The woman so easily swayed and unfaithful to the woman she loves? Please she is just as selfish as Bette.

Daphne: That isn’t true. She’s just confused.

Daphne was ready to scream.

Daphne: I can’t believe I am having this conversation with a kid.

Ashley: So what are you going to do Daphne? Tell Tina the truth? You know that the truth would hurt her even more. You conspired with me to take her relationship with Bette down. Yeah that sounds real good. I’m sure she’ll fall right into you arms when you tell her that.

Daphne dropped her head into her hands.

Daphne: Fuck.

Ashley: I don’t know what your problem is. You have the role in the show you so badly wanted and you’ve got Tina, an added bonus. Something you didn’t even know you wanted until now. You should be groveling at my feet and thanking me.

Daphne stood and walked to face Ashley.

Daphne: I will never ever grovel to you Ashley. Ever.

Daphne shoved past the young woman and began her decent down the staircase.

Ashley: Where are you going?

Daphne: Home. I think we’ve done enough for one night don’t you?

Ashley shook her head in disappointment.

Daphne: I will continue this little charade of yours because I don’t want to hurt Tina anymore then we all ready have.

Ashley: Good girl.

Daphne: But answer me this Ashley, what did Bette ever do to you?

Ashley walked to the top of the steps. She starred Daphne right in the eye.

Ashley: She broke my sisters heart right before she died. There is no worse sin then that.

Daphne felt her heart crumble. This had all been in Sara’s name? She didn’t actually know Sara, but she knew enough to be certain that this isn’t what she would have wanted. At that moment Daphne’s anger toward Ashley disappeared and was replaced with sorrow. She met Ashley’s eyes and saw only sadness. The devious grin, usually spread wide across the teenagers face was gone. How had she gone so astray? Bowing her head Daphne walked down the steps and out of the apartment. The destruction that she had helped to cause was now beyond repair.




Bette hung up her phone and looked around the strange neighborhood. She let the icy cold air tease her skin. The chill it sent through her body was the only sign Bette had that she was still alive. She wanted so badly to mad at Alex and Alice but she just couldn’t. She knew in her heart that were trying to protect her and she loved them for that.

Avery: Bette?

Bette spun around to face a pair of kind green eyes.

Bette: Hi.

Avery: Hey. I’m glad you called me.

Bette: Thanks for letting me come here.

Avery: Think nothing of it.

Avery noticed Bette shivering and without hesitation she wrapped her arms around her.

Avery: You’re freezing. Let’s get you inside. My apartment is right at the end of the block.

Bette: I am sorry to be such a bother Avery. I just didn’t really know where else to go.

Avery: Stop apologizing. I am happy to help.

Bette followed silently behind, embarrassed that her usually perfect life was now such a mess. They stepped inside the small apartment and Bette immediately noticed the scent of vanilla and rose floating in the air. It was beautiful. Once her eyes were able to focus she saw just how tiny the apartment really was.

Bette: I didn’t realize you lived in a studio.

Avery: I told you, starving artist.

Bette: I can’t possible stay here Avery.

Bette looked at the bed smack in the center of the room.

Avery: Don’t be silly. Of course you can. It’s tiny but it’s comfortable.

Bette felt awful. She didn’t realize exactly how big of an intrusion she would be until now.

Avery: Would you like some coffee? I just made a fresh pot.

It was like she had read Bette’s mind.

Avery: I’ll pour the coffee while you get changed.

Bette: Changed? I don’t have any clothes with me, except the ones I’m wearing.

Avery: Oh I know.

Avery smiled sweetly. Bette watched as the young woman stood on her tippy toes to reach the sugar on the top shelf. Bette walked up behind her, taking Avery by surprise.

Bette: I’ll get it.

Bette placed her hand on Avery’s hip as she balanced herself.

Bette: Sorry.

Avery: No problem.

Bette grabbed the little box and handed it to Avery. The two had shared a moment without even realizing it.

Avery: Oh clothes, right.

Avery snapped out of her trance and remembered Bette’s plight.

Avery: In the bottom drawer of my dresser are shorts, sweat pants, t-shirts and sweaters. Help yourself.

Bette blushed. Avery had thought of everything.

Bette: Thanks.

Avery: The bathroom is the second door on the right over there. I also have extra toothbrushes under the sink, although I wouldn’t advise brushing before you drink coffee.

Bette nodded and headed into the bathroom. When she came out Avery couldn’t help but chuckle. It was a flashback to see Bette Porter dressed in plaid boxer shorts and a sweater from their college days.

Bette: It’s not funny.

Avery: Sorry, it’s just, you look adorable.

Bette: Yeah, I bet.

Avery handed Bette her cup of coffee and pointed Bette to the one chair in the apartment.

Avery: So, what happened?

Bette: You don’t want all the gory details.

Avery smiled sympathetically.

Avery: Of course I do.

Bette heaved a deep sigh before starting the saga. By the time she reached the end of the story she had tears streaming down her face. Avery leaned over and wiped them away.

Avery: I know I don’t know you very well, and I don’t know Tina at all but it seems like you two have an awful lot you were and are keeping from each other.

Bette: Awful isn’t it?

Avery nodded.

Bette: And now look at me, I’m a mess. This is so embarrassing.

Avery: its not embarrassing Bette, it’s life.

Avery once again took Bette’s hand in her own and squeezed.

Avery: I’m here for you and I’ll help however I can.

Bette: I don’t know what I can offer you in return.

Avery shook her head.

Avery: Bette I don’t want anything in return, just you.

Bette’s eyes flew open. She stood up as quickly as she could. Is that what this is about? She wanted to get her into bed?

Avery realized her mistake.

Avery: Oh wait, that came out wrong!

Bette shot Avery a doubting look.

Avery: Bette, seriously, that isn’t what I meant. When I said “just you” I meant your friendship. I don’t want or need anything more than that. The truth is I went through a similar situation just a few months ago. I was heartbroken and I had no one to turn to. If that wasn’t bad enough, the few friends I did have, I lost. I want to be there for you the way no one was for me. And when everything is said and done, I want you to confidently call me your friend.

Bette’s nervous body relaxed.

Bette: Sorry.

Bette couldn’t believe she had assumed otherwise.

Avery: It’s ok. I can’t imagine what it must be like Bette, being you. I mean everybody must want a piece of you. Whether it is directors, producers or girlfriends. They must pull you in a million different directions.

Bette nodded.

Bette: I’ve never met anyone with as pure a heart as you have. Completely selfless.

Avery: Not completely, Bette. I get a good friend out of the deal.

Bette: That’s exactly what I need right now. A friend, someone who is completely unattached to this situation. Someone who is on my side.

Avery smiled.

Avery: That’s me.

Avery opened her arms and wrapped them around Bette. Closing her eyes, Bette felt at peace. Avery placed a kiss on the top of Bette’s head and grinned from ear to ear. This was perfect.

Alex and Alice sat in silence for the next few minutes. It had been an awful day and they both just wanted it to end.

Alex: So what do we do?

Alice wasn’t listening. She was lost in her thoughts.

Alex: Al?

Alice: Oh sorry. Yeah?

Alex: What should we do?

Alice: I don’t know if there’s anything we can do.

Alex: We should call Tina though right?

That was exactly what Alice had been wondering herself. Tina had been her best friend for years and her initial instinct was to call her. But after seeing how destroyed Bette looked, Alice herself was a little angry.

Alice: I don’t. It would appear that the battle lines have been drawn. We would be well advised to stay neutral.

Alex nodded. She was right. They were Tina’s friends, but they were Bette’s too.

They sat in silence once again.

Alex: Al?

Alice: Yeah?

Alex: Can we please watch The Wizard of Oz?

Alice leaned over to her friend and kissed his cheek.

Alice: Ok. Go change into your pj’s and I’ll queue up the movie.

Alex smiled.

Alex: Thanks!

He ran off toward Alice’s bedroom like a kid on Christmas day.




Tina emerged from the bathroom expecting to find Daphne right where she left her. Much to her surprise she was gone. Tina walked to the bed and sat down. Reaching for her phone she began to dial Alice’s number but stopped herself. Alice and Alex had warned her not to continue seeing Daphne, but she didn’t listen. She couldn’t count on her friends even wanting to help her anymore. As Tina looked around the room she realized it was over. The life she had known and loved had ended. She was alone now, without a single shoulder to lean on and Tina knew, it was ALL her fault.


TBC…