(In the last instalment, the chapter ended with the happy couple having a bit of an interlude on the floor of their bedroom with Grizzi and Peggy having unknowingly interrupted them and walked off.)

Chapter 6

BETTE- (Laying on top of a certain blonde…Laboured breathe…) “Why does it almost feel like I’ve never been with you or like we haven’t done that in months…or years?”

TINA- (Moving Bette’s face from the side of Tina’s head where it lay to in front of Tina’s face…) “Wasn’t that you in my bed just the other day? Or was that my longtime girlfriend who has been pleasing me on the side while you’ve been off corrupting young budding art students?”

BETTE- “I think that was me…”

TINA- “Bette…”

BETTE- “What?”

TINA- “What what? What are you saying? Are you telling me that this one roll on the floor was so good that it’s reminded you that our love life the past months or even years pales in comparison? I haven’t been satisfying you all this time until now…on the floor, with visitors poking their heads into our bedroom?”

BETTE- (A little nervous at Tina’s sudden seriousness…) “Uhhh…no…I wasn’t saying that at all…I’m just…”

TINA- “WHAT? Just what?”

BETTE- “Tina I…wait…what do you mean corrupting the students?”

TINA- “Get off…” (She puts her hands down on the floor from having held Bette’s face.)

BETTE- “Why? T…”

TINA- “Now…please get off of me…I’m not a teenager…get up…”

BETTE- (She starts to move off Tina…) “I’m not exactly…” (As she’s moving off of her mate, Tina shoves her a bit as she starts to get out from under her and Bette falls onto her side…) “Hey…” (Tina gets up and puts her clothes on…) “Tina…” (She starts to stand and puts her hand on Tina’s face…) “T…” (Tina moves away and her bare chest brushes against Bette in the process, something Tina can’t ignore but pretends to while Bette’s own body instinctively reacts to the passing touch…the effect after over 25 years still doesn’t fail…)

TINA- “T? Uh huh…yeah…” (She gathers her clothing and moves away.)

BETTE- “Tina wait a minute, what’s going on?”

TINA- “We have guests.”

BETTE- “Tina please…this is crazy…” (Tina walks off and out the door as Bette calls out to her. Bette is not sure what to do and just stands there for a few moments with her hand on her forehead and her other hand on her waste. She turns where she’s standing and sits on the bed.) “What the hec was THAT?” (A knock is heard. The door opens…)

ANGELICA- “Mom?” (Bette looks up…) “You ok?” (Bette throws her hands up and then they drop. Angelica comes over and sits down after kissing Bette on the head.) “What’s up professor Porter? You in the dog house?” (Bette looks at her a little surprised…) “I saw mom and asked her where you were. She kind of grumbled and grunted and mumbled something incoherent…reminds me of the time you broke her crystal statuette that she liked so much…” (Bette smiles and looks at Angelica who talks to her matter of factly…) “No I’m not still mad at you…but it’s only temporary…until mom gets over what she’s miffed about…I can’t bare to be mean to you while your in her bad books…that always broke your spirit like nothing else I’ve ever seen. So…mother…I’m taking pity on you…for now.”

BETTE- “When did you become such an obnoxious child of mine?”

ANGELICA- “Oh I’m just being highly principled…like I was taught…Professor Porter…”

BETTE- “Oh shut up.”

ANGELICA- (Taking Bette in her arms to comfort her, somewhat jokingly…) “There there mother Porter…it’s ok. Did you take a nap or something? Your clothes are all…Eeeeewwwwhhhh….” (She pulls back a bit…) “You were both in here…oh boy…real lover’s quarrel huh?”

BETTE- “I am NOT having that discussion with you.”

ANGELICA- “I’m in college.”

BETTE- “I’m your mother.”

ANGELICA- “And I am the product of your love…”

BETTE- “Oh God, don’t remind me…”

ANGELICA- “WHAT????”

BETTE- “No no no…I mean…it was bad…I wasn’t there…I mean…oh for fuck sakes….I mean…frig…it was all my fault and I was devastated that I wasn’t there for that part …the producing part…and…I’m sorry…you are the product of our love but hearing that phrase reminds me of how I almost totally messed it up…almost irreparably. I don’t know why those memories are so current suddenly.”

ANGELA- “Oh yes…the big break up…I remember the story. Correction…the really big break up was after that. But that was your first big break up and I was conceived by…who was it? Oh yeah…Dr. Wilson. And mom was going to surprise you but…”

BETTE- “Angie…”

ANGELICA- “Mom come on, that’s ancient history. What happened in here earlier anyway? And I mean just before she walked out…”

BETTE- “I just said something and it rubbed her the wrong way…totally the wrong way. I haven’t seen her this upset for a long time.”

ANGELICA- “What did you say?”

BETTE- “I just…ok, we’re NOT having this discussion.” (There’s a knock at the door and it opens.)

ALICE- “Porter conference in here? Ok Mamma B, what did you do?” (She walks over.)

BETTE- “Oh God…what did she tell you?”

ALICE- “You mean apart from grunts and mumbles and looking something fierce at the mere mention of your name…beats me…she didn’t exactly seem like she was in the mood to explain.”

BETTE- “Alice I don’t understand…I just… I just said something and she took it the wrong way and…well…I don’t even know what…UGH…”

ANGELICA- (Kisses her on the side of her face as she hugs her and gets up…) “I better get out there and leave you two old ladies to chat of matters beyond my comprehension.”

ALICE- “When did you get so obnoxious my goddaughter?” (Bette looks at Alice…) “What?” (Bette and Angelica look at one another and chuckle. Angelica leaves.) “Ok Porter, what’s going on?”

BETTE- “We just…we had an impromptu…you know…just an interlude…on the floor and I just commented how it almost felt like we had not been together before or something…or like we hadn’t been together for a while…”

ALICE- “Woe there Porter…”

BETTE- “What?”

ALICE- “You basically just told her that your sex life has been crappy for a while…it mighta been news to her…ya know?”

BETTE- “NO NO NO…it hasn’t been crappy…it’s been as wonderful as always…that’s not what I meant…”

ALICE- “What DID you mean?”

BETTE- “Alice you’re both totally misconstruing what I said…”

ALICE- “You’re the one that just described making love to your life partner as just an ‘interlude’…and you told her it was basically the best sex you’ve had in a while.”

BETTE- “THAT’S NOT WHAT I MEANT!”

ALICE- (Loudly back at her…) “WHAT DID YOU MEAN????”

BETTE- “That it’s so amazing when we make love that it feels almost like the first time, almost every time! It’s a complement Al!”

ALICE- “That’s not what you said…that’s not what she heard. Just talk to her.”

BETTE- “I don’t understand. This is so silly. She’s being silly Alice.”

ALICE- “Things sometimes get a little hairy. Angie’s going off again, you’re both working harder than ever, things moving, time not standing still…it happens…the stress, the stuff, the…”

BETTE- “The craziness. Your earth child is driving me bonkers. I think she’s been hanging out too much with you.”

ALICE- “Clearly she hasn’t been hanging out with me enough!”

BETTE- “Alice you know she’s going away and I’m not sure.”

ALICE- “Not sure of what?”

BETTE- (She turns to look at her…) “I don’t want her to go.”

ALICE- (A bit sarcastic…) “No shit?”

BETTE- (She smirks and bows her head.) “I’ve been so lucky to have her in my life and I’ve taken full advantage of that all these years, especially after Tina and I had broken up.”

ALICE- “You mean after the near kidnapping after you broke up?”

BETTE- “Whatever, you know what I mean.”

ALICE- “Empty nest syndrome. What else is new? You know she’s not disappearing or leaving you. You gotta get a grip about it…put it into perspective. It’s only natural you’re going to go through this separation anxiety phase for a bit, but in the process don’t forget she’s still a huge part of your life, no matter where she goes, and that she may be going off into the world a bit more directly, but also there is someone still very much a part of your life right here and she’s going to need you as much as you need her. Even though cognitively she knows it isn’t so, careful not to make it seem like Tina is the consolation prize.”

BETTE- “That’s crazy…”

ALICE- “I know…just realize that this is another phase in your relationship and don’t forget to pay it some respect. As for Kennard…she’s dealing with both you and my earth child getting intense…that’s a handful…mamma porter and porter junior going at it…it’s a lot and she has her own feelings to deal with. Her daughter’s going away more and you’re both busy and she’s needing you a lot these days. And B…she’s getting to that age…you know…it’s hard.”

BETTE- “Funny, you sound like you have a clue. Who would have thought a couple of decades ago that we would be having this kind of conversation, with sage words spewing from your mouth?”

ALICE- “I guess it’s old age…that and being an earth mother for so many years…it creates much wisdom…especially about Porters!” (They both chuckle.) “And you…what’s up with corrupting the youth…both sexes I might add…”

BETTE- “What?”

ALICE- “Your students Porter…they’re gaga over you…Coo Coo Ca Choo…”

BETTE- “That’s ridiculous.” (The door opens after a knock. Both look to the door.)

SHANE- “Hey, you guys having a summit in here or what?”

BETTE- “Come on in…”

SHANE- “Sorry Bette, I wouldn’t intrude but I saw Tina and made the mistake of asking where you were. You ok? She seemed just a wee bit annoyed.”

ALICE- “Kennard’s on a rampage eh? Porter you really messed up again.”

SHANE- “Alice!”

BETTE- “She’s right. Though I can’t figure out what I did exactly. Now I’ve got both of my women angry with me. At least Angie is giving me some amnesty.”

SHANE- “Yeah, she must be too distracted with your Stephen to give you a hard time.” (Both Bette and Alice look at Shane.) “They’re off chatting away aside from the guests. Looks like they’re having a pretty good time.”

BETTE- “Steve?”

SHANE- “Yeah…your student right?”

BETTE- “Yeah. But Angie was just in here.”

SHANE- “She was with him before she came in here.”

ALICE- “Well, looks like we have a new match maybe…”

BETTE- “Alice they’re just chatting.”

SHANE- “I dunno, they looked pretty enthralled with one another. He looked awe struck when she first walked into the house.”

ALICE- “Sure, it’s a dream come true…it’s the original Porter except this one’s closer to his own age.”

SHANE- “What????” (Bette slaps Alice upside the head though not with much force.)

ALICE- “Hey!!!!!”

BETTE- “You’re getting on my nerves.”

ALICE- “Well it’s true.”

BETTE- “Alice…”

SHANE- “Hey I don’t know much about men, but I know enough of the ladies to know he’s interested in her. And she seems pretty taken too.”

BETTE- “Oh and what…you ascertained this in a few minutes Yoda?”

ALICE- “We always did call her Yoda for a reason you know…”

BETTE- “No offence but I really don’t think…anyway…”

ALICE- “You’re such a hardass.”

BETTE- “No, I’m just being logical. You two seem to be drawing conclusions out of thin air.”

SHANE- “Hey it’s no big deal.”

BETTE- “It’s no deal at all.”

ALICE- “Hey!”

BETTE- “What?!”

ALICE- “You’re acting like Kennard…what’s the problem? So the kids get along. Take it easy Dean Porter. Besides, now you don’t have to worry about robbing the cradle…” (Bette tries to smack her upside the head again but Alice moves in time causing the both of them to fall into one another and Shane sitting next to them. They start pillow fighting and the door opens as they continue their play fighting and laughing…)

GRIZZI – (Grizzi and Peggy are at the threshold. Their knock wasn’t heard. They take half a step in as they watch the melee.) “Is this a really strange way of communicating or are three grown women pillow fighting?”

PEGGY- “I think it’s just three extremely grown women pillow fighting.”

GRIZZI- “You sure?”

PEGGY- “Don’t be obtuse.”

GRIZZI- (She calls out to them…) “Ladies…oh ladies…” (The three suddenly stop as they realize they have company. Bette turns beat red as Alice and Shane compose themselves.) “Sorry…we knocked but…well…no trouble, but we just thought we’d check in on the fun in here. Everyone seems to be walking in here and coming out ‘transformed’ so we thought we’d make sure everything’s all right and maybe share in the fun.”

PEGGY- “Yes and since Tina and your two students are chatting it up with Helena, we found ourselves looking for excitement. Will we each need a pillow?”

BETTE- “No…I mean we…well, we were just…”

ALICE- “Having a lively debate…”

SHANE- “Yeah, you know, letting it all out.” (Grizzi and Peggy chuckle.)

PEGGY- “You have a very healthy relationship apparently.”

GRIZZI- “Yes, perhaps Peggy and I should take a hint. I wouldn’t mind throwing a pillow at the old braud.”

PEGGY- “You just try it old woman and I’ll knock you out like a rag doll.”

GRIZZI- (To the pillow fighters about Peggy…) “Feelings of inferiority I think…”

PEGGY- (To Grizzi…) “Oh really? Grab a pillow and we’ll see.” (The pillow fighters chuckle a bit as they look at the older women.)

GRIZZI- “No no, I don’t take advantage of the disabled.” (The pillow fighters look scared…waiting for just about everything to hit the fan…)

PEGGY- “Bette hand me a pillow so I can put this boob in a wheelchair…level the playing field just a bit!”

GRIZZI- (To the pillow fighters…) “I try to be fair and all I get is hostility.”

PEGGY- “I’ll always have the unfair advantage over you my dear…you’ll never quite be a match for me.”

GRIZZI- “Oh shut up Peabody.” (She wheels her over to the bed as the others recover their composure and sit on the edge of the bed.)

PEGGY- “So, that Steven is a nice boy. He seems to be engaging Angelica intellectually quite well.”

GRIZZI- “Yes, so much so that Helena, Tina, and your other student Gerri are watching them engage in rather intense discourse on…what is it Peggy they were discussing?”

PEGGY- “The social value of obscene and grotesque art.”

GRIZZI- (To Peggy…) “Very interesting actually.”

PEGGY- “Fascinating. So why did we leave? They’re pillow fighting in here.”

GRIZZI- “It’s Friday night, I don’t want to use my mind.”

PEGGY- “Grizzi dear…”

GRIZZI- (Interrupting her knowing a smart ass reply is in the offing…) “PEGGY…”

PEGGY- “Oh all right! So, ladies, what exactly were you debating in here?”

ALICE- “Not much. Professor Porter’s inamoured students and Angelica’s new flame.”

SHANE- “Brilliant…”

ALICE- “What?”

PEGGY- “Her students?”

GRIZZI- (She suddenly seems serious…) “Professor Porter? Something I need to know about?” (The pillow fighters strike a pose…deer in headlights.)

BETTE- (Looking a little flabbergasted…) “No no…well, I don’t think so…I mean…”

GRIZZI- “Enamored with whom?”

PEGGY- “With professor Porter obviously.”

GRIZZI- “Your students are…”

PEGGY- “Enamored with the beautiful Professor Porter! Oh come on Grizzi, if you were their age wouldn’t you be too?”

GRIZZI- “Oh GAWD…please telling me there was no touching involved…I mean in this day and age…can you imagine…uhhh the scandal…” (She holds her head as she sits on the bed.)

BETTE- “NO NO NO…absolutely not…”

ALICE- (She tries to salvage the little mess …) “NO no no no…not even close…I’m sorry I was just ridiculing her. Bette here is totally clueless. We’ve just been poking fun at her about her students seeming to be…well…”

SHANE- “It’s just idle talk among us. Nothing at all has happened or would ever happen…” (Bette’s shaking her head.) “We’ve…well some of us…having been poking fun today as Alice said because her students seem so taken by her…but nothing of any sort has occurred…”

PEGGY- “Easy there ladies, the next thing you know you’ll be saying there were ‘no sexual relations’ or something…”

GRIZZI- “Bette?”

BETTE- “Grizzi it’s nothing. Really, I had no idea. Nothing at all has ever happened…it’s just…my friends are just drawing conclusions…”

GRIZZI- (Addressing everyone but Bette…) “Ladies do you think you could give us some privacy?”

PEGGY- “Oh come on now Grizzi let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill. Don’t be so anal.” (The door opens and Tina walks in.)

TINA- “Everything ok in here?” (She walks over and everyone is looking troubled.)

PEGGY- “Nothing terribly serious, just talking about how taken Bette’s students are with her…” (Turning to Grizzi to make a point…) “A perfectly natural phenomenon.”

TINA- “Oh my, I didn’t think anyone knew about Gerri.” (Everyone looks at Tina and she realizes she may have spoken too quickly.)

BETTE- “Gerri? What about Gerri?”

TINA- “I was trying to tell you earlier but…” (She stops, not sure what to say…)

GRIZZI- “Bette?”

PEGGY- “All right ladies, let’s leave these three to talk. Come on…let’s go.” (Alice and Shane pat Bette on the arm as they walk out. Grizzi sits next to Bette. Tina mouths ‘I’m sorry…’ to Bette as she sits next to her on the other side.)