(Moving forward now to the present, which is the next morning after Bette reads the letter, Helena had gone back to her office to fidget and wait until her mother got off the phone. ‘This isn’t right,’ she thought to herself as she pondered Alice’s phone call early that morning, telling her what happened with Bette and Tina’s letter. The phone rings.)

HELENA- “Yes, Peabody here. What? Shane?” (Helena’s face goes white.) “Shane what…is she…oh my God. Yes yes yes…ok yes. Bye.” Helena hangs up and runs out of her office into her mother’s. Peggy is startled and is about to yell at Helena while she continues her phone conversation, but she sees a horrid and ominous look on her daughter’s face.)

PEGGY- (To the person on the phone…) “Edward I’m sorry I have to go. I’ll call you later. Bye.” (Standing as she looks up at Helena.) “Helena dear…” (She walks up to her…) “What’s happened?”

HELENA- “Mummy…it’s…Shane…she just called. They were driving to San Francisco and…Mummy…”

PEGGY- “Speak child.”

HELENA- “There was an accident. Shane’s bruised up and broke a bone or two but Alice…she’s…they airlifted them to emergency…back to LA hospital.” (Peggy holds Helena and then looks at her. She yells for the secretary who runs in.)

PEGGY- “Martha, get Bette Porter on the phone now. And while you’re at it get Tina Kennard. If you can’t reach her get Bill Graham to track her down. I need this done immediately.” (She sits Helen on her office couch.) “What’s her condition?”

HELENA- “They had just arrived at the hospital and Shane was sitting waiting for the doctor to come back to see about her x-ray results. It was the first chance she had to contact us. She said all she knows is that Alice is in surgery and the doctors told her they’re doing the best they can. She said Alice was semi conscious after the accident but went unconscious before the medics came. Oh mother…this is awful.”

PEGGY- “Helena…let’s not lose hope just yet. It’s a fine hospital. Let’s go there after we track down Bette and Tina and then Kit. Helena…what were they doing going to San Francisco?”

HELENA- “Alice left a hurried voicemail on my phone. That’s why I had in to see you earlier. Apparently, things went badly after Bette returned from San Francisco and Tina changed custody arrangements so that Bette has control. She also told her that…well she seemed to end things between them…for all time. Bette, finding that out, decided to go and meet up with Jodie who has gone to her holiday place. She wants to make it work. Alice, on the other hand, wanted to save the ‘thing’ that she believes Bette and Tina still have. She felt that if Bette went to Jodie things would be irrevocably be lost so she decided to take Shane, who tried to stop her initially, and go to Tina…to bring her to her ‘senses’ as Alice put it. So she decided to drive to get Tina in time who for some reason couldn’t be reached on her cell. On the highway this pick-up was changing through 3 lanes and rammed into Alice’s car and…”

PEGGY- “Oh Helena. I don’t know what to say. Oh poor dear…that’s well meaning if not misguided.”

HELENA- “MISGUIDED? Look I agree with her, though I agree…she shouldn’t have tried to go up there. Apparently, she had left Bette in a pretty bad state last night after Bette found out what Tina had decided.” (Martha runs in…)

MARTHA- “It’s Ms. Porter on line one.”

PEGGY- (She walks over to her phone and, while standing, picks up…) “Bette? Oh thank God. Where are you?”

BETTE- “At home. I’m getting ready to leave in a bit. What’s wrong Peggy?”

PEGGY- “Bette, I’m afraid I have some bad news. Shane and Alice were in a car accident while on their way to San Francisco this morning. They’ve been airlifted to LA hospital.” (Bette’s face drops and she slowly sits down.) “Shane is a bit battered and bruised but Alice…she’s in surgery. We don’t know the prognosis. I think you best get to the hospital now. Helena and I will meet you there. And Bette, I’m trying to reach Tina. I will get her to the hospital via arrangements in San Francisco. Where’s Angelica?”

BETTE- “With kit. Myrrdin brought her there this morning.”

PEGGY- “Fine then. See you at the hospital.”

BETTE- “Peggy…what were they doing going to San Francisco?”

PEGGY- (A bit coldly…almost sarcastic…) “Apparently there was a love that needed saving and Alice, being the friend and large heart that she is, just couldn’t resist.” (Her voice almost breaks and Bette’s eyes moisten as she listens to the elder voice.) “See you at the hospital.” (She hangs up. Martha yells… ‘Mr. Graham on line 3!’ She picks up…) “Bill…it’s an emergency. I need you to contact Tina Kennard and make arrangements to fly her to LA and get her to LA hospital emergency. Where is she? Fine. Just do it and tell her she has no choice. But no details, just tell her to call me first and then I’ll have her call you to get it all done. Martha will patch you through wherever I am. Thanks. Bye. Martha! Get the car around front, now. Helena, there’s nothing we can do right now except our best to be there for Alice and your friends, all right?” (Helena nods.)

(Bette drops everything and drives to the hospital. She talks to the nurse and is directed to Shane’s emergency room bed. She embraces her and Shane, only now, starts to break down.)

BETTE- “It’s ok…it’s going to be ok.” (She pulls back gently.) “Is there any update on her condition?” (Shane shakes her head.)

SHANE- “I tried to stop her Bette…I tried but she wouldn’t listen and…what’s worse…I didn’t want to let her go alone so I went with her and…she wouldn’t let me drive…I should’ve just stopped her…I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I called you but couldn’t find you so I called Helena…Bette…my God…what if she dies Bette…”

BETTE- “No sweetie…NO…and it’s not your fault. It’s ok…it’s going to be ok…” (Says Bette as her own tears flow. A doctor enters.)

DR. PHILIPS- “Hi there. Are you Bette Porter?”

BETTE- “Yes.”

DR. PHILIPS- “Shane said you are Alice’s next of kin person.”

BETTE- “We really both are.”

DR. PHILIPS- “Well your name is on her information, so…I have some news.” (Bette holds Shane’s hand as she looks at the doctor and nods.) “Bette…Shane…Sometimes we can work miracles and save people when all seems lost, when their bodies are dealt the massive blows that your friend suffered. But sometimes all we can do is the work we know and do our best…and then hope for a miracle. The first 24 hours will be critical, but biologically, medically speaking, we did all that we could and it went well, but the fact that she is alive is a miracle that I don’t feel any of us had any role in. If she wakes up from this, I expect she’ll make a full recovery. All she’s got to do now is wake up…but that’s not an exact science. I’m hopeful. The lacerations and direct traumas to her body somehow hurt but didn’t irreparably damage any of her internal organs. So now we’ll do our best to make sure she’s healing as well and as comfortably as possible and wait for her to wake. It’s all we can do. She’ll be taken to recovery in the ICU soon.” (He nods and leaves. Bette strokes Shane as the latter squeezes her hand.)

BETTE- “It’s going to be ok. That stubborn and wonderful woman will wake up. She won’t give up…I just know it.”

SHANE- “Please Bette…stay here with us…don’t go away…Alice said…” (Bette stops her…)

BETTE- “Shh…no…no…you’re my family. That nut Alice is my sister, my friend…you’re my family…I’m not going anywhere. I don’t know what she was thinking driving to…” (She stops herself…) “I guess I’d be stupid NOT to know…I…damn it Shane I was curt with her the night before. She was trying to comfort me and make me ‘see the light’ …the one that she somehow sees but I couldn’t…I told her to leave…I…”

SHANE- “Stop…stop it…Alice loves you and Tina…and nobody was going to prevent her from trying to do what she thought was right.” (Bette looks down…)

BETTE- “In a way, this…all this….all this is my fault…”

SHANE- “Honestly, we could do without the drama…but this isn’t your fault anymore than it’s Tina’s or mine…it just…it happened…anyway…we need to focus on her now. Can we just forget Bette and Tina right now? Please?”

BETTE- (She smiles…) “Yeah…ok…done.” (Bette kisses Shane on the head.)


(Peggy walks in…)

PEGGY- “Shane, are you all right?”

SHANE- “Peggy? Hi. I think so.” (Peggy walks up to her and pats her on the back.) “It’s more Alice that I’m worried about.”

PEGGY- “I know. What did the doctors say?”

SHANE- “She’s going into ICU soon for recovery. They said there was no serious damage internally and it’s just a question of whether she’ll wake up.”

PEGGY- “Well then, I think she’ll be ok.”

SHANE- “The doctor didn’t sound too sure of that…he said it’s up for grabs whether she’s going to wake.”

PEGGY- “Well, of course dear, she could have a brain injury that’s not apparent at this point. And you know doctors, there’s always a disclaimer. We’ll just have to convince her to wake. She’s a fiery little woman, and I think she’s a woman on a mission, sad and useless mission though that may seem at times,” (Bette looks at her wearily) “but I think she’ll not be taken from us just yet. She’s needed here.” (Peggy smiles and touches Shane’s arm. As she comforts Shane she speaks matter of factly to Bette and Shane.) “My people are trying to get in touch with Tina. I think she needs to get down here as well.”

BETTE- “Thank you Peggy, it’s really good of you…”

PEGGY- “I’m not doing this for you Bette. My daughter came to me and I’m fond of Alice, so I will do whatever I can.”

BETTE- “I understand, I just…”

PEGGY- “So Shane, my dear, what sort of battle wounds did you end up with?”

SHANE- (Noticing the frigidity Peggy is showing Bette…) “Uhm…well they took x-rays and an ultra sound of my abdomen. So far, apart from the bruising, my ankle is sprained, my forearm is fractured and my ribs too…hurts like hell. But all in all, I’m pretty lucky considering.”

PEGGY- “Yoda, you’re going to be just fine! What would all your crazy lesbian friends do without Yoda anyway?” (She smiles and Shane chuckles, trying not to hurt her ribs. Bette strokes Shane’s back.) “Helena’s out front. Do you mind if I step out and give her a chance to visit?” (Shane nods.) “I’ll go and get an update, if any, from the nurse.” (She walks out.)

SHANE- “I didn’t think she knew about the ‘Yoda’ title.”

BETTE- “She knows everything it seems.”

SHANE- “She’s a lot more ‘Yoda’-like than me.” (Bette smiles.)

HELENA- “Hey…” (She walks up to Shane and hugs her, causing Shane to wince…) “OH! I’m so sorry!”

SHANE- “It’s ok Helena, I appreciate the gesture, just easy on the ribs.” (Helena takes hold of Shane’s hands.) “Did you hear about Alice?”

HELENA- “Ya. Heading for ICU I understand.”

BETTE- “Thanks for coming Helena…”

HELENA- (Looking at Shane.) “I wouldn’t dream of not being here for Shane and Alice, Bette.” (Bette looks on, a little defeated.)

BETTE- “Yes, of course.”


(Back in place that seems to its weary traveler so far away from her life and her loves, Tina sits waiting. A woman approaches.)

WOMAN- “Ms. Kennard?” (Tina looks up.) “We ready for you now. Come this way.”

TINA- “Thank you.” (Myrrdin stands with Tina and strokes her back as she wishes her well.)

MYRRDIN- “I’ll be waiting right here for you. You’ll be just fine.”

WOMAN- “Everything is going to be fine. It’s only natural to be nervous. But everyone is here to do their best and they are the best at what they do. You are in good hands.”

TINA- “Thank you.” (She smiles at Myrrdin.)

WOMAN- “I know we’ve gone over this before, but are you sure that apart you’re your friend out there there’s no one you want for us to contact?”

TINA- (Her eyes are revealing that there is…) “No, no thank you, it’s ok.” (The woman looks at her with sympathy and nods. They walk down a long hallway. Tina glances to the left and to the right, not quite knowing where her brief journey ends. The woman, at one point, gently motions her to a door to her left. The door opens. Tina enters and she takes her place as the good people joining her comfort and guide her.)

(Back in LA, Peggy is on the phone.)

PEGGY- “Well what do you mean Bill? Doesn’t her cell phone…what? Oh for pete sakes. How could you not know? Oh all right. Please, if you get word, let me know. When is she due to start? What? That long? Fine, yes…fine. Thanks. Bye.” (Bette approaches and Peggy turns to look at her.) “It seems we’re having trouble finding Tina. I don’t suppose you have a special phone number or some way of reaching that the rest of us don’t?”

BETTE- “Her cell?”

PEGGY- “It’s off and the damn mailbox is ‘full’. How odd…and silly…there should be someway to reach her. I mean what if something was wrong, God forbid, with Angelica?”

BETTE- “Well how about Myrrdin?”

PEGGY- “That’s the odd bit too…she’s not reachable. I understand she’s not expected back until it’s time for her to pick up Angelica from Kit or you. Honestly…I’m going to have to exercise my clandestine powers soon. Thank goodness for Freddy.” (Bette looks puzzled.) “My head of security at Peabody. Excuse me…” (She walks off. Bette stands there and holds her forehead, rubbing it. ‘Where the hec is she?’ Bette mumbles to herself. ‘What do I care anyway, she decided to… oh fuck it all…’ (Helena approaches.)

HELENA- “Bette, we’re going upstairs with Shane. She’s in recovery, but we’ll have to wait up there a bit before we can go in. You can either come with us now, or meet us there, it’s on the fourth floor.” (Helena doesn’t wait for a reply. She walks back to emergency where Shane is being put in a wheelchair. Helena takes the driver’s role and wheels her out and towards the elevator. Bette walks over to join them for a very quiet ride up to the fourth floor. The nurses direct them to a waiting area, where Helena and Bette take their seats next to Shane. They wait. A few hours pass. The nurse lets them know that Alice is going to be transferred soon to a room at the ICU. They wait.)

NURSE- “Ladies, okay…we’ve settled her in. Now three of you is a bit much, but if you promise to be quiet, I’ll let you in. In these cases too it’s always good to have as much positive energy as possible.” (They get up. Helena takes the diver’s position behind Shane and they follow the nurse. She takes them to a room opposite the nurse’s station. The nurse guides them in. They all approach the foot of the bed slowly. They try to take in the scene…Alice is surrounded by monitors and various lines and tubes going into her body. Bette feels her chest drop and her hand comes to her mouth as Helena feels her throat tighten. Shane’s eyes moisten as she gestures Helena to take her right up to Alice’s side. Shane slowly but assuredly takes Alice’s hand in her own. Helena moves up next to Shane, close to Alice’s head. She strokes in gently. Bette is frozen in her position.)

SHANE- “Oh Al…I’m so sorry…I shouldn’t have…” (Helena lowers herself quickly to Shane’s eye level…)

HELENA- (Whispering…) “NO…don’t Shane…she can hear us…it’s not your fault…at all. She needs you now…” (Shane nods.)

SHANE- (As she wipes her own tears, she addresses Alice…) “You crazy woman, you better wake up or I’ll give you the longest and most profound Yoda lecture you’ve every heard. You hear me Al? And I tell you what…I’m going start talking now and won’t stop until you wake.”

HELENA- (To Alice…) “That’s quite a threat Al, I really don’t want to spend the next few hours listening to Shane talk about the lesbian side of the force…”

SHANE- (Turning to Helena…) “The lesbian side of the force?”

HELENA- “Well, you know…star wars…yoda…jedi master…” (Shane shakes her head.) “What?” (Shane then turns for a moment to look at Bette…but she’s gone. Shane looks at Helena.) “We need to focus on Alice now. Bette will come to terms with it on her own.” (Shane starts talking to Alice as Helena intercedes with her own comments as the two friends comfort Alice as much as they can.)

PEGGY- (Coming upon Bette as she stands against a wall and looks out a window.) “What are you doing out here? I think your place is in there.”

BETTE- “I…I can’t. I feel like…well…you all seem to blaming me. And to be honest I feel like my friend almost sacrificed her life for my happiness.”

PEGGY- “That’s because she almost did.” (Bette turns to look at her.) “I’m in no position to be blaming you. I think Alice did what she did out of love, but she is responsible for her actions. Even Shane couldn’t stop her. It was irrational for her to drive like a madwoman, putting both herself and Shane at risk, trying to catch your Tina in time…or at least that’s what I understand of it. But clearly she loves you both very much and in the end that’s really all that matters. I think what you see from us is just frustration and the after effects of almost losing this special lady. Forget all this guilt business, because that’s more about you right now than her. Whom you love Bette is your right and your life to live. None of us have any prerogative to make you or Tina do one thing or another. But sometimes we see such promise when we look outside of ourselves. We see powerful images of true love in our friends and, Bette, it’s such a hard thing to find and preserve in one’s life. It’s so hard for those around that phenomenon, playing before their very eyes like a real life testament to the hope we all have for ourselves, to let it be lost. It’s all very silly in a way, but it’s all very profound to our own inner selves.” (She looks at her…) “Wait here.” (Peggy goes into Alice’s room. After a few moments, Helena wheels Shane out of the room and they move to the side. Peggy walks over to Bette and takes her hand. She leads her to her old friend. Bette’s tears flow as Peggy brings her to the side of the bed and Bette takes a seat and takes Alice’s right hand into her own nervous hands. Peggy leaves and joins the others. Bette stands and while holding Alice’s hand she strokes Alice’s face.)

BETTE- “Al…you’re going to be ok…I…I’m here…I won’t leave until you wake up…you hear me? I love you.”

(The afternoon turns into evening, and Bette is sitting in the same chair next to Alice, still holding her hand, as Shane has resumed her position on the other side of the bed. Helena went to get them some food.)

(Tina is in another world. The good people surrounding her are at work.)

SMITH- “Well, it’s a nasty bugger. I think we’re going to have to do a little more work than we thought, but let’s see what pathology says. It doesn’t look malignant, thank goodness.”

JONES- “How long ago was the last lumpectomy she had?”

SMITH- “I understand it was several years ago. Benign as well.”

JONES- “Lucky lady.”

SMITH- “Okay, we’re all set. Nurse, can you buzz pathology again.”

NURSE- “Yes doctor.”

INTERCOM- “Dr. Smith?”

SMITH- “Smith here. What’s the news Charlie?”

CHARLIE- (On intercom…) “She’s good to go John, all clear, it’s benign.” (The OR staff smiles and nods.)

SMITH- “Charlie, I just love to hear good news from you.”

CHARLIE- “It’s a hec of a lot of joy delivering it. Over and out guys.”

SMITH- “Bye Charlie. Okay team, let’s see if we can get this nasty growth removed. It’s kind of wedged in there a bit more than the scans revealed so it looks like this lucky lady is going to be spending a little more time at San Fran General than she’d probably like.”

NURSE- “I’m sure she’ll happily do so doctor!”

SMITH- “I’m so glad for her, she seemed so sad and alone. Let’s give her a renewed perspective…ok Jim, let’s get started.”

JIM DENISE- “Yes doctor.”

(Late into the evening in LA, something stirs…)

SHANE- “Hey…Bette…look…” (Bette looks at Alice… her head is moving slowly from side to side. She moans. Bette stands next to her.)

BETTE- “Alice, sweetie? I’m here…we’re here. Shane and Helena and me. It’s Bette sweetie. We’re all here.” (Alice’s head is moving slightly and her lips start to move. Slowly, her eyes open. She looks up at Bette and Shane, who has stood from her wheelchair, and Helena next to Shane. They all smile. Alice winces and emits small moans.) “Al, it’s ok…I know sweetie…it hurts…it’s ok.” (Helena pushes the nurse’s button. A few seconds later the nurse rushes in. She moves up near Bette and looks carefully at Alice.)

ALICE- (Focusing now on Shane…and whispering at first as she struggles to talk…) “Shane? Shane?” (Shane is directly over her and stroking her head.) “Shane are you ok? Am I…are we alive?” (Shane nods.) “Shane…it hurts…its hurts all over…Shane I’m so sorry…I’m so sorry…” (She begins to cry. Shane shakes her head and strokes Alice’s.)

SHANE- “No, it’s ok…we’re fine Al. You’re going to be ok my friend.” (Bette kisses Alice’s hand and strokes her head. With tears streaming from her face Alice looks at Bette.)

BETTE- “Sweetie everything is going to be fine.”

ALICE- “Where…where is she?”

BETTE- “Who sweetie?”

ALICE- “Did I make it?” (Bette looks at Shane.)

SHANE- “Yes…you made it…you’re going to be ok.”

ALICE- (She looks at Bette…) “We didn’t make it there did we?” (Bette doesn’t know what to say.)

SHANE- “Al…it’s all ok. We’re going to be fine. I’m just battered and bruised a bit, and when you’re all better I might give you a piece of my mind…but we’re both going to be just fine…we both made it.”

ALICE- “Yoda, you’re a sight for sore eyes, but we didn’t make it to San Francisco did we?” (Shane shakes her head.)

SHANE- “But Al, Bette’s here…she didn’t make it out of town either…”

BETTE- (She smiles at Alice and tries to bring some humour into the situation…) “Yeah…thanks to you Alice…I didn’t leave…you nutty woman…I’m here. You know you could’ve just bribed me or something…instead you created this whole deal to make me stay…it’s pretty dramatic, even for you!”

ALICE- “Mission half accomplished I guess…” (She smiles at first but then her eyes reveal a sadder conclusion. Bette all but winces at the observation, feeling her heart sink at her friend’s words.)

HELENA- (She steps in…) “Alice, my crazy friend, can we get you anything?”

ALICE- “Hey Peabody…”

NURSE- (She’s a large older woman…) “All right ladies, let me get in there now.” (The women step aside to let the nurse in. After checking her over…) “Ok Miss Alice, welcome back. I’ve got to get the doctor in here to have a look, so you take it easy. You’ve got the morphine drip there to assist with the pain. But I think you’re doing pretty well so far. I’ll be back.” (She leaves. Helena moves up with Shane and Bette holds Alice’s hand again. They talk to her about anything and everything BUT her ‘mission’. They do their best to comfort her through the bouts of pain until finally she falls asleep.

The next morning, Bette is getting ready to leave for the hospital when a knock is heard at her door. She opens it and lets the unexpected guest in.)

BETTE- “What’s wrong? Is Alice ok?”

PEGGY- “Yes, she’s fine. I was actually just there. I couldn’t sleep much. Woke up at 5 am by a phone call.” (Bette looks at her curiously.) “Bette get your things. We’re going to the airport and we’re taking the Peabody jet to San Francisco. We should be back by late today.”

BETTE- “What are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere except to Alice’s side. And that’s ridiculous…why on earth would I go to San Francisco now?”

PEGGY- “Someone else needs you by her side.”

BETTE- “WHAT? Are you crazy?”

PEGGY- “Perhaps as crazy as Alice, but I just have the means to accommodate my mental affliction.”

BETTE- “What do you mean? I’m NOT going to chase her, even for Alice…that’s nuts. I’m sure that your people will find her and if she’s at least a little the person I knew, she’ll come to be with Alice. It has nothing to do with me.”

PEGGY- “My people found her, dear.”

BETTE- “Good, so deliver the message and let her do whatever the fuck she wants. But really Peggy, to think that I could fly all the way to San Francisco to fetch her…to beg and plead with her…NO…that’s ridiculous and especially coming from you…what’s wrong with you anyway? I expect this from Alice, but not from you…Peggy honestly…”

PEGGY- “She needs you Bette.”

BETTE- “She doesn’t need me anymore…she doesn’t…Peggy it’s done…she made it clear…her life is not going to include me.” (Peggy walks up to Bette and puts both hands on each of Bette’s arms. She looks at Bette’s eyes as they dart side to side trying to understand why Peggy seems to be so irrational.) “Peggy…this is ridiculous…she…”

PEGGY- “SHE…she, right now, is lying in a hospital bed after undergoing extensive surgery to remove a lump in her breast that they told her prior to surgery had a %50 chance of being malignant. It, thank God, is not.” (Peggy’s eyes now dart from side to side as she gazes upon Bette’s orbs as they frantically try to make sense of the sounds that came from Peggy’s mouth. Bette sighs and tries to say something but her voice escapes her and she shakes her head, her eyebrows coming together. Peggy embraces her as Bette releases into the older woman with all her pain. Peggy strokes her head and back.) “She’s at San Francisco General. It was to be only day surgery yesterday but it was a little more extensive and she’s being discharged late today. She’s ok Bette…she’s going to be fine. But whether she has the strength to have you part of her life or not, I suspect that she needs your strength now regardless. She went there alone Bette. She went through all that alone. She probably made the move to make sure that if things were going to be bad that she couldn’t rely on you…not because of your sympathy. Think of how scared she was. Think of the fear and loneliness. Tell me you don’t truly believe she wanted YOU there more than anything. Now…let’s go. The flight plan is approved so we need to get going.”

(Later that day, at the hospital, Helena has taken gourmet takeout food into Alice’s room so that the girls could have lunch while Alice regales them with the story of how Shane had to deal with three girlfriends on one night. No one knew why Bette and Peggy were gone. Helena was just told to let Alice know that Bette would be back tonight and that she had to attend to Angelica, and that Peggy had a company emergency. The friends took in the sights and sounds of their Alice and enjoyed every second of her.

In San Francisco, Peggy arrives on the fifth floor ward and sees Myrrdin coming in her direction.)

MYRRDIN- “Mrs. Peabody!”

PEGGY- “Myrrdin, is she ok?”

MYRRDIN- “Yes ma’am. I’m sorry about…”

PEGGY- “It’s ok Myrrdin, you did the right thing.”

MYRRDIN- “She’s napping, Mrs. Peabody. But she’s quite well. She’s happy to be leaving here. The doctors were wonderful. She has some difficulty lifting her left arm, and she has to be careful, but otherwise she’s all right.”

PEGGY- “Very good Myrrdin, I’m happy to hear it. Would you please wait outside her room? Don’t let anyone in. Ms. Porter here is going to go visit with Ms. Kennard.”

MYRRDIN- “Yes ma’am! My pleasure.”

(Peggy nods to Bette, who takes what feels like a very long walk to the door of Tina’s room. She had done a lot of crying in Peggy’s arms that morning and then on the plane. She was drained, both from Alice’s predicament and now this. She slowly opens the door. At the sight of the form on the bed, it was like seeing Alice for the first time all over again, except now her heart almost stopped and it was all she could do to stop herself from collapsing. The upper part of the bed was raised, so Tina was almost in an upright position. Bette lifts her heavy legs and walks over to the sleeping Tina. She walks over to the right side of the bed. Bette gazes at Tina’s face and sits on the bed. She raises her right hand and softly, with the back of her fingers, strokes Tina’s face as her left hand takes Tina’s right. The blonde begins to stir. She opens her eyes the split second after her gut tells her who is touching her and she realizes this wasn’t a dream. She blinks to make sure…)

TINA- “Bette?” (Bette nods and smiles slightly.) “Bette…” (Her voice breaks…) “Bette…” (Her tears gather…) “How…I…” (As Bette grasps Tina’s hand in both of her own, her tears release.) “I…it’s all been so…how did you?…Oh Bette I couldn’t…it was so frightening.” (Bette nods as she tilts her head a bit.) “I couldn’t tell anyone…I didn’t want you to change your life for me…for the wrong reasons…again…I…how did you…oh Bette…I was so scared…after what happened to Dana I just…” (her voice breaks as Bette consoles her by holding and stroking her hand.) “I…I meant what I said in that letter…I love you but I …” (Bette holds her hand but raises her one hand to touch Tina’s lips.)

BETTE- (She shakes her head. As Tina stops talking and Bette’s wipes the tears from Tina’s face…) “I don’t care. I don’t care about any of it. I meant what I said to you when I was here last. I don’t know what else to do or to say. I don’t know where life will take us next. I don’t know what you ultimately will want to do. It pains me to no end to know that you went through all this virtually alone…and without me. It seems I almost lost one of my dearest friends and you too. I don’t care about anything anymore, about reasons, about the past, about why, what, how…we have some things to talk about, but come hell or high water, come what may, whatever our futures hold for us, whether they be somewhat separate or joined inexorably as I know in my heart and as our friends seem to know with endless conviction…this” (she takes Tina’s hand and places it on her heart, and refers to that letter of Tina’s she read the other night…)… “THIS doesn’t have a return policy…there’s no returning it…it’s yours…” (She bends down and kisses Tina’s cheek and whispers into her ear…) “I love you.” (Tina cries as she snuggles her face next to Bette’s. After a few moments, Bette slowly moves away and holds Tina’s hand again with both of her own.) “Now, I understand you’re being discharged today. I have to take you home. There’s a certain friend who had a mission…and a wish…I don’t know if it’ll quite come true, but she needs to see you.”

TINA- “What do you mean?”

BETTE- “I’ll explain on the Peabody jet. Peggy’s here too. We’re flying back with you.” (They sit and talk for a bit about the surgery and Tina’s fears about it and how things developed. Peggy walks in after a while and grasps Tina’s other hand gently. She’s smiling as she notices how Bette is holding Tina’s hand and how they never seem to let go. They talk for some more. After some time they depart the hospital with Myrrdin and head for home.)

(At the hospital, a few hours later, Helena and Shane are coming back up from the cafeteria and are approaching Alice’s room when they turn to address the image that triggered their periphery vision. Bette and Tina, with Peggy in tow and Myrrdin holding a couple of bags, approach. Tina looks tired and the results of surgery aren’t visible. They all look at one another as Tina takes Shane’s hand and kisses her on the head.)

TINA- “You ok?”

SHANE- “You came.”

TINA- “Of course. It’s good to see you.”

SHANE- “We…I..”

TINA- “I love you.” (She kisses her hand and Shane wipes a tear…)

SHANE- “Alice will be really happy to see you.”

TINA- “How is she?”

SHANE- “Ok. Very sore, but ok. She’s sleeping.”

BETTE- “Will you guys wait here.” (They nod. Bette and Tina go into the room. Tina is stunned, both at the site of Alice plugged up to all the machines and at her own body’s reaction to seeing her friend in that state. She’s emotional at the site but makes her way to Alice’s bed. She takes Alice’s left hand as Bette takes the other. Tina strokes Alice’s face as the tears flow down her own face. They stand there for what seems like the longest time, until Alice starts revisiting consciousness. Her eyes open slightly and then ever so wide…She looks to the left and then to the right. She takes in the sight of Tina and then back again to look at Bette. She blinks a few times and then repeats a third and second look, moving side to side, as Bette and Tina smile at her.)

ALICE- “Well…don’t just stand there…give me a kiss or something…” (Tina and Bette chuckle as they lower to place almost simultaneous kisses on Alice’s cheeks.) “The things I do for you two! Geez.” (Tina sits on the bed.) “So, Kennard. Come all the way back from San Fran just to see me?”

TINA- “Yes ma’am.”

ALICE- “Well, I know you’re likely just visiting, but I’m really glad to see you…and Porter over here too…both of you. I know you’re just doing this for me, showing a united front and all for me…but…”

TINA- “Alice…”

ALICE- “What?”

TINA- “You nut! What the fuck were you thinking! You’re lucky you’re alive because I swear I would’ve beat you senseless. Honestly!”

ALICE- “Hey!”

TINA- “I love you, you nut. But you ever pull anything like this ever again, and I’ll revoke all earth mother privileges…understand?!” (Alice nods but tries to talk…)

BETTE- “Really Alice…”

TINA- “I’m here for YOU. But…” (She looks at Bette.) “well, LA’s my home, so you better get your sorry ass better …”

ALICE- “You mean…”

TINA- “NO…I’m going to come home. I can’t live without you guys in my life more than for really short periods…so I’ll be resuming my life here. AND DON’T start with me…let me and Bette figure the rest out. But it doesn’t matter…whatever life I lead, it’ll be here…with my family. And I haven’t come back because of your crazy stunt, I’m back because I love you, all of you…Ok?”

ALICE- “So I did all this for nothing huh?”

TINA- “No, you almost lost your life for two lost souls who love you dearly.”

BETTE- “Yeah…” (Looking at Tina and then Alice…) “What SHE said.”

ALICE- “Porter, you’re such a boob.”

TINA- “Really…couldn’t you think of something more original to say?”

BETTE- “Hey…I…” (The big burly nurse comes in and she’s bringing the basin with some towels.) “Oh…looks like we better step out.” (Bette and Tina continue holding Alice’s hand. Nurse Betty comes up to Alice’s bed.)

NURSE- “So there Miss Alice…time for a bit of a cleaning…time I scrubbed ya down…” (Alice looks at Bette and then at Tina with a look of fear and almost hearing the warped sounds of the Psycho movie soundtrack…Bette looks at Tina with her eyes having almost as much fear as Alice’s.)

TINA- “Uhhm…nurse.”

NURSE- “Yes deary, what can I do for you?”

TINA- (She looks at Alice then at Bette and smiles.) “I think my friend here and I can take care of that.”

BETTE- “Oh you’re not serious!” (Tina nods and when Bette looks at Alice, Alice grins and her eyes are dancing as she nods her head.) “NO…I…”

TINA- “BETTE!”

ALICE- “Woo hoo…”

TINA- (Giving Alice a bit of a stern look…) “Don’t!”

ALICE- (She grins…) “Sorry…I just…well you know…”

TINA- “Uh huh.”

NURSE- “All right ladies, I’m off. Just be very gentle around the wound and don’t even go near the gauze. I’ll be just outside if you need anything.” (The nurse goes outside and the gang look at her wondering what’s going on.) “They must be really good friends to agree to bathe her and everything.” (She smiles and walks off.)

PEGGY- “You’re kidding…”

HELENA- “Oh my…”

SHANE- “She’s in heaven…” (The slowly open the door to take a peak at the bit of heaven.)

ALICE- “Ohh yesss, a little round there again if you could…”

TINA- “Alice!”

ALICE- “What? I just want to make sure you’re thorough.”

BETTE- “I bet!”

ALICE- “You’re just jealous Porter.”

BETTE- “Alice I don’t care if you’re wounded I WILL smack you!”

TINA- “HEY! Easy!”

ALICE- “Yeah Porter…” (Alice is beyond grinning as Tina chuckles.)

BETTE- “Gaaaaawwwd…I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

PEGGY- “Wow ladies, you really missed your calling. Having fun Alice?” (The others chuckle at the door as Bette turns and throws a sponge and they retreat closing the door.)

ALICE- (Starting to laugh with Tina but wincing in pain.)

TINA- (She grasps her to make sure she’s ok while Bette worries about hearing the pain and stops to make sure Alice is all right.) “Hey kiddo, take it easy? You ok?” (Alice nods…)

ALICE- “It really hurts to laugh. I’m ok…” (She looks at both of them as they focus on her…) “Ok…continue…bathe…go on…”

BETTE- “When you get better, I’m going to…”

TINA- “You’ll do nothing of the kind…wash…” (She hands her a wet soapy towel. Bette smirks and follows orders.) “Now, Alice, would you please shut up and let us do our work?”

ALICE- “Oh yeah!” (Tina gives her a look.) “Ok…yep…uh huh…no more interruptions…promise…” (Tina smiles and nods her head as Bette smirks and resumes the careful and gentle washing of her best friend.)


THE END, such as it is.