Helena was handling this very difficult situation with strength and courage Tina mused as they walked out of the prison.  Prison.  Helena just didn’t know when to keep her mouth shut.  If she hadn’t insisted that it wasn’t stealing then maybe she would not have been sentenced to three to five years for grand theft.  Even if she was a model prisoner she was looking at a good year behind bars.  

They walked down the corridor and Alice held her arm.  She only caught the tail end of Alice and Shane’s conversation.

“You do need to stop hanging out with Bette so much.” Alice squeezed her arm.

Alice was crazed she thought to herself if she thought that she had any intention of spending less time with Bette. She was definitely looking for more face and any other kind of time she could get. Tina was not about to share that information with Alice though.  She answered her casually.  “Why I like spending time with her.”

“It’s not healthy.  You two cannot become best friends.  That spot is taken.” Alice squeezed Tina again.

“No worries Al, your spot in my heart is secure.” 

“Tell Porter that” Alice huffed mollified.

Tina was not surprised to find Bette on her doorstep when she opened he door to the unexpected ring.

“Hi” she smiled pleased to see her.

“Hi” Bette returned uncertainly.  “Sorry I didn’t call first.  Can we talk?”

“I’ve been waiting.”  Tina opened the door wider and pulled the brunette through the door. 

The house was quiet, Bette deliberately waited until she thought Angelica would be asleep for the night before ringing the bell. 

Tina led her to the large airy living room.  “Can I get you anything?”

“Water would be good.”

“Coming right up” Tina went to the kitchen and poured them both glasses of water.  She handed Bette hers before taking a seat across from her.   “So what’s on your mind?”

Bette almost choked on her drink.  Looking into the laughing hazel eyes she smiled. 

Tina was glad to break the intensity that seemed to grip Bette.  The only time she wanted her to look that intense was when she was contemplating how to take her to the next level.