The Planet
Everyone turned to look at Jodi and Tom as they stood in the entrance to The Planet. Then Max walked in behind them. Thankfully there were no customers here because Kit had closed it for lunch with the girls.
Tina (standing up): Alice take Angie in the office.
Alice (protesting): But…
Kit (pointing): Keep an eye on baby girl. She so does not need to see this shit.
Bette (watching as Alice walked into Kit’s Office with Angie): Tom she has a restraining order. I’m giving her one chance before we call the cops.
Kit (pointing): You were warned last night…
Tina (wide eyed): You were here last night when Kit had Angie…
Jodi (putting her hand up to Tom who was about to sign something to her): I want to talk with Bette. That’s all I want…
Tina (pointing): The fuck with what you want. You came near our daughter. You violated a restraining order and endangered my daughter.
Jodi (not backing up): I wanted…
Tom (looking at Jodi like now you did it): Fuck I told you….
Shane (looking at Helena and Papi who were standing with their arms folded across their chests): This is going to get messy…
Helena (looking at Bette who looked like she was ready to throw something): After what she’s done if Tina or Bette doesn’t kick her ass I will…
Papi (smirking): Save some for me…
Shane (watching wearily as Jodi signed something to Bette and Bette responded): What the fuck?
Tina (looking at Bette and then at Tom and then at Jodi): Jodi you were told to stay away from Bette, Angie, our family and me…
Max (watching Jodi): Listen it’s between Jodi and Bette why don’t you stay out of it…
Helena (angrily): Don’t you fucking talk to her like that….
Max (yelling): It’s none of your dam business.
Jodi (walking towards Bette): Bette I just want to talk with you…
Bette (shaking her head): I have nothing to say to you, Tasha call the cops. I’m done (turning around to say something to Kit and felt Jodi grab her arm hard. What happened next was unbelievable.)
Tina (yelling): Don’t you fucking touch her. Haven’t you done enough (reaching for Bette only to have her hand pushed away.) Get your fucking hands off her…
Jodi (turning and pushing Tina back and letting go of Bette): Stay the fuck out of this. You’ll only hurt her again..
Bette (trying to keep this from escalating): Jodi you need to leave…
Jodi (shoving Bette): I wanted to talk with you….
Tina (angrily): Get the fuck away from her…
Jodi swung at Tina and Tina moved out of the way reaching out and slapping her across the face. Jodi recoiled and punched Tina in the mouth. Tina shoved her, Jodi grabbed Tina and they crashed through a chair landing on the floor rolling around.
Papi and Helena stepped in front of Tom and Max in case they got any ideas.
Max (yelling to Bette): You have to have your woman fight your battles that’s not right…
Helena (turning to look at him): Tina is defending Bette something you obviously know nothing about…
Tom reaching around and trying to grab Tina until Shane put her hand on his arm.
Shane (having had enough): Get the fuck away from her…
Tom (not backing up): Shut…
Shane (shoving): I’ll kick your fucking ass.
Reluctantly Tom backed up knowing Shane would.
Helena had her arms around Bette and was watching as Kit and Papi read Max the riot act. Jodi had hit Tina and Tina was giving back as good as she got, they crashed through a table, causing glasses and dishes to fall and beak. Tina kept trying to pin Jodi and Jodi kept swinging.
Bette (struggling): Let me go…
Helena (shaking her head): No. You don’t need to get in any more trouble besides I think it’s sexy in a barbaric sort of way…
Bette (incredulously): Helena..
Helena (shaking her head): She has it under control…
Bette (biting her lip as Jodi punched Tina in the nose): Fuck Helena…
Helena (softly): She’s alright. If I didn’t think she could handle herself do you think I would be holding you or standing her for that matter. She needs this. Trust me….
Max (yelling): You’re sister is nothing but a whore. She’s a liar…
Kit (slapping him across the face): Shut the fuck up….
Tom (reaching for Kit; defending Max ): Bitch…
Papi (grabbing Tom’s arms): Go ahead. I’ll fucking break em. Give me the reason to do it.
Jodi kicked Tina in the side and Tina had managed to pull her back on the floor. Jodi said something to Tina about Bette.
Tina (punching Jodi in the mouth): You fucking bitch…
Jodi (spitting blood out of her mouth): You know something else the only thing Bette was good for is a good hard fuck. The rest of everything she sucks at. She has no idea of the meaning of the word of commitment and loyalty…
Bette (rushing through the pile of debris and sliding to a stop as she saw Tina swinging at Jodi’s face and grabbing her arm): Baby…
Tina (yelling; tackling Jodi she grabbed her by the neck and slammed her head into the floor; she punched her once twice and on the third swing Bette had grabbed her): Fuck…
Bette (wrapping her arms around her): Baby stop. Police are on the way. Stop baby please (grabbing Jodi’s arm as she swung again.) Stop or I’ll hit you so hard you won’t know your fucking name…
Helena (kneeling next to Bette and wrapping her arm around Tina gently and brushing her hair out of her face; glaring at Jodi who struggled with hitting Bette and just sitting there; Tina had kicked Jodi’s ass but Jodi wouldn’t admit defeat): Relax baby, you just lay the fuck still or I’ll finish it for her.
Kit (looking around at the two broken tables; the broken chairs and shattered glass): Tina (walking up to her; her face was a myriad of bruises and small cuts): Oh baby girl…
They heard a loud bang and then someone yelling Police….
Tasha (grabbing her wallet and her badge): Tasha Williams, Los Angeles Police. Glad you got here Kelly…
Kelly (looking around the room): What the fuck happened in here, rookie?
Tasha (rubbing the back of her head): It’s a long story. Bottom line that one (pointing to Jodi who was sitting on the floor) is Jodi Lerner she has a restraining oder. She started this whole thing…
Kelly (sighing): Tasha…
Tasha (defensively): This is my family. They’ve done nothing wrong. They were defending each other.
Kelly (motioning for the other officers): Alright. Dam rookie this place looks like…
Tasha (smirking): I know but you would never believe what precluded this….
Vince (trying to figure out what the hell happened): Dam rookie (pointing to Jodi seeing how bloody her face was) get a kit out of the back of the car. You two (pointing at Bette and Helena) stand up nice slow and keep your hands where I can see them (watching them.) Have a seat ladies.
Kelly (pressing a bandage to Jodi’s nose): Vince go easy with the blond. I’m going to send this one for an examination I think she’s in shock.
Vince (nodding): You (pointing to Tina) up nice and slow. Put your hands in front of you where I can see them. (Tina did as she was told, shakily she reached for the chair behind her and Vince helped her to sit down.) Here (handing her a bandage) she hit you first (looking at her hoping she would catch on.)
Tina (hoarsely): Yeah. After berating my fiancée and endangering my daughter.
Vince (wondering): Okay slow down here. Now start from the beginning.
Kit (getting some ice; looking around part of the dining room was totally trashed): Dam Bette you must not like these tables or something.
Two other officers walked in yelling something at Tom and Max and they were handcuffed. They were an accessory to all of this and charged as such.
Vince (taking notes): She approached your sister in law and your daughter after she was specifically told not to…
Tina (nodding; groaning as her head throbbed): Yeah.
Vince (grabbing his mike): Check the status of a restraining order for Jodi Lerner…
Tina (looking at Bette and Helena who hadn’t moved and kept watching her): Am I under arrest…
Vince (looking at her): Well from what I’ve been told she came in her, took a swing at you and wouldn’t stop. So no. (Pausing) although coffee delivered to the station wouldn’t hurt either…
Tina (catching on): Thank you.
Vince (looking for Tasha): Thank Tasha. If you had been arrested and charged, you would have been released immediately anyway after everything was checked out. You acted in self defense. Your fiancée is very lucky.
Tina (wincing as she tried to smile): No I’m the lucky one. Can I (looking a Helena and Bette?)
Vince (closing his notebook): Do you want me to get you a ambulance? I think a couple of those gashes need to be looked at.
Tina (shaking her head): No. I’ve got several people who’ll look after me.
Vince (standing): Alright. Take care of yourself Ms. Kennard.
Tasha (introducing Kelly to her friends): This is Officer Kelly Rodriguez, and Officer Vince Keaton this is Tina Kennard, Bette Porter, Helena Peabody, Shane McCutcheon, Papi Torres and Kit Porter. My girlfriend Alice is babysitting Angie for a moment.
Kelly (shaking their hands): Nice to meet all of you. Jodi’s going to the hospital to be looked at. If she’s okay we’ll book her tonight. If not we’ll wait until she’s cleared. Are you pressing charges?
Bette (looking at Tina): Yes. First she hit my fiancée, and stared a fight with her and endangered our daughter and violated a restraining order.
Kelly (looking at the other officers): You heard her let’s go. I’ll see you Tuesday, right, rookie.
Tasha (nodding): Yeah thanks.
Kit (looking around at her family; she was so grateful Tina did not get arrested): Well first things first, let me go get my first aid kit and then try to clean up some of this mess. Dam I swear you guys must not like the decor or something.
Papi (shaking her head): No they just got in the way.
Helena (brushing back her hair): We’ll help clean up I promise (turning around and helping Bette situate Tina.)
Kit (softly): As long as you all are alright then we’ll worry about the rest later (noticing how Bette and Helena were like two Rotwiellers with Tina. The rest of everyone sat as close as possible to her and helped clean her injuries.)
Alice (walking in carrying Angie; looking around at the broken chairs and tables; the shattered glass): Oh my God. What the hell happened in here? World War Three or something….
Shane (grabbing a napkin for Tina): Jodi got stupid and Tina beat the living shit out of her…
Angie (reaching for her mommas): Momma boo boo…
Tina (taking her from Alice): Yeah mommas got a lot of boo boos. You okay pumpkin.
Bette (kissing her): I don’t want her to learn this lesson…
Tina (understanding): Violence is so not the answer…
Papi (leaning over and brushing some dirt off Tina’s face): But sometimes when it comes to someone you love…
Helena (looking at Bette as she removed several pieces of glass from Tina’s hair): You have to. Dam Tina you have one hell of a temper.
Shane (blotting Tina’s lip): Jodi asked for it. Hopefully she learned her lesson.
Kit (coming out with a first aid kit) Okay my staff is on their way in. They’ll help clean up. I’m just going to close for the rest of the day. I’m in no mood to be dealing with all of this right now. Taking care of you is more important. Here (handing out gauze pads and tubes of antibiotic ointment.
Angie (handing a bandage to her Momma T): Here (pressing the wrapped bandage against a bruise on Tina’s face) all better…
Bette (laughing): That is so cute…
Helena (wiping a gash on Tina’s knuckles): Here hold still you’ve got a couple of splinters in there (pulling them out and then wiping the area with antibiotic ointment. Gently she kissed the back of Tina’s left hand and took her right hand in hers, a movement not unnoticed by Bette.)
Tina (taking a deep breath; she ached so bad right now and knew tomorrow would be worst; she couldn’t believe what Jodi had said about Bette; and she couldn’t believe how angry she got; turning her head as she felt Bette cupping her face and wiping the blood off it): I’m…
Bette (softly; taking Angie from Tina and hugging her tightly): Shh. None of that. You’re here, Angie’s here, our family’s here. That’s all that matters. Although you are going to feel this tomorrow.
Shane (standing up and getting some water for Tina): In a way that was romantic…
Kit (putting iodine on a gash on Tina’s face): Romantic but foolish. You could have gotten seriously hurt.
Papi (reaching for Angie): Here let me take her. I’ll go get her some ice cream. Give you all a chance to get yourselves together.
Tina (rubbing Angie’s hand): You sure…
Bette (looking for her purse): Here…
Papi (squeezing Bette’s shoulder): Yes I’m sure. And keep it. (Winking and carrying Angie out.)
Alice (leaning against Tasha): Dam you and Bette are like bookends…
Shane (cleaning up the medical supplies): It shouldn’t have come to this…
Kit (shaking her head; rubbing Tina’s back gently): No it shouldn’t have.
Tina (looking at the ring that Bette had given her; wrapping her arm around Bette; wincing as she did so): It shouldn’t but if I had to do it again to protect her, Angie or any of you I would.
Bette (kissing her softly; hearing Tina’s gasp): Sorry (wiping her lip with her thumb) and I appreciate it. I hope it never comes to this again.
Helena (handing Tina some Tylenol): I hope not either.
Kit (looking up as some of her employees filtered in): Well I hope she learned her lesson. Violating a restraining order shit. Anyway I’m going to start cleaning this mess. (Kissing Tina on the cheek) you need to get some rest. And you (patting her sister on the back) let her rest.
Bette (teasing): Tell her that…
Shane (laughing): I’m not going there.
Alice (looking at her watch): I’ve got an appointment to get to but later we’ll stop by make sure you’re all right…
Tasha (nodding): We’ll bring dinner. Whatever you want?
Tina (nodding): Thank you.
Shane (looking up as a tall woman in a dark suit walked in): Who’s this?
Bette (defensively): Not sure.
Kit (rolling her eyes): Sit down. (Walking over) can I help you? (The lady pulled out her badge and handed it to Kit and waited; looking up) Hi I’m Kit Porter and Bette Porter is sitting right there. Bette this is your Probation Officer Alexa Damascus.
Bette (putting her face in her hand): Shit…
Helena (standing up): Let me handle this (walking over and smiling.) Hi Officer Damascus (looking her up and down; she had long blond hair tied in a pony tail; light blue eyes and was taller than her by several inches) I’m Helena Peabody…
Alexa (shaking her hand): Nice to meet you. Now if you’ll excuse me I would like to speak with Bette Porter.
Helena (gulping): Would you like some coffee or tea?
Alexa (shaking her head): No thank you. Now which one is Bette Porter?
Helena (turning around): Here (walking towards Bette and Tina) Better Porter, Alexa Damascus.
Alexa (looking at Bette, then at Tina, then at several people cleaning up broken glass): Ms. Porter is there somewhere we can talk privately.
Bette (standing up): Officer Damascus this is my fiancée Tina Kennard, our friends Alice Piezecki, Shane McCutcheon Tasha Williams and Helena whom you’ve already met.
Alice (grabbing her purse): I’m going to get to my appointment we’ll call you later. Tina get some rest.
Tasha (taking Alice’s hand): See you all later.
Bette (nodding): Sure. Say seven my house.
Alice (smiling): That works.
Tasha (looking at Helena, Kit and Shane): See you later. It was nice meeting you.
Shane (nodding): Um I’ve got something I have to take care of so (leaning over she kissed Tina’s cheek, hugged Helena and Kit and squeezed Bette’s shoulder) nice to meet you (looking at Alexa and walking out the door.)
Alexa (wondering): Interesting.
Bette (looking at Kit’s office): Kit can we…
Kit (nodding): Sure. Take your time.
Helena (politely): Bette I’ll drive Tina home and sit with her until you get there.
Tina (not wanting but needing to lay down): Babe…
Bette (leaning down and kissing her softly and slowly): I’ll be fine. Go home and get some rest (helping her stand up with Helena’s assistance.)
Helena (wrapping her arm around her waist): Come on nice and slow. (Turning around) nice meeting you Officer.
Alexa (nodding): Same here. Now Ms. Porter….
Bette (motioning): Sure (walking towards Kit’s office.) Sorry about the mess…
Alexa (following her in): That’s what I’m here to talk with you about Ms. Porter.
Bette (sitting down): Sure.
Alexa (taking a file out of her briefcase): Here’s what I have…