Shane: Hey Al… Al! Over here when you’re ready!

“Oh, hey guys… didn’t notice you were all here, sorry!” Alice lied; her eyes met Dana’s and they both quickly looked away sheepishly. “Umm, just give me a second and I’ll be right over,” ‘Great… they’re all here,’ she said to herself ‘just get it together Alice, there’s enough drama going on at the minute without trying to deal with my awkwardness as well’. Trying to change her train of thought she asked “Shane, do you want another espresso shot?”

Shane: No, I’m good… thanks though Al.

Alice joins the group, she sits awkwardly next to Jenny, directly opposite Dana, who she couldn’t help notice entwines her fingers with Tonya’s as she sits down. Inwardly rolling her eyes she asked “So… morning everyone, what did I miss?”

Jenny: Nothing much really, we were just wondering where Bette and Tina have got to, they’re usually the first ones here in the mornings…

Alice: Oh um, yeah, about that, look Tina is gonna be staying with me for a little while.

The women all look at each other confused, even Dana sits up in her chair and dares to look at Alice directly, waiting for the news and some sort of explanation to follow.

Shane: What’s going on? Did something happen Al?

Meanwhile, Bette has been stood at the counter, watching the interaction between her friends; she knew it would only be a matter of time before they heard about Candace, but she didn’t want to face their wrath just at this moment in time. However, when she heard Jenny mention Tina’s name, Bette casually strolled up behind Shane, to hear what was being said…

Alice: (concentrating on the table, not wanting to look up) Yeah, Bette and Tina are… um… well, they aren’t exactly…

Bette: (interrupting loudly) Tina and I are having a few issues at the minute, so we’re taking some time out to clear up a few things, that’s all.

Everyone turned to look at Bette, not realising that she had been listening to their conversation, they all felt bad for prying into her private life, until Alice spoke up…

Alice: (sarcastically) Yeah, you could say that…

This time, everyone turned to look at Alice, not sure where this sudden conflict had arisen from.