Bette found herself in a strange bar, soliciting comfort from a glass of red wine. She finally had to surrender Angelica to Tina. Emotions running wild and anger growing fierce, Bette had driven all night, only to find herself in a swank bar somewhere just out of L.A. The space was dimly lit, the furniture was a crimson red and the atmosphere set the tone of desperation, and loneliness. What am I doing here? Bette thought to herself. Ordering another glass of wine, Bette’s motions were becoming obvious to her growing intoxication. Suddenly, a hand found her shoulder and a familiar voice greeted her. ‘Bette?’ It was Helena. Bette turned around, a little surprised to see her friend here. ‘What brings you to this place?’ Helena sat down, gesturing toward Bette’s drink. ‘The same thing that brings you here I assume?’ Bette smiled; Helena had just been cut off from Peggy – the pair both in a state of unwanted sadness. ‘Would you like a drink?’ Bette offered. Helena removed her white jacket, revealing a see through black halter. ‘Please.’

The two women sat in silence for a long time, Helena finally provoked conversation. ‘What’s troubling you Bette?’ Helena’s tone was very sincere and caring. ‘Tina.’ Bette choked back tears. ‘When she was with you, I was so mad,’ Bette tried to be delicate. ‘But I felt as though we still had a chance – you know? Helena placed her hand over Bette’s. ‘Now she’s with him, I feel like I’ve lost her forever.’ Helena tried to offer some closure. ‘Tina and I were merely lover’s, there was nothing more there, she was always in love with you.’ Bette’s eyes lit up for the first time in a long time. Helena had never appeared more beautiful, and Bette began to feel a slight attraction toward the woman. ‘How are you dealing?’ Helena’s chin tilted toward the ceiling as she breathed in heavily. ‘It’s going to be very difficult for me, in some ways. But in other ways, I believe it may do me some good.’ Bette stared intently into Helena’s eyes. ‘I think we both could use a bit of good in our lives at the moment.’

A deep jazz rhythm swept through the room, time was passing and alcohol was being consumed like rain into the sand of the desert. ‘And you what?’ Bette and Helena were sharing stories of their first time. It was Helena’s turn to share. ‘And, I, well, fucked her.’ The pair began to laugh hysterically. ‘We’re closing,’ a waitress informed them. ‘Where are you heading from here?’ Helena asked. Bette became nervous. ‘I’m not sure, I didn’t plan anything, and I can’t exactly go home.’ ‘Not in the state you’re in,’ Helena teased. Bette’s eyes fell from Helena’s eyes to her plunging neck line. ‘Bette,’ Helena whispered. ‘Do you want to come with me?’ Again, a deafening silence filled the atmosphere. Bette finished her drink in record time and finally replied. ‘Yes, I’d like that.’ As the women exited the bar, the street was covered in water. It was raining, you could see the water fall from illuminating street lights. ‘My god it’s raining!’ Helena shouted. Bette remained against the wall outside, sheltering herself from the rain. ‘It’s getting heavier!’ Helena stood by her friend, both staring at the stormy night sky. ‘Where is your car?’ Helena looked guilty. ‘Across the road.’ Bette complained in a childish voice. ‘Oh no, you mean we have to run out in this rain?’ Helena took Bette’s hand and lead her across the street. Their heels crashing upon the slippery asphalt. ‘Open the door, open the door!’ Bette screamed. ‘I’m trying hold on!’ Finally, they got into the car. Helena looked across at Bette in the passenger seat, her hair drenched from the rain, fell carelessly across her face. ‘Wow,’ Helena said involuntarily. Bette smiled, a little embarrassed. ‘I’m sorry, I’ve just never, seen you this way.’ Bette reached over to Helena and took her face in her hands. ‘Take me home.’ Their lips were a breath apart. ‘Where’s home,? Helena asked. Bette gave Helena a short, sweet kiss on the mouth. ‘Anywhere you’re going tonight.’

The drive home was intense. Bette tried to avert her gaze from Helena’s glistening body. Helena was having the same problem. ‘Bette,’ she whispered. ‘Are you sure you want to do this? Bette placed her hand on Helena’s thigh and stroked her softly. ‘Yes,’ she replied sweetly. ‘Yes, I do.’