She turns to the board. Approaching it, she puts her hand over Tinas name. Tracing the line back to her own name. She paused. I think she sees it nowthe newly added line coming off her name. Serves her right. I hope she gets whats coming to her. Shes always so pompouscriticizing me for the chart. Wait a minute Alshes your friend. She made a mistake, but shes still your friend. What is she doing now? What is she looking for? Shes rubbing Candaces name off with her hand. Does she think she can erase what she did? She turns around and lowers herself to the floor. Now shes staring at her dirtied hand. Oh, Bettedont cry, not here. Tinas in the other room. I cant deal with both of you in pain.

Why have I done this? Youre asking me!?

Bette, honey, I say, as I kneel beside her. You have to figure this out on your own. And in the mean time, you need to give Tina some spaceand some time. I dont know if shell ever be able to forgive you. I dont know if I can forgive you.

She jumps, startling me. Tears soaking her cheeks, her eyes are puffy and red, I dont know if I can forgive myself.

She stands up a starts to leave. Before entering the hall, she halts and turns to me. Can you give this to her, I hold out my hand to take what she offers, when you think shes ready for it? Then, without another word, she leaves.

I hope these two work it out. I dont know what the rest of us will do without these roll models. How am I supposed to find someone and settle down if I dont know what it looks like? The day those two got married. What a wonderful day for us all. The flowerswhite and pink roses with babies breath, were the most beautiful Ive ever seen. The view from the beach was magnificent also. It was such a treat to see them get married where they got engagedand at the same time of day no less. I know she wont admit as much, but Bette was just as moved and touched by the setting and Tina was. How could Bette cheat on Tina after the vows they madeand the way shes so unyielding about infidelity? Well, she said that she didnt know if she could forgive herself. I hope Tina can thoughif not for Bette then for herself. Something like this will eat her up inside.

Looking down, I open my hand to reveal what Bette had given me. Its a silver ringit must be Tinas. I cant get pulled into their mess right nowI have my own problems to think about. What am I going to say to Dana? Oh, sweet, navemagnificentgorgeous Danaher silky hair, her sparkling eyes, her smooth skinher soft, supple lips. I dont know what Ill do if you decide to marry Tonya. But that kiss last nightyou kissed me backyou must have SOME feelings for me. I need some advice. Who can I ask? Bette and Tina are out of the question, so is Dana. I knowIll call Shane. I pick up the phone and dial her cell. No answer? Shane always answers her phone. Ill call her apartment, maybe her roommates will know where she is.

Hello?

Hi, is Shane therethis is Alice, I ask.

Uh, no. She didnt come home last night. Come to think of it, shes usually home by now thoughteven if she got lucky, if you know what I mean.

Yeah I know, I respond, trying not to show my agitation. Where could she be?

Dunno, sorry! I gotta go. Click!

What am I going to do now? I better call Dana to see where and when she wants to meet. Id rather just get this over with.

Dialing her number, I try to think of what to say.

Hello? Thats not Danas voice.

Dana, I ask.

No, its TonyaDanas at the counter ordering, she tells me. Whos this?

Its Alice. Can you just have her call me?

Sure. Bye now. And she hangs up. That was a little rude! Ill have to tell Dana about that.

I now find myself pacing the floor. I need to do something to keep myself busy. I think Ill try to work on that story I was assigned.

To Be Continued…