Tina, Bette and Shane with bags in her hands entered the house only to find the answer machine flushing uncontrollably.

Tina and Shane walked to the kitchen as Bette, leaving the bags on the floor walked towards the annoying flashing light, pressing the messages button the moment she finally reached it.

Angels? (Alices voice could be heard around the house), Angels, we have a mission. Bosley if you are there pick up the phone (A giggling Tina and a not so happy Shane appeared at Bettes side). Ok, will try in a few

She is not serious Shane was looking at Tina, who was trying to stop a big smile on her face.

Wait there is more Bette said, smiling.

As Shane was going to said something else another message started.

Angels?. Sabrina pick up the damn phone! (They hear Alice sighing in despair) Bosley we will have a talk face to face. Call me when you hear this

Tina was chuckling, looking at the machine, trying not to look at Shane.

She cant be serious, is she going to be like that the whole trip? Bette was asking to a very amused Tina.

Bosley, I mean, Shane, was already calling Alices cell.


“Al, hey, whats up
What?…
You must be kidding
Ok ok…

Shane waving at the girls left her cell on the table, pressing the “hands free” button.

Angels?

Alices serious tone only made Tina to giggle even more. Noticing that Bette was not answering, and since Bosley, I mean Shane, wasnt either, Tina moved closer to the table and leaning on the cell said,

We are here Charlie

Bette, rolling her eyes in disbelieve sat down, looking at Tina, waiting.

Good. Now, take a seat, ladies, Bosley you too.

A very amused Tina pushed Shane to the couch, sitting her down close to Bette.

Operation Apple is about to start. Bosley, did you give the Angels the codes? ..

Codes? Mouthed a confuse Shane.

Alice was coughing, trying to get their attention again.

ok then, Sabrina, were leaving at seventeen-forty five. I hope you will have the group ready to leave by seventeen-thirty A car will pick you up by then… Angels, be careful Manhattan chicks are wild. Bosley my friend, hope you are back in shape or you will be in need of a good doctor

Shane was not listen to Alice, she was distracted, looking through a women magazine on the coffee table. Tina was nodding, smiling as Alice, I mean, Charlie, was talking, explaining the trips details. Bette was looking at Tina, enjoying her legs under the short skirt she was wearing.

so thats it Angels. I hope you will help me resolve the mystery. See you tomorrow girls

Bye Al, I mean Charlie Tina swatted Shanes arm, looking at Bette, pointing the cell.

Bye Said Bette and Shane in unison.

Bye Angels, oh, and Sabrina, nice skirt you wearing!

With that Alice hung up, leaving a very confuse Bette looking around. Tina, smiling, was already walking towards the kitchen carrying Bettes bags.

Bosley, I mean, Shane, was still lost, reading, looking through the magazine.

***

On row 27 seats A, B, C. Bette was thinking, looking through the window into the dark sky. Tina was resting her head on Bettes shoulder with her eyes closed and her hand on Bettes tight. Alice was going through her note book, checking notes while nodding.

On row 29, seats D and E, Shane was dozing off on Jacks shoulder as Jack was reading a book.

Bette was thinking about the trip. She was worried but very excited at the same time. She was happy to have all the gang together and was anxious to see Dana. Seeing Peggy was keeping her awake, she was not sure what she was going to tell her.

She knew Jack was going to be with her but that knowledge was not calming her at all. Thinking about Jack still moved Bettes insides. It was a strange feeling. Over the months she has known her Bette had to admit that she liked Jack. Theyve seen each other a lot, not only in Yoga classes (where she had to admit to a drooling Tina that Jacks body was really something to look at) but at dinners and at social places too.

Jack was becoming one of the gang and Bette was not sure if that made her happy or confuse. She still could see the look on Jacks eyes when she was talking with Tina, and Bette was very much aware of the look on Tinas face when she was with Jack.

Bette didnt want to think about that. She knew, was sure that Tina loved her but that knowledge didnt make any easy to get use to Tina and Jack special bonding. It was something new for Bette and very confusing.

She didnt talk with Tina about it but she tried to talk with Dan Foxworty once. At the end of the session words didnt come out and she forgot about it. But Bette knew that she had to deal with it. Not only because of Tina but also because if everything work out as shes planned, Jack was going to be helping her with Junes and Peggys private collections.

Bette, you really believe all that fuss about athletes and *****?”
Alices words startled Bette, bringing her back to reality.

Uh? Was all Bette could say, not wanting to wake Tina and having no idea what Alice was talking about.

You know 65 percent says that ***** help them through the competition, 30 percent say that it ruins their concentration and left them tired for next rounds.

Bette was looking at Alice, trying to understand her point, thinking about what she just said.

What about the other 5 percent?

Bette was curious, looking at Alice, not noticing the smile growing on Tinas face.

Buddhist, you know their deal
Alice serious and concern look left Bette thinking. Tina opened her eyes and seeing the look on Bettes face, leaning slightly on her, whispered (trying not to laugh),

Baby, shes making all up.

Bette looked at Tina, trying to find out if she was teasing her but then looking at Alice she noticed the mischievous smile on her face.

Alice was looking through her notes again but noticing Bette and Tinas stare, looked up at them, smiling.

Guys Angels (winking at a smiling Tina) I need a back up maybe Dane believes in those things what if she does?

If she does you will be a walking bomb said Tina standing up, trying to walk through Alices legs.

Am going to the bathroom, you want anything baby?, (Bette shook her head) Charlie?
Am fine Tee, thanks

Tina walked to the bathroom being followed by Bettes stare. Jack saw Tina passed and stood up, following her. Bette saw Jack walking behind Tina and immediately a frown grew on her face.

Tina turned as Jack put her hand on her shoulder. The toilet was occupied so they started talking. It was an easy talk, nothing deep as Tina was smiling, laughing at whatever Jack was telling her.

Bette was feeling her stomach knot, but she didnt want to let her jealousy grow inside so she turned around and closed her eyes, trying to sleep, trying to close the door to old insecurities and fears.