Trying to distract herself Bette wandered to her study and pulled a book on Post Modern Art from the third shelf and forced her eyes onto the words that seemed to swim in front of her eyes. No matter how she tried she could not get them to focus–the look of shock on Tina’s face had almost made her stop and pull into herself. Her past was hers to deal with and had been for years she could do it again she had told herself. Tina didn’t deserve to be pulled into the chaos of her choices. But, something had forced her on, something had told her that she needed to continue to share her burden–to share everything with Tina that it was her chance to be free. But what if she was wrong? What if T felt that she had been lied to, living with a masquerade and left? Losing Tina and Angelica again was something she couldn’t even bare to think of. Glancing at the clock that sat on her desk Bette was shocked to realize that although it felt like an eternity since Tina had went off to think only 40 minutes had gone by! If time continued at this pace she was certain that insanity awaited her if Tina needed hours.

A sharp knock pulled Bette back from the edge placing the book on the desk she though Now what?? They had been expecting no one tonight and her hold on her composure was as flimsy as a thread. Opening the door Bette was startled to see Shane standing outside about to reach for the door to deliver another vigourous knock.

"Shane, To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"

"Well I really didn’t have much of a choice since someone is not answering her phone and I have tried 4 times in the last 3 hours."

Bette had deliberately left her cellphone off on the counter in the kitchen and had turned off the ringer on the house phone when Tina and her had sat down after Monique’s call.

"I was worried girl. What’s going on? You seem even more evasive than normal"

Bette smiled at Shane’s attempt at being casual. It was actually quite amusing that someone who had such a reputation for being laid back and rarely looked stressed could be so absolutely transparent when she was trying not to look concerned.