"Evasive…hmm if you are aiming on trying to come in I would suggest that calling someone evasive is not a good first step. I’ve been busy.

"Pulling yourself through knotholes backward??? You look like hell"

"Come in " Bette answered wryly gesturing toward the kitchen table.

Following Bette’s lead Shane took a seat, leaned back and looked at her friend. It was then that she noticed Tina’s absence.

"Where’s Tina?"

"Out in the garden taking some time for herself. Do you want something to drink?"

"A beer if you have one is fine." came Shane’s response. She knew better than to push Bette when she was in this frame of mind. Not that she had seen it often but this time seemed to be the worst. Something had happened something that had shaken Bette to the core and Tina’s absence spoke volumes.

Several minutes ticked by as the friends exchanged bits of casual conversation. Aware of Shane’s furtive searching of her face Bette sighed deeply and finally spoke, " Pulling myself backward through knot holes would be a pleasant alternative to what I have been doing to be honest, Shane. Concerned creased Shane’s face as she listen. It was a rare thing to see the look of defeat and vulnerability that shone from Bette’s eyes.

"Do you want to talk about it? If you do you know my ears are yours"

It had been an understanding of Shane’s past that had first drawn Bette to the attractive, promiscous brunette hooker turned hair dresser. Ironic now that she was the one that was here. Moved by her friend’s obvious concern and love Bette smiled as she spoke, "Not too much to say at this point. I’m kind of in a holding pattern at the moment but let’s just say I just had to land a huge weight straight into Tina’s lap and I’m waiting to see if it is going to blow up in my face"

Confusion crept across Shane’s face as she spoke, " A huge weight? Judging from how you look I would say that is an understatement. "

"Let’s say I had to tell her about a part of my past that would have been better left there, a part of my past that I carry alot of …"