“Fucking Alice and Carmen,” was her answer as she headed for the door looking murderous.

Bette braced herself for what was to come, judging by Tina’s annoyance and the loud people outside, this was going to be one for the books. She straightened herself up and braced herself for the arriving women.

“I need the loo,” the voice of who she guessed to be Alice said. Then she heard running, which then headed to where she assumed was the bathroom.

“You know Alice, sorry about this Tina,” apologized the sultry latino accent of a woman. That is Carmen, Bette questioned and answered herself. This is it Porter, the friends are here, she told herself.

Judging by the footsteps, Bette knew it was seconds before they got to her.

“Thank you! I nearly let go in Carmen’s car.” Alice was walking out the bathroom still tidying her skirt up. Bette now had full view of Alice who hadn’t looked up to see Bette. “Oh my FUCK,” were Alice’s first words to Bette.

“Hello Alice, just Bette will do,” standing up to extend her hand in greeting to the pixie like blonde.

‘Well hello Bette.” Alice extended her hand and looked at Tina with a accusing glance.

Tina now stood with Carmen at her side, who she introduced to Bette as well.

“These are my friends babe,” Tina ended.

“Nice to meet you both,” Bette told both women. Looking at them earnestly, almost trying to see the three of them as the tight knit group that they were.

“Now it all makes sense.” Alice started at Tina. “I have lots of things to do at home.” She mimicked Tina’s excuse for leaving them earlier.

“Lots of sense,” Carmen added. I would have left us too, she whispered to Tina before walking over to a couch to take a seat next to the already seated Alice.

Tina couldn’t believe her friends, they were shamelessly ogling her girlfriend. Bette took it all in her stride and graciously smiled at Tina, extended her hand and offered her a seat beside her.

“It’s about time anyway,” Alice told Tina and Bette. “The famous Porter, who kissed my friend and made her cry.”

“Alice!!!!,” Tina admonished “Anyway, now that you’ve stopped by and didn’t pee in Carmen’s car…” Tina trailed waiting for her friends to catch her drift.

“Oh no you don’t.” Alice protested. “We had to deal with your whining for years. We are more than entitled to be part of this auspicious reunion.”

“Yeah,” Carmen added, “We should be able to see this for ourselves.” Turning to Bette. “Are you going to break up with our friend when you feel insecure again?” She asked Bette.

“Right that’s it.” Tina stood up looking at her friends. “I love you both, but good night.”

Bette just sat there with an amused look at her girlfriend and friends. They sure were an odd bunch and very interesting to watch interact. Tina walked over to Alice and pulled her arm, forcing her friend to stand up.

Alice and Carmen reluctantly took their leave and promised to see Bette soon.

Having got her friends out of her apartment, she returned to a still amused Bette.

“What is so funny Porter?” Tina asked as she settled very close to Bette.

“You, your friends, your interaction.” Bette informed Tina. “That was your High School best friend? Really?” Bette asked.

Tina nodded and rolled her eyes in amusement. Nobody ever got how she and Alice were best of friends, but then again nobody got Alice full stop.

“Carmen is…” Bette started and was stopped by Tina who was staring daggers at her. “What?” She asked.

“I don’t want to hear what you have to say, these are my friends remember and I want to keep Shane away from them.” Tina stated and stood up to get them drinks. “Water?” She questioned Bette.

“Yes please,” Bette answered knowing not to say anything further. She just wondered how Tina planned on Shane not seeing her friends.

“Anyway I want to speak to you about Andrew.” Tina told Bette as she retreated to the kitchen to get their drinks.

Bette didn’t know whether she was ready to know anything further than she did about Andrew. She wished she could just skip this part, because knowing someone was loving Tina in her absence almost killed her.

“Ok,” is all she managed and braced herself for Tina’s return.