Shane (kissing the top of her head): Let’s get some sleep and we’ll figure out everything when we have breakfast.

Carmen (closing her eyes): Sleep babe, I’m here…

Tina and Bette’s House Upstairs
Dylan couldn’t sleep. She was tossing and turning, with a million and one thoughts racing through her mind. Sitting up and rubbing her face she figured she might as well get up and make some coffee. As she wandered down the hall she checked in on Angie and found the tot sound asleep, cuddling her bear. She leaned over and tucked the blankets around her and kissed her forehead. Shutting the door lightly she turned and ran right into Bette.
Bette (holding her finger to her lips): Quiet. I’ve got to get Tina some tea.

Dylan descending the stairs behind her): Is she sick?

Bette (turning on the light and looking at the clock six thirty in the morning; she hadn’t slept because Tina couldn’t sleep because her past had come back to haunt her): No (grabbing a knife.)

Dylan (backing up; what is it with Helena and Bette and sharp objects): Bette I swear I couldn’t sleep and just went to check in on Angie and…

Bette (grabbing a lemon from the basket): I know I saw you…

Dylan (rubbing her chest): Shit. You and Helena (waving her hands) serious anger issues (wincing as Bette flashed the knife.)

Bette (shaking her head): Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, English Breakfast, which do you think?

Dylan (shrugging): Earl Grey, that’s what Helena drinks if she’s upset or something.

Bette (turning on the tea pot and pulling out two mugs): Can you fill the carafe with water? I’ll get the beans out.

Dylan (rinsing out the coffee pot and filling it up): Is Tina, is there anything you know?

Bette (trying): Shouldn’t you be worrying about you and Helena first. Tina is my partner and I’m taking care of her and this is not something she needs everyone knowing about.

Dylan (nodding): I’m just…

Bette (turning on the coffee pot): Look, a lot has happened, just yesterday we had to hire cleaners to come through here and pick up the mess from the crime scene investigation unit. Tina and I were supposed to be in New York we were supposed to have a baby (tears falling) none of this was supposed to happen and now my partner is upstairs in pain and hurting and I want to tear the person apart that did this to her. (Brushing back her hair) and the last thing I need is for someone who can’t be honest enough with our closest friend to try and intervene (turning around and turning the tea pot off.) So no I don’t want your help and I don’t want to talk about it (making Tina’s tea.) I suggest you start with your peace offering (turning to leave only to find Dylan’s hand on her arm.) Look…

Dylan (knowing that Bette could very well knock her through the wall): No you look. I made mistakes, I’m paying for them but this was not all on me. Jenny set each and everyone of us up for one twisted reason or another. I told Kit about the tapes, the documents and I’m asking because I give a fuck if I can help someone who’s hurting and your fucking ripping me out. (Shaking her head) maybe it wasn’t a good idea to try gain, maybe listening to Peggy wasn’t such a good idea, but we have all made mistakes. Even you Bette (turning around and carrying Helena’s tea into the media room.)

Bette (slammed her hands on the kitchen counter; she would ask Kit later about what the hell Dylan was talking about; first things first; carrying the tea up to their room; opening the door she found Tina exactly in the same spot; on the floor leaning against the bed; their quilt wrapped around her): Honey…

Tina (looking up): I thought…

Bette (handing her the mug of tea): No, never, just made you some tea to help calm you.  

Tina (taking a sip): Perfect. You, Kit and Helena are the only ones who make my tea the way I like it.

Bette (kneeling down): Come here (wrapping her arms around her tightly): I’m not leaving you, never, you got that.

Tina (leaning her head against Bette’s chest; she felt Bette’s erratic heartbeat and knew she was nervous, anxious and overtired, very few people knew that Bette’s heart didn’t beat regularly): Your heart’s racing…
Bette (running her fingers through silky strands): Shh (kissing the side of her neck) drink your tea.

They sat their wrapped around each other watching the sun rise. Tina leaned her head back and closed her eyes and let the tears fall. She felt Bette shift and set her tea down, then she felt strong arms wrap around her and she let go. Let everything hit her at once because she knew, within the safety of her partner’s arms no one could or would ever hurt her again and maybe just maybe things would be okay.

tbc
kj