Bette stepped away from the curb, turning to look back at the house. A wave of nausea hit her as she realized this chapter of her life was closed. Wiping back a few tears, she quickly got in the car and started the engine. Everything looked the same as it always had, and Bette realized how sad she was to leave. She sighed and pulled into the street, watching in the rear-view mirror, as the For Sale sign in the front yard of her home grew smaller.


Alice sighed and closed her laptop. She checked her watch and leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes. She still had two hours before she had to meet Dana for dinner. Alice sat there contemplating the events of the past few months. Things with Dana had been going great, she had to admit that, but she was unhappy. It seemed as though everything she knew was falling apart around her. Bette and Tina had finalized their separation by putting the house up for sale and going their separate ways, Shane had left town after her relationship with Sherry shattered, and Marina lost the Planet after her breakup with Francesca. Alice opened her eyes, wondering if she should call Bette and see if she was okay, but decided against it. Of course Bette would say she was okay – Bette never admitted that something was wrong. Even through her and Tinas separation, Bette remained in control, never showing her true emotions. Alice sighed again and got up from her desk. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the fridge, popped the top and chugged.

Across town, Dana had just finished her set and was heading to the locker room to change. She was lost in thought and didnt see where she was going, so she promptly bumped into Lara as she was exiting the changing room. Dana looked up, eyes wide, and muttered sorry before running off to avoid any further conversation. Lara stood looking after Dana, smiling and shaking her head.

Alice stepped out of the shower and hour later and dressed hurriedly. She wanted to run over to Bettes new apartment to check on her before her date. She was meeting Dana at some new restaurant on the east side of town and knew that she was cutting her time close, but if she were a few minutes late, Dana would understand. A few minutes later, Alice was walking out the door.


The banging on the door was disturbing Bettes slumber. She knew it was Alice, she was the only one who knew where she lived now, and contemplated not getting up to answer it. Logic got the best of her and she got up, mostly because she knew that Alice wouldnt stop knocking until she answered.
Hey Al Bette said as she opened the door.
Alice came charging into the apartment with an overly bubbly Hi.
Alice stood in the threshold giving Bette the once over. She looked like *****.
You look like *****, Porter. Alice said, finally turning and heading deeper into the apartment.
Bette smiled at the comment. Thanks. Moving does that to you. Bette followed Alice over to the couch.
So? How are you? Alice asked.
Bette looked Alice dead in the eyes and didnt reply.
Alice shrugged Sorry. Guess that was a stupid question
Bette rubbed her forehead and looked at Alice thoughtfully. Have you heard from her?
Alice took in Bettes expression before answering. She had avoided talking to Bette about Tina as much as possible.
Yeah she stammered, shes okay.
Bette looked down at her hands. Still doesnt want me to know where she is, huh?
Alice fidgeted with her purse. This is so sad, she thought, friends who cant even talk to one another anymore.
Speaking of that, you havent happened to have heard from Shane, have you?
Bette shook her head no. She knew that Shane had run off after getting her heart broken, but hadnt expected her to be gone too long. Three months later and Bette had pretty much given up on her, having decided that Shane had probably gone back to the streets looking for numbing solace. Alice wouldnt let it go, though, and often drove around the seedier parts of town in the wee hours of the morning, looking for Shane. And Bette knew that it drove Dana crazy.
Both women looked at the floor, lost in thought and not knowing what to say. Alice broke the silence by getting up and heading for the door. I have to meet Dana at six.
Bette nodded and stood, following Alice to the door. Before Alice could turn and leave, Bette grabbed her arm and pulled her close for a hug. Both women needed comfort, but neither knew where or how to get it right now. Alice pulled back first and flashed a small smile at Bette, saying Bye as she walked out the door.

Dana stood outside of the restaurant pacing. Alice was twenty minutes late and Dana was pissed. She had told Alice that there was something important she wanted to talk to her about and it looked as if Alice was blowing her off. Damn It! she thought. Dana walked around the corner, looking for Alices car when her cell phone rang. She fumbled for it in her purse and answered on the third ring. Hello?
Hey Dana, Im just around the corner. I got caught in traffic.
Dana looked at her watch and sighed. Okay. Just hurry. The reservation was for six. Dana hung her phone up.

Alice was speeding through traffic, having taken the long way to the restaurant hoping to catch a glimpse of Shane down on Sunset. As Dana disconnected, Alice noticed a skinny black haired girl walking a block or so in front of her. She swerved into the left lane, hoping that it was Shane. As she slowed to get a closer look, her cell phone rang again. Alice let it ring as she craned her head. Not Shane. DAMN! Alice cursed.
Alice looked at her phone. It had been Tina. She made a mental note to call her back after dinner and hurried to meet Dana.

Dana was waiting for her outside and gave an exasperated Its about time as Alice walked up to her. Alice moved in to give Dana a kiss but Dana pulled away.
Hey! Whats up with that? Alice said looking stunned.
Dana shook her head and motioned to the door to the restaurant. Lets go inside.
Once they were seated and had ordered Alice began talking about all the things that were wrong in the ***** world and complaining about how no one communicates anymore. Dana sat there looking at her and took a deep breath.
Alice, she said, interrupting her, we need to talk.