Chapter 2

Oh dont make me. Alice said as she fell back on the sofa her head resting back in Danas lap.
Well what do you want to happen? Them just to accidentally run into each other? Shane told her, slightly angry.
Tina will be here and she will sense that something is left of centre here. Jenny told them. The group had adopted Jenny; she had grown so much over the last couple of years and had become a valuable member of the team.
Shes right, I hate to agree with them sweetie but theyre right. Dana said running her hands through blonde hair. We will do it together. Plus we have to tell her. Dana finished quickly.
Why what have you done? Alice asked sitting up with a frown, as Danas eyes darted away.
NothingI invited her to my ball next week, Im sorry Im just excited and I want all my friends to be there.
Its ok Dana. Shane told her squeezing her shoulder.
Your ball? Alice repeated.
Well its in my honour. Dana smiled broadly.
Ok Ill go and make some hot chocolate. Jenny said jumping up and walking over to the kitchen. Alice where is your chocolate?
Um Alice began.
Last shelf on the right. Dana finished Alice looked over at her girlfriend and kissed her sweetly on the cheek.
So we give her the hot chocolate and then we hit her with Bette coming back. Alice out lined the plan; Jenny poked her head around the corner with a confused face this look was not missed by Shane.
What does that look mean? The hairdresser asked.
How is she going to react? She asked genuinely concerned for Tina. Tina had become a good friend to Jenny and the thought that the return of Bette might hurt her made her want to protect Tina. In the beginning she had had a fleeting crush on the blonde due to how strong and amazing she was but anyone who was with Tina for long felt the same affection.
I really dont know. Shane returned only offering her a smile.
Come on guys its been two years. Alice told them all.
But love like that. Jenny began. That kind of love lasts a life time its rooted to you to your very heart it doesnt leave but left to fester can destroy you. Everyone looked at Jenny. Well so Ive heard. She popped her head back in the kitchen and when she returned back she had a tray full of cups. And if just on cue Tina walked into the apartment with a smile when she saw the hot chocolate.
Oh my. Tina responded Jenny handed her a cup, Tina took a seat next to Shane taking a sip of her hot chocolate. Thats nice, whats up you only make this to soften me up. She looked around at silent faces. Something is definitely wrong because Alice hasnt said anything for nearly 2 minutes.
Hey I resent that. The blonde shot back.
Come on what is it?
Ok. Shane began turning to face Tina, quickly sharing a glance with the other three. Here it is. Heres the thingthe thing is this
Shane. Tina stopped her. Just tell me.
Bettes coming home. The words fell from Danas mouth before she could stop them.
And at that moment the world stopped for Tina like a slap across her face or the braking of a car. Everything felt as though it was going into slow motion and she couldnt even hear her own thoughts over the loud beating of her heart. Tina could feel her palms begin to sweat and the hair on her arms stood on their ends. If only the thought of Bette coming home did this to her body, how would she feel being near her ex lover again? Suddenly she felt three pairs of eyes on her.
When? It was the only word that she managed to chock out.
End of the week. Alice told her. The CAC managed to woo her back.
Next week? Tina asked. How long have you known? Alice looked away from her eyes.
A couple of weeks. But it was a rushed deal any way, the CAC has been going down hill and they need her to bring the standard back in.
Its fine, Im over that. Tina told them rather firmly. Its been over a year. Everyone was unconvinced. Ive got to go.
But you only just got here. Jenny said.
Yeah but I said Id run by and see Rachel. So Ill see you all tomorrow. And that was all she said, Tina exited the room and the apartment quickly not looking behind her.
You know I dont think she is fine. Dana said.
*******
Tina began to drive and she knew exactly where she was going, the same place she did when everything felt confused like it was falling apart. The blonde visited this place at least once a week because within the walls she felt safe and away from harm. It was her old home. Bette had put it on the market but the asking price was way too high and any one who did make an offer Bette would refuse it, and everyone knew why, Bette didnt want to let go of the past. Still having a key for the house Tina walked straight in and looked around at the empty dusty rooms feeling the rush of emotions wrap around her. Walking outside the garden was dead and all the work that Tina put into her garden looked like a waste. The sun was just beginning to set and it was beautiful and standing there bathing in the light Tina had a sensation that Bette was near by. Sighing and forcing the notion that Bette might be close by, she turned around only to see the very brunette looking at from the kitchen. And at the moment the world began to spin.