She took a breath and strolled out towards the bathroom. Splashing water from the sink onto her face, she allowed the cool liquid to drip from her chin and icily travel down her neck. It trickled behind her ear. Dripped upon her chest.

Ever so slowly.

Eyes closed, her face damp, she opened her mouth slightly.

Ill be okay. Everything will be fine.

Inhaling deeply, her eyes fluttered open and she stared back at her reflection. Her sombre mood quickly replaced the cold look with a desperately sad one. Tonight was gonna be rough in one way or another. She pulled her hair back, tying it loosely behind her neck. Just get the night over with, she told herself. Have a few drinks, chat to your friends, play some music. Then its over.

She turned, put one foot in front of the other and dragged herself into the kitchen where Tina was pouring drinks.

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            I started pouring drinks. Not for anyone in particular, I was just playing around, testing out my cocktail making ability. If you dont mind your drinks too strong then I make a fabulous Tequila Sunrise. I took a sip of something, coughed, spluttered and wisely put the drink back down. Maybe another one is in order, I thought. I retrieved a clean glass just as Bette limbered into the kitchen. I could hear her glancing at the multitude of glasses and different bottles and forming her judgements. I decided to wait until she acknowledged me before I turned around. What else is in this cupboard I can pretend to look for?

Hey T.

I retreated from the cupboard, turning around with a soft smile.

Hey I reciprocated yet gave nothing else to her. She continued to stare at me, as if I had something to explain. I have never felt uncomfortable with her at any period in my whole life, until that millisecond of a moment. I shook her gaze away, asking if shed like a drink. She genuinely smiled at me. So I made her one. And by made, I meant, poured a red. Accepting it much like a peace offering, Bette leant forward to graze my forearm before taking her drink. Her touch burnt my skin just like the old days but instead of lingering like warm, calming sun rays upon naked cold skin, it faded instantly. I cant quite understand where this gap between us came from. Well, okay I know full well where it came from. But what I still dont comprehend is why it is still there. I didnt get to think about it anymore. A cascade of knocks at the door interrupted us.

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