Bette awoke to a severe pounding in her head. She tried to open an eyelid to see where she was, but as soon as light hit her eye, the pounding increased. Quickly closing her eyelid, she searched her mind for the last thing she remembered. The bathroom. She was going to be sick and had gone to the bathroom. That was it. Nothing else came to mind. It was that damn T&T mixture! Tequila and Tina. No wonder her head was screaming.

Where the ***** was she now? Damn, she was suffering an alcohol-induced blackout! She hadnt had one of those since her college days. What the ***** did Tina want last night? She had said something about them not avoiding each other anymore.

Sliding her legs off the side of the bed, Bette sat up and allowed the wave of dizziness to pass before she tried opening her eyes again. When she did, she instantly recognized where she was, and the pain shot through her heart. Their bedroom! She had not stayed here since that destructive night. This was the last place she would have chosen to come. How did she end up here?

Feeling the urge to relieve herself, she made her way to the bathroom. Afterwards, she decided to take a shower and see if she could wash away some of the cobwebs from her brain and the stink from her body. Sliding off her underpants, which was all she was wearing, she stepped under the hot spray, allowing the water to flow over her head. She opened her mouth to rinse some of the ***** taste out, when the shower door opened, and Tina handed her a washcloth.

I thought you might need this. I took everything out of here to do a load of laundry. There is a clean towel out here for you when you are finished. Tina said, closing the door and leaving the bathroom.

Bettes heart was racing. Damn, this nightmare just wont end! Why is Tina here? What does she expect from me? Why is she still torturing us?

It was while she was drying off that she discovered the necklace was missing from around her neck. Dropping the towel, she ran into the bedroom to find it.

Seeing Bette run from the bathroom, Tina followed and watched, unnoticed, as Bette frantically searched for, found, and placed the necklace around her neck, then sank to the floor, sobbing.

Tina went back to putting the linens away. She didnt understand what was going on. Bette didnt want to talk with her, but seemed upset about having the necklace with their rings removed from her neck. According to Candace, the affair had been over for a while now, but Bette hadnt seen fit to talk with her about anything. Last night, she had said she wanted to be with her, but didnt know how to be around her, but she had overheard the girls say that Bette didn’t even want to talk about her. Bette was just one big contradiction.

~~~

Bette put on some clothes she had not taken with her, and pulled herself together enough to face Tina. Walking into the living room, she saw Tina sitting on the couch and sat down in the chair.

How did we get here Tina?

Tina just raised one eyebrow at Bette.

No, I mean the last thing I remember was heading to the bathroom and now I wake up here. How did I get here?

You passed out on the floor in the bathroom at Milk, and wouldnt wake up, so I got Kitt and Ivan to help me get you into my car. Then they followed me here and helped me get you to the bedroom.

Why did you bring me here? Why didnt you just take me to my apartment and leave me there? Bette asked.

Mainly, because I dont know where your apartment is, but also, because we have unfinished business. Tina stated.

I dont think I can talk about anything right now Tina. I have a ***** of a hangover.

I put some aspirin and a glass of water out on the counter for you. Go take them, then we will go and get something to eat. You look like you haven’t eaten in weeks. Then when you are feeling better, we can come back here and talk.

I dont think I can eat anything.

Well then, youll have to force yourself. Youve avoided talking with me long enough.

~~~

Calm, cool, collected, unemotional, observant, strong willed, but detached. How can she be all these things at once, Bette wondered.

Tina had driven them to the restaurant and made Bette order a full breakfast, which she had done justice to despite her plea of not being able to eat. The whole time they ate, Bette could feel Tina watching her, but she had not forced any conversation, just the food. Even though Bette loved seeing Tina and spending time with her, she felt so guilty that she couldnt relax and just be herself. Thankfully, the aspirin and food had gotten rid of her hangover and she felt at least somewhat human.

Finally Tina had enough of the silence from Bette.

Its been a real treat having a meal with you Bette. You have not said a word. You have never been a misanthropic person before. Is this a new personality you’ve developed to go with your new life? Tina asked.

What do I have to be happy about Tina? I ruined your life and my own. I have fucked things up for our whole group. I dont feel comfortable being around any of my friends, and I feel so guilty for what I did to you, and to our relationship, that I cant even enjoy being with you.

Tina replied, Well, at least thats a start. We are going back to the house now Bette, and when we get there, I want you to answer some questions for me. How this whole affair came to be, and why you felt you needed someone other than me. Why you gave up on us so soon after I left you, why you dont want our marriage anymore, and why arent you living at the house. These are the questions I want answered, so you can get your responses together while we drive home. We are going to talk Bette, about anything and everything. No subject is off limits. We are going to stay at the house until we decide what the future holds, or doesnt hold. My life has been in limbo long enough! You have avoided me and talking to me about what happened, in our relationship, and to make you change your ideals on monogamy.

Tina waved for the waitress to bring the check.