Alice: Tee where are you going?

Tina: Ill be right back. Im just going to see Bette at the bar

As I made my way I saw Bette talking to, if I wasnt mistaken it was Alexis. Bette saw me looking at her but didnt do anything. I saw she got the drinks in her hands so I might as well just stay. I turned around and

Alice: was just a bet if she could actually get the straight girl to fall for her. And Tina

Dana: Yeah but she has her now. I mean do you guys see the way she was looking at Bette?

Alice: Yeah I know, I know. Ok so Bette won the bet and converted a straight girl at that too

Shane noticed how I was staring at Alice and Dana

Shane: Err (Clearing her throat) guys! Its really none of our business

Bette: Tee heres your drink. Hey guys. Whats all this?

Bette handed me my drink and I took it while looking right straight at her, my eyes burning with anger. How could she act as if I was some kind of a trophy to be won?

Tina: I cant believe you Bette.

I placed the glass on the table and ran past Bette towards the club entrance. Why is she playing me like this? I felt like my heart has just been ripped out from my chest. I could still hear Bette

Bette: Tee?!?! What? I didnt do

Didnt do what? *****! How could I have been so blind!!! Why did I get it into my thick head that someone like her would actually fall for someone like me?!?! *****! And I confessed that I have fallen for her just a few hours ago! This must be the worst ***** day of my life! I wanted to scream as I got out of the club. Milk was too packed I felt claustrophobic. God! I wanted so much to hit something… or someone and Bette came to mind!

I sat at the curb hugging my legs. I dont know how I got here, *****. I was playing Alices and Danas words over and over in my head and cursing at how stupid I was to think someone like Bette would actually fall for me. But she confessed she loved me, surely that counts as something? Or not? Was it just a plan to pull me further into the trap? I was so lost I didnt notice Bette there until she touched me.

Bette: Tina baby? Are you ok?

Baby? She called me baby after what just happened? I couldnt control it any longer so I started to let it all out, let the tears fall freely while my body shook. Bette held me in her arms which triggers more tears to fall. How can this feel so right when it was all a lie?

Bette: Shhh. Baby please dont cry. Everythings going to be ok.

Tina: Is it true? Was there a bet? Was I some kind of a trophy for you Bette?

I held my breath bracing myself for an answer. It felt like forever for words to come out of Bettes mouth. I could tell she was trying to get everything come out right; trying to find the right words But when I saw she was hesitant, I pushed her away. Such a liar!

Tina: So its true? It was all just a bet? How could you Bette? And what about the things that you said to me tonight? Was that all part of an act?

Bette: It was. I mean there was a bet but it was nothing Tee. It wasnt a

Tina: I cant believe I fell for that! I cant believe I trusted you Why Bette? Why did you play me?

Bette: Tina please listen to me. I didnt play you. This, us, this is real What I said to you tonight I meant every word. I swear to you I meant it. Please believe me. The bet, it was nothing. I promise you it was nothing.

Tina: Was it fun for you Bette? To make a straight girl fall in love with you?

Bette: Tina! I didnt mean it like that. Please listen to me.

Bette grabbed me by the arm and pulled me closer to her.

Bette: Tee, please listen to me. I need you to listen to me. The moment I saw you Tee, the moment you walked into the gallery I knew I wanted you. But when I found out you were with Eric, I know I couldnt do anything. Im not one to break a relationship. But if I could have you then Tee, I would, I just couldnt stop thinking about you since that night. And Tee please dont move away. Please listen to me.

What could she possibly tell me? Is this an act too?

Bette: Before you I I have had many acquaintances so to speak. (Many? What is she like?). And when the girls knew I wanted you and saw how impossible it was, they thought they could put a theory to the test; that I could make anyone want me. I didnt want to pursue you Tee, I mean I do but seeing that youre with someone, I couldnt. But the more I think about it the more I want you here with me, I even dream about you Tee, I even reach out for you but of course youre not there. You were with Eric. I wanted so much to have you with me Tee. So so much.

I could feel she was crying too.

Bette: I knew I couldnt have you Tee, I knew so I promised myself that wed just be friends. As long as Im near you and with you then things would be ok. We didnt need to be going out or be a couple, being with you, going out for lunch was enough for me, though I never stopped wanting you. Do you know how hard it was to stop the urge Tee? You in front of me so near yet I couldnt have you. You see Tee, the bet started out to prove a theory and it did.

Tina: Get away from me Bette! Youre sick you think you can have anyone you wanted?

I tried to push her away for the second time but she was too strong for me, she held me tighter.

Bette: Tee, listen to me. Thats not the theory Tee. I thought I wasnt capable to love anyone The point was that I could actually find someone I could be in love with, Id fallen head over heels with, that Id give everything and anything just to be with. Tee, before you, my life was meaningless. Before you Tee, there was no one. No one to make my days worthwhile, no one to make me smile, and there was no point in returning home from work cos there was no one to come home early to. But now, everything is different. I feel more alive. Do you know how I wake up in the morning lately?

I looked at her through my teary eyes. Is she telling me the truth? Is this not part of an act? Is she?

Bette: With a huge smile on my face, looking forward to see you. My nights are long, too long and lunch seems to be short. Every night I wish for the sun to come up sooner so I could see your face. Wanted to shut my eyes sooner at night so tomorrow would come faster. Thats what you do to me Tee. No one else can do that to me. In this short space of time that Ive known you, youve become the most important thing to me Tee You believe me Tee? Do you believe me?

I felt her pain as mine. I held her in my arms. However much the situation tonight has hurt me, I didnt want to see Bette hurt. It killed me to know she was hurting.

Bette (whispering in Tinas ear): Please believe me Tee you have to believe me. My heart wouldnt be able to take it if you dont.

Believe her? Should I believe her? Can I believe her?

Tina: Bette

Alice, Dana and Shane appeared from the crowd. They looked on and Dana and Alice were smiling apologetically.

Bette: Im so sorry Tee. Im really sorry.

There were too many people around I couldnt think straight. I need to get out of here. I need to think!

Tina: Bette, listen, I cant do this right now, not here

Bette looked up with tears in her eyes.

Bette: Do you do you want me to take you somewhere? Ill take you somewhere Tee,

Tina: No, I

Bette: Please Tee, I need you to believe me

Tina: Why How (I shook my head) I I cant do this right now Bette. Please Ill just get a taxi home.

Bette: No! Ill drive you home.

I broke free of her embrace and this time she didnt fight me, she let me go.

Shane saw what was happening between me and Bette and she walked over to us.

Shane: Are you guys ok? (Bette glared at her and Shane turned her attention to me) Hey Tee its not what you think.

Tina: Im sorry Shane but this isnt the right time or the right place.

Bette: Shane please this is between me and Tina (Turning her attention to me) Please let me just drive you home. Its difficult to get taxis at this hour!!

Tina: I cant let you drive me home Bette. I just need time to think ok?

Shane was looking at Bette and I could see the emotions running through her. What is the deal with Shane?

Shane: Ill drive you home Tina.

Tina: What?

Shane: Ill take you home

Tina (Bette): Youll take me (Youll take Tina home?)

Shane: YeahI mean Ill send you home.

Bette was looking at Shane confused. Is there something going on that I dont know about? One way to find out.

Tina: Ok Shane. You can send me home.

Bette just looked at me unsure of how to respond. Finally she said something

Bette: Shane, make sure Tina gets home safe ok?

I feel so sorry for Bette, I know she meant every word but I just couldnt be with her at that moment. I just felt I dont know I just couldnt believe all this I guess.

Shane: Dont worry about it Bette. Ill make sure she will.

I left Bette standing there looking at me as Shane and I approached her car. I just needed to be alone. I cant be with Bette right now. I just feel so hurt.

The drive back to my apartment was quiet. Both Shane and I didnt know what to say. I kept stealing glances over at Shane. What is it about her? What is it about Shane that is so ah I dont know. She just exudes this warmth and

Shane: They say its rude to stare

Tina: Oh ImIm

I felt my cheeks burning.

Shane: Its ok Tee.

Tina: (Smiling) Im sorry Shane, I didnt mean to stare I just you and Bette you guys are

Shane: Were very close.

Tina: How long have you known her?

Shane: For as long as I can remember.

Tina: How do you know her?

Shane: I was a problem child and have been living on the streetsand Alice saved me and found me a job and I have been clean ever since.

Tina: Alice huh?

Shane: Yeah Alice had been Bettes friend and Alice brought me in to their circle of friends and Bette and I just connect you know Bette is a bit like me.

I looked at her. A bit like her? What does she mean by it? Is Bette also a player?!

Shane: No I mean, shes like me in a way that she keeps things to herself. She appears to come on strong and controlling and everything but inside, she has a big heart thats Bette. She doesnt let people get in so easilyShe doesnt let people see the real her Shes like that. Only few people know the real her You two are lucky to have each other

Tina: What do you mean lucky?

Shane: Well, Bette never really stays with one person for quite a while, even with Alice it was *****. They fought all the time. And she was never happy then. But happier now that theyre friends; just friends. Ive never seen her quite taken with someone. Actually Ive never seen her happy and glowing before you came along. You really have done good with Bette Tee For that I can never thank you.

Tina: Why do you say that?

Shane: If you hadnt noticed, Bette is short tempered. But we love her nonetheless. And ever since she met you, shes all smiles and she could control that temper of hers better. You must have tricks up your sleeves Tina (Shane winked at me and that made me blush)

I laughed as Shane laughed. Shane. Who wouldve thought? Shane has this way of making you feel comfortable with her soothing voice and her wisdom.

Tina: Thank you for telling me this Shane

Shane: Ummm Tee

Tina: Yeah?

Shane: About what happened at Milk tonight

I swallowed.

Shane: its not what you think. In the beginning it was just us trying to unnerve Bette. Bette has always managed to get whatever she wants and whoever she wants and when she saw you at the gallery AND with a boyfriend I might add she was smitten. And we were just playing with her to take the bet. We know Bette. She isnt a home wrecker (Shane laughed) At first we thought she was taking the bet seriously but what we learned was that it wasnt about the bet, she actually really genuinely has fallen for you Tina. And were just really happy for her and you. I mean, you two are meant to be. When I see Bette smiling and all I just, well my heart just melts. You two are lucky to have each other

Shane went all quiet as she made her way around West Hollywood.

Tina: Shane?

Shane: Yeah?

Tina: Thank you thank you for being honest with me.

Shane just smiled.

Tina: Oh Im just here, you can pull over here.

Shane brought the car to a stop. She turned to me.

Shane: Well, here we are.

Tina: Thanks for the ride Shane.

Shane: Anytime.

I climbed out of her car and started to make my way to into the building until

Shane: Umm Tee (Shane called out from her car)

I turned around.

Tina: Yeah?

Shane: Welcome to the fold (As she winked and drove away)

I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulder. Thank you Shane, I said to myself. I feel so much better now. My answering machine beeped as I entered my apartment. Someone just left a message.

I walked over and pressed the button.

Machine: You have two new messages. Message one. Time 12.32 am.

~Tee, Im so sorry baby. Please believe me. I love you. I hope you get home safe~

Machine: Message Two. Time 12.33am

~ Tee I cant do this. Im going out of my mind nowPlease baby, believe me. I didnt mean to push you away, I love youI love you baby, I love you so much. I was such an ***** please forgive me Tee, please let me know when you get home I dont think I can sleep a wink not knowing where you are I love you, I I miss you Tee I already miss you~

Machine: End of message. To Erase, Press 1, to Listen

I picked up the receiver and dialed Bettes number