“Wait. I’m sorry. It’s just a new concept that’s all.” Alice looked at Shane a little closer and this time noticed the look in her eyes and not just the stiffness in her manner. “You’re really worried aren’t you?” Concern took over and Alice leaned in closer to Shane. “Look Shane. It’s no big deal. I’m sure it will be fine.” Alice tried to reassure her friend. “I mean we all love Carmen. They’ll love you I promise.” Shane nodded.

“Look, when Carmen gets back, tell her I had some stuff to do and I’ll meet her back here later.”

Alice nodded and watched Shane leave, still partially astounded that she had seemed so nervous

Bette was still simmering with Anger as they made their way to the thousandth store of the day, as Jill Kennard tried to purchase the entire mall. “You don’t like her do you?” Liz had noticed at the second store how much of a hateful look that Bette wore on her face every time that she glance over at the refined woman who had joined them for the day.

Bette looked at Liz trying to decide if she should tell her the truth or not. “Not particularly. But Tina does.” She finally replied.

“I don’t like her either. But my mother does.” Liz sighed. “Isn’t there anything else that we could be doing?” Liz asked as she stood with Bette and Ariana.

“There’s a million things that we could be doing, but I don’t think that your mother and sister would be too happy if we left them.”

“They aren’t even paying any attention to us.” Liz pointed out.

Bette looked over at the other three women and decided that Liz was right. She shouldn’t have to stand around and watch them all day. Helena appeared to have things under control and Bette doubted that any of them would miss either of them very much. “You’re right, let’s get out of here.”

“Really?” Liz asked excitedly.

“Yeah. We’ll take Ariana and go visit my big sister for a while.” Bette picked Ariana up out of the stroller and started talking to her in her best baby voice. “Because if I have to watch mommy and the evil British lady together any longer one of us might have to die. Yes we will.” She said feeling very much like Alice. Liz giggled and followed Bette over to her mother and sister. “Hey, Tee?” Bette called and they all turned their heads toward Bette and Liz. “Me and Ariana and Liz are going to go over and see what Kit’s up to for a bit, while you guys finish up here.” Bette didn’t bother to put the statement into a question, there was no need to. She was already at her breaking point and from the look on Tina’s face she knew that Bette would not accept any form of argument. She nodded and put up her hand to stop her mother when she went to protest.