‘Thanks Alice.’

* * * * *

Tina told Alice about her time with Bette and that she had to leave because she couldn’t stand seeing Bette so broken.  When she first got to the house and realized Bette wasn’t sleeping there she jumped to the conclusion that she was with “her.”  She couldn’t stand the look in Bette’s eyes when she had asked.  She looked so lost and alone and Tina realized she was, just as lost as she was.  That’s when she knew they were the only ones that could help each other back from this horrible place.  She just didn’t know how.

Alice knew she couldn’t relay any of this to Bette.

Week Three

Monday Alice stopped by Bette’s office and tried to give her a glimmer of hope without saying too much.

Tuesday afternoon Tina called Bette at the CAC thinking things couldn’t get off track with Bette at work.  James told her Bette was out at an appointment, a Dr. Foxworthy.

Tina had no idea Bette was going for counseling.  She took this as a good sign that Bette was serious about working things out.

She asked James to leave a message for Bette to call her.

Later that afternoon her phone rang, she saw Bette on the caller id.

‘Hey Bette.’

‘Hey, James said you called.  Sorry I wasn’t available.’

‘That’s all right.  I was wondering if we could have dinner?’

‘Absolutely, where?’

‘How about I pick something up and come over?’

‘Okay, what time?’

‘How’s 7:00?’

‘Perfect.’

Bette couldn’t have been happier.  She wrapped up a few things and headed home.  She wanted everything to be perfect.  She knew that at best this was just a shot at a new beginning, but she had to at least be hopeful.

Tina arrived right on time, as usual, with take out from Bette’s favorite Italian place.

As Bette opened the door, ‘you don’t have to knock, you have keys.’

‘I don’t live here anymore.’

‘Tina!’

She noticed the tears about to fall from Bette’s eyes and said, ‘Let’s start again.  Can you help me with these?’

‘Of course.’

They moved to the kitchen, Bette had dishes on the counter; she never liked take out containers.  She started to transfer the food when Tina touched her shoulder.