"Was there a question in there?" Tina asked lightly, closing the refrigerator door.

Bette frowned at her.

"I was expecting a package at my hotel room. That was yesterday. I had to go, I had to get it. I had to fix my stuff, I had to talk to my boss about why I filed for a leave of absence out of nowhere." Tina shrugged. "So sorry to disappoint you, Bette, but the world just doesn’t seem to revolve around you anymore."

Bette sighed. "Did you at least get us food for lunch?"

"You have to get out of the house, Bette."

"Why? I like it here."

"Okay, but–" Tina was interrupted by ringing.

The two glanced at each other.

"You just hung up on my boss," Bette pointed out.

They glanced at the inactive cordless phone in Bette’s hand.

"So I guess that would be…" Bette lifted an eyebrow.

"*****! Mine." Tina dug into her purse, and pulled out her cellphone. "Tina."

Bette cocked her head to the side as she watched Tina, trying to figure out what was different today from last night’s — and the nights before — mini-drama. Tina had easily deflected Bette’s rant-in-the-making, and her remark about the world revolving around Bette almost sounded… jovial. Unleashing her anger at Franklin then happily informing Bette about her time off was a study of dichotomy.

Turns out the new Tina was not only part type-A, but also part schizophrenic.

"Does nobody check calendars anymore? I’m on leave. I took some time off. I can be absent and you have to go on without me." Tina explained to whomever she was talking to on the phone. "I only accept phone calls because you’re all helpless ***** who can’t live without me, but I refuse to take part in any meeting."

Bette lifted an eyebrow. When did Tina become such an egomaniac?

"You do realize that I’m going to have you killed for this, right?" Tina asked, closing her eyes. "Do I need to know anything, say anything, bring anything, sleep with anyone…" She brightened. "Oh, really? What else?"

Pause.

"***** you too. Fine. What time is this stupid meeting?"

Bette turned away.

"I am killing you for this, you know that, right?" Tina sighed. "Okay, fine. I’ll see you there."

So Tina 2.0 would be type A, schizophrenic, egomaniacal, and possibly homicidal. Let’s not forget confrontational. And judging from the way she’s snuck in and out of the house, stealthy, too.

Tina ended her call. "Bette, will you be fine for few hours? I have a meeting."

"Sure." Bette nodded as she turned to smile weakly at Tina. "I’ll be fine."

Tina hesitated. She really didn’t want Bette to stay home alone. "Why don’t you go to The Planet? You can keep Kit company, too."

"Maybe." Bette answered noncommittally.

How about grief therapy, Bette? It’s perfect for you. And you can talk about your two favorite topics: you and your father. Tina rolled her eyes. She was such an ***** sometimes, working in the entertainment industry seemed so fitting. "Well, call me if you need me. Just, not in three or four hours."

"Okay."

At least Bette wasn’t giving monosyllabic answers, right? "You want me to get Alice, or Shane, or anyone to come over–?"

"I’m fine, T. I’m grieving, not retarded." Bette replied flatly. "Go. Have fun."

Tina now really didn’t want to leave Bette alone. "Bette–"

"You’ll be late for your meeting."

Tina sighed. "I really have to go to this meeting, but I promise to come home as soon as it’s done. Okay?"

Home. "Where’s that?" Bette asked.

"Just in La Brea. I’ll try to be quick." Tina’s cellphone rang again. She snapped it open. "What?!?" She demanded. "Yes, I’m going. I don’t recall being given a choice, now do I?" She hung up, and quickly kissed Bette’s cheek. "Gotta go."

Bette watched Tina leave, closing the front door behind her. "’Bye."

Bette could only wonder why this new Tina, while reminiscent of the Tina from so many years ago, confused her nonetheless. She was a familiar person, but she was different at the same time. And Bette could only worry about the "different" part. She couldn’t figure it out, but Tina was so…

It’s happened: Tina Kennard had turned into Bette Porter.

to be continued.