Carmen shifted nervously and looked at Bette and Tina. Tina looked calm as usual while Bette looked volatile. It was truly a wonder to see Tina dominating this powerful woman, most would even say it was impossible for Bette to be a submissive.
  
 "Um," Carmen stammered.
  
 "Get on with it," Bette snapped.
  
 "Bette," Tina said in a low tone that made both Bette and Carmen shudder and drop their heads in submission. "Please continue Carmen."
  
 Carmen cleared her throat and said, "I just wanted to apologize. I made a huge mistake by allowing myself to fall in love with a woman who doesn't belong to me."
  
 Bette's gaze softened when she saw the obvious pain in Carmen's eyes. That's how she would feel if Tina loved someone other than her. Besides, Tina was so lovable regardless of that fierce dominatrix persona, Bette completely understood how Carmen fell for her.
  
 Carmen began crying as she said, "I care about you Bette, so much. I have never had friends like you guys and I wish I could take my feelings away so you can still be my friends."
  
 "You can't command the heart, Carmen," Tina said with a sympathetic smile, "I'm so sorry for leading you on." Tina hadn't told anyone that she knew about Helena's feelings towards her. Heck not even Helena knew. Tina was always kind and made sure to let her down easy. With her friend she made it subtle by telling her the plan to propose to Bette. It had completely discouraged Helena from even confessing her feelings to her. 'Hmm, maybe I could set them up,' Tina thought.
  
 Carmen wiped her tears and said, "I have lost a love before and I never thought I would forget her, and then I met you Tina. I could do it again, I swear. I could search WeHo up and down until I find the one who takes you out of my heart. Just please, allow me to continue being your friend. I promise to never get any closer than a friend should."
  
 Tina looked at Bette and said, "I defer to you this time."
  
 Bette had been observing her quietly and nodding. "I believe you," she said.
  
 Carmen perked up, "really?"
  
 "I think you know the role of friend and you won't surpass it, I see it in your eyes," Bette said.
  
 Tina grinned as Carmen sighed in relief. 'Yes, I'm definitely setting her up with Helena,' Tina thought. She stood up and motioned for Carmen to follow her, "welcome to the gang."
  
 Carmen beamed and followed Bette and Tina out to the backyard with everyone else. Before they went out, Bette turned and shook Carmen's hand saying, "Happy Thanksgiving."