“I took Angelica out for a drive, without Tina’s permission.  Apparently, Tina felt like I kidnapped her and got Alice, who called me and convinced me to come back to the hotel.  Tina ripped Angelica out of my arms and told me that I’d never see her again.  When we got back to Los Angeles, Henry and Tina began adoption proceedings.”

I had never seen Bette so broken down before today.  Even as she and I had our spats, I never once saw her back down or appear to be anything less than stoic.  She was more than this, I knew it.  Though her emotions surprised me, I was more surprised by Tina’s action, who once told me that she wanted Bette in Angelica’s life.

“Bette, don’t worry about it.  All you need is a good lawyer…”

“I can’t afford it.”

“I’ll help.”

“You can’t afford it either, the last I checked.” She gave me a smirk, knowing that she had out smarted me, but little did she know, her smile made my embarrassment worth while.

“But, my mother adores you and as soon as she hears about this, she’ll get her best lawyers.”

“I couldn’t ask her for that.”

“I could…”

“I can’t ask you for that.”

“You don’t have to ask.” I lifted myself from the ground and took her by the hands, pulling her up with me, “One thing about me, is that you never have to ask me for anything.  I’ll always want to help.  Believe it or not, I consider you a friend.”

A brief moment of silence passed before I spoke again.

“Where are you going?” Bette looked around and shrugged.

“I don’t know.”

“Where are your things?”

“I didn’t bring anything.  I brought nothing.  I just up and left.”

“Does anyone know you’re here?”

“No, but I don’t think they’d care.”

“You have to let someone know where you are. Come with me.  My house is only 5 blocks away.”

I tucked my arm into hers and walked her toward the stairs leading up to the street.

~

I watched Bette sitting on the couch, sipping the tea I made for her.  Even though she looked like her heart in a million pieces, she was still beautiful.

“You really should call someone.”

“Why?”

“Because I know they’re worried sick about you.  Everyone cares for you.  Can I tell you a secret?” Bette looked up to me with those big brown eyes of hers, “When I originally came here, I hoped to replace you in everyone’s life.  But when I spoke with them, I listened to the way they spoke about you.  You were adored.  I knew I could never compare.  I was more angry with you because you reduced me to a shadow.  I am not now, nor have I ever been a better woman than you.”

“That’s not true.  You’re a woman of great accomplishments.  You’re bright.  Quick-witted.  And you’re beautiful.  Really, you are.”

I couldn’t help the smile from appearing.  I guess I always wanted to hear her tell me that I was beautiful.  I always longed for her approval.

“You think I’m beautiful?”

“I do.”  Our eyes met in the way you see in the movies.  I cleared my throat, effectively clearing the air of all awkwardness.

“You look like you need something warm.  Soup?  More tea?  A blanket?  All three?” I tried to give her a smile, just something else to warm her heart, hopefully.

She laughed softly at me, “Yeah, I’ll take all three.”