Earth to Tina… A hand waved before her eyes.

No. Tina said quietly.

No? What do you mean no? Dana said quizzically.

Tina sighed, I have no feelings what so ever for Billy.

So youre not into him, end it. Its long distance anyway, it doesnt make sense. Dana smiled, climbing into bed. Ive got tennis early tomorrow, so youll have to find a way to school on your own. Sorry.

Alright, its no problem. Tina shrugged and disappeared to the bathroom, tucking the phone into her pocket. She flipped through the caller ID, finding the number she had been waiting to see since she stepped into the taxi earlier. She frantically pressed the send button, placing it to her ear.

Tina could swear that her hands were trembling, the phone clutched in her whitening knuckles. She heard a click on the other end, then a barely audible voice on the other end.

Hello? Tina said, raising the volume on her receiver.

Hello, Porter Residence. The female replied, Tina couldnt help but stifle her laughter. Who knew that Bette Porter could be so formal?

You can relax, Bette. Its just me. Tina smiled, feeling her face flush. Hows your lip?

Ah its just you, Im not supposed to be on the phone. But thank you for calling. Its swollen, and it hurts, Ill live. Bette smiled, ignoring the pain in her lower lip. She hadnt been able to leave her room all night, due to her punishment that Melvin had enforced the moment they got home.

Thats good. Tina nodded, Other than that, howre you?

Not bad, just grounded. Bette nodded, Im not allowed out this weekend.

Your dad still grounds you, youre a senior for gods sake.

Well, hes strict. Dont worry about it, Ill still be allowed to hang out in theater and all that. Im not letting him take that away from me. Bette laughed, gently running a finger along her lip, as she had been doing since she left the hospital. No matter how many times she repeated the process, the slight tingle from Tinas finger being there still remained.

Tina thought for a moment, Hey, Bette. Do you drive to school in the mornings?

Bette arched a brow, I usually hitch a ride with Karli. But I do have a car. Why?

My cousin, Dana, is leaving uber early and Ive got no other way to get to school. I was wondering if maybe I could get a ride. I know, Im getting the point of clingy and annoying. But youre my only friend right now. Tina crossed two thin fingers behind her back, silently praying that the first person to grace her vision in the morning would be the beautiful caramel skinned girl on the phone.

Im sure it wouldnt be a problem, Bette smiled, Ill need your address though.

Tina practically jumped up and down, barely able to contain her volume as she read the address. She had to do something about this serious problem she was dealing with. Telling Bette might result in rejection and the loss of a friend, but keeping the secret in would slowly eat away at Tinas heart and mind. What to do? There was so much confusion.

Okay, Ill see you in the morning. Well have to check the board outside the auditorium! Im praying tonight that I got the part, itd be the best thing that ever happened to me, other than you. Tina silently added, Goodnight Bette, hope your lip feels better.

Itll only feel better if you kiss away that pain, Bette thought, a childish smirk gracing her lips. Alright, Ill say a little prayer for you too. Goodnight, T. Bright and early.

Ill be ready. Tina smiled, waiting until she heard Bette hang up on the other end. She smiled, hugging the phone to her chest as she exited, shutting the light. Shed worry about the feelings tomorrow, right now, there were other things on her mind.

TBCCCC soon hopefully.