Tina was lost in her own little world. She had a thousand thoughts running through her mind, and she wished more then anything that she could reach in, pick them out one by one, and try to figure everything out.
Youre friends seem really nice Tina Zoes voice was slowly bringing her back to reality, youre probably going to miss Bette. I know I would be sad if one of my friends left for three months. Zoe wasnt stupid. She knew there was something between Bette and Tina; she could tell the moment the two women had seen each other. She was trying to steer Tina into telling her about Bette, but she was getting no where right now.
Im sorry Zoe, said Tina finally coming back to earth.
Its okay. Look, you dont have to tell me anything right now if you dont want to.
Tina just looked at her for a moment before she responded; there was no point in playing dumb.
Thanks, she finally said, fighting back tears.
I had a really good time Tina. We should do it again.
Yeah, said Tina, Well figure it out at aerobics Monday. Sound okay?
Sounds like a plan to me. Zoe leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Tinas cheek, and then turned to get in her car. Tina looked back at the restaurant and saw Bettes pained face staring at her through the window. She could see the tears flowing down her face, and Bette trying to wipe them away as fast as she could. Bette turned back to the table and said something, and Tina took the opportunity to find her car in the parking lot and get in; before the door even shut the tears were flowing down her face. She hit the steering wheel. She screamed at the top of her lungs. She cried and cried until she felt like she didnt have a single tear left in her body.
My god, she thought, I was fine until I walked out and saw them sitting there. Shes leaving? Leaving for three months?
Tina looked up and saw the gang walking out of the restaurant; she quickly cranked her car and sped away. She didnt know where she was going, but she couldnt stay there.

Shane walked off on her own. She felt so bad for Tina, for Bette. She needed to be held; to feel someone else nearby. She opened up her phone and scanned the list.
Hello, Tess?

Kit walked Bette to her car. Bette had stopped crying, but now she not only felt bad about leaving her friends, but she couldnt get the image of that other woman kissing Tina on the cheek out of her mind.
Bette, honey, Im going to come over a little early tomorrow. I want to make sure you have everything and spend a little extra time with you. Is that okay?
Yeah, thats fine Kit, Bette replied
Hey baby girl, its going to be okay. Youre going to go on this trip, and figure out some things, and when you come back maybe you and Tina can work on your relationship, Kit said sensibly.
Bette shook her head, If she hasnt found someone else.
Kit wrapped her arms around Bette. They stayed that way for a few minutes and Kit finally released her sister. Hang in there.
They both went their separate ways.

Alice and Dana walked away from the restaurant towards Danas place; neither woman saying a word. Alice suddenly felt very shallow for being so worried about what she was going to wear before lunch. Dana didnt really care anymore that she had looked like a fool at lunch. It didnt take long to get back to Danas house. Alice was headed towards the car when Dana stopped her.
Do you want to come in for a while, she asked. Tonya wont be back from her parents house until tomorrow night, and without Mr. P around I get lonely.
Sure, Alice said quietly. She was surprised that it hadnt crossed her mind to try and get Dana to invite her in.
They walked in and put their things down. Dana went to the kitchen and came out with a beer for each of them. They sat there for a second, and finally Alice spoke up.
I cant believe shes leaving.
Me either, Dana agreed. Three months is so long, and what if she decides to stay in one of all those cities shes going to be visiting. What if she never comes back?
Cmon Dana, shes going to come back. You heard her, Alice assured her.
What about Tina showing up? That was kind of awkward timing. Alice shifted in her seat uncomfortably, but Dana didnt notice and plowed on, I wonder where she went. Man the girl she was with looked pretty good. I know her from somewhere.
Alice felt a small pang, okay, large pang of jealousy.
You should. Shes one of the aerobics instructors at the gym.
Oh yeah, Dana said, finally realizing where she had seen the face.
They talked for a while longer. They talked about weather, tennis, the magazine, Mr. Piddles, Tonya and the wedding plans. Alice had to exhibit a lot of self control to not roll her eyes. Alice looked out the window and saw that the sun was going down.
Wow Dana, I think its about time I head home.
Alright, said Dana, extremely disappointed.
They got up and walked towards the door. Alice opened the door reluctantly and stepped out to a warm breeze. Dana stepped out too and the breeze immediately picked up her hair and started playing with it. Alice couldnt help but stare. Dana was beautiful with her hair blowing in the breeze and the setting sun lighting up her face. Alice stepped towards her, unable to stop herself from trying to kiss her again, but Dana saw what she was about to do and stepped back. Alice looked down and mumbled an apology, but Dana cut her short.
No, Im sorry, said Dana, I shouldnt have that nightI just but Dana trailed off, not sure what she was feeling or what was going on. She was utterly confused. She glanced at her feet for a second; she gathered her courage and then reached out to Alice and pulled her into a kiss. It was slow at first, sweet and full of passion. The intensity grew as Alice slowly parted Danas lips with her tongue. Dana responded, meeting Alices tongue with her own, and they danced. Alice pressed Dana back into the house, and kicked the door closed without letting go of Dana. Dana pulled Alice into her. She held her close, and let her hands run over Alices body. Danas entire body was longing for Alice, and Dana was surprised to realize that she hadnt been this turned on since Laura. Dana returned her focus to Alice. Her hands began working to undress Alice. Somehow she managed to get Alices blouse off, and her nimble fingers quickly undid her bra. Alice gently guided Dana to the floor, her uncovered skin starting to get chill bumps. Alice placed a hand on Danas knee and slowly and softly let her fingers trace up Danas leg. She stopped briefly between Danas legs and let her fingers tease Dana. Dana moaned in response and arched her body, wanting to feel Alice inside of her. Alice, however, had other ideas. Her fingers continued their upward path and found Danas hips and pressed down ever so gently causing Dana to jump. Dana pulled Alice into another kiss, jumping every time Alice pushed a little harder on her hips. Alice placed her leg between Danas, giving Dana something to rub against. They rocked that way, until Alice could feel how wet Dana was even with the layers of clothes between them. She stopped and looked at Dana, searching, trying to read anything in Danas face; trying to figure out if Dana was okay with this. Dana just looked back, willing her face to stay blank, but drowning in her thoughts. She took Alices hand and slid it up her thigh, and then left it there to pull Alice in for another kiss. Dana whimpered as Alices hand journeyed up her legs and reached her drenched underwear. Alice pulled them down, painfully slow, enjoying being a tease. Alice let her fingers wander the wet folds between Danas legs. She found Danas ***** and rubbed it lightly. Dana trembled, and dragged her nails across Alices bare back, causing a small moan to escape Alices lips. Alice bit her bottom lip and looked longingly at Dana, and for a second Dana could see all of the feelings and love that Alice had for her radiating from her eyes. Dana reached up and kissed Alice softly, and Alice slowly slipped her fingers inside Dana. Danas breath caught in her throat, and she jumped, taken by surprise. They rocked in motion on the floor, Alice coming in and out of Dana very slowly at first, and then faster. She curled her fingers inside of Dana, searching for the spot. A small scream from Dana, let Alice know she had found it, and they continued to rock. Danas breath became irregular, and her whole body tensed, and Alice knew she was about to explode.
Oh my God Dana breathed. Her whole body felt as if it were on fire. A thousand fire works were going off inside of Dana. She closed her eyes, and tried not to scream.
Alice felt her come. She felt Dana tighten, and then release and a rush of fluid met Alices hand. Alice held on to Dana, waiting for the movement to subside, but never taking her eyes off Danas face. When Danas breathing slowed back down, Alice relaxed, and laid her head on Danas chest.
With Danas sexual release, had come an emotional release as well. Her fears, confusion, and thoughts came busting out from behind the wall where Dana had so carefully hidden them. She felt so torn. Her tears started to fall, and try as she might to stay silent she couldnt help the sniffles.
Alice looked up, confused and horrified, Dana Im sorry, I shouldnt have but she fell short, knowing that her words werent enough.
No, Dana sniffled, Please dont apologize. I wanted it too. Im just scared. Scared of Tonya, of what our friends will say. Im scared of getting hurt.
Alice leaned down and gently kissed each tear away. Im really sorry, she said.
Al, Im just confused, please dont think these tears are because of you.
Dana lay on the floor trying to catch her breath, and Alice stayed near her, just holding her. Alice didnt know how long they lay on the floor, but she knew she was about to fall asleep, and she also knew that she couldnt stay. Dana had her arm wrapped around Alice, and she could tell by Danas slow rhythmic breathing that she had cried herself to sleep.
Dana, lets get you to bed, she said, gently shaking Dana.
Dana groaned and made a face.
Cmon sweetheart
Dana got up reluctantly and Alice followed her up the stairs to her room. Dana changed clothes quickly, and climbed into bed. Alice walked over and pulled the covers up to her chest and kissed her on the forehead.
Have sweet dreams Dana.
Dana was asleep before Alice had even finished her sentence. Alice stared at her for a minute. She reached over pushed a hair out of Danas face, then got up and went out to her car. Alice turned the radio up as loud as she could, and sang along even louder. She still felt awful. I shouldnt have done that. She was crying. I didnt mean to scare her. She has to know I would never hurt her. She reached the door and stuck her key in, but before she had a chance to return to her thoughts, she wilted under the look on Tinas face.
Tina was furious!