Chapter 47 – The Return

After taking a few days to sort out just what Tina meant to her and how she should cope, Bette decided the next step forward would be for her to go to the Planet to meet up with all the girls on the Sunday morning get together. She was in the process of explaining her reasoning to Kit: I was thinking that this would do a few things for me. I would re-connect with the girls again. You know it really was great to see Alice and Dana again at the auction. I didnt realize just how much I missed them. Also this would be a public place which would give me some space from Tina yet still spend some time with her. All and all those are my thoughts. Anything else is just going to be go with the flow kind of stuff. One thing I was wondering, I know its early on a Sunday for you, but do you think you could come with me? Bette asked.
Kit was excited that Bette was finally taking a first step. Sure Baby girl, I would love to but you know me, youre going to have to call me with a wake up if you want to be there any where near the time the girls are there.
Laughing Bette had to give Kit that: Sure thing, I know how some things never change. Mornings were never you strong suit.
Kit could resist: So just what is my strong suit?
Bette snapped back: Having an opinion on everything.

The girls were all situated around their table going through the usual Sunday ritual.
Ive got this cool new story Im researching. Its about this psychic who thinks she’s the reincarnation of some gypsy princess. She says she is able to tell if you have been jinxed in some previous life. Apparently if this is the case youre destined to have the same problems life after life. I guess she does a cleansing ceremony of some sort which involves some kind of herbal and water treatment. I was wondering if any of you guys would come with me as I go get this done. Alice asked as everyone just gave her the youve got to be kidding me look.
Ah, come on guys someone needs to go with me. Alice was now pleading.
Now everyone was giving her the drop dead look.
Well maybe I can get someone from the magazine to take me. Alice was not to be dissuaded.
Needless to say the conversations were in full swing when the door opened and in walked Kit and Bette. All conversations came to an abrupt stop as each of the girls eyes locked onto Bette.
Bette feeling a little shaky, took a deep breath, let it out and walked towards the girls.
Whats wrong? You all look like youve seen a ghost. Bette tries to get some of their mouths to close with a joke.
Bette They seem to all say in unison.
Hey its great to see you. Shane says getting up and hugging Bette. With that Alice and Dana follow suit. This leaves Tina still sitting. Seeing this Bette looks at Tina and smiles. Tina smiles back. Between the two of them it was amazing how much they could communicate with a look. Bette saying Im trying and Tina saying You set the pace.
So what I dont count anymore? Kit says looking at the girls as they had each sat down after hugging Bette.
Oh My God, Kit. Alice says as she jumps up to hug Kit as the rest of them follow suit. Kit was just laughing at all of their antics as they each tried apologizing.
Shane: Hey what are you two drinking? With that heads up to get their drinks. Alice takes this opportunity to try to solicit a ride. Hey Bette, I have a new assignment which might be fun and I need someone to go with, You interested?
Bette may have been gone for a while but she hadnt lost her mind. You know Alice thanks for the offer but you know I think Ill pass.
You dont even know what its about. Alice cried.
Alice its good to know some things dont change. I dont think I need to know before I can give you an answer. Bette responded.
Dana thought that was the funniest and couldnt help piling on Alice: you see Alice everyone has your number.

That was all the ice breaker they all needed to have an easy conversation that lasted for a couple rounds of refills of their favorite java. Alice had actually recovered enough to ask Bette about the Art critic. This made Bette look at Kit as she told Alice she could bring the critic by the Market next Thursday.
You mean it Bette, really? Alice was stunned at how easy that had been. She had already thought about that but the fear of upsetting Bette after Tinas experience had put her off.
Yeah, really. I have been told by certain people that I need to get out in the sun more so I think if you bring the critic by I could get two birds with one stone so to speak. Bette responded.
Kit just smiles one of those smiles that reaches every part of you face.

Getting up to leave Tina addressed the group: Well this has been fun guys but I have some things to get done today.
Hey Tina, can I walk you out? Bette asked.
This had all the girls looking at each other, crossing their fingers.

Bette followed Tina out of the Planet. Just before they got to Tinas car Bette started talking: I wanted to talk to you.well actually I wanted to apologize for the other day. I .. I .. well its just you mean so much to me. I have all these feeling for you and right now its hard for me to sort them out. I want to move forward but I guess Im asking you to bear with me as I have these melt downs.
Melt downs? Tina thinks to herself. Reading the sincerity and hope in Bette, Tina responds more positively: Bette, I want you to know that Im here for you in any capacity you need.
Thanks was all Bette needed to say.
Tina thought she might as well try to gain some sort of commitment from Bette followed with: What would be an appropriate next step?
Well I really dont know? Bette paused to give it some thought: Are you available for lunch sometime this week? Bette offered trying to go with the flow.
Yeah”Lets do lunch.