At Bette and Tinas house

Shane rang the doorbell again and pounded several more times on front door. She walked over to the window and squinted her eyes trying to focus her gaze. She noticed the French doors leading to the pool were open. She turned on her heel and bounded down the front steps in two large steps. She jogged down the driveway and around the corner shielding her eyes from the waters reflection with her hand. She abruptly stopped when she saw Bette, still huddled on the ground, staring into the pool, apparently mesmerized by it. Shane slowly made her way over to Bette, whom, it seemed, had not noticed her arrival. Once Shane was only a couple of feet, Bette looked up, tears still falling from her eyes. Oh, Bette Shane whispered, kneeling down and enveloping Bette with her arms. She held Bette for several moments, gently rocking her back and forth, as Bette wept, clutching blindly at Shanes jacket. Cmon, Bette, lets get you inside, she said as she struggled to lift Bette up from the ground. Bette got to her feet and, hanging onto Shanes neck, allowed herself to be escorted back into the house.

Shane helped Bette get into a chair at the breakfast table. It was then that she noticed the bruising on her face. Well, thats gonna need some ice, Shane stated, turning to go into the kitchen. Im fine, Bette croaked, gently wiping her nose with the back of her hand. Shane decided not to argue and proceeded to put a kettle on the stove to make some tea. Bette sat quietly at the table, drawing imaginary designs with her fingers, every now and then letting out a heavy sigh and choking down an ever-growing sob. Shane sat down in the chair beside her and placed the mug of hot tea in front of Bettes busy hands. Bette placed her hands around the mug and momentarily relished the intense heat that flowed into her hands. She brought the mug to her mouth and inhaled deeply, then took a short sip, smacking her lips lightly which were dry and chapped.

They sat in silence for several minutes, quietly sipping their tea. Bette finally broke the silence, Where is she? she asked, barely whispering and steadfastly staring at her tea. Shes um, Shane debated briefly whether to tell Bette or not. Shes at Alices, she finally admitted through a sigh. Bette met her eyes, silently pleading for more information. Shane read her eyes, I didnt see her, Al just told me to come over here andumcheck on you. With that, Shane took a last swig of her tea and stood up to place her mug in the sink. She suddenly found herself angry with Bette, even though she really pitied how pathetic she looked. Bette looked back out toward the pool, Do you think I can I see her? she asked, like a young child asking if she could go play with her friends. Shane turned around to face her and just shrugged her shoulders, shaking her head slightly at how surreal this entire situation seemed.

Why dont you call Alice, shes been trying to get a hold of you, Shane said crossing over to take Bettes empty mug. Bette exhaled slowly, and slowly stood up from her chair, making her way over to the phone near the counter. Shane stepped outside onto the courtyard and removed a small joint from her jacket pocket. She patted herself down looking for her lighter. Bette doesnt really like this kind of *****, but getting high was made for times like these, she thought to herself. She lit the end of the joint and took a long, slow drag.
At Alices apartment

Alice was sitting on her couch, clutching her phone, Should I call? No, I shouldnt. God, why did I do that? What the ***** were you thinking? she smacked herself on the forehead. She had been in this debate with herself for about five minutes while she waited for Tina to finish her bath. I should call, she resolved, and just then the phone rang. Alice was so startled she dropped it on the floor. She quickly picked it up and stood up from the couch, *****, thats her! *****! Its okay, just be cool, breathe, okay. She exhaled slowly and pushed the talk button. Hello? she answered in the most composed voice she could muster. Alice? asked the voice on the line. Bette? she whispered, Hang on! She tiptoed into the kitchen and drew the door until it was slightly ajar.

Bette, where the ***** have you been, Ive been calling you like crazy! she blurted out in a low voice. Bette cleared her throat, Hows Tina? she asked, suppressing a small sob. Alice let out an exasperated gasp, How the ***** do you think, Betteshes a ***** mess, what the ***** her voice trailed off. Alice? Alice? Are you there? Bette asked, small tears streaming from her eyes as she absorbed Alices assessment of Tinas condition. Bette, Ive gotta go, but Tinas finewellyou know what I meanokay, bye.

Back at the house

Bette couldnt control herself, her head fell to her arms and she began to weep leaning over the counter. She didnt think she had any more tears left, but they continued to pour down her face, forming a tiny puddle. Shane had been watching her the entire time through the glass of the French doors and walked in once she saw Bette break down again. She removed the phone from Bettes hand and turned it off, then proceeded to grab Bette around the waist and lead her back to the bedroom. Halfway there, Bette seemed to realize what Shanes intentions were and broke free. No, I need to go see her, she shouted broadly wiping her face with her hands and wincing at the sharp pain from her cheek. Bette, you need to get some restBette!

Bette had headed for the front door, and Shane followed after her pleading, Bette, maybe you should give it some time, give her some space. Bette had grabbed a jacket, one of Tinas jackets, and was frantically looking for her keys, Where the ***** are my keys? she yelled, desperately searching through the jars and baskets on the hallway table. BetteBette, Shane grabbed Bettes shoulders gently but firmly, Ill take you, okay, she said drawing her into a hug. Bette accepted the comfort and sobbed into Shanes shoulder. With one arm around Bette, Shane gently guided them toward the front door. Just try to relax, okay? Shane gave Bette a knowing look, waiting for her response. Bette nodded her head slowly, Okay.