At Alices aparment

Tina was sitting in a bathrobe on the couch absentmindedly brushing her wet hair. Alice was behind her at the desk, doing something on her computer. Ok, so I think Im gonna order something for us to eat. Whatcha in the mood for, missy? Alice asked cheerily. Tina took in a deep breath and closed her eyes, it was almost a chore to even open her mouth, Anythings fineIIm not that hungry though. Alice reached out and gave her shoulder a little squeeze, That just means more for me. Alice cringed a bit, but was relieved when she saw Tinas shoulders shake a little and heard a small chuckle.

Shane slowly walked up the stairs to Alices place with Bette just a step behind her. Bette was holding Tinas jacket against her chest with her arms crossed. She noticed it in Shanes truck on the way to Alices. She had balled it up and used it as a pillow, trying to rest her eyes which were stinging from far too much crying. As they stood in front of Alices door, Bette felt her insides twisting and she felt sick to her stomach. She wanted to crawl out of her skin. Shane raised her hand to knock on the door, but holding it in the air, turned to Bette, You sure you wanna do this? Bette looked at Shane and suddenly realized just how tired and haggard she looked. Tears suddenly threatened to overflow. Bette walked over to the wall and pressed her forehead to it, closing her eyes. Yes, she quietly replied. Shane turned around

Alrighty, so were having subs for lunch! Alice announced as she entered the living from the kitchen. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Tina whipped around to meet Alices eyes, but Alice was already down the hall pressing her eye to the peephole. Ill be right back, okay sweetie, Alice called down the hall. She opened the door, slipped outside and quickly closed it behind her. She didnt realize Shane was not alone until she closed the door. Bette turned around, swallowing hard and trying to compose herself. Shane got out of the way and walked away a little to play with the leaves a plant. Alice crossed her arms and leaned against the door, staring intently at Bette. Bette avoided her gaze, her eyes roaming as if she was following the flight of a fly. I just want to see her, make sure shes her voice trailed as Alice raised her hand to make her stop talking. Bette, I dont know if she wants to see you right now, and frankly, I dont think its a good idea Bette huffed and interrupted, Well, I didnt come here for your opinion, her voice rising in anger.

Okay, okay, Im sorryokay, calm down, Alice replied, placing her hand on the doorknob. Ill ask her if she wants to, okay? And with that she opened the door to find Tina standing in the hallway, her hands in the pockets of the bathrobe and staring at her bare feet. Oh, God, Tina Alice was interrupted by Tina walking past her and standing in the open doorway to face Bette. Bette was at a loss for words, she just stood wringing Tinas jacket between her hands and staring at Tina, tears on the brink of trickling down her face. Everything seemed to have come to a complete, screeching halt. Shane was now watching the events by the doorway, still playing with the plant. Alice was standing behind Tina, wondering what had happened to Bettes face and what was about to happen. Bette, Tina stopped to keep herself from crying, I think you should go, she finally said after swallowing hard. Bette opened her mouth to protests but no sounds came out.

Tina turned on her heel and walked back toward Alices bedroom and closing the door behind her. Bette was rooted to the spot, the tears she had been holding now streaming down her face. Alice didnt know what to do or say, so she didnt do or say anything, she just stared down at her own bare feet, arms crossed and leaning against the open front door. Shane walked toward Bette and was about to embrace her when Bette broke away and walked toward the bedroom door. Alice moved out of her way, walking into the hallway. Bette gently stroked the door, BaTina, please open the door, I need to talk to you. Im sorry, Im so sorry. I love you, I love you She slowly sank to her knees in front of the door repeating the last line over and over again.

Tina was sitting on the bed facing the door, letting the tears flow down her face freely. She was rolling her commitment ring between her fingers, feeling the cold metal grow warm under her touch. She looked at it intently, lifting it up to the light so she could read the inscription. She placed it gently on the nightstand and wiped her face with the sleeve of her bathrobe. She stood up and took several deep breaths and placed her hand on the doorknob. She opened it quickly, like someone ripping off a bandage, so she wouldnt have time to second-guess herself. Bette, who had been leaning on the door, bumped her head on Tinas exposed shin. She ignored the brief pain and clamped her arms around Tinas thighs, I love you, I love you she repeated again, burying her face in the soft terrycloth.

Tina looked down and placed one hand on Bettes head, Bette began to sob uncontrollably, like a child. Tina looked up to meet Alices eyes and nodded her slightly. Alice, reluctantly, leaned in and closed the front door. Tina moved down to her knees. Bette proceeded to bury her face into Tinas shoulder. Tina grabbed Bettes head with both her hands and directed it so that they were facing each otherand they did for several moments. Tina suppressed her own urge to cry and struggled to keep her voice even, Why Bette? she asked in a pleading voice. I dont know, I dont Bette sobbed. Do you hate me? Bette asked trying to catch her breath. Tinas face washed over with pain, I dont know, she replied her voice cracking. Bette let out a small cry, her eyes hurt so much from crying. She took both of Tinas hands in her own and kissed each one gently, I love youII love you so much. BetteI need you to goyou need to go home, Tina said softly kissing Bette on the forehead. Bette nodded a little, and looked into Tinas eyes one last time before getting to her feet.

Shane and Alice were sharing the remainder of Shanes joint in the hallway. One of Alices older neighbors poked her head out the door sniffing intently at the air and glaring as she spotted Shane and Alice. Alice looked straight at her and let out a puff, We both have glaucoma. Shanes snicker was soon tempered by Bettes emergence from the apartment