“Huh? What time is it Al? Coffee?” I rub my eyes, blinking until they finally focus. Looking around the room I can see Bette in the kitchen, chopping up fruit and dropping pieces into bowls.

Alice stares at me, standing over me, pulling what I’m guessing she thinks is a menacing face. “Shane get up or I’m sending the Captain after you” She nods back at Tasha, who rolls her eyes.

“Coffee Alice!” I say again.

“Morning Shane, this is for you” She hands me a bowl of multicoloured fruit. “Tasha? Yours and Alices are on the counter, theres one for Jenny in the fridge. She sits down next to me, brushing the hair out of my eyes. “Did you get some sleep?”

“Yeah about ten minutes before Alice screamed at me” Alice walks over to me, holding out a cup of coffee. I smile up at her.

“Thanks Al”

I sip my coffee, the hot, black liquid wakes me up instantly. I lean forward and take a piece of watermelon out of the bowl. The doorbell rings and Bette practically throws her bowl down. She stands up, straightening her black linen pants out and reaching for the doorknob.

"Hey Angel” Bette looks into her daughters huge brown eyes. “Come to Mama B” She holds her arms out, waiting for Angelica to lean into her. “Hi Tina, how are you feeling today?”

Tina hands Angelica over and smiles at her ex lover. “A lot better thanks, its all cleared up. What time are you guys leaving?” She looks around at her friends,the empty beer bottles on the table reminded her of waking up here after a party. She missed the warm, safe company of her old friends.

“Papi’s picking us up in her Limo at 11:30” Alice walked over to Tina, hugging her tight. “Don’t miss us too much” She winked.

“Oh I’ll try” Tina laughed and looked over at Shan and Tasha, who were tucking into their breakfasts. She missed them so much already, and they were in the room with her. Nothing had been the same since she moved in with Henry. She felt betrayed by her friends, but at the same time she realised they felt betrayed by her too.

“Sorry you couldn’t come Tina” Shane spoke with her mouth full.

“Its okay Shane, I’ve got Angelica and works so crazy right now. I wouldn’t have been able to spare the time. Have a great trip tho” She looked back at Bette, she was holding Angelica tight, cuddling the daughter she missed so much.

“Be good for Mama T. I love you Angel” She walked back towards Tina, giving her daughter a final kiss on the forehead, breathing in her smell. “ I don’t want to keep you Tina, I’m sure you’ve got a busy day planned” She smiled at Tina.

“Oh…Well yeah we’d better get going. Have a good time though” She looked disappointed

“You can stay longer if you want, I just assumed….”

“No, no its fine. You’re right, I’ve got a lot to do today. I’ll see you all soon tho” She smiled at the group, being careful not to make eye contact. “Have a safe trip” She waved and turned for the door.

“Bye Mommy” Angelica chimed

“Bye baby girl, Bye Tina. I’ll call you” She promised

“Ok great, have a good week” Bettes eyes never left Angelicas face, so she didn’t notice the tears in Tinas eyes as she left the house they once shared.

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I hope you’re enjoying this story. It’d be great to have some feedback, good or bad.

 Thanx xx