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Across town Bette was waiting in Milk for her dear friends to show up.  She had taken a night off and knew Alex would be safe until she got back.  She hated leaving her but also knew she needed a break at the same time.  For the last couple of days she had been feeling claustrophobic.  She had been feeling like she couldn’t breathe and the need to run was overwhelming her.  But where would she run???  She couldn’t leave Alex – She couldn’t do it to Kit.  So for now she just sat at the bar waiting for her friends.  As she was contemplating all that life had suddenly thrown her she heard the sound of that familiar friendly voice.  “Penny for them.”  “Oh Al you just don’t give up do you?”  Smiled Bette as turned on her stool to see three faithful friends standing there.  Alice, Dana and Shane.  “Aah the three musketeers have arrived.” In the unison the three standing replied “All for one and one for all”.

Hours later, muchos dancing and one too many all the girls piled into a cab home.  Dana and Shane dropped of first to their respective homes.  Bette feeling vulnerable turned to Alice said “Look don’t take this the wrong but you will you stay with me tonight?”  “Bette you silly old fool, how long have we known each other I’d do anything for you in a heartbeat, how would I take up wrong and besides you have the best double bed in any guest rooms I have ever stayed in.”  Alice giggled.  “Sweetie I am always here for you, you know that.  Sounds like you need to talk but knowing you as I do I will not push.  When you are ready to talk I will be waiting.” 

Bette was surprised at Alice‘s reaction.  Indeed Al was her best friend and one of her closest, but their relationship was always one of fun and sarcastic wit.  But maybe, Bette thought while looking at Alice maybe that was the way she controlled the friendship.  As with everything else in her life.  Bette simply replied “Thanks Al, for being so patient”

Back in the house the girls sat on Bette’s couch with a mug of coffee in hand.  Sitting quietly for the past ten minutes or so.  When suddenly Bette spoke; “I never knew it could be this hard.”  She paused looked at Alice.  Alice said nothing but willed her on and put her hand over Bette’s for support and encouragement.  Bette spoke again “I mean I love Alex and will protect her always but I really didn’t think it would be this hard.  Al I have noticed this girl.  Up until two days ago I have seen her every day for the past month.  She is absolutely the most gorgeous woman on this earth”

Alice cut in “Aah so the old Bette Porter isn’t dead after all.”  With the Bette pulled her hand away immediately and got up to leave.  Alice quickly realised she had engaged her mouth before thinking quickly started saying “Bette I am so sorry I did not mean to be so insensitive as always I speak before I think, I promise to be quiet but please, please keep talking to me.” 

“Al it’s too late isn’t it, it’s too late for me?” whispered Bette “I was so foolish, why couldn’t I see the wood for the trees? I had everything or so I thought – everything except my heart’s desire.  Alice can you believe it? I think I have found the one and there is not a damn thing I can do about it.  Now I have Alex in my life and I vowed I would be there for her.  That’s my destiny now.”

“What are you talking about your destiny now?” responded Alice “Bette I love ya with all my heart but you can be a bit crazy sometimes.  I know you have promised to take care of Alex and I also know you will not let Kit down.  How could you – your Bette Porter.  Look all I am saying is don’t be too hard on yourself.  You like the rest of us are entitled to love and be loved.”

Just as Alice was finishing an almighty scream reverberated through the house “Kkkkkiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttt”

TBC .