Alice walked into the cafeteria knowing that since Bette did not have transportation, she would have had to call a cab.  “Christ knowing her, she’ll take a cab all the way back to L.A.” Alice mumbled to herself.  After checking the cafeteria she decided to head to Tina’s house hoping against hope that Bette would go back there.  As she walked to her car, she spotted a small walking park across the street.  She looked closer and saw someone sitting underneath a large oak tree.  Getting closer she saw that it was Bette.  With her knees pulled up tightly to her chest Bette was sitting on the ground slowly rocking her body back and forth.  “Bette?” asked Alice softly so as not to startle her.  There was no reply.  She reached out and gently stroked Bette’s shoulder.  Without looking up Bette said, “I’m going back to L.A. this afternoon Alice.  How nave was I to think that we could just pick up where we left off.  Tina is a beautiful woman and I was so fortunate to have had her for the time I did.  She doesn’t need me anymore though Al.”  Alice continued rubbing Bette’s shoulder quickly wiping away her own tears.  “How long have they been together?  Does Tina love her?  Please tell me something,” Bette said as her voice cracked with emotion.  “Look Bette, all of those questions are ones that you need to ask Tina yourself.  You can’t just leave without seeing Tina and your daughter again,” Alice said softly.  “Sure I can, replied Bette.  It is pretty obvious that she does not need me around for anything.  I want you to tell her that when I get to L.A. I’ll call my lawyer and get the divorce papers ready.  I’ll sign them have them brought down here to her that way she can rush everything through on her end.  Tell her that I want to see Liza and that we can set up visitation either with or without a lawyers help, her choice.  She and the baby will never want for anything.  I fully intend to take care of the both of them as I should.”  “I am so sorry Bette, and I love both of you guys but I am not a carrier pigeon for you both to relay messages through.  Communication problems between you two played a role in your having had the affair and I refuse to be a part of that continuing.  Damn-it talk to each other!  You guys are adults aren’t you?  For Gods sake act like it!” yelled Alice.  Bette looked up at Alice and although her words had been said very much out of anger, she knew they were the truth.  “Look Alice, “Bette said softly, “I know how hard this is on all of you and I want you to know that I never meant for any of this to happen.  Alice stood up and grabbed Bette’s hands and pulled her to her feet.  “Alice, do you mind if I borrow your car for a little while?”  “You’re not taking it to L.A. are you?” Alice asked questioningly.  “No I just need to go and do something,” Bette said.  “Here take the keys – go – whatever!  But get your ***** together while you’re gone and decide if Tina and your daughter are worth fighting for or not.  Don’t just give up and walk away from them without trying,” Alice said as she hugged Bette tightly to her.

            Alice walked towards the door to Tina’s room feeling drained emotionally not knowing what she should say or do.  As she began to push the door open, she heard Tina crying.  “This is all so wrong!” she thought to herself.  As she entered the room, Tina looked quickly towards the door as though it were going to be Bette returning.  “Sorry babe, just me,” said Alice as she walked to the bed.  “Did you find her?” Tina whispered.  “I did Tina and she wanted me to tell you that she is going to go home to L.A. later today,” Alice replied dejectedly.  “Look Al, I told you that I was not ready for a relationship especially with the baby here now.  I am going to try to be the very best mother that I can be for her.  If Bette has made her decision to go home without even talking to me, then so be it.  If it is that easy for her to walk away from us, then it is obvious that she decided not to try and work things out.  I guess she really doesn’t love me enough anymore,” said Tina.  “Damn-it Tina, she never stopped loving you.  Can’t you try to see that?!  I don’t pretend to understand her having the affair, all I know is that it is literally eating her alive,” replied Alice as she again wiped away her own tears.  Every day for Bette is an ordeal just to get out of bed and go through the motions that have become her life since you left.  “Why do you try and defend her about the affair?!,” Tina asked loudly.  “Look for the last time, I am not defending her and I refuse to keep defending myself.  She made a terrible, terrible mistake but it’s time to either begin trusting her again and go on working toward being a family again, or give it all up and go your separate ways.  She can’t tell you to trust her she knows that, but she does want to earn it back; however long it takes.  She loves you that much Tina.  The affair was never about not loving you, it was about hating herself.