Chapter 23


Dana couldnt stop starring at Alice. She couldnt understand why she would be there with Gabby. Dana didnt want to find out. She turned to Shane and Bette who were sitting on the bench outside the club.

Dana: I have to go.

Shane: Why? Where? ( Shane followed Danas eyes inside to Alice and Gabby).

Dana: Im just not feeling that well. Bette, I hope things work out. I really do. God knows someone around here deserves happiness.

With that Dana turned and walked away.

Bette: Shane, what did I do?

Shane rubbed her friends back, trying as hard as she could to console her. She was angry at Bette, but every one is human.

Shane: You fucked up. We all ***** up Bette. But its how we pick ourselves up afterwards that counts.

Bette: I dont think I can. I thought I could handle this. Letting Tina go. Afterall, thats what she said she wanted. But I cant. If letting her goes means I have to watch that ( Bette gestured toward Tina and Kate groping each other on the dance floor), then I cant.

Shane agreed Bette. It was harsh was Tina was doing, part of her believed Bette deserved to feel pain, but not like that. She could only imagine how much Bettes heart broke.

Shane: Maybe we should get out of here. Ill take you home.

Bette: No, I want to stay. I want to watch her.

Shane: I thought you said you couldnt watch her.

Bette: My heart cant, but eyes wont let me stop.

Alice finally noticed Shane outside with Bette and figured she should help. She excused herself from Gabby, who of course had a snotty comment to make about Alices friends and headed out the door passing Tina and Kate on the way out.

Alice: ***** ( Alice thought) that is rough.

Alice: Hey babe, ( brushing Bettes hair out of her face) Im so sorry about this. Tell me what I can do.
Bette: Kill me. You could just kill me.

Alice: My, my, arent we the award winning drama queen this evening.

Alice hoped that comment would force Bette to smile but to no avail.

Shane: Hey Al, Dana was just here.

Alice spun around looking for her.

Alice: Where did she go?

Shane: She took one look at you and the devil ( pointing to Gabby) and practically ran out of here.

Alice: *****, *****, *****…my timing is truly amazing!

Bette: Do yourself a favor…Go find her Al. You love her, and god knows she loves you, go make it work. For me, ok?

Alice: Are you sure, I mean you kind of look like you could use my help.

Bette: Nothing will help me right now, so just go. My life will still be in turmoil tomorrow.

Bette smirked a little.

Alice leaned down and kissed Bette on the cheek. No matter what wrong her best friend had committed, she loved her.

Alice jumped in car and hit the gas. She didnt know where she would find Dana, but she would find her.

Meanwhile, Shane continued to comfort Bette the best she could.

Shane: Can I get you a drink?

Bette appreciated the effort.

Bette: No thanks.

Shane: Im sorry to ask Bette, but I just have to know…why did you do it?

Bette let her head drop onto Shanes shoulder.

Bette: I dont know. I guess with Tina keeping busy and voulntering I just got lonely. I was so used to Tina being there. Then all of a sudden she was gone, she running to different schools, she helping build community centers, she just wasnt around. I know I shouldnt have gotten used to Tina being my personal assistant, but I did. Also, I was so tired of being in control. It wasnt Tinas fault, I had pushed myself to always be in charge, but Candace came along and she wanted to take care of me. She wanted to be in control and something in me gave in, I let her have that control.

Shane: Believe it or not, I understand. I really do. I dont condone what you did, but I understand it. If you had known it ***** things up this badly, would you have done it?

Bette: No. Never.

The two were silent for a while. Bette heard Tinas voice coming up behind her and she tried to convince herself not to watch.

Tina: Shane darling ( Tina was obviously drunk) please tell Alice that I will not be requiring a ride home.

Shane and Bette both dropped their jaws when Tina walked out with Kate.

Kate: Yeah, Im taking her home. My home.

Kate swatted Tina on the *****. Tina giggled and began sucking Kates neck.

Bette stood up defensivly.

Bette: I truly dont mean to try and run your new life Tee, but you are really drunk, maybe going home with Kate isn;t a good idea.

Bette was honestly concerned. She wasnt just being jealous.

Kate: What, are you afraid Im going to rape her?

Kate and Tina smiled at each other.

Tina: ( turning to look at Bette) Whatever this girl does to me tonight, I want her to do.

Bette: I dont think you do.

Tina: You dont think that I want this girl to take me home and ***** me?

Tinas words burned Bettes skin.

Tina: Well, Miss Porter, I do. I want her to ***** me hard. And then, Im going to return the favor.
So, why dont you run along home and call your little carpenter. Im sure she would be more than happy to come over. If you havent already, you could ***** her in what used to be our bed. That sounds kinky right?

Bette pushed past the two of them and ran to her car. She couldnt handle anymore. She knew she hurt Tina, but now Tina was hitting below the belt.

Bette: I wish I could ***** hate her! ( she yelled at herself).

Shane: Bette, wait up.

Bette turned to face Shane and caught a glimpse of Tina getting in Kates Porsche.

Shane: Let me drive you home ok?

Bette had given up. She didnt want to fight with anyone any more.

Bette: OK, thanks.

Before long Shane had gotten Bette home. She helped her into bed and figured she would sit with her until she fell asleep.

Shane: I am so sorry about all of this Bette. I wish I could make it go away for both or you. Tina doesnt know what shes saying. She was hurt and drunk and that mess back there was the outcome.

Bette sat up slowly.

Bette: I hope so Shane. You are a really great friend.

Bette inched closer to Shanes face.

Bette: You deserve all the happiness in the world. But I have one more favor to ask of you.

Shane was starting to get a little a nervous with Bette being so close.

Shane: Anything B.

Bette: Help me take the pain away…

Bette leaned in and pressed her lips on Shanes. She had always wondered what it would be like to kiss Bette. So strong, so *****….but this wasnt right. Bette wanted something that this time around Shane didnt want to give. Shane pulled away quickly.

Shane: Bette, this isnt what you want. You want Tina back, youre angry and jealous but this isnt the way to fix things. Ok?
Bette turned white as a ghost. She couldnt believe she just kissed Shane.

Bette: *****, Shane, Im sorry. You are right. I dont know why I did that.

Shane: Its cool. It never happened.

Bette: Thank you.

Shane: Im going to get going. If you need me…(Shane picked up her cell and smiled at Bette).

Bette: Thanks again.

Shane winked and hurried out the door.

Shane: We have got to get those two back together A.S.A.P.