She wouldnt want you to owe it her. Alex, she would have marked the debt paid in the full the minute you came up with the idea.

Alex returned to her chair and Bette returned to the couch. Tina looked sadly at both of them. Bette and Alex were going nowhere with a debate that neither could win. Tina had to change the conversation a bit. What do you think the gypsy woman meant?

I dont know and its driving me crazy.

Bette turned to Alex. It meant nothing; it was a lucky guess. Most people have a debt of some kind, Alex.

Tina added, please dont shut us out because of the debt you feel that you owe. I am sorry I never got to meet Catherine, but I am sure that she would have wanted you to let your friends support you.

Youre sweet and wonderful, T-bird. Catherine would have liked you. I cant get too close to anyone. I dont want to risk doing to someone else what I did to Catherine. I cant take the chance that my selfishness could again cause me to lose someone I love.

Damnit, Alex. Bette interjected. Cant you see that you are losing someone you love? You shut me out of your life and you are losing me. You wont let me in your life.

Betty, you are in my life. Youre in mind, thats all I need.

What about what I need from you?

You dont need anything from me anymore. Youve got T-bird, Alice, Dana, Shane and even Kit is around these days. There is nothing you need from me anymore.

Werent you listening earlier, you dimwit? I do still need you.

Okay Betty. I hear you. Alex said to try to placate a very frustrated Bette.

Look you two dimwits, Tina said trying to lighten the atmosphere. This has been a rather emotional conversation for both of you. Maybe Bette and I should leave. Alex, I suspect youve had enough of our visit.

Bette knew that Tina was right. She was going to get nowhere with Alex. How can some people be so stubborn?