Alice thought for a moment.  “Yes.”

            “Babe,” Tina addressed Bette.  “Alice said you were right.”

            “Of course I was,” Bette said immediately and, after a split second, furrowed her brow, confused.  “About what?”

            “I’m guessing about her needing to get drunk and lighten up,” Tina responded, amused at how assured Bette continued to be of her own infallibility.

            “Hey,” Alice said.

            While on the other side of the couch Bette nodded in understanding.  “Don’t tell her I told her so.”

            “I heard that,” Alice shouted in Tina’s ear.

            “Careful, Alice, you’re starting to sound like yourself again,” Tina joked.  Tina’s comment was met with silence on the other end of the phone.  “Alice?”

            “Sorry, Tina,” Alice said softly.

            “Alice,” Tina admonished.  Silence prevailed again.  “You’ve needed us, haven’t you?” Tina asked, suddenly feeling guilty.

            “A little,” Alice admitted.

            “Want me to come there now?” Tina asked, and Bette looked over at her, shocked.

            “Is she ok?” Bette asked quickly.  Tina held her hand up, silencing Bette.

            “Do you need me right now, Alice?” she asked again.

            “No, your mother is about to call.  Carrie told me.  We’re having a good time here, really, but can we talk soon?” Alice asked.

            “Oh, Alice, of course we can.  I’m sorry,” Tina said.  “I’m here for you whenever you need me.  All you have to do is ask.”

            “Me too,” Bette chimed in loud enough for Alice to hear.

            That got Alice to laugh.  “Thanks, guys.”

            “We love you, Al,” Tina said.

            “I know, me too.  Here’s Carrie.”  And before Tina could say anything else, Alice was gone.

            “Hey, sis,” Carrie said.  “We’re deteriorating fast over here.  I think we’re going to have to call it a night soon.  I’ll call you tomorrow to find out how it went with Mom.”

            “I’d like to see you tomorrow,” Tina said.

            “Me too, I have a meeting in the morning.  I’ll call you right after it, ok?” Carrie asked.

            “Ok,” Tina said.  Tina could hear her sister calling for another round of shots as she hung up and she couldn’t help laughing.

            Tina and Bette went about their nightly routine.  The baby had a pretty set schedule: eat, burp, play, eat, burp, nap, all very scintillating to the new mothers.  Tina was in the middle of playtime while Bette sat at the dining room table paying their bills when the phone rang.  Tina looked up.  The phone was closer to Bette and, like it was any other phone call, though Bette knew differently, she answered the phone.  “Hello.”