"Or, she cares much about you."

Tina was glad to find a distraction, a break from this conversation, but not for too long.

"There’s Shane."

"Hi Tina. Al."

"Don’t change the subject Tina."

"What subject?" Shane shot a glance at the two blondes.

"Bette’s got a thing for her."

"Oh no, Shane."

"Al, is this one of your gossip flips?"

"No, Shane."

"Maybe Helena’s got a thing for me, but not Ms. Porter."

‘"Wait…who’s Helena?"

"The hot Brit in town. As in Peabody, Helena Peabody," Alice sounding to excited.

"I’ve heard about her. And Tina, it’s not like Bette can’t like you. You’re hot."

"Thanks Shane. But I know you’re only being nice."

"If Helena’s got a thing for you, why not Bette? Helena’s pretty stunning herself, " Alice trying to make sense.

"Well, Bette’s after the whole artist republic. I’m not one. She’s also into really intelligent women like Jodi Lerner. As for Helena, maybe I’m just a challenge. Maybe she’s into blondes."

"Don’t put yourself down. I’m sure they both like you."

"I don’t know."

Shane shot Tina a very serious look. "Tina. Have you slept with Bette?"

Tina then glared at Alice.

"What? I didn’t say anything!"

"How did Shane…how did you know?"

"I just do. There’s a sad smile on your face every time you talk about Bette."

Tina, losing the walls she built so hard for her defense, almost broke in tears.

"It’s just one night. It wasn’t even a formal invitation. I’m in a dark room, feeling dizzy and all. I just wanted to hide from the crowd that night. She came in without bothering to turn on the lights. I didn’t know what happened. Next thing I know I’m making love with a silhouette."

"Making love, huh?" Alice trying to be nosier than ever.

"Ok, you guys. You’ve been really nice to me since I came here. Though I know you’re friends with Bette, I just wanna deal with this once and for all."

"I have a thing for her. But obviously, she doesn’t like me, she wouldn’t like me. It’s just a one night thing. I thought I’m straight until I met her. At first, I just admired her until it turned into something else. I confirmed the feeling that night."

"So what’s the problem? Bette’s gay."

"The morning after and days after that, it’s as if she made the biggest mistake in her life. She doesn’t know how I feel every time she snarls at me or treats me like shit. I don’t wanna bother her with what I feel. I’ve already decided that my feelings are not right."

"When are feelings not right?" Alice not with her sincere outlook in life.

"When it’s for someone who doesn’t even take a look at you? Or, wouldn’t even take notice of you, not in a million years."

"But she made a move on you…" Shane trying to figure out the possibilities.

"Yeah. Jodi and Bette’s fighting. That’s just it. I’m a diversion, nothing more."

"But Tina, what if Bette feels something for you and she just realized it now."

"Well, I don’t think so. If she’ll show interest, probably it’s because I stopped caring or drooling over her. That’s just it. She has a huge ego, you know."

"That’s unfair, Tina. You don’t know Bette at all."

"You know what, despite everything, I still admire her. I still like her. I know Bette’s not all that. But that’s all she could ever be to me. I know that now. There’s no chance. I don’t wanna be the one to crush my own heart in pieces."