Things were progressing at a faster rate than Tina (as Tabitha) had anticipated. When she came to Los Angeles to execute the plan against Jodi and Kelly she didn’t know exactly what she was walking into but what she found was heartbreaking. She’d been driven to seek justice not revenge for her own suffering. Seeing the extent of the deterioration of Jodi and Kelly’s friendship and love; witnessing Kelly drinking herself half to death, and being exposed to Jodi’s indolent and hedonistic behavior made Tabitha realize that to some extent retribution had already befallen them.

Their grievous circumstances empowered Tabitha to reassert her rightful place in their lives as devoted lover and trusted friend. In their desperation to fill the void left by Tina’s absence they welcomed the familiar stranger and made themselves vulnerable to her manipulations. Their defeat was imminent. The bond shared by the ill-fated lovers was weakened by acrimony and divisiveness. In the wake of its destruction justice would prevail and Tina’s existence restored.

***

Since she’d gotten the go-ahead for the Hammer instillation Jodi was busy working on the new sculptor. Like most artists she immersed herself completely in the creative process. It wasn’t unusual for her to spend countless hours or days at the studio drinking, eating and sleeping art. At times like this she shut herself off from the outside world emerging only when ready. Using work as an excuse she had successfully avoided contact with Kelly for over a week but her beautiful blonde neighbor would not be discarded so easily nor would Jodi’s growing infatuation with her allow it.

Tabitha was the only one privileged to enter the sanctity of Jodi’s studio while she worked. Jodi encouraged the visits from Tabitha, who sometimes provided inspiration and at other times a welcomed distraction. Whereas Tina in her previous life would have been fascinated to be a part of this Tabitha only feigned interest to ingratiate herself further. Jodi and Tabitha’s neighborly friendship was growing into something more but it was understated and subtle. Tabitha was doing the courting and for the first time in her life Jodi was the one being wooed. Tabitha’s allure was strong. Their lack of physical intimacy was frustrating the hell out of Jodi but she had no choice but to be patient. Tabitha was the one to set the pace and she would not be rushed.