This time there was no question of them being over-heard – everyone in the bar heard Tina’s loud pronouncement. Alice, Shane and Dana all turned and looked at Bette who was standing in shock.

“Something to tell us ?” Shane asked dryly to Bette.

“What the hell was that about Helena ?” Bette said walking across to Helena

Helena stood up “I have no idea “

“Helena “ Bette said firmly

“Look – she told me that she had proposed to you and I was shocked and I said so “
“SHE PROPOSED TO YOU AFTER WHAT SHE DID TO YOU AT THE GALLERY OPENING”

Alice’s voice was loud and shrill

“Alice – turn it down for fucks sake “ Shane snapped at her. Bette was rubbing her neck

“I need to go after Tina “

“For once Bette why don’t you stay where you are ?” Alice said “You might like to explain how she can have asked you after everything that she said “

Bette didn’t have an answer for Alice or Helena or even herself. She didn’t know what had made Tina propose which was why she had not broadcast it like she really wished that she could. She looked at Dana who looked confused – then again she usually did, Helena looked cross – she obviously hadn’t expected her conversation with Tina to go the way that it had, Alice looked pissed off with Bette’s inability to stand up to Tina – only Shane’s face was neutral

“You should do what is right Bette “ Shane said

“And what is that ?” Bette said “I have been tip-toeing around – of course I want to marry her guys – can you really see me saying no to her ?”

“You never could and you will “ Alice said

“Stop being the harbinger of fucking doom Alice “ Bette said “I love her – of course I want her”

She sat down “ I just don’t know what to do at the moment – she’s trying to do the right things and so am I . I just don’t think she really wants to marry me “

“So why has she asked you ? “ Alice demanded “What has happened that could make her change her mind “

Helena had a pretty good idea that Tina’s change of heart was very much wrapped up with what was happening with her parents. She also knew that the one thing that would be the icing on the cake for Tina would be if that secret came out. Bette looked at Helena – where either of them going to say anything ?

Bette stood up “I better go and see if she is alright “

“You should let her calm down “ Alice said

“That’s easier for you to say than it is for Bette to do “ Shane pointed out .

Bette rubbed her face with both hands before taking one long look at her friends

“Yes I want to marry her but I don’t know why she wants to marry me “

——————