Alice pulled her back and held her by the shoulders her. “Tina.  I…I was wrong. I’m sorry, really sorry.  I had her all wrong.”  Alice began to cry again as Tina and the others looked curiously at the vampire-hating blonde.  “I can see how much she really loves you Tina and we’re all going to do everything we can to help her, to help you both have a life together.”

Alice took Tina into her arms tighter and hugged her warmly.  Tina was dumbfounded and couldn’t believe this was happening.  What had Bette done to her outside?

“Uh, Alice, I can’t breathe.  What did Bette say to you?  I mean what’s this change of heart about.  She’s still a vampire you know.”

“I know Tina, but not for long.  We’re going to help her. Ok, everybody, don’t just stand around we have an extremely difficult potion to conjure and none of you are going anywhere until we get it right.”

Tina let her go as she started to look for ingredients.  Everyone looked at each other as they watched her work like a woman possessed.  They all wondered what kind of a conversation could turn Alice Pieszecki into a Bette Porter fan but this was definitely better than the vampire hater she was an hour ago. 

They worked into the night over the boiling cauldron hanging in the huge fireplace.  Much to everyone’s objections, Alice had insisted they do everything from scratch, the old fashioned way.  The smell that had permeated the living room was almost too much to stomach.  The potion would have to be watched through the night and kept at a certain temperature till morning.  They would take turns tending it until it was ready.

They sat on the couch watching Tina take the first shift.  It was still early in the evening but they were exhausted.  They all decided to call it a night before their shifts began, Alice reminding everyone the importance of maintaining the temperature once again. She stayed behind as the others went up. 

“Al, you should go get some rest.  You know, I’m onto you guys. You all gave me the first shift so I could spend time with Bette later.  I really don’t deserve all of you.”

“Yeah, you do TK.  You’re a good person.  Better than me, anyway. You should have time with her; everyone knows how in love you both are.”

Alice looked down into the flames.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Al. If it weren’t for you I don’t think this potion would have turned out as well as its going to.  This really is your ‘cup of tea’, so to speak. You are a good person Al; I know you were giving Bette a hard time because you were worried about me.  I’m sorry I got so mad at you the other night but she really does love me, you know.”

“I know she does TK. I know.”  Alice had the same look she had in the kitchen.  She looked as if she were about to cry again.

“Al, what did you and Bette talk about outside?”

Alice suddenly felt her heart beating out of her chest. She didn’t want to lie.  “We talked about love.  We talked about how much Bette loves you and I believe that she is more capable of love than anyone I have ever met.”

“Wow that must have been some talk.”

“Yeah, it was.  Why don’t you go and call her.  You’re shift is up and I’m next.”

“No, Al, I’ve got a few more minutes, its ok.”

“Come on TK, go call you’re hot girlfriend and have her tuck you in. At least one of us in this house should be getting some. If it can’t be me than it may as well be you.”

Tina smiled taking one more temperature reading.  The potion was right on target.  She stood up handing the thermometer to Alice and kissed her on the head.

“You’re my best friend Al. I love you. Thanks for everything.”

Alice watched her leave unable to speak.  What would she think of her best friend if she wound up having to destroy the love of her life?  Alice looked into the glowing embers of the fire.  Please, let this work.