Drying off in front of the mirror she finally looked up at her face. Staring at a reflection she didn’t recognize she tenderly touched the skin above each cheek bone. The bruises along with the swelled nose and split lips looked horrible. But this wasn’t the first time she had awoke in this condition…but it was the first time she could remember the night before and what had caused the damage to her face.

As Bette showered Tina sat on the side of the bed with her head in her hands softly crying. She understood now why Bette could never return to LA. Big city, lots of years here meant knowing lots of people. Lots of people increased the chances of her past jumping up to bite her in the ass again.

With the gang and Kit here she guessed Bette would have to face a lot of questions she did not want to answer and she was determined she would not go through this alone so getting up  and dressing for the day she headed into the kitchen to face the music, so to speak with Bette.

When Bette came into the kitchen everyone was gathered around the table drinking coffee and eating bagels. Upon her entrance into the room a collective gasp was heard from their friends when they saw the damage to her face.

Kit was the first to speak, “Baby sis, maybe you should go see a doctor…you know some facial bones maybe broken.”

“Kit I am fine…it’s just a few bruises, cuts, and a swollen nose. Dr. Kennard here took care of it last night when we got home. Nothing is broken. It will heal and I will look fine in a few weeks.”

“Bette what about you’re back so soon after the…” and her voice trailed off not wanting to reveal what Bette and Tina had asked her to keep secret.

“I told you Kit I am fine!”

Looking around the table at all the eyes on her she said, “So how is everyone this morning…I know you have to feel better than I look.”

Tina got up from the table to pour Bette a cup of coffee. Placing it down on the table where she had been sitting she placed her hand on Bette’s shoulder silently telling her to sit in her place.

“Before you all begin with the questions…that I know you have especially, you Alice. I’ll tell you right up front I am not talking about anything or answering any questions with Angelica here. She is too young to hear this conversation.”

Tina knew what was coming…it would be up to her to get Angelica out of the house for this conversation, but she really didn’t want to go anywhere. She needed to be here to support Bette. Her heart began to beat rapidly and her mouth started getting dry in anticipation.

Looking around at Tina Bette said, “Tina has Angie had breakfast?”

“Yeah she ate about an hour ago. Why?”

“I thought you might take her to the park for a couple of hours for some mommy and daughter time. It’s been a while since just the two of you enjoyed an afternoon.”

Reading the emotions reflected in the blonds’ eyes she said, “Don’t worry Tina I will be fine…please take her somewhere she will have fun. I will call you when it’s over.”

“Ok Bette I understand not wanting Angie to overhear, but I would really like to stay for you. And I realize, I am the only available one right now to leave the house with her, so I will go. Just remember I love you Bette.”

Kissing her on the cheek gently she collected a few snacks, water, and a pack of wipes and called Angie to say good bye to everyone and they left the house.