“I liquidated whatever assets were left that Tina and I had acquired through the years. Taking the money I first went to NY…and continued with my party life style. Before long I was addicted to alcohol and drugs. I had to have my addictions multiple times per day just to get by. And guys I’m talking the really hard stuff. It wasn’t long before I was broke and homeless…living on the streets.

Bette paused in her story to offer everyone more coffee and to give herself time to collect her courage to continue. Each of her friends was wiping tears from their eyes feeling the pain that their friend had gone through.

“One night in Central Park…drunk and stoned out of my head three men attacked me. They beat me…raped me and left me to die. I was arrested then taken for emergency treatment but I was so messed up…I couldn’t even give the police a description of the men so no one was ever charged. For three days in that hospital…I didn’t even know my own name.”

“After I was released…I met a guy on the street who offered me a job. The job was prostitution and he was my pimp. In exchange he would keep my habits fed…you would be surprised what you would do to feed a habit when you’re addicted. But first he had to train his employee if you know what I mean…teach them the rules.

That’s the real reason why Tina and I are here…guys we are not on vacation. I am a patient of Dr. Casper. He is the best in his field.”

“You see my pimp had a sadistic way of punishing me when I broke the rules…he cut me leaving my body with scars.” Standing up from the table she lifted up her t-shirt in the back showing her friends the newly repaired skin down to the waist band of her pants. Turning around she raised the front of her shirt…showing them the scar on her stomach that was, yet to be removed spelling out the word DYKE in bold letters.”

“Oh Baby sis” Kit cried as she threw her arms around Bette’s neck and sobbed. This was the first time Kit had seen how bad the scars were on Bette’s body. Her friends reached for Bette’s hands and rubbed her arms in comforting gestures.