–Los Angeles–

Bette took a deep breath and dialed again.  She could feel her heart pounding harder and harder with each passing second.  Alice took a break from the drama to call Dana, and to give Bette some time alone.  She gave Bette an encouraging pat on the back before walking in to the house. 

After five rings the answering machine picked up.  Tina was gone.  Bette hung up the phone and dropped her frustrated head.

*****.  This is so ridiculous.  If I wouldnt have been such an idiot in the first place, none of this ***** would have happened.  I would love more than anything to let Tina go.  Shes been hurt enough.  Am I being selfish?  I just miss her so much.  I need to get things cleared up.  If there is really is anything to clear up.  *****, Tina where are you?

Alice walked back on to the porch with a huge smile on her face.  Bette gave her a skeptical stare.

Alice:  Dana just gave me an idea.

Bette:  Whats that? she was almost too afraid to ask.

Alice:  Tinas birthday is next Saturday.

Bette:  And

Alice:  Have you ever been to Portland?

–Portland– 

I snagged a couple of granola bars from my moms pantry and headed out the door.  God damn my steering wheel is hot.  Maybe I should get one of those covers that they have for them.  Yeah, a big fluffy zebra stripped one.  Ew, god.  I cant even joke about that.  I got bored driving around and eventually decided to go home to feel sorry for myself some more.  Man living in the city really teaches you how to parallel park.  I could do that ***** with my eyes closed.  I admired my parking job for a good minute or so then headed inside.

My apartment was nice, just as empty as the last one but nice.  I didnt really need much anyway.  I sat down on the couch.  I loved my new couch.  It was corduroy and not so much a couch as it was a love seat. 

I just got home and I was bored out of my mind.  I wasnt supposed to meet up with Jen for another five hours at least.  What the ***** was I supposed to do for another five hours?  I could work on my resume againNah, who am I kidding?  Instead of doing something productive I decided to scrape my bowl and watch A League of Their Own for the twenty ninth time.