“Hey, you looked happy.” Shane called out, patting a spot beside her, signalling Bette to join her. It was a welcomed distraction and Shane couldn’t help but grin at Bette’s goofy happiness.

Bette skipped a step, like a little girl with a lollipop asshe made her way towards Shane. Shane laughed at the sight and Bette realised what she did and gave Shane a sharp stare.

“I am going to have to kill you, you know.” Bette threatened in mock seriousness.

“Wah?” Shane did not rgister the playfulness in Bette’s words

“Yeah well, I will kill you if word gets out that I am not as cool and sophisticated as people think I am”

It dawned on Shane that Bette was refering to her moment of girliness. Laughing, She held her hands up, jokingly swearing not to say a word.

“So why are you all chirpy this evening?” Shane asked.

“Tina…” Bette said, rolling the word on her tongue, savoring it with a smile. ” Came over today after we went for her sonogram.”

“That’s great!” Shane exclaimed, truly happy that all is not lost in this world. It was good to know that Bette was finally lifted of her guilt. That’s one less sad person in this sorry world.

“Well, it’s a start. A great one. And this time, I swear to god, I will not make the same mistakes again.” bette stated with determination.

“Yeah…” Shane said quietly, suddenly feeling lost again. She would love to have a relationship like Bette and Tina, even though they have been through so much. She could still feel the happiness that Tina brought upon Bette, but she couldn’t give herself that. It was more than she deserved.

The moment of self-reproach did not slip past Bette. Bette stared on knowingly at Shane’s distanted gaze.

“So Shane, Tina called after she left, saying she found Carmen at your driveway, seems like all is not well in your household. She told me to check on you.”

“Is… Carmen okay?” Shane whispered, so afraid of the answer she hoped Bette did not hear her.

“She is with Tina now, Tina is gonna drive her to the planet later.” Bette shrugged.

Shane nodded her reply and looked away, taking another exaggerated drag at her ciggarette.

“Shane… I am no an expert in relationships, look at how i screwed mine up.” Bette caught Shane’s attention again. When Shane attempted to say something, Bette liftedher hand to silence her.

“But I know now, to treasure the people around me, especially the one I love. And I want to tell you. IT is great, you know, to have someone there for you, someone you care about and cares deeply for you, it is lonely being by yourself.”

“Yeah well… I don’t feel lonely.” Shane lied, still stuck in her denial.

“Aren’t you?” Bette asked. They both stared into the darkness. Bette did not go on. allowing Shane the space to ponder her words.