She stood there dumbstruck. She didnt know what to do. All she could think of was Why? The voices in her head were screaming, why, why T, why would you do this to us?
She pressed the rewind button on the machine, to play the message again. She didnt want to, she just wanted to make sure she was hearing things right.
Is that it? Bette suddenly thought. Is that what seven and a half years of being together meant to Tina, a message on an answering machine? A message, ending, everything that they had together, what they, meant, to each other? Is this all she deserved after what she had done? She knew what she had done was wrong. She knew it should never have happened. And she was, sorry, God was she sorry, shed said that word so many times, she thought it was the only one she knew how to say. She took a slow painful breath, and wiped the tears that were falling plentiful down her face with her jacket sleeve, and slumped heavily on to the couch. She sat there not moving a muscle, just sat staring in to space. She felt as if her whole life was slipping away from her, right before her eyes.
She didnt know how long she had been sat there, in fact, she never heard the door open, she didnt hear anything until Alice knelt down beside her.

Bette, Bette, its, Alice, whats going on Bette? Why the *****, are you sat in the dark?
Alice shook Bettes legs trying to get her attention.

She slowly brought her eyes to gaze on Alice, she opened her mouth, but no words would come out, she just grabbed hold of Alice and sobbed on her shoulder.

Alice didnt know what to do. She just put her arms around her and stroked her back, trying to comfort her. Shed never seen Bette, like this, before it threw Alice, for six. Bette Porter, didnt act this way she was the strongest person Alice knew, and here she was, crying like a baby in her arms.

Alice gently prized Bette off her shoulder so she could look at her face.

Bette, has something happened? Has something happened to Tina? You know, she didnt come home last night, I thought maybe the two of you had finally decided to talk, and she had stayed here. Bette, speak to me, is every thing okay?
Alice pleaded, shaking Bette by the shoulders.

Bette just looked at Alice, her stare defunct of any emotion, it was like she was dead behind the eyes.

Shes left me Alice, shes gone, our relationship is over, as far as Tinas concerned its dead and buried.
Bette whispered. She sank back on the couch and continued to stare in to space.

Alice got to her feet, and started to pace the room.

What do you mean, shes gone? How do you know? She said, her voice sounding irritated, she turned to Bette. How do you Know shes gone Bette?

Bette motioned towards the telephone. She did not speak.

Alice walked over to the small table, and noticed there was a message on the machine. She glanced over her shoulder at Bette. you mean, she left you a message? Alice, said, sounding surprised.

Bette managed to nod her head.

*****. Alice whispered to herself. She pressed the button and listened to the message Tina had left. She stood there for a while after it ended, not quite able to believe what she had just heard. She turned and walked over to the couch and sat beside Bette.

She left a message? She ended your ***** relationship with a message on your answering machine? Alice said flatly. Finally understanding why her friend was absolutely distraught.
I cant believe Tina, I cant believe she could be so cold. Alice sounded angry. Its just so unlike her.

Bette turned to face Alice.

I did this to her Alice, what I did has made her this way. Bette said nonchalantly.

Alice beckoned for Bette to come closer, and she looked her square in the eyes.

So go and get her back Bette, and bring home the Tina we all know and love, before its too late. Proclaimed Alice.

Bette sighed and shook her head.

You heard the message Alice, she doesnt want me to find her, she, doesnt want to work things out.

Alice smiled softly.

Porter, when have you ever listened to anyone, you always go after what you want, ***** you wouldnt have got Tina in the first place if you hadnt been your pig headed self, so stop wallowing in self pity and go and get back your woman.
Alice replied emphatically.

I dont know if I can Alice. Bette ran her fingers through her hair, her voice sounded nervous.

And I dont know if I want to.



TBC>>>>>>>