That is all Shane planned on saying, I knew that from experience and I didn’t much like the sound of it. Shane hugged me goodbye and left. Tiredness began to crawl over me. I couldn’t face our bedroom tonight, the spare room it was.

I rose late on Saturday and collected the car. I made my way to the shops, to buy a few bits and pieces, food mostly. I was greatful for the extra sleep. I pottered about the house, getting reacquainted like one does with an old friend. I bought some potted herbs and a plant with a flower that I put on the front door step. I unpacked my things and allowed my emotions to take over, laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time. I knew I should call the girls but I needed just this time. Tomorrow was Sunday and that meant breakfast at the Planet. I could surprise them all. I will go a down a bit earlier and get settled. Some traits die hard, there is no substitute for preparation.

I wander out the front and although it is night, admire how good the house looks and feels. I am unpacked, showered and home. An early night and tomorrow begins a phase in my life.

Tina

Picks her little girl up in her arms. “Come on lets go to the house” Although Tina had not been able to bring herself to live there, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to sell it either. So as a Sunday ritual she went to the house after the Planet, and kept it up. It bought her sadness but remained a way to stay in touch with Bette. At times Tina could feel Bette disappearing from the house. Tina refused to let it happen. Tina had this feeling since she woke this morning that something was not right at the house, she couldn’t describe it. As she had nothing on tonight, it made no difference whether she did it tonight or tomorrow. They drove to the house and immediately Tina saw it, the Saab out the front. What ? How ? Why did no one tell me ? A pot plant ? Bette ? Why didn’t she call ? What the *****, she just turns up, in our house ? Is this a joke ? Tina turned the car off, she could see the window open, a dim light on inside. Bette, was Bette really here ? Tina got out of the car, gathered her daughter up in her arms. Wait, I can’t just go in there, what if Bette is there ? Tina got back in the car and began dialing Alice. No, she hung up. This is between Bette and me.