Candace: Starts explaining. Yes, its over. I havent seen her since Provocations opened. She pauses to see if this statement will have any affect on Mikelas packing, but Mikela continues to pack, throwing things in half hazardly. Realizing that Mikela is going to leave once she is done packing, Candace knows if she wants her to stay she better start explaining in earnest. It just happened. I didnt go looking for Bette, it just

Not knowing how to explain something that she truly doesnt understand herself, Candace finds herself at a lost for words. Nevertheless she continues, I dont know. We just – had this – this thing that – between us – and we – I just couldnt fight it. In a defeated tone she confesses, I tried though, god you got to believe me. I did try. Her voiced cracked under the strain of holding back cries of confusion and shame, she whispers I just dont know what happened.

With tears in her eyes, she looks up at Mikela, who stopped packing at she sound of Candaces whispered confession and is now staring at Candace, All I know is – that I regret it and Im so sorry Mikela. She reaches out and softly grasps both of Mikelas shoulders in each hand. She gently starts to massage them and pulls Mikela towards her while she reiterates, God, Im so sorry.

Mikelas shoulders tremble from trying to hold back her sobs. She falls into Candace embrace and rest her head on Candaces shoulder. She lets her tears shed; wetting Candaces sleeve as they fall. Automatically Mikelas arms wrap themselves around Candaces neck as Candace lowers her arms to hold her in a tighter embrace. She can feel Candaces tears soaking through her blouse. These arms in the past made Mikela feel so much love and security, and at this moment still offer these things, cannot, however, stop the questions that are running around in her head.

Mikela: Why Candace? Why couldnt you fight it? she asks between her sobs. What does Bette Porter have that I

Candace: Pleading, Dont! Dont finish that question. Hugging Mikela tighter to her, she answers. Nothing! Bette Porte has nothing over you.

Mikela: Praying that Candace is being truthful and that her last statement is the truth. She asks another question, that she doesnt want to ask but needs to know the answer to, with a calm voice that is the opposite of how she feels. How long was this going on?