Bette pulls up in front of the Planet; she turns off the SAAB and puts her head on the steering wheel.

            “*****, Today was hard.” She lifts her head to look at the front door of the Planet, “It doesn’t look like it is going to get any easier.”

            If the beautiful but run down woman was being honest with herself, she would have to admit that everyday was a hard one for her. Her life had become an empty shell of what it’s former self. Tina had walked out of their home and out of Bette’s life two months ago. Since that time, Bette had not been able to talk to Tina. Tina wasn’t taking her phone calls and any attempts to talk to Tina in person had been very far from productive most of the time bordering on disaster.

Not only had Bette lost Tina but had also managed to alienate her friends as well. Alice was the only one that sought Bette’s company. At first it was just to tell Bette she was a complete idiot. After that first hour of Bette taking everything Alice could dish out, Alice offered a shoulder for Bette to cry on. Much to both of their surprise Bette had taking the offered shoulder and used it well.

It was because of this morning daily phone conversation with Alice that Bette was here tonight. Alice, true to form, had let it slip that the gang was going out to watch some chic band play.

“Ok, it’s now or never,” taking her cell phone out of her purse and pushed redial.

“West Hollywood Animal Shelter, would you care for a free *****?”

“Alice, don’t say my name!”

Bette was greeted with silence than a tentative,”Ok.” Alice pauses to look up at her friends. Finding them still engaged in pretending to be listening to Tonya, she continues softly,”Is everything ok?”         

“Al, what ever happens don’t let Tina leave.”

“I don’t know if I can”

“Please!” Bette pleads. “I’m not going to try and talk to her. I just need to be in the same room. I won’t even approach your table.”

“Ok, but no promises.”

“Thanks you so much, this means a lot to me Alice.”