It was always the same route for Bette, she could count every stop sign, remember every detail on each house and she could pin point the house that she used to call home. Even with the liquor flowing through her veins, she was always aware of /that/ house. It tormented her, yet she couldn’t help but crave the need to see it every day. After losing her job a few months ago, Bette had nothing better to do than to sit on the train in her usual place and watch. Just watch.

She now lived with Alice, her best friend who thought that every day she was going to work when in actual fact, she was looking at her past self from a distance. Bette was slowly running out of money but that was the least of her worries, even the alcohol couldn’t silence the self-hatred and pity she felt. The brunette was just glad that every stranger that walked onto the train, kept their distance, the smell of alcohol was enough to put them off.

It was early Monday morning, Bette always hated these mornings. The train would fill full of workaholics which would only remind her of the life she once lived. As the woman sat peacefully in her usual spot, she kept her eyes out of the window, holding her bag close to her chest as if she was frightened that someone would take it. Her water bottle which was filled with vodka stayed zipped up inside. Her eyebrows furrowed as soon as she felt a presence next to her, a strong wave of amber hit her nose. Bette slowly looked to her side, eyebrows raising when she was met with a blonde woman who was utterly flawless, causing Bette to take a moment to gather her thoughts. The brunette was taken aback, confused on why such a woman would want to sit with someone like her. Maybe the old Bette Porter but not this one.

“Hey, hope you don’t mind – I need to rest my feet as I’ll be up on them all day today” the blonde spoke lightly, breaking the silence between two of them. Bette felt her throat tighten, she used to be so in control, so commanding and now she felt nothing but out of control. “No, of course not- you can sit where you like” Bette stated. Her eyes dragged over the woman’s body, admiring every little detail before she forced half a smile towards the blonde. “I’m Tina, sorry – I hope I’m not annoying you, I’m new to town so I don’t really know anyone. This is my first day at my new job” she spoke, the smile still plastered on her lips. Tina obviously just needing someone to talk to as it was clear to Bette that she was anxious.