Tina moved seamlessly through her day, saying her goodbyes, closing out her projects, and touching base with Sparta at CM&E to ensure she was all set to start work on Monday. Toward the end of the day, Tina began to come down from her elation and approached Oscar.

Hey, got a minute? Tina peaked into Oscars office.

Sure, whats up? Oscar swung his feet off his desk and sat up.

I wanted to give you something, Tina handed him a wrapped gift. Its just a little something to say thank you, Tina sat down.

Oscar creased his brow and looked curiously at the gift. You didnt have to get me anything, Oscar said, his Hispanic brogue sounding heavy in Tinas ears. Youve been the gift Tina, Oscar blushed a little.

Aww, thanks, Tina felt her cheeks warm. That means a lot. More than you could ever know, Tina returned the compliment and motioned for Oscar to open the package.

He pulled the wrapping off and held a Movado Aluminum Desk Set with Pen in his hand. Wow, Tina! Thats some gift, Oscars face glowed, making Tina feel really good. That must have set you back a pretty penny, Oscar said, as he toyed with the pen and tested it out.

No, not really, Tina downplayed the expense. I saw it, liked it, and thought it would be something nice for you and be a nice way to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to do something constructive with my time, Tina warmly commended Oscar. And lastly, if not for being a part of things here, I wouldnt have been in a position to get the off from CM&E, Tina proudly stated.

Oscar listened keenly to Tinas accolades and continued to toy with the pen and the clock. Well, the pleasure has been mine Tina and this gift will always be a positive reminder of you and your time here. Ill still look forward to working with you even if it will now be only part time. Youre presence here has been invaluable as Ive said before, Oscar praised and he stood up and walked around his desk to hug Tina again. Vaya con Dios (go with God), Oscar whispered in Tinas ear.

Y tu tambien (and you too), Tina returned, her Spanish had improved considerably since working at the Center. usted ha sido un buen amigo (you have been a good friend), Tina eased of out Oscars arms.

They smiled at each other each saying so much with no words. Oscar had been instrumental in Tina finding her way out of the rut called her life and shed played major role in helping the Center get more support and development opportunities. They smiled at each other again before Tina headed for the door.

Its all going to be fine isnt it? Tina playfully asked.

Oscar nodded and smiled. He didnt need to speak because he knew Tina knew it would be.

At The CAC
Bette fussed through her day, focusing on the projects she needed to complete, and ducked Franklin every opportunity she could. He wasnt entirely thrilled with the new exhibition the CAC had planned for the virtually unknown and washed up artists, but Bette had already scored approval from other board members so there was little he could do.

Bette found herself still drawn to the painting hanging on her wall. James was instructed to hang it elsewhere in the gallery, but Bette insisted it stay until all the other paintings were received and hung. From time to time, shed look up at it as it seemingly called out to her, commanding her attention and thoughts. What are you saying to me? The voice in Bettes head questioned. Was it the weight of the world that drove you to drugs, or was it the love? Maybe both? The voice went on and Bette turned her attention back to the proposed layout for the exhibit and for a moment she thought about Candace. The memory made her uneasy and pushed the layout aside. She didnt want to think about Candace and she didnt want to risk any chances she had of getting back with Tina by allowing stray thoughts to fester. Bette reached for the phone.

Hey Kit, Bette was relieved that Kit was home. Yeah, Im fine. You? Good. Hey, do you time for lunch with your sister today? Oh great! Meet me at Windriders, at say, 12:30. K, Ill see you then, Bette hung up, pleased that Kit could meet her. She really wanted to call Alice because she wanted to rebuild the trust that had been compromised, but she knew Alices day would be busy, so she settled for Kit instead. Bette knew she had to start dealing with her issues at the onset and not allow them to consume her until it was too late to do something about them. After she called Kit, Bette called Tina. She wanted to work on their friendship in a good faith effort to work on their relationship.

Hey Tina, Bette chirped. How are you?

Im good and having a nice day, Tina replied. How are you?

Not too bad, Bette found herself smiling.

So whats up? Tina was very casual in her demeanor and tone.

Nothing really. I just wanted to call and see how you were, Bette really just wanted to her Tinas voice. Oh, and to make sure you and Alice werent still upset with me, a hint of concern filled Bettes voice.

Tina toyed with her hair as she thought back to the last nights events. She did feel a little bad that Alice went off on her, but that was Alice and she couldnt have stopped her if she wanted to. Truth was, she didnt. As much as it wasnt Alices place, Alice had been lied to by Bette and had been attacked many times for being in the know so much about things affecting Tina.

No, were fine, Tina finally replied. Well, I am at least, Tina, corrected.

Alice is still upset with me? Bette quickly shot back.

No, I dont think so. She didnt seem to be. I think she was happy that you finally apologized and that she doesnt have to feel angry toward you, Tina supposed Alices feelings.

Bette made a relieved expression and contemplated her next question. Tina? Bette carefully inquired.

Yes? Tina could tell by Bettes tone she was about to be asked a serious question.

Do you, Bette paused. Uhm, do you think that you can gauge how long its going to take for us to work through this? Bette reluctantly continued, wishing shed never opened her mouth.

I dont know! Tina replied without a beat. I mean, Ive spend the past month getting over the shock, the hurt that followed, and getting back on my feet. I honestly havent given it a time period, Tina volunteered. Why?

James peeked in to let Bette know she had someone waiting to see her because she had ignored the reminder on her Palm Pilot. Thankful for the interruption, Bette pressed to end the conversation. I just wanted to know I guess, she stalled to find the right words. To see how much longer I had to get myself together, it wasnt exactly what she wanted to say, but Tinas ambiguity was unsettling. Tina, Im sorry, I have to go now, but Id like to talk more if youre available this weekend?

Yeah, that would be fine. I have plans with Alice and the girls, but I can make time beyond them, Tinas response was music to Bettes ears.

Great. Ill call you, Bette chirped and ended the call.

Bette wasnt feeling her best, but knew she had to maintain face to get through her day. She met with another artist and added her to the list of potential candidates for the upcoming exhibit. She later met with Kit as planned and they enjoyed a good lunch where they talked about their father, Tina, and even Ivan. Bette was surprisingly accepting of his name being mentioned, which made Kit feel really good. After lunch, Bette went back to the CAC where she worked for the rest of the day without incident until James came in.

Hey Bette, James sat down. You know we still have to get back to Rayne Bryant right? Shes supposed to be in town next week, James didnt mean to alter the state of Bettes day.

Oh *****! Bette fussed. I kind of forgot about that. Can you get her on the phone and see if you can find out the details of her trip so I can schedule her in? Bette scanned through her Palm Pilot.

Sure, Ill get right on it, James stood up. Oh, and by the way, I found out how Franklin knew about her calling, James quickly added.

Hows that? Bette was filled with curiosity.

His niece knows someone at the graphics firm who mentioned your name in connection to Raynes, James said in a near whisper as if he was telling a secret.

Good scouting, Bette grinned. Well, well just have to be sure that we plant a good seed for the niece to take back to Franklin now wont we? Bette deviously stated.

James left Bettes office to make his calls before calling it a night while Bette finished her affairs and contemplated what shed do on a Friday night with no wife and no plans.

Tina
Hours later, Tina said her last good byes and left the Center in search of some new clothes. Shed received a check, which was part of the grant the Center received for the new playground. Tina was happy to receive the check because she was in need of some new clothes for work; and being a woman of simple taste, Tina didnt feel the need to shop at the fancy boutiques, and found herself at Macys piecing coordinates together. Happy with her selections, Tina paid for the clothes and strolled the rest of the mall, looking in other stores, and stopped at the food court to grab a bite when she saw Candace and Yolanda. A sick feeling came over her and hoping that neither saw her, Tina turned in the opposite direction, until she caught herself and decided that neither of them were going to dictate her feelings. Tina walked over to Salad Works as shed started to and ordered her meal. Out of the corner of her eye, Tina saw Yolanda trying to see if it was really her, but she paid her no attention. After receiving her meal, Tina found a vacant table and sat down to eat. Within minutes Yolanda was seating herself at the table.

Well, well, if it isnt Tina, Yolanda indignantly stated. And what brings you here? I thought Bette would have you shopping in Beverly Hills or something, she smugly continued.

Tina put her fork down and stared Yolanda square in the eye. Not that its any of your business, but I shop where I want to shop thank you very much, Tina replied in a sharp tone.

Anyway, Yolanda dismissed Tinas rebuttal, how are things between you two these days? Have you patched up your little situation and gotten back together, Yolanda probed.

Tina was getting pissed and looked around to see who was in earshot of her. Listen dammit, and listen good, Tina snapped. Neither you nor your girlfriend, partner, ***** buddy, or whatever the ***** you two are, need to be in my business, Tina spewed. Whatever is or isnt between Bette and I is none of your business, so if youll excuse me, I would like to finish my food in peace, Tina spat and waved her hand to shoo Yolanda away.

A passer by overhead the verbal assault and grinned as Yolanda leaned back into the seat, mouth agape, and looking at Tina as if she had six heads. Candace got up and cautiously walked to the table to get Yolanda before anything else happened. Lets go, Candace tapped Yolandas shoulder. Let the lady eat her food. We need to leave, Candace eased Yolanda from the seat, refusing to make eye contact with Tina who was staring bullets into her.

Yes, that would be a good idea, Tina stated, never breaking her stare. I dont like either of you and as not to cause a scene that could get us all in front of a judge, do us all a favor, dont speak to me again, Tina eloquently stated, and with that, Yolanda and Candace left the food court and Tina to finish her food.

Tina arrived at the apartment a little while later to find Alice and the girls waiting for her with a Congratulations banner, balloons, and lots of applause.

Hey Tina! Dana chirped, as she threw her arms around Tinas neck. Alice told us the good news and we couldnt wait until we went out to see you, Dana went on with a beaming smile.

Yeah, you did good kiddo, Shane commented, reaching out for Tina.

Im sure you feel really good, Jenny stated, not wanting to be left out.

Aww! Thanks you guys, you didnt have to, Tina blushed. Wheres Marina? Tina asked, realizing someone was missing.

She couldnt get away at the time, but said shed see you later, Alice spoke up.

Oh, okay, Tina looked around the room and was overwhelmed with the outpour of love. This is too much, Tina gushed, I dont need all of this, Tina sipped the wine Alice handed her.

Oh, dont be so modest, Shane said, as she lifted the glass to Tina. Youve been through a lot lately and most people would have crawled up and died, but you forged on. Youre an inspiration to us all. Here, here, Shane gathered the girls into a group so they could toast Tina.

Shes right, Dana nudged Tina. I felt so bad for you and wanted to do something, but didnt know what to do, Dana looked down feeling a little embarrassed.

Hey, its okay, Tina rubbed Danas arms. You did what I asked and that was to do nothing and I appreciate that more than you know. Im sure it wasnt easy to not take sides per se, but were all still friends and family. So, to that, Tina raised her glass and they all toasted again.

Everyone was in good spirits until Jenny asked the dreaded question. So, how is Bette doing?