What the ?
Bette eyeballed the clock like a death row convict each minute and hour more languishing than the previous. Bettes concentration feigned real interest and it wasnt until James called her with some interesting information, did she even consider completing her CAC work.

Bette. Its me, James, he said in a hurried tone. I only have a few minutes so pay attention, James sounded like an informant.

Okay, go ahead; Im listening.

So, theres this Stephen Levy guy whos trying to convince Franklin that they should do a joint venture where Franklin would get a huge chunk of change on the side for helping him get his newly redesigned art center on the map. And hes

What the *****? Bette interjected. That cant be right, Bette tossed the papers aside and began pacing.

I heard him Bette, James said convincingly, hes offering Franklin buckets of cash because hes trying to woo some other people in his community into donating more money if he can pull it off and the worst part is that Franklins considering it.

Stephen Levy doesnt give a ***** about art unless its about the Holocaust so he can garner sympathy and attention to the center, Bette ranted. Hes a parasite and hes obviously trying to woo someone alright. Hes bilking funds like he always does; hes got money to spend because he hasnt done the right thing with was he already had. *****! Bette paused to think.

Bette, I cant talk much longer. I just wanted to let you know whats going on so youre not caught out there.

Thanks. I appreciate that. But do this okay? Bette said rhetorically. Find a way to conveniently leak this information to Ariel Schneider at the Holocaust Survivors Foundation; hes on the board for the Jewish Community Center and Im sure hed love to see how their moneys being spent.

Gotcha! Im gone.

Bette was fuming and cursing out loud. She couldnt believe Franklins audacity and underhanded scheme. Franklins action began to cement Bettes contention that moving to the east coast in her best interest.

The RaynestormPt.2
With barely anytime to spare, Bette managed to shower, dress, pack, calm down, and leave. After the not so pleasant tongue-lashing shed received in New York, Bette didnt want to be late and turned the SAAB into a fuel-injected blaze of blue haze so she could get to Malibu on time.

When she arrived, Bette followed the trail of lanterns to the house where she was greeted with a note telling her to enter and go to the patio. Bettes eyes widened as she entered the palatial estate that looked like something from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous or Cribs for the younger generation. There were exquisite paintings and artwork, furniture that was obviously imported, and more amenities than the average person could fathom. She placed her bag beside the spiral staircase and walked through the house to the patio to see Rayne standing by the outdoor bar wearing a coral-colored linen short set, looking like an exotic Goddess. Bette walked to Rayne and wrapped her arms around her waist as she placed a tender kiss on Raynes juicy lips.

Youre on time. Im impressed, Rayne teased and handed Bette a drink.

Bette sipped. Its delicious! She took another sip, what is it?

Nectar of the Gods, Raynes almond eyes sparkled as she smiled making Bette swoon. Its a passion fruit mojito.

Oh, its got passion alright. Ive never had one before, well, not outside of the traditional one, Bettes gaze trailed the length of Raynes body as she ingested her drink, as she did Rayne. This place is gorgeous. Who did you say lived here?

I didnt! Rayne took Bettes hand and led her to the cabana. Sit, kick your shoes off, stay for a while, Rayne sat beside Bette. I just said a friend owns it, isnt that sufficient?

Bette nodded and continued sipping her drink. In spite of being engrossed with Raynes presence, Bette felt the need to release her annoyance over what James told her.

Before we get into whatever you have planned, can I discuss something with you?

Is it business or pleasure?

Bette felt the sudden urge to not say anything, but being Bette Porter, she still had a hard time distinguishing the two. Uhm, its business, caution filled her words.

Yours, mine, or ours? Raynes bluntness was a clear sign of disinterest, but Bette pressed on.

Mine. To do with the CAC actually.

The sun suddenly set on the evening and the Raynestorm was approaching.

Helpless
Tina called the airline as soon as she got off the phone and emailed her itinerary to Eric and then the reality of Bettes call and her telling the details to Eric suddenly sunk in like an IV. Tina shrugged off the feeling and tried not to allow herself to revert back to the place that had caused her so much pain. Tina ordered food to distract herself and ate it as soon as it arrived. When she was finished, Tina called Alice who was not available. She called Dana, but she was in training, and Shane said she could come over, but not until later. Nya was a long shot, but she decided to give it a try.

Nya, its Tina. I could really use a friend right now, fear of rejection caused her to cringe as she waited for a reply.

Hi. Whats wrong? You dont sound good, Nya put her pen down and listened keenly.

Bette and I are officially over and Im not doing so well with the news.

Nyas initial reaction was to rush over and comfort Tina, but her own fear of rejection and conflict held her back. Im sorry to hear that. Did she say why? Nya asked delicately.

Yeah, but it doesnt stop me from hurting, tears fell and Tina sniffed hard. And you dont like me anymore either, so now everything is caving in. I feel so helpless and so ***** stupid. Im a mess! Im just a ***** mess! Tina wailed.

Youre not a mess Tina; you just made a mistake and misunderstood your own emotions. You didnt do anything wrongwell not entirely.

Oh God Nya, Im so, so sorry for hurting you and shitting on your kindness.

(click) Tina, my boss in on the other line. Can I call you back?

Okay. Its not like she had a choice anyway.

Tina tried to think of Eric and how supportive hed been of her, but in spite of her agreement with him that she would not stress, Tina found herself in an inconsolable state. Tears streamed down her face and her swollen eyes stung each time she closed and opened them. She expelled everything shed eaten and then some and no matter how hard she tried not to, she became weary and dehydrated. Dizziness overcame her and she collapsed onto the floor of the kitchen. Scary images swooped through Tinas mind like vultures and her body convulsed as she lay semi-conscious and fighting with her thoughts. In her mind, Tina saw Bette with Candace, she saw herself on a leash with Bette leading her around, and she saw Nya trying to take her away from it all. Then she saw an image of her swollen belly and her child forcing itself out and then it walked away waving at her as if she was calling to her. Unconsciously, Tina was reaching out to the child, but it eluded her grasp as perspiration covered Tinas forehead and saliva seeped out of the corner of her mouth.

Time passed as Tina lay on the floor never hearing the phone ring repeatedly. Shane showed up as promised and let herself in after she saw the car outside, had frantically rang the doorbell, and called her phones. Fear gripped her heart as she held Tina in her arms.

Oh my God! Grief and panic took hold. Tina? Tina? Wake up, wake up, Shane screamed.

Shane looked around for signs of a struggle or evidence of an accident, but there was nothing. As she held Tina tightly, Shane called 911 and then hit redial on Tinas phone to find out who the last person was that Tina had spoken to. Fortunately for Shane, Tina had programmed names to go with her numbers, so Shane didnt have to guess whom she was speaking with. Shane told her about how she found Tina.

No! Nya panicked. She was upset about Bette, her life, and was terribly upset. We were talking and I had to go and said Id call her back. She didnt answer so I guessed she was in the shower or something, Nya recounted. Oh my God, please dont let anything happen to her. Im on my way or shall I go to the hospital?

Uhuhshit!..I dunno! Shane struggled. Come here and if were gone, go to the hospital.

Shane rocked Tina in her arms while she waited for the ambulance to arrive. Oh Tina, whats happening to you? Please be alright.

My baby! I want my baby, Tina mumbled.

Huh? Baby? What baby? Shane tried to understand.

My baby. Please come back. I want my baby.

Shane was still confused, but continued to hold and rock Tina. At least with her speaking, she knew that Tina was still somewhat coherent. Shane wanted to call Bette, but figured after all. Shane called Alice as a back up seeing as Alice knew all of Tinas personal information. She had to leave a message because Alice was still not answering her phone.

*****! *****! *****! (Heavy pounding on the door)Come in, its open. Were over here.

The medics rushed to Tinas aid and began assessing her state. The third medic began asking Shane a slew of questions. Nya arrived just as the medics put Tina in the back.

What did they say? Nya rushed to Shane.

Nothing really cause I didnt know what to tell them.

Not good, Nya frowned. Look, I know some people at the hospital, Ill call them and let them know Tinas on her way, Shane was still fearful. Shes gonna be fine. My friends are great doctors and nurses, theyll take care of her. Shane nodded, still trying to make sense of everything. Shane, you ride with Tina, and Ill follow. Go! Nya pushed Shane toward the ambulance and got in her car to follow.