“What the ***** Eric? Did you just meet us? ***** the ***** pressure. Tina told her that she loved her. They made love earlier. Does that….”

“You two made love?” I’m not sure if he’s hurt or just surprised that it happened so fast. I didn’t really look up fast enough to catch his reaction.

“Yeah.” Was the only thing that could tumble out before more words were replaced with sobs. I remember this morning. I remember poems and our playful kisses. Promises of more to come, against all odds. All I have is an afternoon of memories. How is it possible to have complete contentment and heartbreak within hours of each other.

“*****, that’s intense.” were the first words that I heard, no doubt from Shane. Simple yes, but truer words have never been spoken.

“So what’s the plan?”

“Not now Ethel. This is real life, not a television show. Let Bette alone, ok?” Shane says with a bit of warning in her voice.

“Don’t tell me what to do Shane. You don’t now what this is like! You’ve never been with the same person for more than a couple of days. You don’t know what it means to love someone.”

“***** you , Alice.” It hurt her. Even through my own sadness I can see that. I can’t have my friends fall apart with me.

“Guys. Please.”

“Sorry Bette.”

“My bad Porter.”

“No need to apologize, but please stay together for me, please.” I wanted to make myself perfectly clear on what I needed to do.

“There’s only one thing that I can do now.” To which Shane and Eric both smiled. Alice kept a poker face until I spoke again.

“I’m gonna get Tina back, right now.” As I stood up I felt hand on shoulder forcing me back down. It was Alice. she wasn’t looking down at me, but out the window.

“That may be a little difficult to do, Bette.” I waited for the punch line, but there was none.

“What do you mean Alice.”

“There. Her sister’s car just started up and drove off. With Tina in it.” She felt bad, I could tell. As upset as she is with Tina, I knew that she just wanted me to be happy with her. And that opportunity just slipped through my fingers. So, I really lost her.

“So, she’s really gone?….. I can’t stop her……. She gone.” I say. More to myself than anyone else in the room.

“I’m sorry sis.”

“Sorry Bette.” Yea condolences all around. I didn’t need them. I just needed my REM cd that’s been collecting dust over the years. It was right there scratched to ***** and ready to help me out, again.

“It’s number four, B.”

“Thanks, I remember.” I say before I practically stumble to my room. I start the CD, clutch the pillow that holds Tina’s scent, and cry and cry and cry and cry.

**************************************************************************

“What’s number four, Al?” Shane asked Alice

“Everybody Hurts.”

“Oh, I see.” was all she said.

“Yep I’m afraid that song is the most we’re ever going to get out of Bette.” Alice said wiping her own tears while she retreated to her own room.