You know you can tell me anything, Alex.

I know, Alex replied before kissing Marissa on the cheek. Anything but this, she thought.

Alex introduced Marissa to Bette when they got to the C.A.C. Even though Bette had a lot of work, the two were taken on a tour of the museum by the kindhearted Bette. Anything for an old friend, she had said. She regaled them with her tails of how she snatched the Provocations exhibit and everything that happened after.

I cant believe you and Tina arent together, Alex sighed when they got back to Bettes office.

I know. I wish things didnt have to be like this, but I cant help what I did, Bette hung her head and sighed.

Alex placed a comforting hand on Bettes shoulder. Im really sorry.

Bette smiled and looked up at her old friend. The sympathy and sadness in Alexs eyes told Bette everything Alex was feeling, not just about her situation, but Alexs relationship with Marissa too. Jesus, Ive spent an hour talking about myself. What about you? Marissa what do you do?

Im, um, in high school.

Youre kidding? Bette smiled at Marissa, the same smile that Shane and Alice gave her earlier. It was like they looked at Marissa and remembered something from their past.

Why do you look at me like that? Marissa asked, intrigued.

Its nothing, just reminds me of Alex, when she came, Bette chuckled to herself and shook off the memory of the first time she met Alex, Um, what about you? You still working at that club?

Actually Im managing it.

Awesome! Way to work up the food chain. Im really proud of you.

Alex smiled at Bette. Bette had always been like a second mother to Alex. She was always pushing her to work harder and be better than she was. Thank you, Alex turned to Marissa, You know, it was Bette who got me that job at the Bait Shop.

Really? asked Marissa, Well, thank you. If it wasnt for the Bait Shop, we would have never met.

Bette smiled, So how long are you guys in town for?

Just the weekend, replied Alex.

Do you have any plans tonight?

We were going to go to Yangs to eat with the gang and then were going to go to Milk.

Sounds cool.

You should come, Bette.

No, thats ok.

Please. Tinas not going to be there. I would really love it if you came.

Bette smiled. I dont know.

Alex put on her puppy dog eyes, Please?

Bette laughed. She couldnt resist those eyes. Ill try and swing by.

Cool! We were going to meet at the Planet at around five and then head over to Yangs.

Ok, Ill try.

They parted with a hug and Alex and Marissa drove back to the Planet to meet the gang for their night out. As they drove, Marissa went through the day in her head, sorting out who was who and all their connections and past relationships. She looked out her window at the blur that was LA and smiled. Alex is so lucky to have all these girls as friends, she thought to herself, This place is just amazing.