Uh, yeah, that, thatd be me. I totally thought you were just another one of Shanes nameless dates.

I was once. Just once.

So why were you crying?

Marissa walked into the kitchen dressed. Tina had made coffee and handed her a cup as she sat down at the kitchen table.

So, where are you from? Tina asked, sitting next to Marissa.

Newport. I go to high school there.

High school? Really? Tina said as she smiled, the same smile.

You know, thats the same smile everyone else has been giving me. Can you tell me how you first met Alex?

I dont know if thats a good idea.

I know about the miscarriage. Thats kind of why Im over here instead of at Shanes with Alex. She told me last night I couldnt take it. Shane brought me over here She lied to me.

And thats why youre mad at her?

She didnt just lie to me. She turned my world upside down when I met her. But I thought it was all for the best. And she didnt even have the decency to tell me the whole truth, Marissa began to break down and cry. Tina put a comforting arm around the shriveled up girl.

Just then, Bette walked through the door. Everyone stopped and looked at each other. Bette looked back and forth between Tina and Marissa. What was Tina doing here? Not that it bothered Bette to see Tina again. It was just that ever since they broke up, its been hard for both of them to see each other without fighting.

Tina avoided Bettes eye contact, instead looking down at her coffee mug. She mustered up whatever courage she had left and muttered, I, I was just, I just came to get the last of my clothes.

Marissa could sense the tension between them. As uncomfortable as it was, Marissa knew that if she didnt resolve her issues with Alex, this would be what they would be reduced to. Bette, Tina was just comforting me.

Its ok Marissa. This is Tinas house too, replied Bette calmly, She can come and go as she pleases.

Tina looked at Bette as if to say, We both know thats not true. She stood up. Im gunna go, Tina muttered as she grabbed her duffel bag off the floor and headed for the door, passing Bette on the way. They exchanged a look of utter sadness and grief.

Marissa watched the display. Both women were in so much pain. Tina, Marissa said as Tina reached the door. Tina turned to look at her. Thank you.

Tina smiled sadly and nodded a Youre welcome to Marissa before walking out the door. Bette followed her outside.

T? Bette uttered. Tina turned to look at her. Cant we get past this?

Tina paused for a moment, considering her words carefully. You tell me, she sighed, If Marissa and Alex reconcile, well talk.

So theres still hope for me yet?

Tina smiled slyly, Theres always hope for you Bette Porter. Tina bit her lip and eyed her love one last time before turning and leaving. She hoped the lust in her eyes didnt cue Bette as to what she was really thinking. She couldnt be angry at Bette for much longer.

Bette watched her walk off, thinking to herself, God, shes really gotten big. But still, shes still *****. I wonder if thats what she would have looked like if she had gotten that far in the pregnancy. Bette smiled at her thoughts and turned to go back inside.