Unknown Destiny

Bette slammed the door and stormed into her house. Dropping the garment bag and suitcase on the sofa, her purse and keys on the coffee table. She brushed her hand angrily through her hair and headed for the bedroom. She stripped her clothes off and headed for the shower.
How fucking dare she, she shouted in her head. That hypocritical bitch not only leaves me for a man, but then tries to keep me away from my daughter. That fucking little bitch. Screaming as the hot water soothed sore muscles.

The Planet
Kit paced listening to Helena’s defense of her sister. This was an unbelievable turn of events. Helena fucking Peabody defending her sister. She kept looking outside to see if it was snowing.

Helena (loudly): Kit I’m not condoning anyone’s behavior. Not Tina’s and not Bette’s. However Tina is being unfair in regards to Angie. Bette is rightfully Angie’s other mother. You know the dam laws Kit.

Kit (turning and slamming her hands on the desk): It doesn’t give her the right to kidnap her. (Pausing) and what the hell is this all of a sudden. You defending Bette. When you two first met you and her were at each others throats. You wanted to kill each other. Now this (gesturing.)

Helena (defensively): I was a spoiled brat who wanted my way and was jealous of Bette. Okay. Now I see where I was wrong and oh bloody hell leave it at that okay.

Kit (putting her hands up): Fine whatever. (Sighing) you talking with Tina in Bette’s defense this is just utterly fucking amazing. (Shaking her head) why. When you two first met acrimonious animosity and Gods you two wanted to kill each other. What the Hades changed?

Helena (standing up): Kit I’m not answering that it’s something I had to face ok (pausing). I’ve gotten a wake up call and realize my life is meaningless without people in it. (Sipping her drink) I told Tina Bette needed time with Angie and what Bette did was irrational and to a point wrong. I also told her Bette is her other mother and she needs to let Bette have time with Angie. She’s listening. The lawyer is working on a visitation and Tina has agreed to let Bette adopt Angie officially. (Pointedly) so much for the she dragon vampyress from Hades. (Standing up and walking out of Kit’s office. She passed Alice and Shane without a second glance and towards her car and almost ran into Tina literally.)

Kit (wanting to go after her but deciding not to): Just what in the hell are you up to Helena Peabody?
(Hoping that maybe it was nothing after all but somehow she just didn’t believe that anyone could change that quickly.)

Front Door of the Planet
Tina (holding Angie): Funny meeting you here.

Helena (swallowing): Hi Tina. (Leaning down and kissing Angie) hi pumpkin. (Taking Angie in her arms) how’s my little angel mmm. (Leaning down and kissing Angie on the head) beautiful. You’re going to be a heart breaker just like your momma’s (pointedly.)

Tina (starting to say something): Helena…

Helena (defensively): Tina this child here needs both of her parents. (Gently setting Angie back in Tina’s arms.) Tina I strongly suggest for Angelica’s sake that you work this out between you and Bette. You need to decide what it is you want. You and Bette had a great relationship and if you truly look inside yourself you’ll know that. (Pausing) and you and I have a great relationship (reaching forward and brushing back a lock of blond hair) however I think you’re confused and unsure. I’ll be here for you to help you but I am not going to stand by and let two people who are so obviously meant for one anther tear each other apart. (Holding her hand up) either let her go or get back together. With therapy and not that dumb ass Foxworthy. She deserves for you to be honest or to let her walk away. (Pausing) she’s had enough torment for two lifetimes.

Tina (softly): I feel lost and confused…

Helena (her emotions in turmoil) Tina you have to find the answers yourself for what it is you truly want. The push me, pull me, fuck me bullshit is wrong. (Kissing her on the forehead) you need to decide if you’re a lesbian, bisexual or hetero. And stop pushing away the people who care about and for the Goddess sake talk with Bette. Be honest with yourself and with her. If not for anyone but this precious gift you hold in your arms.

Tina (sighing): I know but it’s just….

Helena (pressing a finger to her lips): Shh no talking remember. I love you and I’ll be here for you however think about what I said (wrapping her arms around her and Angelica; leaning forward and kissing her softly tenderly.) I’m going to be at my place on the beach. My phone will be on and I’ll be checking my email (turning to leave and feeling just a bit disorientated.)

Tina (closing her eyes): Goddess she’s dangerous. (Looking at the precious bundle in her arms) let’s go see your Aunties and get some lunch (heading inside the planet.)

Helena’s Beach House
Bette sat on the beach enjoying the feel of the sand on her feet and salty ocean air on her skin. A bucket of ice cold beer sat next to her and she leaned forward watching the waves and listening to the sounds around her. She seriously hoped Helena didn’t mind her using her beach and letting herself in through the gate on this private section. She heard the car door but didn’t turn around.

Helena noticed the lone figure on the beach and smirked. She had always told her friends to let themselves onto the beach and if need be there was a key hidden to the house. Removing her shoes she strolled down to the beach and took a silent seat next to Bette and grabbing a beer.

Bette (softly): I’m sorry about the intrusion. Water helps to calm and center me.

Helena (looking at her; she could see tension and weariness; exhaustion and the loss of weight from three days ago): Bette no offense but you look like Hades. And no apologies necessary I always said that this was open if anyone needed that. (Grabbing a beer and popping off the top) so what’s wrong?

Bette (shaking her head): It’s okay. I’m gonna leave when the sun starts to set (turning her head only to feel a strong hand gripping her wrist.)

Helena (scooting closer): Bette listen, I know we have a lot to talk about but right now I see a woman in pain and I’m afraid of…

Bette (defensive; angry): Helena I don’t want your fucking pity. (Angrily) you don’t know me, you really know nothing of me. I don’t need this shit (standing up slowly; weaving a little and righting her self.) I’m going home where I can be in peace…

Helena (angrily): So you can drown yourself in a bottle and be found floating in your pool. (Pausing) or taking pills to make it all go away.

Bette flipped her off and kept walking. Helena closed her eyes knowing Bette couldn’t drive in her condition.

Helena (jumping up): Bette no, wait please, you’re in no condition to drive. Please stay (reaching for her arm only to have Bette push her to the ground, their legs tangling both of them on their back in the sand.)

Bette (angrily; straddling Helena): You fucking dragon. You fucked up everything. You had to go and interfere and (the backhand had her head reeling; she punched Helena in the face; they were grappling, throwing punches, yelling and snarling, swearing and cursing. Bette had the advantage of strength but Helena had her own advantages as well; shoving her leg between Bette’s and flipping her over.)

Clothes were ripped at, bites and scratches followed, leaving long deep furrows in place. Both trying to get the advantage All of their anger and frustration came to the surface. The pain and emptiness they both felt from everything around them. They were giving as good as they received, blood dripping down their faces, panting and swearing and then they heard yelling and then ice cold water being thrown on them.

Peggy (yelling): Stop. Stop it the both of you. (Looking at the tangled heap; their disheveled appearance and rolling her eyes.) Both of you knock it the bloody hell off. (Motioning) get your bloody arses up now. (Watching as they both stood up wearily) now what the fucking bloody hell happened.)

They began arguing and yelling which almost turned into another round of fisticuffs.

Helena (swearing; rubbing her face, Bette had a mean hook): I was trying to fucking help….

Bette (angrily; licking her bottom lip tasting blood): You were trying to offer me sympathy in some twisted demented way.

Peggy (yelling): Enough. (Taking a deep breath) less than a week ago you two were talking, spending time together and being civil. Today you two (looking at both of them pointedly) are fighting. What the bloody hell is your dam problem? Put your egos aside and work together. Grow the hell up. (Pausing) I don’t want a word out of either of you. I want you in that house, take a shower and put some clean clothes on and come down for dinner.

As they both turned to the house Peggy smacked them both in the back of the head mumbling something about hormones. They both groaned and headed into the house. Paul and Tom were there with two large duffel bags. They saw Brenda walking in the house with grocery bags and grimaced. This was going to be painful following Peggy’s orders they both went upstairs.