Lisa knocked on Bette and Tina’s bedroom door. Bette was reading her kindle and Tina was watching something on her laptop.
“Mum, Mama Jess is upset?”
“What why?” Bette said getting off the bed
“Mark slammed the door shut and she got a fright and things went from there” Lisa explained
Tina and Bette followed Lisa down the stairs and towards Jess’s side of the house.
“Sweetie what’s going on?” Bette asked
“Nothing I’m just being silly” Jess said wiping her tears
“You’re far from silly” Tina said
“It’s going to be hard Jess no-one is disputing that and we will get through it one step at a time” Bette said
“Can you sleep down here with me tonight please?” Jess asked
“Yes off course we can” Tina said
“I’m going to go” Carmen said getting up
“Sorry” Jess said avoiding eye contact
“Don’t be you have nothing to be sorry about” Carmen said leaving
She walked through the house back to the living area.

“Where is everyone?” Carmen asked
“I sent them home” Lisa said
“Oh okay, right guy’s I’m going home too” Carmen said “I have a sore head all of a sudden”
“I’ll txt you” Lisa said hugging her friend

“Morning” Andrew smiled handing Carmen a mug of tea “Thanks, I’m so not amused your off today”
“You were off last week, you had no problem sending me to work” Carmen smiled
“How did last night go?” Andrew asked
“I got some truth from her but only because she was freaking out” Carmen sighed “She’s a mess Andrew”
“Yes but she’s your mess and you love her” Andrew smiled
“She’s not my mess yet but you’re right I do love her” Carmen said
Bette walked up Carmen’s drive and knocked on the door.
Andrew continued to do his hair in the mirror.
“Oh don’t worry I’ll get it, would hate you to miss a spot” Carmen said sitting her mug down and getting up
Carmen opened the door, Bette smiled.
“You’re not just awake are you?”
“Yes I didn’t nod off till silly o’clock” Carmen smiled “Tea or Coffee?”
“Tea would be nice” Bette smiled
“You remember Andrew my partner, he’s also my house guest at the minute” Carmen smiled
“Nice to see you again, okay hun I’m off now, I’ll give you a call on my break” Andrew said lifting his keys and phone
Carmen walked into the kitchen turning the kettle on.
“So Andrew lives with you?” Bette asked out of curiosity
“Yeah messy divorce, his wife sucks he’s actually fighting for custody of his 2 year old”
“Ouch” Bette said
“Yeah slept with his best mate” Carmen stated
“Wow, okay so I have a favour to ask”
“What’s that?” Carmen said handing the mug of tea to Bette
“Can you attempt to get Jess out the house, we’ve tried everything”
“Bette I don’t want to corner her or make her feel pressured” Carmen sighed
“You love her I know you do and deep down I think you’re the one who can help her the most, she’s lost all her confidence, her personality everything”
“Ok ok I’ll see what I can do” Carmen smiled
“I knew you were a keeper, you’re always part of our family you know that right?”
“Yes I do, thank you I appreciate that” Carmen said “Could Louise not help?”
“I’m going to speak to her this afternoon, she has classes all morning” Bette said “But I still think you’re the best option so does T”
“Who’s with her today?”
“Just T, Lisa and Jace are away doing some wedding plans”
“Ok leave it with me I’ll see what I can do” Carmen said
Bette stood up walking into the kitchen and washing her mug. “Sweetie I need to go, text me if you need me”
Carmen kissed Bette on the cheek “Don’t get your hopes up she might refuse to spend time with me”
Carmen closed the door after watching Bette drive off, she closed the door running her hands through her hair, she sighed and then made her way into the bathroom turning on the shower. Walking back into the lounge she lifted her mobile and dialled Kelly’s office.
“Kelly its Carmen, I have an idea but I need to contact Brian or Jess from The Summer Set can you ask one of them to call me please?…Yeah excellent thanks, I’m just jumping in the shower but any time after 12 will be okay”