She started the car and headed for Alice’s apartment. Num’s restaurant was on a popular street to shop. As she drove back towards the highway she could see families and couples walking and window shopping. They were happy. She wanted to be happy again. Bette had faith that this would work out. It had to.

She had done both of the things that Tina asked her to do. She had talked with Candace and made an appointment for therapy.

Surprisingly, she found the latter to be the hardest.

Bette had flipped through the phone book and found a psychologist. Melinda Judge, M.A, P.A, N.c.c. Bette wasn’t sure what all of the symbols after her name stood for, but she hoped that it meant she was good.

When she called to make an appointment, Bette became a little uneasy when she realized the woman didn’t even have a receptionist–she answered her own phone. Bette didn’t go into detail, only that she was looking for someone to talk with about issues she has with her relationship, her ***** relationship. The woman didn’t falter. She had a feeling Miss Melinda Judge was not a *****, but she didn’t seemed phased that Bette was. It was a start, anyway.

Bette slowed down and stopped at a red light. She was only a few minutes from Alice’s apartment and was starting to get nervous. It wasn’t normal for her to only see Tina every couple of days, she missed her. She looked at the passenger seat of the car. The bag of food had leaned a little when she slowed down. She straightened the containers through the plastic bag to make sure nothing would spill. It was strange not having Tina there. Usually, when they ordered take out, Tina would hold the food in her lap. She would joke that Bette needed to drive faster before her thighs melted.

A car horn jolted Bette from her thoughts, she looked up and noticed the light had turned green and stepped on the gas pedal.

After she had made the appointment, Bette knew it was time to fulfill Tina’s other request. She had to talk to Candace.

That day at work she looked for her.

“Candace… Hi, you have a minute?” Candace was surrounded by men… giving orders and writing on a clipboard. For the first time, Bette realized she was looking at herself in overalls.