Tina was leaning against the entranceway of Milk, arms crossed over her chest, observing Bette just standing against the wall. As Bette turned to leave, Tina felt her anger rise, and she yelled out, Where the ***** are you running off to Porter?

Bette turned around and saw Tina. Damn, she looked so good, Bettes knees almost buckled.

Bette replied, Im going home Tina. Goodnight. She turned again to leave.

Coward! The voice called quietly after her, stopping her dead in her tracks. As she stood there, she heard Tinas footfalls come up behind her, and turned again to face her.

What crime am I guilty of, that you should totally ignore me? Tina asked.

Tina, you know you didnt do anything. I did it. I am the guilty one. I am just trying to give you the space you need.

And who has decided I need this space? You?! You decide an awful lot for me without discussing what I might actually want.

Tina, I tried to discuss things with you. You are the one who wouldnt talk with me!

One week Bette. That is how long you tried to talk to me. I guess we were not worth more than a week of trying. After another week of not hearing from you, I tried to go and talk with you. I know for sure that at that point, you were no longer trying for us.

Wincing at her words, Bette said, I dont want to fight with you. Ive done enough to hurt you.

Sarcastically, Tina replied, Well, well, a truthful statement coming from Ms. Porter! Will wonders never cease?

Bette put her hands up in a I give up gesture. Tina, can we please not do this?

Tina looked at Bettes hands, then asked, Wheres your ring Bette? Did you take it off before or after I took mine off?

Bette sighed and dropped her head in a defeated posture. Fine Tina, well do this your way. I took it off when I picked your ring up off the carpet in my office. It is right here (she pulled the chain around her neck out from under her shirt) with yours, next to my heart, where it is going to stay. Bette placed the chain back under her shirt.

Can I go now Tina, or have we not hurt each other enough yet tonight?

No Bette, not quite enough yet. Come back inside. Reaching out, Tina took Bettes hand and pulled her back into Milk and to their table. Pushing her toward a chair, she said, Sit down Porter, we are through avoiding each other!

Alice and Dana were sitting next to each other, holding hands, and Shane had returned, bringing her little morsel with her. They all watched the exchange as the two joined them.

Tina turned to her friends. So how is everyone, and Shane, who is your friend? Tina asked as if everything was just fine.

Introductions were made, and they chatted for awhile before Shane and tasty treat left together. Bette had been quietly sitting there, listening to the others while doing her best to finish off the bottle of tequila, which had not gone unnoticed by Tina.

Bette finally got up without saying a word to anyone, and staggering just a little, made her way over to Kitt.

Youre doing a great job tonight Kitt.

As if you would even notice. I thought you had skipped out without even saying goodbye. I was surprised to see Tina leading you back in. What is going on Baby Girl?

Damned if I know Kitt. She seems to want to put us both through some kind of torture by keeping us here together. I tried to leave, but she came after me and insisted that I return with her. We arent even talking to each other.

You dont think that might have something to do with you sitting there all moody, and trying to drink a whole bottle of tequila?

I guess Im just trying to drink the pain away Kitt.

Wont work Baby Girl. It only helps for the moment, but things get worse after it wears off. Take it from one who knows.

Thanks Sis. Why do you think she wants me to just sit there?

I dont know, but whatever her reasons are, I think you owe it to her to do as she asks. Kitt said.

I know I do, thats why Im still here. I just wish I knew what was in her mind. This is a slow torture.

You just go back over there Baby Girl, sit down and figure it out. Tina will eventually let you know why you are there.

I will do whatever Tina wants Kitt, but she needs to tell me what it is. I dont know that Tina that is over there. She is like something foreign.

Maybe you should take the reins and try talking to her.

No Kitt, my taking control is what destroyed everything between us. This is Tinas show to run. Im going back over. Good night Kitt.

Bette went back to the table, sat down, and poured herself another shot. She looked over at Alice, who had her arm around Danas shoulder. Dana had her head on Als shoulder and her hand was rubbing Als thigh. Bette raised an eyebrow at Alice.

Alice stood up and did a little impromptu cheer, complete with arm and leg action.

ACTION, .ACTION,.ACTION, .YEA!ACTION!!

Sitting back down, she ignored the strange looks given to her by people around her, including those at her own table, and said, You know Porter, you dont talk out of your ***** all the time. Sometimes you do have fairly good advice and are a halfway decent friend.

Thanks, I think. Bette replied.

Well guys, Alice said, We are going to go. We got some talking to do, right Dane?

Right Al! Dana replied.

You ready to go Porter? Ill drop you off on the way home. Alice said.

I guess so Al. Thanks. Bette said as she stood up.

Suddenly Tinas hand shot out, grabbed Bettes arm and pulled her back down into her chair.

Tina said, Thanks Al, but Bette is staying a little while longer. Ill make sure she gets home.

The girls left as Bette looked incredulously at Tina and poured herself another shot.