Tina called the number she knew so well. It was hers once upon a time. For seven years the number she dialed and the house she was calling were hers. But now she wasn’t so sure of that. Too much had happened over the past several months. And after that thing Bette pulled today, what was she supposed to think? Tina was convinced that Bette had finally lost her mind. She thought back to earlier that morning to Bette on her knees begging forfor what, forgiveness? She just wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Granted that was the most vulnerable she has ever seen Bette but there was still an underlying doubt she couldn’t shake. Bette never put herself out there emotionally. Could it be an act? It could be but in her heart Tina didn’t want to believe it. She didn’t want to believe Bette would stoop so low. ‘No way!’ Tina thought to herself, ‘Porter pride wouldn’t allow such a display of weakness.’

Things were so confusing and Tina felt as though she were being bombarded from all directions. Her lawyer, Joyce, was giving her advice. Her best friend, Alice, was giving her advice. Actually she took Alice‘s suggestion which brought Tina to Joyce in the first place. Then there is Bette. Bette is one who never gives up. She always gets what she wants. And in her world she is never wrong and always mightier than any competition. ‘But, Bette, ‘ Tina thought, ‘the might do fall.’

After a few minutes Tina tried calling one more time. Once again there was no answer but that didn’t mean Bette wouldn’t be there. She wouldn’t put it past Bette to just let the phone ring and wait for her to come ‘home’. As she hung up the phone the final time Tina decided she’d drive to house and if Bette’s car was no were in sight she’d go in for a quick old fashioned hunt and gather exercise. ‘I better drive around the block,’ she though, ‘Bette might be hiding the car around the corner.’

In Tina’s mind everything was a set up. She could imagine Bette just sitting on the couch listening to the phone ringing then waiting. She could also imagine Bette parking the car on another block or leaving it at work. Bette is nothing if not determined. She’d do anything to get Tina alone and cornered. When Tina finally arrived at the house the driveway was empty and no visible lights were on.