Is it her?

Dana spun around at the sound of Alices voice.

Alice. Uhhhh hey. Hi.

Alice just stood there, on the opposite end of Danas driveway.

Is she the reason youve been avoiding me?

Dana was stunned and didnt no how to react.

Play it cool Dana.

What are you talking about Al?

Her question came out louder and more high pitched than anticipated. Way to go idiot.

God damn it Dana. You know very well who Im talking about. Please dont treat me like Im some sort of fool. I dont need you to be another Bet… Gabby.

Dana looked down at her feet, shifting her weight from one leg to another.

You know what Dane, I shouldnt have come here. Not now. Not before. It was a mistake. One that I really regret I made. But you kissed me back. And you you came to my apartment. I didnt force you to do that. You should at least have the god damn decency to let me know if you changed your ***** mind, yknow. Little miss sous chef arrives back in L.A. and your all over her again, is that it? Well ***** it. Im sorry our friendship got caught in the god damned cross fire but you should have at least told me. You owed me that much.

Al.

***** it Dana. You know I love you. But I dont want to be stepped all over and taken for granted. Ive had enough of that *****.

She looked at Dana almost pleadingly, hoping deep down that shed ask her to stay. She stood there for a bit just looking at Dana before she turned and walked away.

Im such an idiot.

Alice.

Alice kept walking.

Alice please.

What?

Dana was on the verge of breaking down.

What Dana?

Im sorry.

Alice eyes welled up. She just turned around and walked away.

Not half as sorry as I am.

***
Beep.

Oh my god! Hey Alice. Its Tina. Guess what? I got the job! You are now listening to a message from the Productions Manager at Trekstar. I still cant believe it. Well anyway, I decided that tonight Im going out. Well actually were going out. So call me when you get this. Im gonna call Dana and Shane as well. I really wanna catch up with you guys. Call me.

Beep.

***

Bette walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge in search of a drink. She pulled out some lemonade and poured herself a glass when she noticed Melvin Porter just seated outside on garden bench reading the newspaper.

She grabbed her glass and walked outside.

Hey daddy.

Melvin looked up and smiled at his beautiful daughter.

Do you want a drink?

No thanks sweetheart.

Bette made her way towards her father and took a seat beside him. They sat there in silence for a while, wondering how theyd both come to this point in their lives.

Bette was the first to break the silence.

Daddy, I just wanted to say thank you for letting me come home and understanding what Ive been through. I dont know what I would have done if I didnt have you. I just

Melvin raised his hand slightly, signalling Bette to shut up.

Elizabeth. Bette. You are my little girl and nothing in this universe can change that. I want you to understand that.

Bette looked at her father and half heartedly smiled.

I need you to understand that Bette. I need you to know how much I love you and how I will always be here for you no matter what. You know that dont you?

Bette just nodded, but she was worried now. She was well aware that Melvin Porter never showed emotion unless he had to. She was worried why he had his heart on his sleeve now.

Daddy, is everything okay?

Melvin looked at his daughter – it was time. Ill never tell her if I dont do it now.

Everythings fine darling. I just wanted you to know I love you.

Bette was confused at how her father had changed.

I love you too daddy.

I know sweetheart. Now go get your things packed. You dont want to be late for your flight back. Although truth be told I wouldnt mind you staying here a bit longer.

As long as were being honest I might as well tell you that Id rather stay here than return daddy. But I have to go back to work and I really cant run from my problems forever.

Although it sounds unbelievable tempting to do so.

With that Bette got up and left Melvin lost in thought about why he didnt tell his daughter.

Nows not the right time. Ill tell her. Just not now.

***

Alice looked at her phone as she entered her apartment. One message. She pressed play. It was Tina.

Oh yay. Im sorry Tina but tonights just no good. Infact I might never get out of bed again. Sorry.

Alice walked into her bed room and slammed the door shut before falling face down on her bad and bursting out into tears.

***

Hello?

Hey Shane!

Tina hey. How are you? Its been a bit.

Yeah I know. Sorry Ive just been really preoccupied these days.

I understand. So whats up?

Well I was wondering if youre free tonight? Ive left messages for Dana and Alice as well about going out. Id really like to catch up with you guys.

Yeah should be good. What time did you want to meet?

Well why dont you grab Alice and Dana and come over to my place by about seven. Well grab a quick bite to eat and then itll be partay!

Shane smiled. She was glad Tina sounded so happy and was going to be getting out and having fun.

Thatll be great.

So Ill see you guys tonight then?

Yeah you can count on it.

Bye.

***

Melvin handed Bette an envelope as she was just about to enter the departure lounge.

Dont open it till you get home okay.

What is it?

Promise?

I promise daddy.

Good. Now have a safe flight and call me when you reach okay. Take Care.

I love you daddy.

Bette quickly gave Melvin a quick hug and kiss before walking away.

Reality, here I come.

***

TBC (In Jan.)