Tina was sitting on Alices couch crying and she was devastated. Her life, as she had known it for the last seven years, was over. Bette who was at the center of her life had thrown it all away to ***** Candace. Doubt slipped in to her mind that maybe it wasnt just a *****. Maybe Bette had fallen in love with Candace.

What difference does it make? Its over. she thought.

Tina replayed the confrontation from last night and Bettes repeated I love yous in her head. Those words that once meant so much to her just seemed to be a meaningless lie. Tina knew that hearing those words coming from Bette and her trying to touch her had infuriated her. It had infuriated her so much, that it had driven her to the point that she had actually physically reacted and tried to hit Bette. She had never hit another human being in her life, but then again she had never loved anyone the way that she loved Bette.
Tinas heart was broken in two but she knew that somehow someway she had to pull herself together enough to make some decisions. She had blindly left the house last night with nothing but the clothes she had on. She didnt remember exactly how she got to Alices and she didnt remember letting herself in to Alices apartment. Alice had been wonderful to her through out the night but Tina knew that she could not stay there. Alice had been Bettes friend before Tina ever came in to the picture and Tina knew that she couldnt ask Alice to choose between them. She didnt want to hurt Alices feelings but she knew that she had to leave.

Alice? Tina called out to Alice in the other room.

Tina, were you calling for me? she replied as she walked back into the living room.

Yes. I wanted to thank you for last night and for taking care of me. Ill never forget it. Tina softly replied

That is what friends are for. Alice said. When we get hurt or are upset we are there for each other.

I am lucky to have such a good friend Tina replied. She sat there trying to work up the courage to tell Alice that she had to leave. She sat there quietly for a few moments and unconsciously she began to rub the finger where she had worn Bettes ring for seven wonderful years. Alice, I have another favor that I need to ask of you.

What is it? Alice replied.

I need to go to the house and pick up a few things and I dont want to see Bette Tina said. Will you help me? Will you call and make sure the coast is clear?

Are you sure you dont want to try and talk to her? Alice asked.

Yes Tina replied. I know that I will have to talk to her eventually but it is too soon.

Okay. Ill call and make sure she is out of the house Alice replied.

Alice picked up the phone and dialed the number to Bette and Tinas house. Bette answered the phone on the third ring.

Tina is that you? Bette cried into the phone.

No Bette its me Alice replied.

Shes there with you isnt she? Bette asked.

Yes Bette she is here Alice said.

How is she? Bette asked softly.

How the ***** do you think she is? Alice replied angrily. You broke her heart in two.

I know I did. Bette cried. I fucked up. I fucked it up so bad

Yeah you did. Alice sternly replied. I want to ask you why Bette but I wont because I am more worried about Tina and taking care of her.

I am glad that she came to you. That she has you to take care of her Bette said.

I am trying to take care of her the best I can Alice replied Uh Bette, Tina needs to come there to the house to pick up a few things but she doesnt want to see you. I know its not my place to ask but could you please find somewhere to go so that Tina and I can pick up some of her things?

I want to see her. I need to try and explain Bette cried. I love her and I dont want her to take her things out of the house.

I dont want to sound harsh but you should have thought of that before you fucked Candace Alice said. You have to let her do this Bette. You are going to have to give her some time. Can we please decide on a time that you will be gone?

Alice, please Bette begged.

Bette please let it go for now, for both your sakes Alice said. Now we will be over at around noon to pick up Tinas things. Please give us at least two hours to gather up her stuff. If you are there Porter, you will have to answer to me

Ill leave Bette said softly. Will you please give a message to Tina for me?

It depends on what it is Alice replied.

Will you tell her that I am sorry and that I love her no matter what I have done? Bette asked.

I really dont think she wants to hear that but I will try Alice replied. Be gone by noon okay?

Okay. Please take good care of her Bette replied.

I will. Alice said.

Tina asked Alice to drive separately over to the house on the pretense that she might need to load some things in her car. They arrived at noon and found the house empty. Bette had left as she had promised. Alice had not given Bettes message to Tina yet because she was trying to find the right time, if there was a right time. When Tina unlocked the door and walked in she broke down crying. Alice just held her waiting for her crying to subside. Tina finally pulled her self together and walked to the bedroom, with Alice following her, to start gathering up her things.

I just want to gather up enough things to get me by for a few weeks Tina said. When I make some decisions about my life I will send for the rest of my things.

Send for your things? Alice asked. What do you mean?

Alice, I am leaving LA for a while. I have no home, no job and now I dont have Bette anymore. I need to do this for me. I cant live with the thought of running into Bette and being civilized. I am too hurt and angry to do that. Tina said sadly. I do have some dear friends here who I hope will understand that I have to do this.

Tina, are you really sure you have to leave? Alice asked.

It is the only thing in my life that I am sure about right now Tina replied. So will you help me load up my car?

Okay if you are sure this is the only way Alice replied. Tell me what you want

They worked for over an hour getting Tinas things loaded up in her car. Alice was still unsure about passing Bettes message on to Tina but she decided that she had to. Before Tina left LA she needed to hear what Bette had said.

Tina. I have to tell you something before you leave. When I talked to Bette to ask her to leave the house, well she sent you a message. I wasnt sure about telling you because I wasnt sure you were ready to hear it but since you are leaving I think you should. She said to tell you that she is sorry and that no matter what she has done she loves you Alice said.

Tina just stood there and tears began to fall down her face. She tried to speak to Alice but no words would come out. Several minutes later she finally found her voice.

Alice, would you mind giving a message to Bette for me? Tina asked.

Sure, whatever you want Alice replied.

Will you tell her I said goodbye? Tina asked.

Wouldnt you rather do that yourself? Alice asked.

No. Tina replied as she was getting in her car. I am not sure where I am going but probably towards home to see my mother. I will call you in a week or so when I know more of what I am going to do. Thanks again for being my friend. I love you.

I love you too. Alice replied.

Tina got in her car and sped off. Alice stood there watching until her car disappeared from view. She went to her car and picked up her cell phone and dialed Bettes cell phone. Alice knew that Bette was going to be angry at her for letting Tina go but she had to do what her friend asked of her.

Hello Bette answering her phone.

Bette? Alice said. I was just calling to let you know that you could come back home. Tina got what she needed for now.

Did you give her my message? Bette asked.

Yes. Alice replied.

Did she react or say anything at all? Bette asked.

Well, yes she did but I really dont know how to tell you this Alice said. *****, I may as well just say it. She asked me to tell you goodbye. She left LA for a while.

GOODBYE? Bette cried. Alice, how could you let her go? Where did she go?

She wasnt sure where she was going but she promised to call me when she makes some decisions Alice replied. Im sorry Bette but it is what she wanted so I had to respect her wishes.

Alice, what am I supposed to do now? Tina is my life Bette sobbed.

I dont know Bette. I honestly dont know Alice replied.

TBC