The Past


Alice’s place

Bette sat in the bed listening to the message Tina had left.

Tape Message:
Hey Baby
Well where do I start..um last night wow that was ahh I don’t know how to descriibe it..but I’m sure you know what I mean..I didn’t intend for it to happen and it shouldn’t have..But it did and we can’t change that fact now..It’s just that it’s umm made this situation even more fucked up..Oh ***** ***** *****..I ahh admit that in alot of ways last night was to show you what you gave up..what you’ve lost..one last hooraa so to speak..oh I guess you have no idea what I’m talking about do you..I’m ah procrastinating here aren’t I..***** I’m just going to come out and say it..umm here goes nothing..I’m leaving well actually right now I’m at the airport and I won’t be returning for at least a year..you see I got a job offer a couple of days ago. I had come to the CAC to talk to you..I’m sure you remember what you were doing..oh that reminds me how’s your head..***** that was low sorry..no I take that back..I know you never stopped ***** Candace..***** Bette!..Then yesterday the ***** has the nerve to come tell me..nice taste you’ve got there I hope you’ll be happy with her..Well I’m getting over that now I’m so sick of it..Actually I’d like to thank you Bette you made my decision so much easier and I know I have no regrets about it..So tha..no ***** you Bette ***** you very much..I hope you finally know my pain now..no I’m sorry I don’t really I just got carried away there..I didn’t realise how hurt and angry I am..ohh I guess you should open the envelope now..Bette I hope one day you understand the meaning of that and I envy the woman that is in your life when you do..Look I ahh need to go now..Bye Bette..I..(click)

Bette had opened the envelope inside was Tina’s ring. She clutched it in her hand and started to shake as she cried uncontrolably and fell back on the bed. After a few minutes she compossed herself and quickly got dressed and ran out of the apartment. “I’ve got to stop her” she said to herself while sprinting to her car.

LAX

After Tina had checked her bags in she joined everyone for coffee near her boarding gate. She would be boarding the plane in 45 minutes she was nervous about flying and she couldn’t stop her leg from shaking.
Kit:”Calm down girl it will be alright. Will my baby sistah be here soon she’s cutting it pretty close”
Tina’s eyes widened she didn’t know what to say.
Alice noticed she knew Tina hadn’t told Bette “maybe she’s at the wrong gate” she lied.
Kit: “that’s not like her”
Tina grabbed Kit’s hand and led her off so they could talk in private. She hugged her and talked in her ear. “I’m sorry Kit I couldn’t tell her, I just left her a tape while she was asleep. I couldn’t face her I knew I’d be weak and she’d stop me. I’m a ***** aren’t I?” sobbing.
Kit: Pulled away so they were face to face “It’s ok baby, it’s ok. Now tell me girl do you really want to do this”
Tina: “You don’t understand Kit I have to for me, and especially after..no nothing”
Kit:”What girl what?”
Tina:”No I can’t tell you, you’ll have to ask Bette”
Kit:”Oh you mean Candace”
Tina: Looked at her suprised “you knew?”
Kit: “I’m sorry she told me yesterday, but she broke it off. She really loves you Tina”
Tina:”It’s to late.” She rested her head on Kit shoulder once again sobbing.
Kit:”It’s ok I understand, you just go and get your life back on track. She can get her own ***** together, she knows what she’s losing. You be strong girl, you be strong.”
Tina:”Kit”
Kit:”Yeah”
Tina:”You’ll take care of her won’t you, I know she needs you right now.”
Kit:”Of course I will”
Tina::”There’s one more thing, I gave her back my ring. I’m a ***** aren’t I.”
Kit:”No girl no, she betrayed what they stood for not you.”
Tina:”I love you Kit, I’m going to miss you”
Kit:”Me too baby girl, me too.”
They stayed hugging each other for a few minutes then returned to everyone else. They had only been sitting a short while when the announcement came that it would soon be time to board the plane.
Tina: “I better get going you guys” she hugged and kissed everyone on the cheek and told them she loved them. Then she went to walk away and turned back and smiled “I want all of you to come over for Christmas ok”
They all replied “you bet”.
She walked over and stood in line waving back.

Elsewhere at LAX

Bette had pulled up and was frantically running around the airport looking for Tina. She didn’t even know what flight or where Tina was going for that matter. Suddenly she spotted Alice and sprinted over to where she was. “Where is she” she yelled. Everyone just pointed and Bette looked over to see………