Previously on the R-word (R = rebelzz)

Looking at her watch as she left Winnie’s home, Bette swore loudly. “Holy SHIT! Can’t believe it’s already 5am.”

“How could I bloody forget? I’m so stupid!” She rummaged for her cell phone in her handbag and cursed again.

Five missed calls. Two from Helena, and three from Alice. Bette noticed. Immediately, she keyed the one number she had memorized.

 “We’re sorry, the number you are dialing is temporarily unavailable.” Came the ominous voice on the other end.

 Bette felt a warm tear of frustration slide down her cheek. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! I am so dead. Why does this have to happen to me all the time?”

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After trying again for several times, Bette was still unable to reach Helena. Disappointed and frustrated, she finally decided to try another number.

“Alice, I’m depressed.” Bette got to the point without hesitation.

“What happened?”

“It’s the lack of readership for my Art column. It dropped to a new historical low on Monday. Only three million hits. I’ve been upset all week because of this. It totally sucks.” Bette complained. “Do you think it’s because I’ve become rusty? I think it must be the large number of conferences I’ve been attending recently. I’m distracted and I can’t concentrate on my research.” She ranted, not giving Alice a chance to speak at all.

Alice declared. “If you want to talk about Helena, it’s okay. Don’t worry; I’m a bona fide first-rate listening ear. In fact, I’m the last link along the chain of listening ears.” She added proudly. “Tina, Kit, Helena, Shane and many others often seek me out to talk about their problems.”

“Why did you say that? I didn’t even mention Helena when I called you. Or did I? Maybe I did, but I’m sure it’s not significant.” Bette denied vehemently.

Alice said knowingly. “Let’s call it the instinct of your best friend.”

“I am down and out because of the lousy piece of shit work I’ve published, not because of Helena or whoever.” She insisted.

“Don’t tell me you just called me at 3am to talk about your work?” Her friend was very skeptical.