So, are you fighting for joint-custody now? Helena seemed rather enthusiastic when she spoke to me about it just now.  Alice asked derisively, as she sat down and glared at Bette.

Bette was just telling me how she hated being used as a tool by Helena and the senator before you guys arrived unceremoniously. Shane said.

“Yup, politicians are devious that way,” Jenny agreed devilishly. “Sneaks up on you when you least expect it.”

Well, whats annoying is that Helena set me up with the senator without even consulting me about it. What makes her think that Ill agree? Bette retorted angrily. Its even degrading.

Would you have accepted that if she asked permission first? That was her rationale before inviting the senator over. It was not an easy decision. Alice pointed out, trying to defend her friend.

What? You knew all along? What else did Helena tell you? Youre supposed to be my friend! Bette accused.

Look, Laras back! Oh guys, Ive just heard about the new show Snakes on a Plane by Samuel L. Jackson. Dont you think its an awfully unsophisticated title? Couldnt they at least call it, you know, Reptiles on an aircraft or something?

From all the interaction Alice had with Bette all these years, Alice knew this was the exact time to change the topic, much to Bettes exasperation. She, like the rest, had been intrigued by Helenas unusual interest in Bette and the custody case and over zealous attempt to help, but was not about to let Bette probe too deeply into the issue until she was had absolute certainty of Helenas intentions with Bette and Senator Grisham.

After Danas death, Alice realized how short life was. Bette and Helena were her best friends, and she cared for both of them immensely, and did not want either party to hurt each other – or themselves, for that matter. In fact, she noticed that they tended to behave rather strangely around each other – they were brusque and defensive on every mention of the other partys name.