Bette didnt get a wink of sleep. She was tossing and turning all night, marinating all the facts in her mind over and over. Trying to come up with some sort of explanation why Tina hadnt called her. She was beginning to think that the I cant do this anymore
from her last conversation with Tina was in some way a comment about their relationship. Bette didnt know why else Tina wouldnt, hadnt called her.

Bette knew Tina loved her but was starting to think maybe that wasnt enough.

It was 7 am and Bette decided she might as well go into work early, try and stimulate her over imaginative mind. Tina wouldnt just leave me without a word, would she? Bette thought. No! She wouldnt. Something major mustve happened. Bette just desperately wanted to know what that was. She desperately wanted to talk to Tina.



Meanwhile no matter how cold and disapproving Nancy and Stephen had been to Tina they still loved their daughter. Nancy had spent the night in Tinas hospital room, talking and reading to her. She eventually fell asleep holding Tinas hand in hers.

Stephen had spent the night in a nearby hotel. When he was checked in and settled in he called home to check their messages. His mind went into overdrive when he heard Bettes message.

What do I do? Stephen thought to himself. He decided to do nothing and talk to his wife about it in the morning. It was obvious by Bettes tone that she didnt know what had happened to Tina.

That morning Stephen had come into the hospital at about 10 oclock. He walked into Tinas room to find his wife asleep in the chair with her hand still holding Tinas. He smiled. These were his girlsthe two most important people in the world to him.

He crept over to Nancy and lightly shook her shoulder. Nancy woke up in a startle. Tina?

Stephen: (seriously) Honey, its me. Can you come outside for a minute? I need to talk to you about something?

Nancy: (half asleep) Sure.

Nancy and Stephen went into the hall.

Nancy: What is it Darling? Is everything ok with Tina?

Stephen: Yes, hon, it has nothing to do with that. You know the woman Tinas been seeing Bette Porter. She rang our house looking for Tina. I dont think she knows whats happened. She wants Tina to ring her backI didnt know if we should, so I waited to talk to you.

Nancy: (stone faced) Darling, I think we should wait and see what Tina wants when she wakes up. What Tina needs right now is her family. How do we even know if she wants Bette here?

Stephen: Well its up to you hon, your Tinas mum and I trust you know whats best.

Nancy: I do, hugging her husband.



Bette was at the gallery working aimlessly all morning. She couldnt shake the feeling that something wasnt right.. not a feeling of uncertainty, more a feeling of unexplainable loss
She really needed to know what was going on with Tina.

After an unproductive morning Bette decided to try a different approach. She called Tinas station to try and ascertain the whereabouts of Tina.

Fireman: Hello, L.A. Fire Brigade, can I help you?

Bette: Yes, I would like to speak to Chief Kennard please.

Fireman: Hold on Ill see when shes in next. He enquires around the station and finds out about Tinas accident.

Fireman: Whom am I speaking with, please?

Bette: My name is Bette, Bette Porter.

Fireman: Are you a friend or a relative miss?

Bette: (hesitantly)Im a really good friend. Im her ..girlfriend.

Fireman: OhSorry, Ms Porter I cant give out any information on Chief Kennard, immediate family only.

Bette: (now concerned) What? What information? Do you know how I can get in touch with TiI mean Chief Kennard?

Fireman: Sorry, I can leave a message for her to call you. Thats all Im able to do?

Bette was getting more frustrated by the minute, Well can you at least tell me when she is expected into work next?

Fireman: Im sorry, I dont know. Chief Kennard is on indefinite leave.

Bette knew she was getting nowhere, Ok, thank you.

Bette hung up the phone more confused than before she started. She resigned to the fact that she would just have to wait for Tina to contact her. What information? Why would Tina be on indefinite leave? WHERE THE ***** ARE YOU TINA??? Bette’s mind was racing.

By that night Bette was depressed. She had never been a patient woman, and still hadnt heard from Tina. This not knowing was killing her. There were all different scenarios racing through her head, none seemingly the right one.

Bette decided to ring Alice. Seeing, as it was Friday night Alice was going to Milk with Shane. Alice managed to convince Bette to go. Bette thought it might take her mind off things, and besides she needed to talk to someone.

Bette dressed more for comfort than style; she wasnt looking for any more complications, but she still looked stunning. Anything Bette wore made her look good! It was just after 9pm and Bette made her way down to Milk.

She walked in and attracted immediate attention. She noticed Al and Shane, at the bar, talking to some dark haired woman. She approached the duo and greeted them, shooing all the unwanted attention.

Bette: Hey, Al, Shane, How are you this evening?

Alice: Hey Bette, Tina still in San Francisco? You a bit bored at home on your lonesome?

Bette: Something like that Al. Bette didnt want to get into details in front of Shane or this mystery woman.

The mystery woman noticed Bette as soon as she walked in the door. She noticed how Bette depicted a certain poise and confidence, even though something was clearly on her mind. She could see why Bette, attracted so much attention the minute she walked in.

Shane had invited this woman along to Milk tonight. She and Shane had just finished up a million dollar project earlier in the day; and wanted to celebrate. Shane used this womans professional expertise quite often seeing as she was one of the best carpenter’s in L.A.

The woman had, had a major crush on Shane, since they started working together. She had been flirting with Shane all night, but Shane wasnt interested. Shane never mixed business and pleasure. This was driving her crazy. She needed to do something drastic to attract Shanes attention. When she saw Bette enter the club, before even knowing they were friends, she thought to herself Bette would be just the ticket to get Shane jealous.

The mystery woman extended her hand to Bette. Hello there, Im Candace, Candace Jewell, friend of Shanes and you are?

Bette shook her hand: Bette Porter, any friend of Shanes is a friend of mine. Bette stated casually.

Candace: (whispering) I certainly plan to be.

Bette didnt quite hear, Sorry what was that Candace? Bette wasnt paying much attention; she was trying to steal Alice away, from a young blonde woman, so she could talk to her.

Candace could see she was going to need a bit of help. Bette obviously had her mind on other matters. She was prepared at this point to do anything. Candace had this notion that Shane couldnt resist her forever.

Candace: Can I get you a drink Bette? My shout this round?

Bette thought about it for a minute, Sure Candace, Ill have a scotch on the rocks, thanks.

Candace returned with the drinks and handed the scotch to Bette. Bette sculled it down. She was growing impatient and if Alice wouldnt talk to her soon, she was going home.

The scotch had a funny effect on Bette, she felt light headed and dizzy, that didnt usually happen after only one drink. It was taking away all her inhibitions. Candace saw Bette scull the alcohol and smiled.

Bette meandered over to Alice, who was still chatting to the blonde haired young woman, a bit tipsy, Alice, Imnot.feeling too goodIm going to..head home. Can you call me.tomorrow..Ireallyneed .to speak to you?

Alice saw Bettes demeanor, Bette are you right to drive? How many drinks did you have?

Bettes legs were feeling like jelly. Just one Al, Ill be fine.

Candace saw the interaction between Alice and Bette and saw Bette stumble. She knew her scotch was taking effect. She casually walked over to them and said loud enough for Shane to hear. I was heading out too Alice, I can drop Bette off if you give me her address?

Alice didnt want to leave the blonde, she looked over at Shane. Well, Candace was Shanes friend, but Bette shouldnt have that reaction to one scotch, but maybe she was just sick? Alice wasnt sure. Shane nodded in Alices direction. Alice took that as a sign. Ok Candace, but Ill check on Bette, on my way home, she is obviously sick.

Bette was now seated next to Alice. Her legs felt like jelly. Yeah I better not drive. Bette volunteered.

Candace: Dont worry Ill make sure shes Ok. Smiling internally.

Candace grabbed Bettes arm and helped her out of the club and into her pick up truck.

Bette passed out as soon as Candace put her in the front seat.

Candace: (whispering) Ive got big plans for you Bette Porter, youre going to help me get Shane McCutcheon jealous!!!!



Bette woke up the next morning at 7 am with a sore head, in a strange bed, not remembering a thing. She looked at herself and was shocked to find she had nothing on, but not nearly as shocked though as when she rolled over and saw the woman who was sleeping next to her.

Bette immediately jumped out of bed, quickly dressing, What the *****? CANDACE, ***** WAKE UP!!! NOW!!!! Bette demanded