Fingering the familiar script she couldnt believe that they were here. It seemed to good to be true. Calling James in, she asked
Who delivered these?
Just a delivery guy and I signed off on it. I figured you would like the blooms on your desk.
Its fine thanks.
Sitting down in her chair she looked at the light that reflected off the water droplets that clung to the petals.
How long had it been? Bette thought, her mind no longer focused on work but seemed to delve deep into her memories.


~~~
The lights strobed through the crowds highlighting random figures and the bass strummed throughout the club enticing all to dance and sway with its seductive beat. Bette was standing on the edge of the dance floor waiting and watching.
Her sights landed on the glistening face of young vibrant blonde who seemed lost in the music, swaying gracefully and seductively, she was one with the music.
Feeling her libido rise Bette was about to move when arms circled her waist from behind and a deep alto voice sounded.
Starting without me? I should be shocked. The voice chuckled lightly.
Turning around brown eyes met charming blue as they twinkled. Sliding her hands around the built body for a hug, Bette innocently replied
I dont know what youre talking about.
Oh really? The blonde should be grateful to me for keeping you away at least for the moment.
Smiling Bette turned back to the dance floor with an exaggerated huff and waited whilst still watching the blonde move.
Feeling the arms around her waist tighten fractionally she leaned back and stayed savouring the warmth and safety that she felt.
Forgetting about the blonde she closed her eyes and sank into the arms. Listening to the music beat her body began to move and sway.
Feeling the arms release she turned and with a wink floated towards the blonde feeling the eyes on her back.
~~~

Her memories were interrupted as work intruded and she had to pull her mind back from that fateful night.
6pm came round to soon and James came in saying that he was leaving for the night. Bette looked at the flowers and decided to go home but before she left she made sure that the card was safely tucked in her purse.


Kit arrived at 7 and they ate, talking about general things but then the conversation turned to Kits interest in The Planet. Wandering how Marina was after everything Bette asked
Hows Marina and everyone?
Kit was not surprised at Bettes interest.
Marina seems to be hanging in there but she said that she needed a business partner now that Francesca pulled out. The others well, Alice and Dana seem to be closer since the wedding and Shane is ok but I think that their might be problems going on with her.
Bette took this information quite nicely except she was a little worried about Shane; she always had been even if she didnt seem to show it.


But the last few times that she did see her there was something troubling about how she was acting. Like turmoil beneath the surface. But her mind focused on the lack of Tina. Silence reigned for a while before Bette asked
Tee?
Kit didnt really know how to reply to that, she saw Tina but didnt really know what to say to her and Alice always seemed to be around spouting angrily at Bette.
But Tina did look very run down almost as bad Bette.
Shes sad and hurt Bet. She looks almost as bad as you; I dont know how Alice has been able to handle her. Alice is angry at you and I dont know what else to tell you.
Looks almost as bad as you Bettes mind reeled as the words sunk in. she knew that she herself looked like she had been to ***** and back but she couldnt believe that Tina that she could have hurt Tina enough that she would her mind could not even finish the thought.


The drink in her hand disappeared quickly and she reached for another.
Kit knew that it wasnt a good idea to tell Bet, but what else could she do? Wait for Bette to see for herself?
She had seen the bottles that lay near the bin and looked at the cabinet when she went to the kitchen. It was near empty and she had no doubt that Bette also bought new alcohol form the shops.
The fridge was practically empty of food but was filled with bottles. And the few take out boxes she had seen were probably days old. The rooms were dark and seemed to stay that way even with the lights on.


Looking over at Bette, she saw her finish a bottle and was about to get for another.
God! Her sister was going to turn into an alcoholic if she wasnt already and that was a problem even if she still worked well and to death each day and night.
Blocking her way to the fridge Kit looked at Bette with compassionate eyes.
Bete saw a shadow in her way and when she looked up saw Kit and was confused.
What was she doing?
But her anger washed away the confusion when Kit looked pointedly at the bottle in her hand. She felt rage and the pain only intensified it. Who the ***** was Kit to judge her? She was hurting and the alcohol made it go away.
It was the only thing that kept her sane while she dealt with the never ending pain and guilt as she relived Tinas leaving in her mind, the only thing as she felt her friends abandonment , no one came to see her save Kit and she didnt want to care. She deserved it, she cheated, she broke the trust that Tina had placed in her. SHE had goddamned broke Tinas heart and her marriage with a stupid senseless act and she didnt even know WHY she did it.
She tried to push past Kit but in her weakened state she stumbled backwards when Kit pushed gently. Unable to physically remove, Bette tried words.
What the ***** Kit? Why dont you just leave me alone and go back to your own fucked up life?
You dont know anything and you sure as ***** cant help me when you couldnt help yourself back then.
Kit allowed the words to wash off of her knowing that Bette was just trying to get her to leave. She had done it enough herself to know and understand.


Hauling Bette to the bathroom she pushed her into the shower stall and turned the cold water on to full blast. Waiting for the inevitable struggle she was surprised when Bette just fell to her knees and stayed there.
Bette was incensed when Kit began to pull her and tried to resist but realised that she didnt have the strength or the will to fight.

Feeling the cold water, Bette felt chilled but blessedly started to feel numb.
Holding on to this feeling Bette felt her knees give out and slowly sunk to the cold ground.
Kit moved Bette out of the shower and helped her into the bedroom without a word. Bette seemed to move only when ordered.


Watching Bette compliantly changed clothes and lay down in her bed, Kit felt worry and concern she would rather Bette fight her tooth and nail like she use to on any subject demanding that she was right.
The defeat she saw and felt emanating from Bette nearly made her cry and she felt a few tears trickle down her cheek. Staying with Bette for the night Kit watched as Bette succumbed to Morpheus and waited for daylight.

~Dream~

Bette was stuck, she couldnt move, the darkness was everywhere and she couldnt see. Her voice echoed around her and she felt so alone. But before her a window appeared and enlarged until it engulfed Bettes vision. Looking in and seeing Tina and her kissing and biting. She saw her rip off Tinas dress and attack her. She screamed at this vision wanting it to stop and wanted to look away. But an unseen force kept her as she was and she was forced to see and feel everything again.

~ ~

Hearing Bette whimper and scream Kit ran back to the bedroom and saw Bette thrashing wildly but seemed to be restrained. Quickly holding on to her sister she whispered
Itll be ok, shhhh, everything will be better tomorrow, itll be ok, and itll be ok
Repeating this over and over, Kit felt Bette relax little by little.

~dream~

Watching Tina walk out the door the nightmare only began again. Bette continued to fight and scream only to hear a voice whisper better tomorrow. Then she felt a presence around her, looking back at the window it was foggy and seemed to cloud evermore. A voice surrounded her with its deep alto sound and it whispered hope lets us dream of a better future. Hope keeps you safe. Bette felt safe and protected and relaxed.

~ ~


tbc…