I know. I tried calling on her too but also got her voice mail. I guess Ill just try her at work. I hate calling her at the CAC. That job just makes her bitchy as soon as she walks in that office. Alice complains.

Maybe she just needs a new job. Tina answers to Alice.

Hey. Hi Tina. How are you? You look good. Well since either one of us can get a hold of Bette, how are you two doing? How is this living in the same roof working out so far? Are you talking in a civilize manner or just arguing about Helena? Alice asked.

Well, actually we havent argued. Its been really quiet at the house for the past week. Tina answered with a half lie.

Hi Momma girl! How you are doing? Hows the baby? What would you like to drink? Kit asked.

Hi, Kit. Hows it going? I am doing fine. The baby is fine. Shes beginning to move a lot though. Just decaf please. Thanks a lot.

Kit comes back with Tinas drink and places it in front of her. So hows my baby sis doing? Ive tried calling her but I just keep getting her voice mail. I was hoping to have lunch or dinner with her sometime soon. I know shes still having a rough time and I just dont want her to pull her walls up again. We all know how stubborn she can get.

Kit can you sit for a minute. I have something I need to tell all of you. Tina confesses. Alice, I told you earlier that Bette and I havent fought and that its been quiet at the house. Well that is true but there is a reason for it. She hasnt been home. Not since the morning after the party. She said she needed to get some air but she had an overnight bag in her hand. I asked her about the bag and all she said is that she needed some space to clear her head. That was the last time I seen or talked to her.

Tina puts her elbow on top of the table and cradles her forehead with her hands. The strangest thing is that she left everything behind. She left her laptop, her cell phone, and tears started to run down her face.

And what? Alice blurted.

She left her commitment ring too.

*****, Tina. Why didnt you say thing to us before? Why did you wait a week? You know that is not like Bette to just leave those things behind. *****! *****! *****! God, Tina. She could be laying out on a ditch someplace. She could have driven into a pole for all we know. Alice thinks out loud.

She couldnt have driven into a pole. That I am sure of, at least not with her car.

What do you mean by that Tina? Shane finally joins the conversation.

Bette left her car. Its been parked in the drive way since she left. Tina offers.

Throughout this exchange, Kit just remains quiet and looks at Tina. A tear escapes her eye and she gets up from the table.

Kit, Im sorry I didnt tell you before. I just figured she was staying with you and that she just needed a couple of days to let her head cool off. Tina apologizes.

Baby girl, you know I love you, right? I know my sister fucked up but she is still human with a heart and emotions. She has tried to show you how sorry she is for so long. Bringing that woman to the party and flaunting her in front of Bette was wrong. I lost so much expect for you at that moment. How could you have possibly not know what you were doing was hurting her? Its not enough for you to punish Bette but you also had to take her away from the rest of us. Bette is the only sister I have. She is part of my soul. I hope you are really happy and proud of yourself. You have just deprived all of us the best part of Bette Porter and most of all, you have deprived the baby the most unconditional love it will ever experience in its life. How will you ever explain that to my niece? Kit continues to walk back to the counter.