Tina’s was at home, she was busy packing. She was packing for the second time in one week, but this time the feeling she had while packing was much different then the first time. Her phone rang, she didn’t want to talk to anybody but it could be important so she picked it up. She heard Alice’s voice in her ear. “ Hi Alice. Yes, I am fine.” A pause as Alice rattled in her ear.” No, no special plans. Well, I am packing at the moment, I have to go home. My mother is in hospital.” She explained to Alice. “I am not sure how serious it is, my uncle called me today, so I am planning to go and see for myself.” A pause again as she heard Alice saying how sorry she was and showing her interest. “ I will leave tomorrow, no not in the morning, I won’t make that. It will be sometime in the afternoon.” “Yes, I will stay till after New Year, it won’t be a nice party like you all will have but that’s life.” Tina tried to say it cool but her voice showed different and Alice could hear it. In Alice’s mind there was a little plan coming alive and she needed to act quickly, so she wished Tina all the best and she promised to call her again tomorrow then she hang up and turned to Bette.

“I think you should pack up your stuff and head to LA.” Bette raised her eyebrows by these words. “Tina’s mother is ill and Tina is planning to go there. I think she could do with some company.” Alice explained. “Is she bad?” Bette asked with worry. “I am not sure, but Tina didn’t sound to good.” “You think I should do it?” Bette asked insecurely. “Do you want to?” Alice redirected to her. “Yes, I do. I very much want to.” “Well do it then. Go, go now because she will leave tomorrow and you need all the time to get there in time.” Alice stood up and directed Bette to the door. “What am I going to say to the others?” Bette thought quickly out loud. “ Oh we will say that you miss Freddy and that you fly back for the New Year.” Alice said quickly as if she had this answer already made up before hand. So they walked back to the living room, to tell Bette’s depart and then to pack up her stuff quickly. The adrenaline went through her body, she felt exited, she wanted to drive the whole night. She knew it wasn’t good, but the way she felt now, she knew she could do it.

It took her no more then twenty minutes to pack her suite case, they others were all full of understanding and they all wanted to help her. When the stuff was in the car, they all said there goodbyes. Her sister had tears in her eyes, she wasn’t happy that she couldn’t spend New Year with her little sister. And also, she wasn’t sure when she would see her again. Bette felt sorry  and guilty but for now it was better not to say the truth. First, she wanted to see Tina before anybody else besides Alice was informed. The goodbyes were done, Alice escorted her to her car. “ One advice Porter; don’t be too much the Alpha. Play it subtle and listen for a change.” Bette smiled her Bette smile with some insecurity in it. “I will,Al.Thanks, you are a good friend, the best I could wish for.” “ Yeah, yeah, now go.” Alice said as she pushed her to the car door.

Bette waved one more time and then she drove the car down the mountain, she was on her way to LA.