Alice was absolutely speechless after hearing the news. Tina filled her in with the details and Alice was glad that at least Carmen was fine now and that Shane and she were getting even closer. “You know, I do think both Erics are related. They don’t look alike but the past Eric had such cockiness and arrogance about him that he definitely reminded me of your Eric.”

“I didn’t know that you considered my Eric cocky and arrogant…why didn’t you ever say anything?” Tina asked, really surprised at Alice’s statement. In the two years that she had known her she learned that Alice could never keep her mouth shut, no matter what the subject of their conversation was.

“It was Yoda.”

“What?”

“Shane, the Yoda…she and I talked one time…” Alice began but was interrupted by Tina’s laughter, “One time? Give me a break, Al…you never stop talking.”

“Okay, have it your way…we talked a lot, happy now? Anyway, Shane told me that if I tried to push you against Eric, it would only make you to get closer. You are too stubborn, Tina, and my aggressiveness against Eric would only make you wanna defend him so Shane just told me to give you time to figure it out on your own.”

“Well, I’m glad you listened for once because Shane was right. Now I finally saw him for who he was. And the ironic thing is that the signs and indications were always there but I was blinded from the start and ignored them…well, it’s over now. Shane and Carmen are doing great, me and Dana…”

“Oh my God, I have to call Dana,” Alice exclaimed, looking at Bette quickly, who still didn’t move. “I totally forgot about my girlfriend…I have to call her.”

“She’s away in Cincinnati for a WTA Tour. She’ll be back tomorrow though.”

“It’s good actually because we need to sort out this mess first…so as much as I miss her and can’t wait to be with her, I’m glad we have time to talk,” Alice sighed with a sad smile on her face. “I do miss her though…why, I remember this one time…”

“Please, just spare me the details of the sexual life of Alice and Dana and concentrate on this mess. I’m actually really interested to know…why do you call her Bette?”

“Oh that…well, we became really good friends. She’s really great when you get to know her. She’s funny, intelligent, gorgeous, kind…”

“I wish you were describing Dana because you are making me insanely jealous, you know?” Tina interrupted her with a smile.

“Don’t worry, Tina. I was saying it for your benefit. When she finally stops fainting, I hope you guys will get to know each other…anyway, the morning after the assault we were talking in the garden and she asked me to call her Elizabeth because that’s what her friends called her. I told her that the name Elizabeth was quite formal to me. And I asked if she would mind if I call her Bette. She liked the name and it became official. So Tina, let me introduce you to Bette Porter,” Alice finished, pointing at motionless Bette on the bed.

Tina looked over to the bed and once again was taken with Bette’s beauty and purity, “She looks so peaceful and innocent lying there like a child and I can’t help it…I have a very strong desire to run my fingers through her hair and kiss her.”

“Here’s your chance,” Alice laughed, pushing Tina towards the bed, “She won’t mind now.”

“You are such a perv, Al. I wouldn’t do it to anyone, no matter how much I love them.”

“You’re saying it now, wait until you get to know her better and I’m pretty sure you won’t be able to keep your hands of her, coma or not.”

“Maybe you’re right…anyway, tell me about Christina?” Tina asked unexpectedly.

Alice was totally surprised by the sudden turn in the conversation, “How do you know about Christina?”

TBC…..