One Month Later….

Tina sat at her desk trying to wrap up everything that would be needed whilst she was in Denver for the next week finalizing a script, before shooting began for a new multi-million dollar picture. Just as she felt her day was coming to a close, her office phone rang..

“Tina Kennard”, she answered distractedly into the phone.

“Hey Baby” came the reply in Bette’s warm tones. “I’m just waiting for my plane to be called and wanted the last thing I heard to be your voice. How was your day?”

Tina turned away from her computer screen in order to give Bette her full attention. “Oh Bette, you’re so sweet sometimes. My day is nearly over, thank God. Thought it never would be. I’m just about set to go home and pack. I can’t believe I’m not going to see you for a whole week.”

She could hear Bette’s sigh on the other end of the phone and knew she wasn’t happy either.

“I know Baby, but it’s only a week. I plan to keep myself busy, you will too. Aren’t you excited to be going back to a movie set after so long?”

Tina hadn’t thought of it that way, she was so preoccupied by the fact that she wouldn’t see Bette for a week, she’d totally overlooked the fact that this was the first major script she’d developed since restarting her career at Alphaville. They had been only too happy to have Tina back once she approached them about re-joining, as they noticed how directors always seemed to warm to Tina’s lovable charm, and this meant they normally got the results they wanted.

“Absolutely. I guess I’m just a bit worried about you having to deal with Helena by yourself. You know how hostile she was when she found out I wouldn’t be attending with you.”

Helena had called their home the same evening Bette got the invite to the convention being organised by the Peabody Foundation. Initially, Bette had been confused as to why she had received the invite after Tina’s relationship with Helena ended so badly, with Helena blaming the whole thing on Bette. In particular, on Tina’s weakness for Bette and running to her side when Bette’s father became ill. The conversation Tina had with Helena had been a bit of an eye-opener…

***************** Flashback **************************

“Helena Peabody won’t know what’s hit her.”

Bette leaned in and kissed Tina. Just as both women were a bout to get into it, the phone rang. Tina sighed and answered it, still in good spirits.. “Kennard Porter residence..”, she giggled.

Bette watched intently the expression on Tina’s face change as the person on the phone identified themselves.

“Helena?….”

“Tina, is that you?” came the voice down the phone. “I was just ringing to see if my invitation had arrived.”

Tina glanced over at Bette, who had a disbelieving look on her face, surely to do with the fact that Helena had the gall to phone their home.

“Um, yes.. yes, we did receive your invitation, thank you.”

“And…” Helena prompted.

“And, well, uh Bette I think is excited about attending?..” Tina tried to gauge Bette’s feelings on whether she had definitely decided to go, but Bette wasn’t showing anything besides anger on her face now.

“Tina sweetheart, do you really think I called to see if Bette would be in attendance? It’s you I’m interested in.”

Tina did not want to respond to that comment in front of Bette, who by now was seething. Tina just wanted to end the conversation pronto.

“Oh Helena, I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it. The dates coincide with a movie shoot I have to attend in Denver. I would have loved to..”

“Ahem” Tina was interrupted by Bette clearing her throat, and her face clearly telling Tina that she did not have to explain herself to Helena Peabody.

“Anyway Helena, it was good to hear from you and Bette will most definitely be in New York for the convention. All the best with that” Tina hurriedly tried to end the conversation.

“Well Tina, I can’t say I’m not disappointed. Tell Bette I’ll be ready for her. Take Care.”

The phone was then hung up, leaving Tina listening to the dial tone with a puzzled expression on her face.

“What?.. What did she say?” Bette jumped on Tina as she slowly hung up the phone.

“Oh nothing, just that she was disappointed I wouldn’t be accompanying you, and…”

“And what??” Bette prompted.

Tina took a deep breath, not wanting to keep anything from Bette, “And that she’d be ready for you.”

************** End Flashback **************************

Tina was drawn back to the present by Bette replying down the phone.

“Don’t worry T, I’m well capable of handling Helena Peabody. Spoiled, British….” Bette mumbled on with distaste.

“I know you are babe, I just wish that horrible chapter of our lives was closed now. Why does she have to re-appear, just as we’re trying to get our lives back on track?” Tina sighed.

“We can make it Baby. Don’t lose heart. Soon we’ll be back in our home, together, trying for a family again. By the way, any?…”

“No Bette, no signs of it taking. I’m trying not to stress about getting pregnant this time, remember?” Tina scolded.

“I know, I know. I’m not pressuring, just…enquiring” Bette teased.

** This is a call for all passengers flying to JFK/New York on flight AA441, please proceed to gate B6, as your flight is ready for boarding **

“Oh Baby, that’s my flight being called. I love you OK, and don’t be worrying about me and Helena. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.”

“Oh Bette, please tell me you’ll behave. I don’t want you damaging your professional reputation for me” Tina pleaded.

“Don’t worry honey, remember you’re number one” Bette reassured her.

“Bette..” came Tina’s warning.

“Ok, Ok I’ll behave. As long as she does.”

Tina sighed, “That’s all I can ask. I love you too babe, have a safe flight.”

“Ok hon, I’ll call you when I get to the hotel, if it’s not too late, and you make sure you call me before you’re flight tomorrow morning. Bye Baby.”

“Bye babe, safe flight” Tina hung up. After the phone call, she decided she’d done enough to pack up and go home. As she turned off her office lights, and slowly walked out of the building, she sent up a silent prayer that Bette would behave herself and that Helena wouldn’t provoke Bette into any arguments.

“*sigh* Women, always with the drama..” Tina said out loud as she entered her car.

Meanwhile, as Bette’s plane took off for New York, she looked out the window at the evening sky and thought about what lay ahead of her in the city that never sleeps.

“Helena… you have no idea what you’ve messed with. You’re about to meet the real Bette Porter, the one who’s woman you had your way with, the one who’s career you tried to ruin… the one who’s gonna wipe the floor with you before packing you up and sending you back over the pond, …express!”


TBC…