Jenny met Bette at the car and they took off. Bette wasnt really sure where she wanted to go or what she wanted to eat, but knew it had to be out of the area ” no memories! They said nothing at first. Both seemed to be caught up in a variety of independent thoughts that still somehow linked them together.

Strange huh? Bette said, breaking their silence and making Jenny jump.

What? Im sorry, I was kinda lost in thought, Jenny replied in her gentle voice.

Bette laughed at the irony. I said, strange huh?

Whats strange? I dont get it, Jenny began to fidget.

You and me! Bette chuckled trying to make Jenny relax. Who would have thought wed be hanging out?

Yeah, youre right. I hope its not cause you feel guilty for knocking me over, Jenny teased, looking over at Bette for a reaction.

Bette looked back at her. No, not at all. Like I said, I had a really horrible day, I havent eaten, and I could use some company. You happened to be in the right place at the right time I guess, Bette slowed down noticing a small caf that appealed to her, but it looked too cozy and she increased her speed until she noticed a car like Candaces. She came to a complete stop, looked back in her rearview mirror and couldnt believe her eyes, it is her car, she thought. Her heart began to race and curiosity got the best of her.
This place looks good.

Yeah, cool! Jenny looked out the window to see what Bette was talking about. Looks good.

Alices

Tina Kennard! Alice yelled, stomping off to the bedroom. How can you just throw some random name out there and then walk away? What kind of ***** is that? Alice was banging on the door.

Go away Alice! Tina shot back. I just need to calm down for a moment. Can I do that? Tina was in the room changing her clothes and still trying to digest what Alice told her about Bette and Candace. That *****! Tina spit. They probably never stopped ***** even after she ripped my heart out and ***** on it. And she says she loves me? Yeah right! She continued to herself.

Alice was still on the other side of the door and heard everything Tina said. Alice felt like ***** for telling her, but she had to. There was no way she could continue to hide it especially after Bette tried to deny it to her. Had Bette been honest, Alice might have handled the situation differently. Alice wanted to go in and talk to Tina, but she decided to wait and go talk to Dana instead. Dana was sitting on the couch sipping the tea intended for Tina or Alice. She looked hurt and it made Alice feel really bad.

Dane, Im sorry about that, Dana refused to look at her. Dana, Alice whined, turning Danas face to hers. This situation has me really fucked up cause theyre both my friends and I dont know what to do with either of them, she rambled on. I mean, Tinas here, hurt out of her mind, I just told her that Bette is still seeing carpenter girl, I cursed Bette out, and now we might not be friends anymore, Alice took the cup, put it down, and slid under Danas arm.

Al, I know this may sound mean, but I have to say it okay? Dana asked nervously. Why dont you just let them figure it out themselves?

What? Alice jumped up. How can you say that Dana? Alice stared at her incredulously.

Alice, its not hard to figure out, she said, defending herself. I know theyre our friends and we want them to get through this, but sometimes the best help is no help. Well end up taking sides and thats not fair, Dana affirmed her stand by getting up and looked down at Alice, who was now pouting. When I ended it with Lara, everyone came to my rescue, but no one went to her. Yeah, she was my friend, but you guys got to know her a little. Actually, even if you didnt talk to her, you still took my side and never asked how she felt. There are two sides to every story no matter what happened. Get me? Dana walked to the kitchen hoping her absence would make Alice think about it.

At Joels

Candace stared at Yolanda. She needed to talk it out and make sense of it so she wouldnt think that she was the sneaky home wrecker she now dubbed herself. Yolanda moved her chair so she was sitting next to Candace and not across from her. It was her way of relieving Candaces tension and helping her to relax more. Candace leaned onto Yolandas shoulder and sighed loudly.

Its okay sweets, let it all out. Im here for you, Yolanda put her arm around Candace and kissed her head.

Oh, Ive made a mess Yoli and I dont know what to do. I feel like ***** and I hurt like *****, Candace confessed, near tears. Im not a bad person am I? Candace sounded like a child, which fueled Yolandas dislike for Bette.

Talk to me sweets. You know you can and Ill be here for as long as you need me, Yolanda sincerely stated kissing Candaces head again.

Okay, here goes, Candace took a deep breath. I met someone and we hit it off. It was really intense between us and even though I found out she was involved, I couldnt stop my attraction to her. We tried to end it, but something kept drawing us back, then her girl found out and all ***** broke loose. Then

What? Yolanda unintentionally cut her off. Candace you know better than to do that, dont you? She said softly to take back her initial reaction. Im sorry, go ahead, she leaned back into Candace.

Candace started crying as the pain of reliving the day got the best of her. Im in a mess and dont know what to do, she sniffed, trying to compose herself before anyone noticed.

Anger filled Yolanda and she squinted her eyes trying to imagine what that must have been like. She shook her head and closed her eyes partly trying to will it all away, but also trying not to reveal what she really knew.

Its gonna be okay sweets. Maybe we should order some food instead of eating all this pastry. Have you eaten?

Candace shook her head no. Order something while I go wash my face.

Meanwhile

Bette discretely looked around for Candace, but she didnt see her and her heart sank from the disappointment. She needed to feel alive and seeing her would do that. Her longing for Tina was still there, but the rejection she kept facing was too much to bear. A few minutes later, the hostess seated them and they immediately ordered drinks and an appetizer. Jenny seemed to be in one of her usual far away places allowing Bette to continue scoping the room for signs of Candace.

The food came quickly and they dug in.

So, whyd you really ask me out, Jenny asked between bites. I mean ask me to grab some food?

Bette put her food down and without warning just blurted the words out.

I cheated on Tina! Jennys jaw dropped and she stared at Bette in awe and disbelief. Pick up your jaw Jenny, its true, Bette said softly as Jenny covered her mouth with her hand. I cant explain how or why it happened, but I did it and now shes gone. I still love her though, but I have this crazy attraction to the woman I cheated with and I dont know what to do about it. I feel lost and confused Jenny. I needed to tell someone. What can I do?

Jenny leaned back in her seat still trying to comprehend what shed heard and like everyone else; she saw Bette and Tina as the perfect couple.

Fuuuck! Jenny cooed. Thats fucked up! Jenny digressed to her usual explicative. I kinda know what thats like, but youre different, Bette gave her a quizzical look. I mean, you come off very sure of yourself, what you want, and *****, I mean stuff like that. The way you and Tina looked at each other, the way you knew each other was so there and people saw it. I guess there was something still missing. Maybe an unknown part of you or a piece of you that you always said wasnt there came out, Jenny spoke with her arms moving around her. I knew I loved Tim, I wanted to marry him, but I met Marina and she stirred something in me I never knew before and I tried to ignore it, but it came back every time I saw her, Jenny leaned forward and kept talking. I couldnt explain it and the more I said it wasnt real, the more I was drawn to her. A big ***** mess it made and you know the rest. I cant offer you any solutions Bette because youre not me, but the one thing I do know is that you cant undo what you did, so you have to fix the part of you that made you do it, Jennys words trailed off leaving Bette was left to make sense of it all.

Bette pondered Jennys words, the unknown part of me. Fix the part of me that made me do it. Bette didnt know what to think other than in an odd way she made sense. She remembered Jenny when they first met and how into Tim she was until Marina came into the picture. The disruption of thoughts, the change in routine, the denial, and then the deception, that all came into play. How she knew it well, but what she didnt know was the unknown part of herself that would make her actually cheat. Shed had her share of lovers, shed lived a good life, so what was it that she missed? That was the million dollar question.

Bette motioned for the waitress and she caught a glimpse of Candace.

At Alices

Alice wanted to stay out of it and let Tina and Bette handle their problems alone, but Tina came to her. She and Bette were friends and she hoped to be the voice of reason for Bette to get her act together and fix things, but after the lies she told, she knew she couldnt help but partially take sides. Tina had her faults too and played her role in the slow demise of the relationship, but she didnt cheat and thats the part Alice had a hard time with. She got up to go talk to Tina and see where things stood and also to find out who Lisa Doyle is. Before she got to the bedroom, she stopped in the kitchen to give Dana a hug and kiss for being honest with her and sharing her opinion.

Tina, we really need to talk, Alice knocked the door. I know you probably dont want to, but I just got some insightful information and its important that we clear the air, Alice waited for a reply.

Come in, Tina said bluntly. She was sitting on the bed writing in her journal. Alice sensed that Tina was still upset, but she still needed to talk to her.

Tina, Alice sat on the bed next to her. Listen honey, I know youre really going through it and just when you think you have it figured out, something else happens, Tina stopped writing and glanced at Alice before turning away. You know whatever you decide to do Ill support you, but I think its time for me to step back, Tina opened her mouth to speak, but Alice put her finger up. I need to finish, Tina nodded and Alice continued. Bette did a really bad thing and she deserves whatever happens, but you two still need to talk and get things figured out; good or bad. She was wrong, dead wrong and she lied to me too, so I feel your pain. But I cant take sides T. Dana explained it to me and after some thought; I realized she was right,

Youre right, Tina eased closer to Alice. When I left, I did a lot of thinking and before you ask, Tina paused.

What? Alice asked, giving her an innocent expression.

Youve got that look on your face, Tina smirked. Lisa Doyle, if you must know, was a bully I grew up with who used to beat me up, Alice looked at her wide-eyed. Its a long story and really not worth rehashing, but thinking back on her, I can see where I got some of my bad habits from. I need to use that for positive things and not negative ya know? I wont lie Al, Im still hurting, but its not gonna get better with me bitching, crying, and moaning. Im going to call Bette in the morning and talk to her.

Alice hugged her and called for Dana to join them. Dana ran into the room to see Tina and Alice rolling on the bed hugging.

Uh, whats up? She asked cautiously, confused by the sight of them.

Join in, group hug, Tina said, as Dana dove on the bed. Ive had a ***** epiphany as Alice would say, they all started laughing.

Back at Joels

Bette watched as Candace walked back to her table. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, dryness taking over her mouth, and a mix of sadness and excitement consuming her. Jenny noticed the change in Bettes demeanor and watched her watching Candace until she was out of sight.

Someone you know?

Huh?

The woman youre watching. Someone you know?

Bette blushed. Yeah, she lowered her head afraid to meet Jennys stare. Its her!

No ***** way, Jenny tried to get a better look, but Candace was out of sight. How ironic that youre in the same place as her. Fucked up really.

I wanna go talk to her, do you mind?

Jenny shrugged her shoulders and shook her head no.

Bette went to find Candace and when she saw her, she stopped in her tracks seeing her in another womans arms. She couldnt make out who she was at first, but then she turned and Bette died where she stood. Yolanda! Her name spilled from her mouth like water. They both turned around to see Bette standing there.

Candace couldnt control her reaction and jumped up. Yolanda sat and watched their visual exchange and it was everything Candace described ” Raw, powerful, and surreal.

Bette, what are you doing here? Yolanda asked coldly

Eating? Bette couldnt think of anything else to say.

Didnt think you ventured on this side of town, being all uptight and all, Yolanda gave her an icy stare.

Yoli! Thats not nice, Candace tried to intervene. I know youre not fond of her, but youre still being impolite, Candace tried to soften the blow to Bette.

Well, its true. Lil Miss Ivy League usually eats uptown or something like that, right Bette?

Bette felt her cheeks warm as the initial excitement she felt waned. Im sorry, maybe this wasnt a good idea, Bette turned to walk away fearing a confrontation.

Whats the matter Bette? Truth hurt? Yolanda continued her cold tone.

Candace was torn between defending Bette and defending Yolanda. She tried to make peace.

Look, its apparent that there is some sort of tension here, but lets not get ugly. It was nice seeing you Bette, but maybe you should go back to your table. Yolanda and I were talking anyway, Candace gave Bette a read my expression look.

Okay, Bette nodded. Yeah, it was nice seeing you too. Even you Yolanda, she jabbed. Have a good night, Bette forced a smile.

Yolanda immediately turned to face Candace with a scornful look in her eye.

Okay, Candace what the ***** was that all about? Candace winched. Bette Porter on our side of the tracks! Candace felt relief thinking Yolanda was talking about the two of them. Somethings amiss here. When did you two get to know each other so well? Yolanda mused.

Bette returned to the table, her face telling a sad story. Jenny looked at her with questioning eyes.

No, it didnt go well. I need to go to the ladies room.

Jenny nodded respecting Bettes limited explanation.

Bette washed her face and looked at herself in the mirror. Images of the two of them flashed through her mind coupled with images of Tina. She needed to go home! Seeing Candace was more than she could handle and as she grabbed the door handle Yolanda walked in.

So, you and Candace huh? Yolanda teased. You are so fucked Bette and I think its funny as *****. Thats what you get for being so ***** self-righteous. I guess you thought your perfect little white woman would keep you satisfied huh? Yolandas words assaulted Bette.

She told you? Bette inquired in surprise.

No, but you just did. It was a test because of the look in your eye when you saw her. It was the same look you gave her when you first met, Bette looked up, trying to recall that night. Uh, yup! You remember it too. Even with your Ivy League education, you still couldnt figure out that your blackness will rear its head and call you home. Too bad that youre little home away from home is now boarded up. From here on out, Candace is off limits, Yolanda stated between gritted teeth.

What the ***** are you talking about? You cant speak for her, Bette blasted back. Shes in this as deep as I am and

And you have more to lose than her, so as I said, its over. Or would you like me to tell Tina that I saw you and Candace here? Bette frowned at Yolandas bitterness. Shed believe me in a heartbeat.

Why does it have to be about color with you Yolanda? Bette needed to get her stand back. Why cant it be that I was just attracted to her? You make it sound so sordid, Bette challenged an unmoving Yolanda. Its neither black or white to me, it just is. I shouldnt have to choose.

No, you shouldnt have to, but it seems like you do, just like youre in denial about so much in your life. You are cold and almost emotionless; I guess you needed to cross the tracks to feel something in your bougie life?

Before Bette could reply, Candace walked into the bathroom and felt like she was about to walk into to a scene from earlier.

Yolanda! Bette! Stop it! Stop it now, Candace stood in between them. Okay, so you know Bette was the one I got with. Im sorry for not telling you, but this is the reason I didnt. I knew youd take it personally. This isnt about you Yolanda. Its about me, Bette, and Tina, Yolanda stepped back. I need you Yolanda, but as my friend, to be there to listen and help me like you did this evening. I cant get caught in another cat fight. I wont do it! She conceded.

No! ***** that! Yolanda declared. I just sat and comforted you while you poured your broken heart out and you come in here to defend her? What kinda ***** is that?

Stop being such a controlling *****! Bette jumped in. Why dont you worry about your own life and stop meddling in other peoples?

Yolanda inched her way around Candace and tried to get in Bettes face. When a good friend calls me upset because the woman she found herself unfortunate enough to be attracted to is married and keeps luring her into her nasty web?

Candace? Bette sounded hurt. What the ***** did you tell her?

Its not like that. Youre taking it wrong.

Then please ***** explain it to me, I thought you were better than this, Bettes voice cracked.

I told her what happened, but never said it was your fault, Candace eased Yolanda back to make sure she couldnt reach out to Bette. Look Bette, Candace sounded worn out. Its like this; I care for you, but theres too much ***** between us right now. Im too hurt and confused to make sense of anything and seeing you isnt helping my emotional state. I apologize for Yolanda because she wont, but like she said, I called her. I needed a friend and you and I are not that. I really dont even know you outside of *****.

Bette fought the tears which were now rooted in anger and she swallowed hard. Every word Candace said stung and she began to numb. It was obvious that no good was going to come out of the argument and she wanted to leave.

That was hurtful Candace, but Ill respect how you feel. Youre right, youre in pain right now and are probably speaking out of anger, Yolanda snickered breaking Bettes fight to maintain control. She pushed Candace out of the way and pushed Yolanda against the wall.

Dont touch me Candace. This is between Yolanda and me, Yolanda was clutching Bettes hands trying to break free. I know you dont like me and thats your damn prerogative. I know you dont and cant understand who I am and you dont have to, but that doesnt give you the right to judge me. Yes, I cheated on my wife, my white wife as you like to call her, but it wasnt because shes white. Its because I was drawn to Candace. Dont insult her by making her a color and not a woman. Look in the mirror and youll see the real self-righteous *****. You disgust me! Bette released her grip and faced Candace. Im sorry, but she went too far. Im sorry I hurt you Candace, please know I never meant to, Bette planted a soft kiss on her cheek and walked out of the bathroom leaving Candace and Yolanda to argue.

Jenny was sitting at the table looking like a lost child. When she saw Bettes confident strut, she realized shed made a huge mistake.

I got worried cause you were gone so long and I called Marina who said shed call Tina and she called me back to say Tina was on her way.