3 weeks after Tina left.

Shane has been thinking about Tina and Bette at every spare minutes when shes not thinking about Cherie. I cant do much about my own situation now. Im a mess but I want to do something for Tina. Shanes heart ached for Tina. Oh sweet Tina. You were so ***** cute every time youre with Bette. I have to see Bette. Talk to her or something. I dont know what to do but I cant stand to see Tina so broken. Its too painful to watch. Im sure Bettes hurting too.

Shane goes to see Tina every day now. But the first time she saw Tina after Tina left their home. Shane could not belief the change – theres no spark in her eyes, her faced drawn so sad as if life had been sucked from her. The smile her smile gone. Staring into space, totally tuned out. Tears would roll down her cheek all the time. When Shanes there all she did was hold her and let Tina cry. Sometimes they just sit for hours and not even exchange a word. Shane just loved Tina. Want to comfort her. Want to let her know she still has friends. Both of them lost in their own pain. Her heart ached for Cherie. She ached for Tina, and for Bette.

Shane loved Bette. Look up to her. Bette has always been kind to Shane. From the beginning have understood Shane more than any of their friends. Had stood by her no matter what. Not judging her wandering lifestyles. Shane would never judge Bette. We all make mistake, even the perfect Bette! She refused to be angry like Alice. She was just sad that theyre not together now. But they will work it out. They will. They must! I know Bette still love Tina. Im sure she wants to make things better.

I have to go and do what? I have to talk to her. I cant! She has been pacing pacing up and down God! Finally she walks to her car, driving towards Bettes place. Yes, Bettes place not Bette and Tinas. Then change her mind. She decided to have a few drinks to calm her nerves. *****! Why am I so nervous. This is not even about me!! F***! F***!. Its not even about Cherie. God. But were family. Thats why. After a few beers she drove. This time there was no turning back. She stopped in front of Bettes house. Her Saab was parked there, so shes home. Shane stood there for a few minutes before gathering enough courage to knock.

Bette opened the door. Look at Shane with surprise and shock and then her faced frown, looking worried or was that fear. She tried to hide her shocked and put on a smile.

Bette: Shane. Hi. (not knowing what else to say)

Shane: Hi!.. Hi Bette. I was just around the neighbourhood . I uh want to just talk. We havent seen you around so I wanted to check to see . I mean I wanted to see if youre doing okay. Were worried about you too. can we talk.

Bette: (hesitating and avoiding eye contact with Shane.) This is not a good time. I uh I uh.. I uh (Bette was getting more and more uncomfortable)

Shane: … BetteI uh I brought some beer & a large bottle of Pellagrino. We can just have some drinks together if you dont wanna talk.
(Bette has never seen Shane so sad her eyes pleading.)

Bette: O O OK come in. Pulling Shane in. Giving her a quick hug.

Shane walked in. Then she saw . suddenly she understood why Bette didnt want her to come in. She turned around and walk out the door. *****! *****!! *****!! F***! F***! F***! Youre right! This is not a good time. not a good time.

Bette followed Shane out. As she neared her truck, Shane suddenly turned and looked at Bette with tears in her eyes.

Shane: I thought you loved Tina. All these while I thought you just lost it for one moment. That you really loved her. F*** you Bette. F*** You. How could you? *****! *****! *****! Why dont you just tell her its over so that she can get on with her life. Why dont you do her a favour and break it off. Then you can f*** all you want.

Tears rolling down Shanes eyes. I would give anything everything to have someone loved me the way Tina loved you. Give up everything just to love me.

With that she turned and drove off.

Bette has never seen Shane so angry before. No, its not anger. Shane is the last person who would judge her this way. Shane is hurting for me, for Tina. Shane is disappointed with me. With the how Im treating Tina.

Bette has tears in her eyes too. Put her hands on her face. She understood what Shane said. Tina had been straight before meeting Bette. She gave up her straight life for me. Gave up her friends and family. Though now they have accepted us. Gave up her job and career, gave up her freedom and financial independence.

Yes, Bette understood Shane.

She walked into her house. Walk straight to her room. Leaving Candace sitting on the couch.