“Why don’t you want us to go together?”

“Okay, Al, together.  Whatever.”  Dana looked straight ahead, focusing on Angelica.

“No, if you don’t want to.”

Kit rolled her eyes.  “You two decide and call me later.  Baby sis, I’ll stop by before 11 and drop off your lunch, but I’ll visit with Tina in the afternoon between 3 and 4.  That good?”

“Thanks, Kit.”

“What about Helena?”  Alice asked in an almost fearful voice.

“What...about…her?”  Bette’s lips were tight and pursed holding back an explosion she felt building whenever Helena’s name was mentioned.

“Bette, I know you hate her guts,” Alice began.  Bette stared at her.  “It’s just that Helena and Tina did have a relationship and I know for a fact that she cares about Tina and her welfare.  Helena’s in my yoga class and do you know she asks about her every time I see her?  She does.  She wants to visit her.”

“Al, how come it’s okay for Helena and Tina to remain friends, but other exes can’t.”

“One, Dane—Tina isn’t really in any condition to have a relationship with Helena.”  She looked at Bette in apology, but continued.  “Two, Tina and Helena don’t have any unfinished business just like Bette and I don’t, whereas some exes apparently are forever unfinished.  Three…”

“That’s okay.”  Dana stood.  “I’ve gotta meet my trainer at the gym.  Talk to you later.”  She started to walk away, but got less than a foot when her afterthought came to the forefront of her brain.  She bent to kiss Alice goodbye.  “See you tonight.”  Dana turned and jogged off.

“Are you, guys okay?”  Bette’s brow was furrowed.  She had so recently been a part of this politeness in a relationship and knew it wasn’t a good sign.

“Yeah, great.  Great.  So what about Helena?”

Kit looked at Bette wondering what would come out of her sister’s mouth.  “Fine.  As long as I’m not there.  Angelica’s starting a newborn play group.  It’s from 9 – 10 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”

“I sure don’t wanna see her after what she did to Bette.  Ain’t nobody responsible for putting Bette outta work but Miss Helena.”

Bette smiled at her sister for being a protector and her support.

“I’ll see if she can visit at exactly 9 o’clock.  Okay?”