(Previously)

She stood and walked to the window, turning her back to Tina, who watched her silently. There was a long pause before Bette finally spoke again. If I were your mother, she said quietly, Id tell you to let this go. Id tell you that youre beautiful and special. That your life circumstances belie that reality but dont disguise it. That you have a spirit and energy that is glaring and unmistakable and truly intoxicating to be around. She paused. Id tell you that you deserve so much more.

Tina sat with the revelation. She took it in. She knew how to protest. I dont need a mother, Bette, she said evenly.

But the voice in front of her, when it came, was far away and directed out the window, overly reconciled already to the wind and snow, the gathering cold. Oh Tina, Bette said, turning towards her like the truth. Yes, you do.

*****************************************************************

Thats it? Dean asked. Are you kidding me?

I wish. Tina sighed.

She says you need a mother and you left? Just like that?

No, not just like that. Not exactly.

Well exactly how was it? Dean lifted volume one of his ancient set of Encyclopedia Britannica onto his lap and reached for his bag of weed. Wait while I roll one. I cant hear the rest of this unless Im stoned.

***

Youre seriously kidding me. Alice froze, joint in mid-air, and exhaled loudly, a plume of smoke settling between her and Bette.

Bette waved one hand in front of her. God, Alice

What? You want a hit?

No. Bette frowned as her eyes began to tear.

You should have some, Alice said. This story might come out easier. She put the joint to her lips and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she did.

I doubt it, Bette said, frowning further.

I cant believe you, Bette, I really cant. Alice exhaled..

Bette watched as another long string of smoke descended and hung between her and her friend. What cant you believe exactly?

I cant believe that Ms. Ultra-Confident Super-Self-Protective Alpha Female stopped overnight in Detroit and got it handed to her. Alice laughed disbelievingly. What were you thinking?

***

Tina took a long drag before handing off to Dean. I cant believe I begged her like that.

Neither can I. He took his own long drag, holding it, then blowing straight up, smiling at Tina as he lowered his head. She had no right not to fuck you.

Right? Tina asked, smirking, reaching with two fingers to relieve him of their joint coping strategy. I mean, I understand being conscientious, I do. But jesuslive a little.

Exactly. Dean leaned back against the little futon couch and narrowed his eyes at Tina. You should have told me, you know. I would have worked sick.

No you wouldnt have.

I would have wanted to?

Tina rolled her eyes. Can we not make this about you? Youre supposed to be comforting me.

Dean sat up and reached for the joint, rolling his eyes as well. Oh please. We both know thats not gonna happen.

***

Alice curled up on the couch, her feet stashed beneath her, and contemplated Bette. I gotta tell you, I never took you for the maternal type.

Bette was leaning against the arm of the other end of the couch, two pillows against her back. She sighed loudly and shook her head. That makes two of us, Alice.

***

(24 hrs earlier)

Tina sat on the bed and watched Bette line her stuff up by the door. A suitcase, a laptop, a briefcase. And a purse.

Youve got too much baggage, Tina said flatly.

I know, Bette said, sliding her hand to her hip and looking up into the mirror over the cheap wooden dresser. She frowned at her reflection.

Tina smiled. She couldnt help herself. You cant have three carry-ons and a purse.

Bette turned to look at her and smiled sheepishly. Right. Well, Ill combine them later. Im just trying to get everything together, you know?

I do, Tina pronounced, staring back at Bette, committing her face to memory. The dark eyes, the framing curls, the chin.

Bettes eyes softened. Despite the imminence of her departure, she didnt want to emphasize the leaving. Youre going to be fine, Tina.

Tina nodded. If you say so.

I know youre not convinced, Bette said, moving to sit beside her on the bed. Tina turned to face Bette, to look into Bettes eyes, to be there, only, for the short time they had left. I know were going to see each other again, Bette said, reaching to touch Tinas cheek, to brush her fingers against the softness. I know this is not over.

Tinas eyes welled up and she blinked back tears, inhaling deeply to brook the wave of emotion.