Summary of the previous chapter: Alice and Dana visit. They meet the newest edition to Bette and Tinas household.

It is the next day that Bette hears a pounding at her office door. Mona barks and Bette opens the door to find Alice, Shane, Kit and Dana staring at her. Tina looks on apologetically.

Okay Porter. We can do this in your office or the couch. You decide.

Do what?

Were having an intervention.

You are what?

Porter we are having an intervention. You and this staying holed up in a room all day has got to stop. Now, are you coming out or do we have to come in? And, if you think your little guard dog will protect you, think again. Alice says as she holds up a bag of doggie treats.

Mona immediately jumps up for the Snausages that Alice is holding. Bette gives in; she and Mona follow the group into the living room. Bette sits on the couch with Tina next to her. The interventionists sit in chairs facing them.

Is this some sort of dj vu? Bette asks Tina. Only, your fuzzy slippers have been replaced by my fuzzy puppy. She says as she grabs the treats from Alice and proceeds to feed a treat to Mona who has learned Sit.

Okay, Porter (Potty she adds silently) we, your friends and family are here because we are worried about you.

I appreciate your love and concern, but I assure you that there is no cause for this little meeting.

Admitting you have a problem is the first step. Alice says.

Okay, I admit I have a problem. Bette stands as Alice smiles (until she hears Bette speak). My name is Bette and my friends are ridiculous.

Not funny Porter.

Seeing that this is going no where between Al and Bette, Kit intervenes. Look, baby sis. Were just worried is all. Youve been locking yourself in that room all day, not coming out, not talking to nobody.

What is wrong with wanting to do some work? Bette asks.

Uh, you dont have a job. Alice says which earns her a look from Tina.

Touche, Al. Ive got plenty to do, though. Files of articles need to be organized, Ive got to update my resume, search for the jobs that are out there and get the low down on what is going on behind the scenes in the places that are hiring. Ive been researching how to train Mona. There is a lot to do.

Its not like you to buy a dog, Bette. Dana adds.

I was worried about Tina. There have been a couple of attacks in the neighborhood. I thought a dog would be some protection when she goes out jogging.

From what weve heard, Tina hasnt had a chance to go jog with the dog.

Well, Mona isnt really old enough for that type of endurance activity. Besides, why does it trouble you all that I might have developed a fondness for the dog.

It is just out a character for you, Bette: spending so much time at home, becoming attached to the dog, not communicating with us. Shane adds.

Is it such an affront to humanity if I change my character a little bit? Maybe I am enjoying playing retiree for a while, did any of you think of that? Ive worked my ***** off for a lot of years. Im just taking some time to relax. So, and I mean this with the utmost amount of love and affection, will you all please step off?

Porter Alice begins

Bette interrupts before she can continue. Seriously, I am very moved that you all care so much. However, have some faith in me. Im not sitting in my office drinking and planning to blow my head off, okay? There are just some things that I have been wanting to get done. Now that I have a little bit of free time, I am using it. Guys, Ive worked so hard for so long, maybe I just need a little bit of a break. The soldier needs a furlough, Home is the Sailor, Home from the Sea. Can you all respect that?

No one had planned to getting such a reaction from Bette. They had all come prepared to see the eruption of Mount St. Bette. When Bette phrased everything so calmly, they could not help but agree with what she had said.

The gang leaves, defeated in their attempts at an intervention. Tina is determined, however, to succeed where the others have failed.