Ending to the previous chapter by Katey471

Alice looked around and finally landing her shaky stare onto Bette, began walking slowly over to her. Bette reached out her hand and wrapped into Alices arm as she led her over to the now fresh dirt pile in front of Shanes head stone. Bette looked over as Alice slid down and took a seat on the grass in front of it. Bette joined her. They sat in silence for a while before Alice finally spoke. Im so angry Bette. Bette didnt take her eyes off of Shanes head stone as she perched her lips and just nodded along. Hey, I wanna ask you something. When you broke up with me, you never answered my question… Bette finally looked over to Alice and said, What question? Alice continued. Dana said no. I asked her to marry me and she said…no! Bette was a bit taken back by this. You asked her to marry you? Alice, is that what you want? Alice tilted her head. Is that so hard to believe? Of course I want all that…I dont know, the stuff that comes with being in love with someone and sharing your life with them. If anything, I realize now that it could be end at any second…all of it, just like that! And Dana, well, shes the only one I ever really felt this way about, and the more I think about it, why not just go for it. So, thats what I did, I went for it.

Bette understood completely and slid around to face Alice. What did she say? Alice began pulling grass out and throwing it in front of her in a pile as she spoke. When you broke up with me, I asked you why. You would never give me an answer and I just, and dont go getting all uncomfortable about it, I just want to know what it is about me… Bette threw her hand up and interrupted Alice. Wait, wait a second…dont think for a second that its because there is something wrong with you! Ok? Its a different situation completely. I began to look at you differently. It didnt mean I didnt still love and care about you. Sometimes people just grow together in different ways. Our relationship became, friendship. More than that, thats too small a word. Sisters, you became like a sister to me.

Alice rolled her eyes and looking over at Bette for the first time let out a small smile. Was that so hard? Thats what you could never just come out and say? You never would just tell me that! Jesus Bette! Youre so guarded. Bette smiled and began to play with Alices grass pile. What did Dana say Alice? Alice let out a sigh and looking over to Shanes head stone said, She just doesnt want to get married. Well, that doesnt mean she doesnt love you Alice. Maybe she just doesnt want to get married right now. Did you ever think about that? Alice continued. Ya know, here I am thinking the worst all these years and this whole time its because you think of me as a sister? Bette started to laugh to herself as she looked up at Alice.

Alice became quiet as her newly found smile faded. I cant believe shes gone. What am I going to do without her? I never told you this Bette, but I found Shane on the street. Literally, like, well, lets just say on the street. If you had seen her then, compared to what she was now, you wouldnt believe it was the same person. Bette leaned back onto her hands and said, Well, she owes that all to you. You always looked out for Shane. Well, she always looked out for me too Bette. People like her dont come around too often. Alice and Bette sat in silence as they both reflected on just how special Shane really was until Alice put her hands to her sides and lifted herself up. Slapping the ground off her hands she reached out her hand and helped Bette up. I want to go home.

Finale by Blu Jewel


Shes not herself right now, Dana excused Alices behavior to Sabrina

Its okay, I understand, Sabrina said softly as she looked back at the door. So, they were really close huh? Sabrina questioned Dana who was now sitting down.

Dana nodded as confusion and pain covered her face. Look, I dont mean to be rude, but I need to find out where she went. Dana stood back up and walked toward the door.

Okay, Sabrina put her bag on her shoulder. I didnt mean to cause any harm if I have. I just wanted to find out about Shane thats all. Nice meeting you, Sabrina extended her arm.

Yeah, likewise, Dana smiled and opened the door as Sabrina walked out. Wait! Dana called out to Sabrina.

Yes.

Why did you wait til now to look for Shane? Dana folded her arms across her chest.

Sabrina walked toward Dana and rested against the doorframe. A saddened look covered her face as she swallowed hard before replying.

Cause she was my sister, was all she said.

Forgive me, but thats a lame reason ya know. If you cared that much, you could have shown up sooner, Dana said somewhat rudely, as she looked Sabrina up and down still taken by their resemblance.

Youre right I should have and I cant take it back. Especially now, but I at least want to protect whats left of her memory and reputation, Sabrina replied trying too hard to sound convincing. Steve Jaffe is a

Thats bullshit! Dana fired back, tears falling from her eyes. She never felt she belonged or that she was good enough. We were her family and all the while she had a real sister out there. One who made something of herself and never once gave a ***** about what happened to her sister, Dana wiped the tears from her eyes. If not for Alice, Shane might have died out there. Alice took her under her wing and helped her along the way and thats what being a sister is about. So, Sabrina, I wanna protect my sisters rep, Dana mocked, try being a little less selfish before you show up looking for answers next time. But oops, its a little too little, too late for that, Dana huffed. And whatever you wanna know about Steve Jaffe and Shane is gone with her. He was guilty for her death even though he didnt put his hands on her. His hate for her was like a gunshot to her heart. So, excuse me while I try to find out if my friend is alright, Dana eased from the doorway.

Sabrina stared at Dana speechless and embarrassed. There was nothing she could say to counter anything Dana said. She stepped backward and before she turned away mouthed the words Im so sorry.

Yes. Yes you are, Dana closed the door behind her, tears pouring down her cheeks.

****

Bette wrapped her arm around Alice as they walked silently back to the car. Bette glanced at Alice who was miles away in thought and it broke her heart to know she felt so lost and alone. To lose Shane was a life-altering experience for them all. It affected Alice a little more severely, but to possibly lose a love that you craved for so long made things even worse and there were no words to make that hurt go away. All that Bette could do was hold her a little closer and kiss her head silently affirming that she was loved and would be alright. Alice stopped just before they reached the car and turned to face Bette, looking at her with tear-filled eyes.

So, you really think Danas just not ready?

Bette stopped and turned to Alice.

Al, youre a great person, you know that. Everyone loves you, Alice gave Bette an incredulous look. I mean it Al. Youre so many good things it would take all day to list them all. Bette comforted. I think Dana may just need time to take things in. You know she hasnt had that much experience and it all might be a little overwhelming to her. Especially after the whole Tonya thing. Its not you, I promise, Bette reassured Alice, as she rubbed her hand across her cheek.

Alice tried to smile.

Can we make a pact that we will never forget Shane? Ever?

Of course Al, you know she was a part of us, Bette pulled Alice into a hug. She was family. Ill miss her terribly, dont ever doubt that.

Okay, Alice eased out of Bettes arms. I know she had some rough edges, but she had a heart no matter what anyone thought. She truly came a long way, Alice fought back the tears and smiled softly as she turned to get in the car.

Bette got in and pulled off.

****

Tina waited anxiously for word from Bette. She wanted to call, but knew it was best to wait it out. She went outside and sat by the pool and closed her eyes in an effort to clear her head. The sun was shining through a passing cloud and a gentle breeze swept over her.

Hey!

Tina opened her eyes to see Shane sitting next to her.

Hey! Tina replied. Was that breeze you?

Yeah, I suppose so, Shane laughed. Didnt scare you did I? Tina shook her head. Good. Look I only have a few minutes today. Seems like my visits are getting shorter, she smirked. Take care of Al for me will ya?

Of course I will. You know we will. Bettes with her now. She was having a rough morning, Tina began to rock back and forth. Whats it like for you?

Shane looked around recalling the many memories of her time at Port Kennard, a moniker shed given Bette and Tinas without ever telling them. It was a special name shed come up with on one of her many romps in the pool with a lady friend.

Oh, I dont know, Shane sighed. I want to make sure youre all safe and that you all will be good to each other. I know there was a lot of pain and hurt before I left yall and I feel bad if I caused any more. I di

Tina cut her off. It wasnt your fault Shane. Things happen. Life happens and theres nothing we can do about it.

I know but

But nothing. You know you were always special to me. It was great having you in my life. We all feel that way. I wish I could have done more for you, Tina looked away recalling the moment she and Bette were having in the alley while Shane was fighting for her life.

Aww cmon, you were there more than you know. I wish I could have had even a little bit of what you and Bette had. Something would have been better than nothing ya know, Shane looked down, then back at Tina. I loved her ya know. I loved Cherie and she ***** on my feelings, but Im over it now. At least I can say I finally let someone in. That I had a taste of what youve got.

Tina read between the lines. She knew what Shane was saying and she felt the longing in her heart for Bette.

Better to have loved and lost, than not love at all huh? Tina whispered mostly to herself.

Yeah, but you can still love T. Let her back in. She loves you. She really does and I think shell do whatever its gonna take to make it right for you both. Dont be afraid anymore. Dont be

The sound of the phone ringing cut Shane off and she was gone. Tina stood up and looked around hoping to see Shane one last time. She was gone. Tina ran into the house.

Bette? Tina said breathlessly. Oh thank God! Is she okay? She is? Thats great. No, Dana hasnt called. Okay, I will. See you soon. And Bette? Tina paused, staring out toward the pool. I love you Bette. Hurry home. Tina hung up the phone.

She sat cradling the phone, tears streamed down her cheeks, as years of memories flashed through her mind. The final one ended with Shanes funeral as they all held onto each other for dear life once the casket was lowered into the ground. It occurred to her that she saw someone in the distance watching them the entire time and she wiped the tears from her eyes, got up and went into the bedroom. She found a piece of paper that Alice had written a number on and dialed it as she hit the record button on the answering machine.

Is this Cherie? Tina asked cautiously. This is Tina. Tina Kennard, Shanes friend. Please dont hang up. Yes, I know youve done what you could to help. This isnt about money. I just need to know one thing. Yes, Ill hold, Tina clutched the phone tighter and let out a huge breath. Okay. I just need to know one thing and I need your complete honesty. Can you give me that? Did you love her or care about her as more than just a fling? Tina chose her words carefully as not to demean Shanes memory. She could hear Cherie breathing hard. Oh thank God! Tina squealed. Yes. Uh, huh. Uhm, huh. Yes. I understand. Okay. Thank you Cherie. Thank you so much and I know it would mean the world to her to know that even though she couldnt hear it directly from you. Okay. Bye. Tina clicked the stop button.

Tina hung up and fell onto the bed. Her heart was still racing from the call. She wasnt sure how it was going to go, but felt relieved to know that Cherie didnt hang up on her and that she finally said the truth on how she felt.

She loved you too Shane. I have it all on tape and Ill play it for you when I come to visit you. Im sure youre worn out from all your trips to see us. Beautiful to the core you are.

Tina called Dana and told her that Bette and Alice were on their way back and she could come right over. She smiled and walked to the front step to wait for them to come back.

About twenty minutes later, Dana came running to the front door where she hugged Tina tightly.

So good to see you, Tina beamed. You okay?

Yeah, but I think I made a mistake, Dana said softly.

Whats that hun? Tina put her arm around Danas waist.

I told Alice that I didnt want to marry her and

You did? Why Dana? Tina sounded concerned.

I was scared, Dana shrugged. I thought that I was moving too fast. You know like I did with Tonya?

Do you still feel that way?

Dana shrugged again. Im not sure. A part of me feels that she could be so right for me, but I cant shake my fear of the unknown. I mean, shes my friend and I dont wanna ruin that. What if it doesnt work out?

Tina looked away and thought hard before replying. After a few minutes she pulled Dana to her feet and lead her into the house. She pulled out a photo album and pointed to all the pictures she and Alice were in.

Now does that look like someone you have to worry about? Look at the two of you. Theres chemistry. Sometimes it takes something bad to show us the good, Dana looked away from the pictures to Tina and back to the pictures again and half smiled.

Are you sure? I dont want to blow it Tina, shes going through enough already, Dana ran her hand across a recent picture of them all at Milk. The happy times before Bette and Tinas fight. Before Shane died. Before Tonya came into her life.

Im sure hun, Tina hugged Dana.

They heard the sound of car doors closing and they both ran to the front door.

Come in Ive got great news, Tina pulled Bette and Alice into the house.

Dana stared at Alice and before anyone could stop her, she fell to Alices feet.

Im so sorry Al, I was such a fool, Alice looked down at her wondering what she was talking about. I shouldnt have said no Al, I know better now.

Dana, please get up, Alice said, reaching down for her. Tina and Bette stood aside and Tina gave Bette a look indicating to let her do her thing. I do want to marry you. I really do. I was scared and I said no, but I do love you. I know that now, she rambled.

Alice looked at Bette and Tina who both smiled at her and nodded in favor of Danas confession.

Please say youll give me another chance?

Before Alice could reply, Bette cut in.

Me too, Tina. Will you give me another chance?

Alice looked at Tina who nodded and mouthed, say yeah.

Yes! Yes, Ill give you another chance, Bette turned and hugged Tina closely, covering her face with sloppy kisses.

Dana turned to Alice, well?

Heck yeah! Alice giggled and pulled Dana into a long passionate kiss.

Thank ***** goodness something good came of my death, Shane whispered, as she sprawled out on the couch looking at them all.