Alice & Tina
Tina called Oscar to let him know shed be a little late, but would definitely be in the office. Eric called to let Tina know hed arrived safely and she let Alice speak with him so the two could get to know each other a little. After the call, Tina and Alice left for breakfast and found a nice little restaurant out of their usual haunts. They ordered and dined on the most mouthwatering chicken and waffles theyd ever eaten. It took everything in Alice not to break out in Ebonics again, but Tina threatened her with bodily harm if she did, citing that the other patrons might think she was being insulting. Amazingly, Alice didnt contest and ate her food, to include sucking the bones without a word.

You know Al? Tina broke their silence. I need a car. Got any contacts in that department? Tina asked, between slurps of her sweet tea.

Alice wiped her mouth, uhm? Probably. Whatcha looking tget? Alice inquired.

Not sure really. Something used, but in good condition, Tina thought.

Youre really sticking to this independence thing huh? Alice asked rhetorically, but was certainly impressed with Tinas resolve.

Yeah, I have to, Tina casually replied. Im not ready to give up the Center yet, and being at CM&E may include early starts or late nights and I cant have you carting me everywhere, Tina grinned at the thought of being so gainfully employed.

Cool. Well, gimme some time and Ill see what I can do. Fortunately for you my dear Tina, Ive got contacts errywhere, Alice said with a wink, knowing it would make Tina laugh.

You just had to sneak it in didnt you? Tina playfully swatted Alices arm. Youre just bad. Plain bad I tell you, Tina laughed.

Yeah, but you like it. Love it even, Alice gloated.

Yeah, as much as I might hate to admit it, Tina smirked, its the truth. Without you, I dont know how I wouldve gotten through it all, Tina reflected. Thanks for everything Al. I mean that, Tina reached for Alices hand and squeezed it.

Dont mention it, Alice blushed. Now, cmon. Lets go before I order another platter at your limited expense, she teased, as Tina headed off to pay for breakfast.

They left the restaurant and Alice dropped Tina at the Center before heading off to her office to pick up her next assignment and pick up a new one. Alice was still in incredibly good spirits in spite of the crappy new assignment shed received, and decided to make good on her promise to find Tina a car. She pulled out her Special Contacts list and scanned through the pages to see who she knew in the car department. Ah, Bevy Hall, said to herself, with a sly smile. The hot chick who rides the Harley. Mmm! I know she can help, Alice grinned and dialed the number.

At the CAC
Uhm, uh, hey Kit! Bettes stuttered to reply. I did what now? Bette choked on her words.

You sent me an email that was addressed to Tina, Kit sounded mildly agitated. Was I supposed to get it?

***** no! Bette thought to herself as she tried to force her mouth to speak. Uhm, no you werent intended to be a recipient, Bette tried to be calm. You didnt read it did you? Bette crossed her fingers, although she had a feeling Kit had.

Yes, of course I read it dummy, Kit sassed. What else was I supposed to do with it, Kits syrupy voice replied. And what the heck where you doing up so late anyway? Kit quipped.

Bette paused. She felt like a deer in headlights and didnt know which way to turn. She knew there was no downplaying it, so she had to tackle it head on, but before she could, James interrupted her.

Bette, sorry to barge in, but your fathers on the line and hes insisting on talking to you, James informed Bette who was now fearing the worst.

*****! Bette fussed. Im sorry, Bette hastily cleaned up. Give me a sec and Ill tell you to put him through, Bette dismissed James and stared helplessly at her cell phone and then the monitor. Kit, I have to call you back.

Uh, uh sista, youre not getting out of this baby girl, Kit mouthed off.

Kit, I have to go. Its important. Ill call you back I promise, Bette impressed upon Kit.

Fine. You better, Kit replied and hung up in a huff.

Bette took a long, hard breath in anticipation of speaking with her father. She hadnt spoken to him since she blasted him and hoped he wasnt in town to confront her. Today would not be a good day for that. She took another breath and paged James to put the call through.

Hello daddy, Bette tried to sound cheerful. Are you in town? Bette asked while shaking her head no.

No, Im not in town and why did you leave me holding so long? Melvin asked, his tone full of contempt. Your assistant did tell you it was me correct? Melvin continued.

Yes, he did. Im sorry; I was trying to end another important call. Anyway, to what do I owe this call? Bette asked.
Well, Melvin cleared his throat. Elizabeth, Bette cringed and knew it was serious. Ive been up since 6:00am going through my daily rituals and was astonished to find an email from you, Bette felt her stomach twist at the word email. At first I was pleased to see an email from you, Melvin paused. Well, that was until I saw that it wasnt intended for me. Is there something youd like to tell me? Melvins tone was intimidating.

Bette cringed and found herself feeling like a child being chastised. Actually, no. I would rather not discuss this with you daddy, Bettes tone wavered between embarrassment and annoyance. What I would like to know is how long youve been waiting to call me on this?

Melvin cleared his throat again. As I said, I read this early this morning. I chose not to call until I thought youd be free to talk. Are you?

Bette ran her hand through her hair as a means to remain calm. Quite frankly, Im not free to talk and Id rather not discuss it with you as I said before. This is between Tina and I, Bette declared. And before you say it, yes I know I made it your business by inadvertently sending it to you, but again, this is between Tina and I, Bette challenged.

Fine. Have it your way, but know this, Melvin almost sounded threatening. You made a point to ensure that I treat Tina with courtesy and respect, but you turn around and perform the most heinous of actions. I suggest you stop calling the kettle black Elizabeth until you maintain the commit you want me to honor. Have a nice day, Melvin hung up leaving Bette devastated.

At the Center
Tina and Oscar went over the proposal one last time before they called Sandra to take the papers to the Municipal building. They had time to spare, but Oscar felt more comfortable with it going over three hours early. Each went back to their respective schedules, once they received the call from Sandra saying the proposal was in Reynolds hand.

Great job Tina, Oscar complimented her with a tight hug, I couldnt have done this without you, Oscar beamed.

Thanks. That means a lot. Ill be there to help you any way I can, Tina offered, knowing her full time work at the Center was winding down. You know Ill miss being here though, she said through a saddened smile.

Not to worry chica, Oscar consoled. Your time here has been invaluable and I know youre going to a good place. The folks at CM&E will treat you right, Oscar continued to praise. Plus, whatever you learn there can still help us right?

Of course, Tina smiled. Ill be eternally grateful for this experience. And if not for being here, I wouldnt have gotten picked up by CM&E anyway, Tina returned the compliments. Now, if you dont mind, I have some things to finish.

Tina excused herself and went back to her desk. Tina was so happy with how everything had been going that she could hardly contain herself. She thought of Bette and contemplated whether to call or not. It had been a couple days now since she got her things and it would be polite to touch base. Tina had also been thinking about the statement Alice made about life, love, and it being nothing without having someone to share it with. She didnt want to say anything to Alice about it just yet because she wasnt sure if she was ready to cross that bridge yet. Tina had another idea.

Hey Kit, its Tina, Tina cheerfully greeted her estranged sister in law. How are you?

Hey girl, Kit chirped. Good. Girl, Im real good. How you been? You aiight these days? Havent heard from you.

I know and Im sorry, Tinas voice softened. Its just a little hard you know? Not knowing where I stood and all, Tina twirled the phone cord in her hand nervously.

Girl, I know its not been easy. Shes okay though, Kit knew Tina wanted to ask. She misses you. I know this for a fact. She, well, she just does, Kit stopped herself.

Kit tugged on Tinas heartstrings. As quiet as it was kept, Tina was missing Bette too. There was no denying that she still loved her and that was a part of why she threatened Candace as well as taking the photo of them. Tina knew it was time to talk to Bette, but fear was still gripping her heart.

I miss her too, Tina admitted, but its just not that simple Kit.

I know. Just give her a day or so and let her come to you, Kit advised, thinking of the email she read. Can you do that?

Ill try, but I cant make any promises. This is still painful for me.

Trying is all I ask. So, what else is new with you? Kit quickly changed the subject.

Tina filled Kit in about the changes at the Center and about her new position at CM&E. She also told her that she was going to get a car and continue living with Alice until she either got back with Bette or decided to remain single. Kit filled Tina in on her life, the success with sobriety, her relationship with Ivan, her singing, and the new relationship she and Bette now had. Kit almost slipped up again and mention the email, but caught herself in time.

Anyway, Ive said more than enough for now. I need to get back to some chores. Lets keep in touch okay. Please? Kit rushed to get off the phone.

Yes, Ill keep in touch. Maybe we can do lunch or dinner next week? Tina offered.

Sure. Id like that. Well, gotta run. Take care Tee, Kit babbled and hung up.

That was odd, Tina said out loud, thinking about Kits comments and how she rushed her off the phone. Something was going onsomething that had to do with her. Curiosity began to eat at her, but she knew it was probably best to leave well enough alone. Well, at least for now.