Bettes mind was running a thousand miles per hour.
Why was Helen here? Why was she already talking with Tina? Did she call Tina ? Why Tina didnt tell me anything?… and to make it worst, seeing Greta at her side, looking droolingly at her, getting quietly drunk, wasnt making her feel any better. Wait, why is Helen touching Tinas belly? Why is Tina smiling?…

Bette was feeling the heat camping on her face, her cheeks burning with jeaolousy, with anger, with fear. She was confused, feeling weak, vulnerable.
All the feelings she hated the most, and she was having all of them at the same time which was bringing the worst out of her.

Shane seeing Bettes frowning face as she was walking towards Tina moved quickly to stop her pace. Grabbing her arm nonchalantly, pretending to be playfully hugging her she whispered,

You dont wanna do that, not now, not here, not yet

What? a surprised Bette asked, unable to hide the anger from her loud tone, turning to look at Shane with fire in her eyes.

Come with me, lets have a drink Nodded Shane, subtly leading Bette inside.

Bette, confused, let Shanes hand leaded her inside. Shane took a tequila bottle from the bar as they passed by.
The moment Bette realized she was in her living room, unable to watch Tina and her admirers, reailty and common sense cooled her of.

God! she shighed, falling on the couch, feeling defeat.

You first offered, Shane handing her a tequila shot as she was filling a bunch of tequila glasses on the coffee table.

Bette took the shot and drank it fiercefully, almost chocking.

Good one! said Shane, following her example.

Now, another one, use the salt, get the lemmon order Shane to an obedient Bette.

Bette did as ordered, letting the tequila filled her conscience. Leaning back, resting her head on the couch, she sighed. Shane, nodding, took another shot before leaning back too.

I almost fucked it mumbled Bette, with her eyes closed.

Yep nodded Shane, opening her eyes, looking at her friend.

Silence calmed Bettes senses. For a few minutes she rest her head, feeling the image of Helens hand on Tinas belly, the smile on Tinas face burning her inside. Sighing, she opened her eyes to look at Shane.

You have a cigarette? She asked, surprising Shane, who, nodding took the package from her pocket.

Lets go outside Shane nodded, already up, walking to the front door.

Bette followed, closing the door behind them, feeling the far away music dying in the distance. She sat down on the stairs at Shanes side. Taking a cigarette she let Shane light it.

Couching, Bette asked a minute later,

Whats this? She asked, looking at the cigarette, realizing for the first time what it was.

Sorry, thats all I have smiled Shane, playing the innocent.

Great, excatly what I just need, to get high nowoh well smiled Bette, already feeling the grass calming he insides.

They shared the joint for a few minutes before Bette started talking again.

Id have ripped her head off she said, not looking at Shane.

I know Shane whispered, nodding.

I dont know why I feel this, I hate them, I doI hate how they look at Tinaso freely, so friendlyand I hate that she likes it the last words hiding behind the joint, shamely whispered.

You are like the guy in the story said Shane, a few seconds later, nodding.

What guy? What story? Asked Bette, taking the joint from Shanes fingers.

They guy who was attacked by a tigerhe survived, but after the accident, everytime he was close to another animal he was seeing spots everywhere

Right nodded Bette, trying to think about Shanes statement.

Shane taking the joint from Bette, added,

Not sure if you are the guy or the tiger here she finished, shaking her head.

Dont ask me, is your story answered Bette, closing her eyes, inhaling.

Right, my point isyou think every woman that likes Tina might do what you did Shane, closing her eyes was leaning on Bettes legs, resting her back on them.

and and you are still insecurebecause deep down you feel you deserve Tinas betrayal

Bette, opened, her eyes, as tears were warming her cheeks. Feeling Bette moving Shane opened her eyes, turning to look at her.

What you always forget is that Tina wont do that, she doesnt think you deserve thatshe doesnt play that game, her mind doesnt work that way Shanes words were sinking in Bettes clouded conscience, like the rainbow after a storm.

Thats why all those women, all of us love herthats why you love her

I know Bette mumbled, nodding.

But she kissed Greta back she whispered, feeling the words burning her mouth, hating them.

Yes she did, she is just human Nodded Shane, offering the last from the joint to Bette.

But, and here is the irony of everythingwith that kiss she only showed Greta how much she loves youthats why is so painful for Greta Shanes words made Bette to look back at her, confused.

Greta really likes Tina, and youshe just wasnt sure what you two had, have but Tina made it very clear to her, and now she knows what she will never have

Bette closed her eyes again, seeing the clouds opening, thiking about Shanes words. They shared a few quiet minutes before Bette, opening her eyes, looking tenderly at Shane said,

God Shane, that stuff is strong, wowits been ages since the last time I smoke one of those

Shane, opening her eyes, nodded, smiling. Placing her hand on Bettes knee she said,

Happy Bday Bette

Shane stood up, extending her arm to help Bette standing up.

Now, go get your wife and show every body how proud you are of her she said, turning to walk inside.

Bette, nodding followed Shanes steps but as they were reaching the pool glass doors, taking Shanes hand, she pull her close, giving her a light quick kiss on the cheek.

Whats that for? a surprised Shane asked, turning around to look at Bette.

For being around Bette said, winking at her, walking pass her, towards the garden.