When James arrived at the CAC that morning, he had one thing on his mind. He knew that Bette and Candice were finished. He didnt know what was going on with Tina, but he would bet his paycheck that she hadnt had a car accident. He remembered back to when he first realized he was working for a *****. His first reaction was very primal. He had seen Bette and Tina kissing in Bettes office one day. He remembered thinking how hot it was. But in the time that he had worked for Bette since then, he had discovered a very deep admiration and respect for his boss. He had grown to genuinely care about her, and that meant caring about who she was with. Besides, James thought to himself, Tina was a very sweet person in her own right. She had always been very good to him. He saw Bette come in the front and go directly to her office. He grabbed her a cup of coffee and followed her in. Bette looked up at him and smiled. Youre a life saver this morning Bette said as she took the coffee. Yeah, well, um Bette, I wondered if I could talk to you about something-personal Bette looked perplexed. Sure James, what is it? I saw Tina last night James started. He watched Bette try to keep the emotion from showing on her face. She looked like she had been beaten up he continued. What! Bette shouted at him. He raised his hands in defense. She said shed been in a car accident he explained. Bette grabbed her purse and started out the door. Tell Franklin I wont be in today, I have a family emergency. Bette left the CAC and drove directly to the Planet hoping that her friends were still there.

Dana saw Bette come into the Planet first. She could tell by the look on her face that something was terribly wrong. Bette walked swiftly to the table where Dana, Alice and Shane were sitting. Did any of you know? Bette addressed the table with a distinct edge in her voice. The three friends looked dumbfounded. Know what? Alice looked at Bette confused. Bette let out the breath she didnt even realize she was holding. She practically collapsed into a chair in front of her. She looked at Shane. We were too late she stated miserably. What are you talking about Alice looked from one friend to another anxiously. James saw Tina in the grocery store last night, he said she looked as though she had been beaten up. Bette was trying hard to control her voice. Shane could see that she was on the brink of tears. Oh God Dana breathed. I bet it happened Thursday night Now it was Danas turn to look miserable, but she continued. We were talking on the phone and then Tina said that Angela had come in so she had to go. I remember thinking that she got off the phone rather abruptly, but I had no idea Dana trailed off. No way, No way Alice said softly shaking her head. Shane stood up Does anyone know where she is? Well, Bette said slowly If none of you guys knew anything about it, I would guess shes still at Angelas. Suddenly everyone was jumping up from the table, except Bette. Alice looked at Bette quizzically Arent you coming? Bette shook her head slightly No she practically whispered. She wont want to see me. Yes she will Alice started. Bette held up her hand to stop her No Alice she wont– trust me, I know this about her. Shane nodded Okay”lets go. Bette watched them go. Call me and let me know Alice Bette called after them. Alice waved I will. Bette said a silent prayer, it was something she hadnt done in a long while.

No one said much on the ride over. As they approached Angelas door, Alice turned to Shane and said You get behind me and Dana. If the ***** answers, I dont trust you not to deck her. Shane looked at Alice for a second as if to protest, then nodded and stepped back behind Dana. Dana knocked. After a few seconds, Angela appeared in the doorway. She eyed them suspiciously. What do you want? Angela was glaring at all of them. Tina Shane said flatly. Angela looked at Shane and nearly smirked. Im sorry, shes sleeping right now, but Ill tell her you stopped by Angela started to close the door. Dana stuck her boot in the door to stop it from closing. I think we want to see her now she stated in a deadly tone. Alice glanced at Dana for a split second. Wow, where did that come from, she thought to herself. It was touch and go for a few seconds. Angela glared at Dana. Dana glared back at Angela. Shane wondered who this person was in front of her. From behind Angela came Tinas voice Who is it, babe? Alices mouth fell open, shes still calling her BABE? She thought to herself. Tina peeked out the door from behind Angela. When she saw who it was, she drew in a deep breath. Just let me talk to them for a second Tina said quietly to Angela. Angela looked doubtful. Itll be okay, I promise Tina comforted. Angela gave in. Okay she said, Ill just go stir the pasta. Angela backed away from the door, but when she got into the kitchen, she opened the window and listened to the conversation from there. Tina looked at her friends What are you guys doing here? She asked a bit on edge. Alice stared at her in disbelief. What are we doing here? We heard you got beat up, thats what were doing here Alice fumed. Tina looked back at Alice, Look, its nothing, okay. Not okay, have you looked in the mirror lately Tina Shane said from behind Dana. Dana reached out and took Tinas hand. T, look at you, its really not okay. Tina sighed Look, it was just a one time thing, she said she would never do it again”I believe her. I really love you guys for worrying, but Im fine-really Tina finished. Shane wondered if she was trying to convince them or her. Dana threw her hands up in exasperation. I dont, I Dana was shaking her head again, trying to fathom Tinas reaction. Fine Alice cut in quietly. But were not leaving until you agree to meet Bette tomorrow. No Tina protested then asked For what? Alice looked determined. Either you agree to meet Bette or were not leaving. It was Tinas turn to be exasperated. Fine she relented Where and when? Alice beamed victoriously. Tomorrow, 10am, the Planet. Be there or well be back she added. Tina nodded. As she watched her friends walk away, she felt a little butterfly of anticipation in her stomach. Before Tina came into the kitchen, Angela quietly shut the window. She felt that familiar dark cloud descending over her again.

Chapter 10
Blindsided. Warning: R, violence
When Tina came back into the kitchen, she noticed that Angela had mixed them both a drink. Angela handed Tina hers. Tina gave her a slight smile. You okay, baby? She asked tentatively. Angela smiled. Yeah, Im fine. She looked at Tina, By the way, since they left, I assume you kind of took up for me. I just want to say thanks she finished. Its okay Tina trailed off uncomfortably. Tina moved to the stove to check the pasta. Angela came up very close behind her. So what did they have to say Angela asked, trying to keep the venom out of her voice. They just wanted to make sure I was okay, is all Tina tried to sound nonchalant. Angela reached around from behind Tina and turned off the stove. She began kissing Tinas neck and nibbling on her shoulder. Tina shifted a little uncomfortably. Honey Tina started in a quiet voice Dinner is ready, if we dont eat now it will be ruined. Angela kissed Tinas neck again. I dont care about dinner she whispered. I want you instead. Tina closed her eyes and desperately tried to think of a way out. I, I cant she stammered. Angela stopped kissing her. She tightened her grip just slightly. Why not? Angelas voice was cold. Tina managed to roll out of Angelas grip. Im just not ready yet she lied. Angela smiled a wicked smile. She moved in close to Tina again. Come on baby, I can get you ready. With that statement, Angela slid her hand down between Tinas legs and started to rub the outside of her jeans. Tina thought for a second that she might be sick. Tina tried to push her away. Stop it, Tina pleaded desperately. Suddenly Angela slammed her hard against the door frame. Tina hit her head so hard that for a second, she thought she might pass out. In one swift motion, Angela threw Tina on the floor. Why? Angela screamed at her. You little *****, is it because your going to meet your ***** ex girlfriend tomorrow, could that be it! Tina scrambled to her feet and started to run toward the front door. Angela cut her off. Let me out Tina screamed in frustration. Suddenly, Tina saw her cell phone on the table. She grabbed it and ran for the bathroom. As she ran, she hit the number on the phone that automatically dialed Bettes phone. Angela got to the bathroom at almost the same time Tina did. Tina didnt have time to shut and lock the door as she had hoped. Tina started screaming into the phone Bette, please help. Angela grabbed the phone and threw it against the wall before Tina even knew if Bette had answered. The phone shattered into a million pieces. Angela kicked Tina in the stomach hard. Tina doubled over trying to breathe. She couldnt seem to catch her breath. Next, Angela slammed her fist into Tinas already damaged face. Black belt, remember baby Angela said sarcastically, as she continued to hit Tina. She dragged Tina out of the bathroom into the hallway. Tina was weakly trying to crawl away. Angela pinned her down and ripped her T shirt down the middle. What were you gonna do Angela screamed Go somewhere and ***** her? Tina tried to defend herself, but it was futile. Angela forced Tinas jeans down. Tinas eyes filled with tears as she realized what Angela had in mind. This is me, *****, this is what your gonna remember about ***** a woman Angelas voice was filled with hate. Desperately, Tina mustered up every ounce of energy she had left in her body. Tina slammed her fist into Angelas face. Angela howled in pain and fell backwards. Tina tried to get up, but Angela was on her instantly. Please Tina begged. She knew she had no more energy to fight. Angela leaned in and kissed Tina hard on the mouth as she shoved two fingers up inside her. No! Tina screamed through her tears. Stop it, please Tina begged. The assault went on for a few more minutes, then just as suddenly as she had during the first fight, Angela stopped. Tina didnt hesitate or wonder why. Instead she tried to shove Angela aside, but was too weak. Angela got up on her own accord. She looked down at Tina Get out of my house she said in a cold, low voice. Tina stumbled to her feet and toward the door. She glanced back at Angela as she left. Angela was still staring blankly at the place where Tina had been laying. Tina had stumbled a few feet down the block before she heard the gunshot. It made her jump, but it also made her move that much faster. All she could think was that she had to get to Bette.

Chapter 11
The Road back.
Tina stood in front of Bettes house. She had walked the twenty or so blocks between Angelas house and Bettes without remembering any of it. She could see the living room light on. She imagined Bette in there working, just as she had done so many times when Tina was still living there. Everything seemed so long ago to her. Their life together, the pain of finding out that Bette had cheated. It seemed to Tina that it had happened a lifetime ago. Tina stood outside and tried to pull herself together. The tears she had cried were dry now, but she didnt realize that she still had streaks of dried blood on her face and hands from where Angela had beaten her.

Bette got up and went to the kitchen to put her plate away. As she was rinsing it in the sink, she looked out the kitchen window. Suddenly, she dropped the plate and ran to the front door. Tina was standing on the sidewalk in front of the house. Bette ran out to her. Oh my God, what did she do? Bette forced herself not to cry when she saw how terrible Tina looked. Tina allowed Bette to lead her into the house. Just sit Bettes voice was shaky. Im going to call an ambulance. Tina reached out and stopped her No, please dont call them. Bette looked unsure. Im okay, really Tina said tiredly. I just want to get cleaned up Tina said noticing the blood on her hands for the first time. Bette led her to the shower and got some clean clothes for her. When Tina came out of the bathroom, Bette didnt prod about what had happened. She put Tina to bed in the bed they had once shared. Bette laid down beside her and Tina nudged up against her. I swear, Bette thought to herself, I will never let you go again.
End