Chapter 5

MONDAY MORNING

Shane, come on. Were gonna be late. Bette yelled as she headed to the car. Shane came running out the door past Bette and soon they were both seated in car. Bette noticed that Shane didnt have her books and asked, Where are your books?

Shoot, sorry. Ill be back.

She remembers the gym bag and not the books. I tell you teenagers these days. Bette mumbled to herself.

Finally Shane was ready and as they drove to work Shane noticed that Bette was more quiet that usual. You nervous about seeing Tina today? Shane asked.

Yeah, a bit. She sighed.

Shane placed her hand on Bettes thigh in an effort to reassure her, Dont worry. Itll be ok. Bette dropped Shane off to school and headed for work.

AT TINAS EARLIER THAT MORNING

When Tina woke up that morning, it took everything in her not to call in sick today. She was not sure how she would act after what happened on Friday and more how she felt for Bette. She was more afraid that for Bette, all it was was just a dance between friends and nothing more. Instead she decided that if she got into work very early she could go through the day almost invisible. After all she hardly ever leaves her desk during the day except for lunch and there was no reason for Bette to pass by her cubicle. Tina got dressed and rushed past her mother in the kitchen. Mom Im leaving for work now. I have some stuff to do.

Arent you having breakfast honey?

Cant mom. She stopped just long enough and kissed her mom. No time.

Tina got to work before the main doors were opened and used the back entrance to enter the building. She was the first in the office, and it was easy for her to hide out for the day. She spent the greater part of the morning working until her stomach had other plans for her. She tried to ignore the growls but they go the better of her. She decided to get something to eat and went to Jessicas cubicle, Jess, Im going to get something to eat, you want me to get anything for you?

Its ok I am good.

Ok then. Ill be back soon.

A few minutes after Tina left, Bette came by to look for her. She figured she should get whatever it is she has to say out early so as to avoid any unnecessary prolonged uneasiness between she and Tina. When she got to Tinas cubicle she was not there. She went to Jessica and asked, Hey, Tina, is she around?

Yeah, she just went to get breakfast. You want me to tell her

Thats ok. Bette interrupted, Ill just pass by again later.

Oh, what did you all do after I left?

We went to a club across town after dinner. It was ok. Bette tried to play down exactly how she felt about that night.

Let me guess, Bar Girls.

Yeah. Howd you guess?

Its Tinas favourite. She and Amanda went there almost every weekend.

Oh. Well it was a nice bar. I liked the poetry session. Anyway tell Tina that I came by.

Sure.

When Tina got back, Jessica mentioned to her that Bette had passed by. Bette came to see you. Said she would pass by later.

Oh, did she say why she wanted to see me?

No. She just said she would come back.

What time is it?

11:15. Why?

Nothing. Tina turned to go back to her desk.

Tina, you ok?

Ummm no actually I dont feel too good. I think Ill take the rest of the day off. Could you tell Bette for me please? Ill make up the hours tomorrow.

Sure. No problem.

Tina quickly packed up her stuff and left for home. After lunch Bette came by again to talk with Tina. She noticed that her desk was clear and her computer shut off. Jess? Tina left already?

Im sorry. I forgot to tell you that she left early. I am so sorry.

Oh. She did. Well is she ok?

She said she wasnt feeling well.

Well I guess Ill talk to her tomorrow then. Bettes disappointment was evident. It was difficult for Bette to concentrate on her work that afternoon. She tried to rationalise but all she could come up with was that Tina was trying her best to avoid her. I think I freaked her out. Did I come on too strong? I know I did. Why else would she run away like that after we danced? And then today she left early. She didnt even say that she was leaving. Ok, maybe she was really not feeling well and I am making a big deal over nothing. I think I will call her. Bette picked up the phone and put it back down. She picked it up again and dialled but put it down again after the first ring. Ill wait till tomorrow. No Ill call her now. She picked up the phone again and put it back down. *****, Im acting like a love sick kid. She rubbed her head in frustration, Tina, what are you doing to me? Just then her phone rang, GameTech, Bette Porter speaking, how may I help you?

Hey you, hows your day so far?

Frustrating. BEEP BEEP. Hold on a sec Al, I have another call coming in. GameTech, Bette Porter speaking, how may I help you?

Bette, Emmett here.

Hey, you back from the meeting?

Um no, thats why I called. I wont be back today. I tried calling Tina. I need a copy of the specs for Patriot. The Government seems very interested in it, but they want the first set of specs. Could you tell her for me?

Sure no problem.

Ok great then. I have to get back. Ill see you in the morning.

Take care. See you tomorrow.

Al? You still there?

Yeah. Um the reason I called is that

Dont tell me you cant make it to the game. You know its Shanes first game and she wanted us there.

Could you let me finish?

Sorry, go ahead.

Guess who Im interviewing today?

I dunno, Cher?

No silly. Your sister.

Kit?

Yeah. Shes supposedly making a come back album and the magazine wants me to interview her. How cool is that?

Yeah, real cool. Bette was being sarcastic. She didnt really care much about what was going on in Kits life.

Right, well anyway Im excited to meet her. Tell Shane I will be there to see her debut, I promise. I may just be a little late

I will. Ill talk to you later. I have some stuff I have to finish before I leave today.

Sure, is there anything you want me to tell Kit?

No.

Ok, well, Ill see you at the game then.

Yeah. Bye.

Bette placed her hand on her head and a loud sigh escaped her. As much as she wanted to talk with Tina about what happened or didnt happen she was a bit relieved that it didnt happen today. The afternoon was productive. Within two hours she got more done than she did the entire morning. She cleared her desk and decided to leave a little earlier to go home and change into something more comfortable before going to the game. She got up made one last look around and as she opened the door to exit her office, she was stopped dead in her tracks.

Hi. What? I thought? She said with shock, confusion and concern written all over her face.

I had to see you.