The L Word - Long Night's Journey into Day

The police and paramedics are at the scene of a party that goes bad. Sgt. Marybeth Duffy arrives and is briefed by a fellow officer. The party appeared to be something innocent involving seven lady friends and a child; the child was asleep when one of the partygoers was found in the pool. She enters the home of Bette and Tina introducing herself and complimenting Bette's family. She acknowledges how everyone must be feeling right now but it should be understood that she needs to ask some questions. At that moment the medics bring the body through the house on a stretcher and it's Jenny.

Backtrack to three months ago at the Lez Girls wrap party. Jenny makes a surprising appearance and gives a heartfelt speech honoring her cast, crew and friends. She also makes a declaration of love for someone and goes to find Nikki to tell her. When she finds Nikki, it's in a compromising position. Nikki and Shane are getting to know each other on a more personal level. While this is going on Tina finds out that Aaron, Adele and William had a meeting regarding the ending of Lez Girls; they want Jesse to go back to Jim. Tina expresses that this decision takes away the message of the movie and it falls on deaf ears. After she tells the girls what happened, the energy is shifted towards the shouting match between Jenny, Shane and Nikki. Shane professes that she is Jenny's friend and wants to talk. Jenny looks in their direction and says "You've broken my heart."

Jenny leaves the party taking a high speed drive home with Shane and Nikki following closely; Shane tries calling Jenny but the call is ignored. Without hurting anyone, Jenny makes it home and within seconds so do Shane and Nikki. Jenny rushes in the house slamming the door in Shane's face.

It's apparent that Alice talked to Tasha about the almost intimate moment she had with clothing designer Clea Mason, because when they come home and Tasha walks down the hall into the living room she kicks Alice's shoes out of the way. Noticing that her girlfriend is upset, Alice wants to talk about it but is interrupted by a phone call from Helena; she's trying to get the gist about the evening's events. Alice tries to tell her while trying to keep Tasha there because she wants to talk to her. Alice tells Helena that it's not a good time to talk and has to call her back.

Tasha's packing her stuff in the bedroom and telling Alice that she's saving her the trouble of wanting to end the relationship. Alice says she changed her mind further confirming Tasha's question of whether Alice wanted to end things and is insulted by the fact that Alice did want to but now she doesn't. Alice doesn't want her to blow things out of proportion and accuse her of things when it's clear they've been unhappy for some time. Alice doesn't want to break up with her; she wants to work it out. She feels that they owe it to each other, Tasha feels otherwise. Alice says she owes it to herself and she doesn't want to end things. Tasha asks what changed her mind and Alice says it was Shane and what she did to Jenny. The going down on your best friend's girlfriend thing would change anyone's mind. Alice tells her it made her think twice about taking Shane's advice. This makes Tasha even more upset that Alice went to Shane for advice and even thought about taking it. Alice tries to justify it by saying Tasha knows they talk about everything.

Jenny is trying to keep Shane out the house and they're having a pushing match on the front door. Shane is begging to come in to which Jenny objects. Shane's asking Jenny to unchain the door, they don't want to wake up the neighborhood; Jenny doesn't care. Shane knows what she did was fucked up but Jenny means the world to her. Shane wants Jenny to open the door and let her in. She wants to talk to Jenny and explain to her what happened. Jenny calls her a sad pathetic piece of shit and with all her strength closes the door and locks it leaving Shane on the outside looking in.

Bette and Tina's little girl has a cold. After Tina goes to check on Angelica she tells the babysitter that Angie's sleeping and still pretty congested. She reiterates to the sitter saying she gave their daughter some Advil; she did about an hour and a half ago. Bette lets her know that in the future if Angie's sick she should let them know and they'll come straight home.

Tina is furious about how Aaron and Adele went behind her back and coaxed William into agreeing to change the ending. She's not taking anything away from William because he does have some integrity, only if she had a chance to talk to him. Bette suggests that she call William, being that it's 1:30 in the morning Tina thinks it's too late to call him about this matter. Bette insists that Tina make the call, it's not like William hasn't called her in the middle of night; Tina's defense is that William pays her paycheck. Bette tells her that it doesn't give him more rights than her. From everything Tina tells her, William responds to strength and conviction. She thinks that Tina needs to tell him how deeply she feels about the movie without Adele batting her eyelashes at him, he'll respect that. The attention goes to Shane banging on the door and windows trying to plead to Jenny to let her in; they have a difference of opinion about their friend's dilemma. Bette gives sympathy to Shane while Tina wouldn't blame Jenny if she never spoke to Shane again. Bette thinks that's a bit harsh but Tina says it was unforgivable what Shane did. Bette doesn't think it was unforgivable but maybe it was wrong, Tina questions the maybe considering what Jenny's gone through; Bette agrees it was wrong. In her defense, Bette says Shane's been through a lot too and has always been there for Jenny. At that point they decide to end the conversation there and focus on their own stuff.

Shane is back at the front door trying very hard to get Jenny to let her in but she's making much progress. Using her key, Nikki comes in from the back and suggests she hear what Shane has to say. Jenny rushes to Nikki to try and get the keys from her and Nikki of course isn't taking any of this seriously. Nikki makes it to the door, let's Shane in and tells her that now she'll have to listen to what they both have to say. Shane walks in and says there's no "we" just her; she wants to talk to Jenny. Jenny wants them both out of her house, Shane wants to opportunity to say what she has to say and she'll go. Nikki wants the same but her attention span doesn't last long because she gets a text about a friend and gives sympathy; Jenny looks at her in disbelief.

Shane admits that she's done some fucked up things in her life but this by far the most fucked up thing she's ever done. Shane reminds Jenny that 10 days prior she said that Nikki was dead to her; Jenny admits she did say that. For some reason in Shane's fucked up head she saw that as permission to hook up with Nikki. She acknowledges that breakups take time and that Jenny needed that time to heal; she knows that she encroached on that time to do that and apologizes. Jenny's really not trying to hear this right now as Shane is telling her that she'll do anything. She'll eat dirt, crawl on glass and gets cut off when Nikki chimes in saying she'll do that too and drink some nasty stuff called Spirulina for a week. Shane overthrows her and continues to talk with Jenny. Shane offers to be her assistant, her servant, her slave; whatever it takes for Jenny to forgive her. Shane tells Jenny that she knows her better than anyone and Jenny agrees. Jenny's the best friend she's ever had and is so ashamed of what she's done; she needs Jenny to know that. Shane's only explanation for doing it was that she was upset about Molly. Jenny asks why and Shane tells her that Molly gave her hope and inspired her. Jenny is really pissed now questioning if Molly inspired Shane to sleep with her girlfriend and Shane says she didn't sleep with Nikki; Nikki says Shane only went down on her. Like that makes it better - wrong! Even Jenny gives an "oh is that all" kind of expression. Shane says if she knew for a split second that Nikki was Jenny's girlfriend she would never have gone near her. Midway into Shane's sentence, Jenny picks up a lamp and throws it at Shane; again calling her a piece of shit and walks away. She quickly comes back to throw a can at Nikki and tells them both to get the fuck out of her house.

Tasha tells Alice that maybe she's right, maybe they should break up. Alice gets an instant message from Max on her laptop and closes it to focus on them. Tasha says they have nothing in common, that it was exciting and hot when she was a soldier but now there's nothing to build their relationship on. Alice disagrees and feels that they do have things in common, like intimacy. It's a start and Tasha wants to know what else they have in common. Alice moves in close to kiss her and starts to lay Tasha down but is stopped and Tasha says she knows they have that in common, but it can't be the only thing.

Nikki takes the conversation like its water under the bridge and invites Shane to come with her. She bought a house with the money from her last feature and while it's under constructions she has a room at the Chateau Marmont and thinks it'll be fun for Shane to be there with her. Jenny opens the door throwing some Shane's things on the front porch saying she'll let Shane know a good time to get rest of her stinky shit and to not come by when she's there. Nikki helps Shane pick up her things off the front porch; Shane is truly devastated.

Bette and Tina are comforting a sick Angelica who is wheezing and is warm. Bette wonders if they should give her some more Advil but Tina doesn't think so; it's been less than four hours. They get a knock on the window and sees it's Shane; they motion for her to keep quiet and Bette goes to meet her at the front door. Shane tells Bette what Phyllis said to her at the museum and Bette says Phyllis can be such an asshole and had no right to talk to Shane like that. Shane defends Phyllis saying she has every right as Molly's mother; she loves her daughter and was trying to protect her. Shane goes on to say that if she loved someone as much as Phyllis loves Molly she'd tell them not to waste their time on her too; Bette tells Shane she's not a waste of time. Bette asks Shane if she loves Molly, yes she does. A baffled Bette says she hasn't heard her talk like this since Carmen; Shane emphasizes that she was faithful to Molly. Bette thinks it's a big deal and it must have been hard. Tina angrily asks how hard is it to be faithful to someone you love; Angie's asleep.

Shane is aware that they have a lot going on with Angie and her cold but asks if she can spend the night so she can try again with Jenny in the morning. Tina's not focusing on that right now and tells Bette she's gonna call William. Shane feels a bit dejected and gets ready to leave but Bette stops her and tells her its ok for her to be there. She asks Shane if she's heard what happened with the movie; Shane doesn't know. While Tina's trying to reason with William, Bette fills Shane in on Adele and Aaron getting William to agree to reshoot the ending of Lez Girls to show Jesse going back to Jim; realizing she wasn't a lesbian after all. Tina tells William she understands that it's late in the night for her to try to talk to him and not accusing him of selling out. She also understands that she should've taken some time off to cool off and call him in the morning; William hangs up on her.

Helena and Kit are in the club formerly owned by Dawn Denbo discussing a new name; a mix of both of their names. The final decision is Hit Club (Helena + Kit = Hit); the birth of what is going to be the hottest girl bar in West Hollywood. This is the start of a great partnership between close friends.

Shane tells Tina that Jenny's her best friend and didn't mean to hurt her. Tina says that's ass backwards; Shane should've meant not to hurt her. Shane needs to think before she acts. That things Shane does in the dark has consequences; Shane tells Tina she's right. Bette's saying that no one said this was ok and maybe Tina's being a little judgmental. Tina admits she is but Shane says she's not and deserves what Tina's saying. Bette thinks that everyone should take in account a lot of things before they can judge anyone's behavior. Tina thinks that Bette's unwillingness to judge has a lot to do with her history of cheating than any accommodation that she might make for Shane. Angelica cries out for her mommies and Shane fells like she's in the way. As she get ready to go Tina tells her she can stay and says everything's ok and apologizes for chastising her and says it came from her personal experiences with Bette and insists that she stays. She goes to be with Bette to check on Angelica and Shane leaves.

Alice is trying to explain to Tasha the nature of things between her and Clea. She admits to being attracted to Clea but not in a sexual way; it was like they had a lot in common. They talked about things she liked; they talked easily. She stresses that nothing happened and feels she deserves some credit for following the path of a cheater and giving in. Tasha says that's a given and she doesn't get medals for that. Alice knows that Tasha feels thinking about doing it is cheating; she knows that the kind of person she's dealing with. Alice is trying to say they need to be honest with each other; they need to communicate and Tasha agrees with her. That's what Alice is doing, she's admitting that she had a moment and Tasha asks how much of a moment. She tells Tasha it was a tiny mental moment while someone's buzzing at her door. On her way to answer to buzz, Alice tells Tasha she didn't really kiss Clea at all. Tasha at this point is fed up and gets ready to leave.

Alice finds Shane at the door asking if she can crash there for the night; Tasha asks Alice what does she mean by saying she didn't really kiss her. She tells Shane maybe she can give her girlfriend some of that good advice she giving earlier; she heads out. Alice tells Shane that it's the worst time to ask, that they are in the middle of a bad fight; she loves Shane but she just can't stay there right now. She asks Shane to lock the door behind her while running after Tasha. Alice catches up with Tasha asking her where she is going; Tasha's going to a friend's house. Alice gets in her car to follow her.

Bette's trying to take Angelica's temperature while Tina calls the emergency room. Tina explains that Angie's got a fever and is very congested; Bette tells her that Angie's temperature is 104 degrees. Tina suggests they head to the hospital.

Jenny finds Molly at the door and tells her she doesn't know where Shane is. Molly says she tried to call Shane but didn't want to talk about what her mom did over the phone. She tries to tell Jenny what her mother said to Shane but is cut off when Jenny tells her that whatever her mother said might have been the right thing. Molly calls her mother a raging bitch who destroys anyone who gets in her way and she's not going to watch Phyllis to that to the woman she loves. Jenny asks Molly if she knows Shane M.O.; that she makes girls fall in love with her. Molly knows this but feels that what she and Shane have is something different. Jenny goes on about how Shane makes girls think they can have a marriage type relationship and they can constrain her and that's not going to happen but Molly doesn't want to do that; she loves Shane for who she is. All she wants is to know is where Shane is or when she'll be back. Jenny drops the bomb that Shane's at the Chateau Marmont and she's fucking Nikki. Jenny's not sure when it started but suspects it was the Pink Ride because they were always running off together; she remembers Nikki telling her she ran into Shane in the shower but she was still dirty and wasn't wet. A shocked Molly asked if they did in fact hook up on the Ride, Jenny doesn't know really know. Jenny tells Molly she doesn't see a point in rehashing everything. What she does know is that things are over with Nikki and Shane will lose interest and move on. Molly gives Shane's jacket to Jenny and lets her know that there's a letter inside it and asks that she makes sure Shane gets it. Jenny gives her a hug and Molly leaves. Not even a minute passes and Jenny takes the letter out of the jacket and reads it. She appears to be touched by the letter and puts it back in the jacket. She then goes puts the jacket in the attic; never intending to give it to Shane.

Things are busy in the emergency room and Tina tries to keep Angelica calm while Bette handles the paperwork. Tina asks how long will the wait be and the attendant tells her it depends on what else comes in and they'll do their best; Bette tells her Angie's burning up and its 3am. The attendant asks which of the two is the mother and they say they both are. They are told that only one of their names can be on the form as the mother or their paperwork can't be processed. Bette goes into her natural Type A behavior and lets her know that they are in L.A.; there's a same sex family on every corner. Angelica was born in that hospital and their names are on the birth certificate; she calls her a bureaucratic maggot and demand Angelica is seen by a doctor. She slams the forms in front of the attendant and says please.

Shane's about to leave The Planet as Nikki walks in with her friends; they got a case of the munchies. Shane tries to leave but Nikki tells her she doesn't have a place to go so Nikki invites her to join in with her friends. An exhausted Shane sits with them but unhappiness is written all over her face. Nikki wants her to smile and tells her friends that Jenny's still mad at Shane. Nikki tells Shane not to worry; she'll take care of her. Shane doesn't want Nikki to take care of her and Nikki's giving her pecks on the cheek; she tells Shane that everyone's mad at her and she's not. She fondles on Shane when she gets a text from Jenny saying Nikki can come over if she wants to. She asks Shane if Jenny's serious about the text; Shane's not sure but if she texted Nikki then yes Jenny's serious and pushes her to go. Before she leaves, Nikki asks Shane if she thinks Jenny loves her. Shane doesn't know but says sure. Nikki and her friends leave Shane at the table; Shane doesn't seem to mind it at all. As long as anything, even a text from Jenny, can keep Nikki away from her at this point.

Bette and Tina get Angelica secure in the car seat and Bette feels mortified that she read the temperature wrong, Angie's temp was 99.5. Tina's sure it happens all the time with over anxious L.A. parents and that's what she loves about Bette. She loves that Bette appears to be in control in the eyes of the world; she knows it's hard for Bette to cover the pain she feels inside. They look at each other lovingly and kiss and kiss their sleeping angel.

Tasha makes it to her friend's house with Alice asking who lives there - it's Papi! Alice thought she left town or got arrested by a cop because he was mad at Papi for sleeping with his wife; Papi shoots back saying Alice is one to talk. Alice professes that she didn't sleep with Clea and ask if that's what Tasha told her. Papi tosses the keys down to her best friend and Alice asks if she can come in and before she gets an answer she says she's coming in. Papi tells Tasha to try to make herself at home but try to keep it down because she's working. Alice says its 3am and Papi says what's when she does some of her best work and who does Alice see lying on the bed but the lesbian ex herself Gabby Deveaux! Tasha sees that Alice knows her while getting a beer from the fridge and Alice asks for a beer too; Tasha gives her one.

Nikki makes it to Jenny's and Jenny pulls her in and gives her a hard passionate kiss. Nikki tells her that she'll do anything to make it up to her. Jenny say's they'll see about that and they head to Jenny's bedroom. Nikki apologizes and says she only let Shane go down on her because she was devastated over losing Jenny. She keeps Nikki quiet by kissing her and caressing her. Nikki tries to talk to Jenny but Jenny shushes her. She throws Nikki on the bed; Nikki tells Jenny she doesn't want to lose her. Nikki tries to be part of things but Jenny's not having that; she's in total control. Meanwhile at The Planet, Shane leaves and goes across the street to the newly named Hit Club.

Alice takes notice of some decor in Papi's kitchen and makes an off remark about it saying it's tacky. Tasha tells her that it's not tacky, it's a part of Papi's culture; she tells Alice that remarks like that are a part of their problems. Papi and Gabby come in for a sandwich run. Tasha calls Alice a snob and says she wasn't like that when they first met. Gabby says Alice was a wannabe and now she's a wannabe with money and asks Alice about investing in a stylist with all her money. Tasha tells Gabby to watch her mouth. Gabby being the unaffected person she is, makes a cheap shot at Tasha calling her a big butch daddy who's protecting Alice. Gabby then asks Papi for the liverwurst sandwich and its Alice's turn to throw the cheap shot back asking if Gabby's sure that's liverwurst she's smelling; making Tasha smile. Gabby asks Papi if Tasha knows that Alice's nickname used to be Crash - because she would show up at a party she wasn't invited to; Papi shoves the sandwich in her mouth and they go back to the bedroom. Alice let's Tasha know that dealing with the likes of Gabby was what her life used to be like; Tasha is the best person she's ever met. She tells Tasha she's strong, honest and beautiful; Alice is not ready to lose her.

The Hit Club is rocking with the all girl crowd dancing with drinks in hand and the music playing. Things get a little heated between two of the patrons. Helena takes notice and apprehends the girl who started the fight. She lets them know that everyone keeps their hands off everyone else at Hit Club, unless they're loving hands. Shane comes in and asks for a shot of Patron, Helena sits next to her and asks for the same and they down them. Helena tells Shane women are poison and asks of she wants another, she accepts. Helena motions for refills and comforts a sulking Shane.

Bette and Tina make it home and Bette apologizes for defending Shane, she feels it may have sent the wrong message. Tina says it doesn't matter, they just fall on two different sides of the matter; it's fine. Bette expresses that given her history she doesn't want to be casual about the promise she made to Tina; she didn't know Bette made any promises. Bette is promising her now that she'll share Tina's values on family, faithfulness and commitment. She also promises to never, ever cheat on Tina again. Tina's touched by this declaration and tells Bette she love her.

Alice and Tasha are still sitting in Papi's kitchen and they hear Papi going to work on Gabby; they find it hilarious. Alice asks Tasha to come home with her; she promises not to make animalistic noises like Gabby. Tasha tells Alice she's not sleeping with her; Alice is fine with no sex for the night. Tasha clarifies saying that she won't even sleep in the same bed with Alice until they figure some things out. Alice is fine with that too, as long as Tasha's coming home. As Tasha gets up from the table she sees what Alice calls her happy dance; they go back to Alice's.

While Jenny has her way with Nikki giving her a mind blowing sexual experience at home; it's closing time at Hit Club. Helena and Kit find Shane passed out in a chair trying to get her up and letting her know its time to go home. Kit volunteers to take her and Helena wishes them a good night.

Tasha's getting the sofa bed ready and Alice thinks it's unfair for her to sleep there and offers the bedroom. Tasha said the sofa bed is fine; it's 100 times more comfortable than half of the places she's slept in. It's not surprising to Tasha that Alice has never used it before. Alice gives it a try and says it's nice and soft; a good place to sleep but she's not feeling sleepy. Tasha wants Alice to stop squirming and lay still in the bed. Tasha turns her around and spoons her; she tells Alice they're not gonna play around until they know for sure that they're going to stay together. Alice understands and knows how serious of a person Tasha is. One more thing they don't have in common because Tasha tells Alice isn't a serious person. Alice says she can be a serious person. As Alice is trying to prove she can be serious it turns into a humorous moment between the two. Alice suggests they go to therapy but Tasha's against it; she feels therapy is for people with problems. Alice gets sarcastic saying they're good; Tasha says they'll see about therapy.

Shane crashes on the couch at Kit's place; Kit agrees that Shane has done some damage to her friendship with Jenny. The worst part for Shane was that it wasn't worth it. Kit tells her Jenny will get over it; Shane doesn't think so. There is no way Jenny's going to get over something like this. Jenny's a delicate person and Shane's not just talking about the whole movie thing with Nikki and Adele. Jenny in general is a delicate person and Shane knows this first hand. Shane tells Kit the part that makes her the most sick about it is that she was probably the last person Jenny would expect to do something like this and she did it. Kit says it seems like Jenny's whole life has been one big ass whooping; Shane hates herself for what's happened. Kit tells Shane that she needs to fight for her friendship with Jenny. Let Jenny know that she'll fight to the death; that she'll never let her go and lose this friendship.

It's a new day and Nikki wakes up glowing from last night. She turns over to caress and kiss Jenny. She tells Jenny she's so sexy and that she loves her. She talks about the conversation at the wrap party and tells Jenny how she thought it was so romantic when she said Nikki broke her heart; Jenny turns over to kiss her. Jenny looks in Nikki's eyes and says she wasn't the one who broke her heart. Jenny tells Nikki that she's nothing more than a self centered, self indulgent little brat; that they're affair on set was nothing but a showmance. "And when I said 'You broke my heart' I wasn't talking about you, darling." She sees Nikki's face fall. Feeling justified, Jenny gets out of the bed, tosses Nikki her dress and tells her it's time for her to go. Nikki is left lying in bed feeling totally hit from left field.

As always everyone's at The Planet for their morning drink and gab session. Helena is serving her friends and on her way to the counter she sees Kit and Shane come in. Helena offers Shane a seat at the counter with her; Shane sees Jenny and the rest of the girls sitting and says she'll be fine. She walks over to the table and everyone stops talking. Bette offers Shane a seat and Jenny says that if Shane's gonna sit at the table she's getting up; Shane say she needs to talk to Jenny. Jenny asks Tasha and Tina if they would like to have a drink with her, they oblige and leave the table with her. So we have Jenny, Tasha and Tina for Team Jenny; Alice, Shane and Bette for Team Shane. Helena gives Jenny and the girls their drinks and head over to Shane at the other table with an espresso. Not really knowing what to make if it all, Helena sits and comforts Shane and Kit is in disbelief about the group splitting up like this. Jenny and Shane look at each other and look away with Shane looking more damaged from the shattered friendship.

Next on the L word

- Tasha & Alice pay a visit to Dan Foxworthy

- Bette runs into an old friend

- Max gets some interesting news

- Someone from Helena's past comes back