There was once a time when Bette was never unwilling to face a challenge. Tonight was the start of many new things, and the end of many old. At this very moment, Bette wanted to do nothing but run for the door, deep down inside she just wanted to run out the door and run away from the hurt she saw reflected in Tinas eyes. But she couldnt. She wouldnt.

Tina had been sitting in their bedroom for over an hour trying to talk herself out of believing what she had seen. It is possible for two people who work closely to get close without a border being crossed, right? Such questions were in abundance in her head, and she was trying with all of her energy to stay away from the idea of Bette being with another woman. Well, if shes not getting it at home, she could go someplace, right? That thought came from the inner voice of rage and jealousy that was building up in Tina.

But when it came down to it, Tina came to the conclusion that this was obviously something that Bette wanted to do to them. Furious, all she could do was wait for Bette to come home, if she was coming home.

When Tina heard Bettes car in the driveway, the tears started to flow down her face. How could the one woman she would die for betray her to this point? What if she denies it? How would Tina react, should he pretend she saw nothing and hope that Bette will come clean? Even if she does, isnt that still the same as cheating? All of these thoughts were going through her head as she eventually heard the front door close, the keys crash into the bowl, the kitchen sink turn on. By the time Bette got to the bedroom door, Tina was overcome with anger to the point of being in shock. Everything was as usual. Nothing was different, except for her contempt for Bette.

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As soon as Bette turned around and faced Tina, she saw Bettes heart break. She saw it try to pull itself back together again. She saw her try to regain a part of herself she knew she had lost. All of that in the one second and Tina forgot why she was leaving her. She saw someone she wanted to help, to reach out to. She allowed Bette to come close to her. But then she remembered.