Chapter 4
Bette glared at the alarm clock on the nightstand next to her bed. It had begun its annoying morning chime once again. Bette reached over and smacked the top of the clock to turn it off. She sighed. I dont ever remember it being this hard to get out of bed in the morning, She thought to herself. She rolled over and looked at the body sleeping next to her in her bed. Just as she had every morning since that horrible night, Bette wished it was Tina beside her. Suddenly, what little energy she had to get up was gone. Tina was gone, that was why she couldnt get up. There was nothing to get up for. Bette forced herself up and out of bed. As she dragged herself into the shower, her thoughts stayed with Tina. She hadnt seen her much since the break up. Bette had talked to Alice a few times, who said that she was starting to get through. Shane, Dana, and Marina had also called Bette to see how see was doing. They had each tried to console Bette, much the same way they were trying to console Tina, but Bette would have none of it. She had told them each that she loved them very much, but that Tina needed them now more than ever. Bette would make herself scarce, and that would be what was best for Tina. Bette wouldnt describe it in so many words, but in her own way she was doing what she always did. She had decided what was best for Tina, without getting any input from Tina herself. What Bette had admitted to herself was that deep down inside, she knew she no longer deserved to have Tina. She didnt realize it, but that one thought was burying her alive. Standing in the hot steamy water of the shower alone, she wondered if she had ever deserved Tina.

Tina woke up, and for a moment was startled by her surroundings. As she lay there, she began to replay last night in her head. Angela had been incredible. It seemed as though she knew every sensitive spot on Tinas body. She turned over to look at the woman she had spent most of the night in heated passion with. Angela was still sound asleep. *****, Tina said to herself in a whisper. She quietly got out of the bed and began to gather her clothes. How are you planning to get home Angela was laying in the bed looking at Tina. Tina looked at her and half smiled. I dont know, I hadnt gotten that far yet. Angela gave her a soulful look Come here she whispered huskily. Tina hesitated and Angela looked amused. Dont worry Tina, I wont bite–hard she said. As Tina watched Angela watch her, she began to get aroused all over again. She didnt quite understand, but for some reason this woman made her feel uncomfortable and aroused at the same time. Is that even possible? Tina wondered to herself. Angela was still looking at her. Do you want me to take you home? Tina stared at Angela for a second as she considered. Her body was screaming to stay. No she said barely above a whisper. Angela smiled Come here then she commanded. Tinas mind was fighting, but her body was winning out. She crawled back into the bed with her new lover.

Disclaimer: Dont own anything, just playing with them
Chapter 5 Revelations at the Planet

It was early on a Thursday night. Shane, Alice, Dana, and Marina were all sitting at a table at the Planet. I dont get it Alice complained. She met that girl two weeks ago, and we havent seen her more than twice since then. Its the ***** Al Shane offered Ive got sources that say she is really good in bed. Yeah, but thats not the problem Marina countered What I am worried about are those sources who say shes a psycho. I heard she beat on her last girlfriend Dana stated matter of factly. Well, Tina is a big girl. Im sure she wont put up with any ***** Shane tried to sound convincing. It didnt work. How do you know? Dana asked You know she is really vulnerable right now. Shell be fine Shane stated with more conviction this time. Alice looked at Shane and shook her head. You know that Tina was going to get her own place, but nooo, Angela insisted she stay with her. Im telling ya, somethings not right. I heard Bette used to date her, pre-any of us Alice continued Maybe we should go ta Alice had been cut off by Shane who had nudged her hard. Alice looked at Shane, then followed her gaze across the room. Tina and Angela had just walked in and were coming toward them. Hey guys Tina said with a smile. Hi Alice stood up to hug Tina. We wondered if you had fallen off the face of the earth Alice finished. Tina smiled self consciously. No, Ive just been– she shrugged. Anyway, I want you guys to meet Angela. Tina said, changing the subject. Angela nodded to the group Tina has told me a lot about you all she said. Shane smiled a cool smile at Angela Yeah, weve heard a lot about you too she said. Angela looked at Shane. She gave her a cold smile, then turned to look at Tina. Why dont you go get us a drink babe Angela went back to staring down Shane. Tina looked at Shane, then to Angela Okay she said hesitantly. As Tina started to walk away, Angela called after her Why dont you get those to go, Ive got plans for you tonight Angela flashed her most winning smile to Tina. Tina blushed and laughed self consciously. She nodded K. It was nice to meet you all Angela said as she started to go after Tina. Tina waved from the door Bye guys. They all waved half heartedly. When they were gone, the four friends sat there in silence. Finally Alice looked at Shane Wow, if looks could kill, huh? Cold Dana agreed. Shane took in a deep breath and let it back out slowly. We have to talk to Bette.

Chapter 6
True Colors

As Tina and Angela rode home from The Planet, there was an uneasy silence in the car. Finally, Angela spoke. Do you feel like going out tonight? She didnt bother to look at Tina. Tina shrugged Not really, I thought maybe we could– Thats fine Angela cut her off. Listen, Im just going to drop you off at the house and go out for a little bit. Tina looked at Angela hesitantly. I can go with you, if you want Tina offered. No, its okay. I wont be out late. Okay Tina agreed quietly. As they pulled into the driveway, Tina leaned over and kissed Angela good night. Be careful she said. As Tina started to get out of the car, Angela held her wrist. Be good she said. She was looking at Tina seriously. Tina watched the emotions play across Angelas face and realized that she had no idea what her girlfriend was thinking. Good night, babe Tina finally said as she got out of the car. Angela drove away and Tina let herself in the house. She didnt know what she wanted to do with herself so she made popcorn and decided to try to catch up on lost time with her friends. Hours later, after talking to Marina, Jenny, and Alice, Tina called Dana. She knew she could talk to Dana late into the night since Dana didnt usually practice until mid morning. It felt good to talk to them all again, even if it was by phone. Tina was listening to Dana tell the story about how she and Jenny had once tried to hook up and what a disaster it turned out to be. Tina was laughing so hard that she didnt hear Angela come in. Angela listened from the foyer to Tina laughing and talking on the phone. *****, she thought to herself in her drunken stupor. She and her snobby friends just laughing and carrying on, it made her sick to think about how they all looked at her earlier at the Planet. They think their better she half mumbled to herself. Tina heard her, but didnt know what she said. Babe, is that you? she called. Angela appeared from around the corner. Who are you talking to Angela slurred out hatefully. Tina hesitated, then said into the phone Um, listen Dana, Angelas home so Im gonna go. Ill call you later she added. Did you have fun? Tina asked Angela cautiously. She could tell that Angela was extremely drunk. Angela smiled a sarcastic smile. Oh yeah she said. I had fun. I had lots of fun earlier at the Planet too with all your friends looking down on me-thinking their better than me. Tina looked confused. They didnt she started but was cut off by Angelas shouts. Dont ***** tell me they didnt, I saw it. I saw it in their eyes, just like I see it in yours right now. Tina looked annoyed. Im going to bed she said This is just ridiculous. Tina turned to go to the bedroom. Oh, ***** you, your not Angela shouted as she grabbed Tina by the arm and spun her around to face her. Let go of me Tina said in a low voice. ***** you. Angela spat back. Tina tried to jerk her arm away, but Angelas grip was too tight. Suddenly, before Tina even realized what was happening, Angela brought her hand up and hit Tina hard across the face. She flew backwards toward the couch. Before Tina could even move, Angela was on top of her. You snobby *****, I know your type Angela was screaming at the top of her lungs. She raised her fist and brought it down near Tinas eye. Please stop it Tina was begging through her tears. To Tinas amazement, Angela stopped. She stopped hitting and she stopped screaming. Angela collapsed in tears on top of Tina. Im so sorry, please, please forgive me Angela begged. I didnt mean to, please dont leave me Angela continued to cry pitifully. Tina stared at her in disbelief. She was now sobbing uncontrollably. Tina numbly pushed her off, got up, and went to the bedroom without a word. Angela heard the bedroom door lock from the inside.

Chapter 7 Bettes dilemma
What a way to kick off the weekend Shane thought to herself as she pulled up in front of the CAC. She had called Bette that morning to make sure she could catch her today. Bette had hesitated when Shane asked her for some time. Shane had to assure her that what she wanted to talk about had nothing to do with Tina. Shane walked into the CAC and saw Bette in the corner talking to a man about a piece of art. Bette saw Shane and gave her a wave. Finally, Bette walked the man to the door and locked it after him. She came over to Shane and gave her a hug. She really did miss her friends, but things were just different now. Come on, lets go to my office Bette said as she led the way. So, what brings you here? Bette looked at her friend expectantly. Shane cleared her throat, Um well, I um Shane stumbled over her words. No Bette let out an exasperated sigh. You said this wasnt about Tina she complained. Shane held her hands out in an apologetic gesture. I know, but you wouldnt talk to me, and this is important. Shane looked pleadingly at Bette. Bette looked at Shane doubtfully. Okay, fine. But this had better be important she finally relented. What is it? Shane looked at Bette seriously. Do you know Angela Cooke? Shane thought she saw Bettes composure drop for a split second. Why are you asking about Angela Cooke? Bette sounded annoyed. Shane hesitated for just a second. Because Tina is dating her”pretty seriously. This time there was no mistaking it, Bettes whole face changed. She cant Bettes voice had a twinge of panic in it. She is Shane said simply. Bette began to chew on her bottom lip. Come on Bette, whats the deal? Shane prodded. Bette framed her words carefully. Angela grew up on the street. She may have made some money, but shes still ghetto. She also has a black belt in karate, and likes to beat up on her girlfriends. ***** Shane said softly. We heard rumors, but didnt know for sure. I know for sure Bette said flatly. It was Shanes turn to choose her words carefully. Bette, you have to tell her, it has to be you-she will never believe a rumor. Bette looked at Shane incredulously. And you think shes going to believe me? She still loves you Bette, she knows you wouldnt just ***** with her. Christ Bette sighed in defeat. Okay Bette shook her head. Ill try. Good, thanks Shane said with some relief. Shane left the CAC that Friday afternoon not knowing that it was already too late

Chapter 8
Cant keep a secret.
Tina had spent the next couple of days avoiding places where she might see anyone she knew. Her lip had started to heal. It actually looked better than the night it happened. Her eye on the other hand, had turned from an angry red to a worse, dark black, blue and green bruise. It was late Sunday night, and Tina wanted some ice cream. She reasoned to herself that she probably wouldnt run into anyone at the all night grocery. Im going to the grocery store for ice cream. Tina said to Angela flatly. Do you want anything? No, Im fine Angela said. She moved toward Tina and slid her arms around her waist. Do you want me to go for you? Angela asked. No, Ill go Tina said trying to sound cheery. The truth was that Tina was having a hard time putting that night out of her head. Angela had been so wonderful to her since then, trying to make up in ways that didnt really matter. The morning after their fight, Tina had decided to leave Angela. Angela had come in the bedroom after Tina unlocked it, and broke down in tears. She apologized over and over and begged forgiveness until Tina felt a twinge of sympathy for her. She promised Tina that nothing like that would ever happen again, and that she had only gotten so out of control because shed been drinking. She said she would never take another drink, if that was what Tina wanted. In the end, Tina ended up staying-against her better judgment. So now Tina had her mind made up to stay, if only her heart would follow suit. The fight had gotten Tina thinking about what she was doing with Angela. She knew she didnt love her, but spending time with her seemed to be a better option than spending it alone. If she was being honest with herself, she might admit that the reason she was with Angela is because Bette had been with Candice. She had heard through the grapevine that Bette and Candice had split, but she had no real idea. Bette had been calling her cell phone for the last few days, but Tina hadnt answered. As Tina strolled through the grocery store, she was so deep in thought that she didnt see James, Bettes assistant at the CAC approach her. Hi Tina James was standing in front of her. Tina was startled out of her thoughts and looked up at James before she even thought about it. James looked shocked. God, what happened to you? he asked with honest concern. *****! Tina thought to herself. Car”accident she lied. She gave James a slight smile. I just- had a little fender bender-you know. He nodded slowly Huh, yeah well your okay? he asked. Tina gave him another smile. Yeah, Im good she was trying desperately to get him to believe her. He nodded again. Well it was good to see you again. He smiled at her as he started to go. Good to see you she waved. As James walked away he thought to himself, fender bender my *****. He made a mental note to mention it to Bette in the morning.