When Bette came out of the shower, she could smell dinner cooking. The whole house smelled wonderful. It was the first time in weeks that it really felt like home. It was all due to Tina. Tina was what had been missing from every inch of her life. Now she would have to hurt her all over again. But not yet! They still had a couple of hours of happiness left.

Bette walked into the kitchen and Tina was standing at the sliding glass door looking out into the pool yard. Bette walked up behind her and slid her arms around Tina and nuzzled into her neck. She slowly kissed up her neck to her ear.

This is what has been missing Baby. You! This has not been a home without you. It’s just been a place to come to at the end of the day and try to sleep, to exist but not to live in. I need you so much. I dont know how I can go on without you. The last twenty-four hours have brought me back to life. Just being able to hold you fills my heart to overflowing. And making love to you has been sheer bliss. I never thought I would ever be able to hold you again. I thought I had blown it for all time. You have such a loving and forgiving heart. Im so sorry I almost destroyed it. I pray I still dont. Bette was trying to hold it together, but the tears were slipping out of her eyes.

What is it Bette, what is tearing at you so badly?

Tonight Baby, after dinner, we will talk and I will tell you. Just know how much I love you and that I would give anything not to hurt you again.

~

You outdid yourself Tee. That was wonderful. Best meal Ive had since the last time you cooked.

Well, if you were doing the cooking, I can believe that!

Smartass! Why dont you take the wineglasses and get settled by the pool while I clean this mess up.

Bette cleared the table, put away the food, opened the other bottle of wine and brought it out to the pool with her. She refilled their glasses and pulled up the chaise lounge and a table to put their glasses on. After she had sat down, she patted the lounge in front of her.

Will you sit here with me Tina? I would love to hold you.

Tina joined Bette. Bette wrapped her arms around Tee and pulled her back against her.

God you feel so good! She gently kissed Tinas head and rubbed her hands down her arms and across her stomach as she pulled her in closer.

Tina could feel Bette trembling. She said, Come on Babe, quit procrastinating. After what we have been through, what cant you tell me?

First of all Tee, I want you to know that I love you, and I have checked things out and you are safe. There is almost no chance that you have been compromised.

Compromised by what Babe, are you involved in with a loan shark? This sounds like a ***** gangster movie.

Tina, dont kid around. Im serious.

Ok Babe, so what are you talking about?

Well, you already know I slept with Candace. She came to my office and told me something that really scared me Tee. It scared me because I was afraid for you.

Did she say something threatening to you about me?

She told me that she had gone to the doctors to give some blood for a kid who was hit by a car. The doctor called her back in and she thought they wanted more blood. Instead, they had tested the blood that she had donated. They found the HIV Virus in her blood Tee. There is a possibility she could have passed it on to me.

Tina went rigid in Bettes arms. Oh God no. Please no!

Listen to me Tee, I researched it. What you and I have done sexually since I was with Candace is almost a nil risk factor for you. I double checked with my doctor and she says that you should be safe. I thank God for that.

But you Bette, what about you?

The risk is low for me Babe, but it exists. I had one test already and it came up negative. I dont have it yet. However it could take up to six months to show up.

Bette, this isnt fair. We are trying to get our lives back together.

I know Honey. That is why I have avoided letting you make love to me. It certainly isnt because I did not want you. I want you more than ever. It also has put some limitations on how I can make love to you. I wont put you at risk. I am so thankful that she told me about the virus. Otherwise, I could have endangered you these last couple of days.

Bette could feel Tina shivering now and tried to hold her a little tighter, to give her some comfort. She was thankful that Tina didnt try to pull away.

What about Candace, Bette? How long has she had it? Could she have given it to Yolonda? She was pregnant Bette! What about her baby?

I just dont know Baby. From what I read, if Yolonda got it from Candace, she could pass it onto the baby. There is approximately a 30% risk of passing it onto an infant if the mother is not being treated for HIV. There is an antiretroviral therapy that pregnant mothers can take and there is a drug to treat the baby with after it is born that can reduce the risk to about 5%. I was interested in that because of our recent attempt at having a child. I wasnt even thinking about Yolanda. You are always thinking about every one Tina. It is part of what I love so much about you.

When Candace told me, all I could think about is that if I contracted from her, I could have passed it onto you. I didnt want to see Candace at all so I cant tell you how long she has had it. All I wanted to do was the research to make sure you were alright.

Bette, I have to go. I have a lot to think about.

Please Baby, dont leave me again. I dont think I could stand it.

I didnt say I was leaving you Bette. I said I have a lot to think about.

One other thing Tee. I hate to ask you but I am still worried about you. When you were with Cindy, you did practice safe *****, didnt you?

Tina pulled away from Bette and stood up. She was dumbfounded. Did Bette have so little faith in her that she thought she would sleep with someone she had only gone out on one date with?

Without answering Bettes accusation, Tina said, Now Im leaving you Bette.

Tina walked into the living room, picked up her purse and quietly closed the door behind her as she left.

Bette finished the bottle of wine.