Chapter 3

Tinas eyes were unable to focus on just one single part of Bette they flashed all over her body trying to take it all in. Her hair was longer that she remembered, there was little make up on the other womans face, but Tina couldnt remember a time Bette looked more beautiful. Bette was wearing just a simple pair of cotton pants and a white tank top showing that her body was still the same if not a little thinner. Then her eyes fixated on Bettes intense brown orbs and she was lost, every moment that passed seemed to be going in slow motion the rest of the world had faded into nothing and all that was left was Bette and Tina. When the world began to move at the regular pace Bette was now standing in front of her.
What are you doing here? Tina asked there were millions of questions she wanted answers to but this was the only one that slipped out.
I could ask you the same thing. Bette replied softly.
I didnt think you were coming home until the end of the week?
Well that was the plan but I got everything packed so I thought Id come home early.
Home and where would home be? Tina asked but now all she wanted to do was run, run away so fast because she couldnt cope with the effect that Bette sill had on her.
Where youre standing. Bette told her keeping firm eye contact desperately wanting to reach out to Tina just to touch her if only for an instant, just to feel the warmth of her skin one more time.
What? She asked feeling a little hot with anger that Bette had brought their home.
I couldnt imagine living any where else in this city. I spent the best years of my life here. Bette said taking a step forward and felt impaled with pain when Tina took a step back.
This was our home Bette and what youre gonna start making your own memories here with someone new? Tina didnt know where this was coming from but now she had started she felt as though she couldnt stop. I came here nearly everyday because it was something that reminded me of the wonderful times we had together. Before everything got so damn She trailed off unable to finish the sentence.
T the reason I wanted this house was so no one else could have it, this house owns a part of you that no one else can own.
No, you owned that part once. She said it to hurt and as she saw the ache flash on Bettes face she knew it had. It was good to see you again Bette. Tina said this a bit calmer and as she walked past her old lover she gave her the keys to the house she had used to get in with.
Bette looked at the metal that was now in her hands, she squeezed it tightly and till she felt the sharp digs of pain. She hadnt expected to find Tina here and that hadnt been how she wanted their first meeting to be. She had wanted heartfelt words and talks of going out just the two of them, maybe she had expected too much. The words that had just been shared flew through her head; she didnt want to make memories with anyone new she wanted Tina. After all this time the only thing she had learned about life was purely she couldnt live hers without Tina and that was why she was home. If the CAC had offered her less money and a worse job she would have taken it just as an excuse to come home. Looking around the house and the garden Bette knew none of this would be complete again until Tina was standing beside her.
******
Have you heard from her? Jenny asked as she sipped her latte, Shane looked at her and rubbed her hand. They were sitting at their usual table at the planet.
No but Tina will be fine. Thinking they needed a change of subject. So what happened with you and Robin I thought you were getting on? Shane inquired.
She was away a lot travelling, whats the point dating someone you just never see.
Jenny you were together two years? You call that dating?
I know but thats all we had a hand full of dates, but she was kind of like my first.
I know what you mean. They smiled at each other but the entrance of too very quiet friends broke the moment. Alice and Dana sat down in complete silence and kept their heads down, Shane looked to Jenny who shrugged.
What is it? Shane asked them after a couple of second.
What? Nothing. Alice quickly said.
Why should there be something there is nothing. Dana chipped in.
You two are acting strange. Jenny told them.
Weird us? The tennis player began. No.
Yes. Shane said. Now spill it.
Ok well this Alice began to talk but Dana whipped her head around to look at her.
Alice!
Come on Dane were your friends we are not going to laugh. Shane reassured her.
This morning me and Alice were well
Having *****? Jenny asked.
Andwell we were really going for it… Alice smiled and continued the story. And then I noticed that Dana had stopped so I turned around and well the window cleaner was there getting an eye full.
There was no sound for a couple of moments and then Jenny and Shane were unable to hold it in and burst out laughing and were soon joined by Alice.
The least he could have done was knocked before he started! Dana shouted over their laughing.
The door of the planet opened and Shane glanced over to see Bette walk in and soon all the groups eyes were on her and silence took the place of the laughter.
Wow Im having this effect on people a lot lately.