Tina spoke first, I hope we are not interrupting anything.

Bette looked up and saw the pain in Tees eyes. She turned back to Candace and said, Isnt that one of the most wonderful sights in the world Candace? To see the person you love more than anything, and they are yours!

Bette turned back to Tina and said, Hey Beautiful, I was just getting ready to come find you. Are you ready to get out of here?

Tina looked pointedly at Candace’s and Bette’s hands that were still clenched. Oh yeah!

Bette got up and said, We are going to go home and give you guys some time alone together. Get some rest. She walked over to Tina, and Mikela gave each of them a hug saying, “Thanks both of you, for coming. Your presence really helped me keep it together today.”

Bette took Tinas hand as they left. When they reached the car, Tina turned to her and asked, Want to tell me what the ***** that was all about?

Bette looked into Tinas eyes and saw the doubt and fear in them. She pulled Tina into her arms and kissed her in a way meant to allay any feeling of insecurity Tina might be having. She finished by nibbling her way across Tees lips, then down her neck and softly sucking on that spot where the neck joined the shoulder. Although it would be nice to continue, this wasnt the time or place. She pulled away and opened Tees door for her. Get in and Ill tell you on the way home.

Bette was worried by the time they arrived home. She had related the events that had transpired between Candace and her in the hospital room. Tina had not said one word in response. When Bette was finished, Tina turned and stared out the window the rest of the way home. Bette had asked, Baby, are you all right? No response. Tee, tell me what is going on in that head of yours. No response.

When the car had come to a stop in front of the house, Tina got out and walked up to the door. She unlocked it and went inside. Bette slowly followed. When she walked inside, Tina was standing in the middle of the living room, arms crossed with fire in her eyes. And it was not the kind of fire Bette had been hoping for. Tina asked, Well, what do you have to say for yourself?

Bette closed the door, swallowed quietly and turned to Tina. Umm, Im sorry. She said meekly.

Youre sorry? Youre sorry! Do you even know what in the ***** you are sorry for? Tinas voice was getting louder.

Bette, having no idea what Tina was so angry about, took a stab in the dark. Holding Candaces hand and talking with her for so long while you were waiting for me?

Bette, you really are clueless! Think some more about it and get back to me when you figure it out. Im going for a swim. Alone!

Bette sat down. *****! She was in trouble with Tina again; only this time she didnt have a clue why. She went over everything in her mind. Was Tina angry with her for forgiving Candace? Was she afraid that she would start the affair again? No, that couldnt be it. She had told Tina that they had both talked about the affair being a mistake. That they were both in love with other people. Wait! Maybe Tina wasnt angry with her; maybe it was with Candace for telling the lie in the first place and putting that fear into both of them. Thats what it had to be!

Bette looked out back and saw Tina floating on a raft in the pool. God, she was so beautiful. The way the sun sparkled off the water droplets on her body! Bette got her suit on and went out to the pool. She quietly slipped into the water and floated over to Tina.

Baby, Im sorry.

For what?

For worrying you. For the lie that Candace told us. But mostly for putting us in this predicament. For getting involved with Candace in the first place.

Keep thinking Porter. You are getting there.

What else Tee? Please dont pull that If you dont know, then Im certainly not going to tell you heterosexual bullshit that women pull on guys. The old Bette wouldnt even be here. She would be running away somewhere hiding and waiting for you to cool off. Ive changed Baby. I want to talk and work things out before they escalate into unmanageable problems. I need you to tell me what is bothering you. Please tell me why Im in trouble.

Tina rolled off the raft and looked Bette in the eyes. Bette, Im angry because Candace used a disease, that disease in particular, as a weapon. It is a disease that has been associated with homosexuals and it is unbelievable to me that a ***** would use HIV as a revenge tactic, to instill fear in someone they were intimate with. That disease infects hundreds of innocent people, from every walk of life, without their knowledge. They dont have to do anything wrong and they can still get HIV. I also am upset by the fact that you seem to be ok with her doing that. In fact, enough so that you are smiling and holding hands with her! For Gods sake Bette, she used it as a weapon against us; against you in particular, and you seem just fine with it. Well, dont expect me to be because I definitely am not!

Go think about that for a while Porter! Tina got out of the pool and went into the house.

Bette got out of the pool and sat down on a chaise lounge to think about what Tina had said.