TINA Tina decided to go home for a quick bite to eat and to change before going to the bar. She wanted to put something in her stomach before drinking. She was feeling excited about tonight, but wasnt sure why, as she was still dreading being single in a womens bar for the first time. She did however, feel confident that her co-workers would come to her rescue if need be. She closed her eyes for a moment and was transported back to the first time she had gone to Milk with Bette. Bette had taken Tinas hand as they walked thought the front door. She knew that Tina would turn heads, and wanted to establish right from the beginning that Tina belonged with her. Tina remembered feeling so loved and safe with Bette, but also *****, beautiful and desired. Bette always made her feel that way. Tina could feel the eyes of different women on her…on them, as Bette had led them out to the dance floor for a slow song. Tina also remembered how the whole room seemed to fade away as soon as Bette had put her arms around Tina, and they started swaying with the music. Tina snapped open her eyes, and realized she had started crying. It pissed her off that she still felt so much sadness and loss when she thought about Bette, and what could have been for them. She tried not to be too hard on herself for feeling this way. After all, it had only been six months, but Tina had the feeling that there would be a certain amount of sadness in her heart for the rest of her life. She knew that Bette was the love of her life and hadnt quite figured out how to move on from that. She also knew that until she did open her heart, that she would not find love again on any level. ‘God Tina, get a grip!’ With that, Tina ran out the door, wanting to give herself a few extra minutes since she wasnt quite sure where the bar was. After finding it, she plunged through the front door, slightly wiggling the fingers of her left hand. The hand that usually had a ring on it, as well as Bettes fingers intertwined with hers. She was immediately greeted by a table of her co-workers calling out her name and waving. Tina smiled and waved back. She took a quick look around and noticed that half the bar had turned to look at her when everyone had called her name. *****! She wanted to melt into the floor. At that moment, Sandi came up and gave Tina a big hug. Come on Tina. I saved a chair for you. Thanks Sandi. Tina gave the woman a look of gratitude that said thank you, thank you, thank you. What would you like to drink? Ah, a glass of white wine, please. Sandi went to get Tinas drink and then everyone at the table started talking about work. Tina started to relax and was grateful for the safe topic of conversation. As the evening wore on, Tina realized, with a touch of surprise, that she was having a good time. She had not had to buy one drink. They just kept showing up, and she had been out on the dance floor a couple of times, although not to a slow song. At that moment there was a buzz around the table. What am I missing? Tina said to Julie, the woman directly to her right. Look, Elaine Brown just came in. She never comes to the bar! Elaine was one of the stars of the show they were filming, and as far as anyone knew, she was the only ***** that was part of the cast. Tina smiled. Well, maybe she just needed to get out and loosen up too. With that, Tina got up and walked over to where Elaine was standing. She was absolutely beautiful and thank God, she was also very nice and down to earth. Tina had enjoyed several conversations with Elaine over the months they had been shooting, but had no thoughts of anything other than friendship. Of course, Tina didnt have romantic feelings for anyone at this point in her life, other than Bette. Hey Elaine. What a nice surprise! Would you like to join us? Thanks Tina. Id like that very much. I dont come to the bar very often and had forgotten how if feels when you initially walk in. I know exactly what you mean. This is my first time in a bar in about six months. Elaine smiled at Tina. Well, arent we quite the hip and happening pair! “Come on Elaine.” Tina laughed. We are sitting over here. Tina led Elaine to the table and everyone scooted around to make room. After another round of drinks, Elaine turned to Tina and started making light conversation. She so wanted to get to know this woman, but didnt want to appear too pushy. She understood what kind of pain Tina was in. Elaine knew all about Tinas breakup with Bette Porter. She had made a few calls to friends in LA after her very first conversation with Tina, and had been filled in on all the painful details. She respected Tinas privacy, so she had not brought it up and hadnt shared the information with anyone else. Just then the song We Are Family came on. All the women at the table started whooping and got up to dance. Elaine started laughing and looked at Tina. Well, what do you say? Shall we join them? Sure, why not? Tina and Elaine joined the throng on the dance floor and were immediately caught up in the festive mood. The dance floor was packed and everyone was getting shoved into each other. Tina and Elaine were both laughing, trying to maintain some kind of modesty, while their bodies kept being pushed together in a very intimate way. Tina had had enough to drink by this point to make her feel relaxed and carefree for the first time since before she had lost the baby. Its amazing how alcohol can have that kind of temporary effect on you. Tina felt more self assured, and for once, wasnt feeling that nagging sense of sadness. We Are Family ended and another song came on with a great beat as well. The dance floor thinned out a bit, and Tina and Elaine continued to dance, smiling at each other while their bodies moved together, only now without touching. The next song was a slow song. Tina smiled at Elaine and then turned to walk off the dance floor, but stopped when she felt Elaines hand on her arm. Tina, would you dance with me? It has been such a long time for me and, well for some reason I feel safe with you. Tina hesitated. The only woman she had ever slow danced with was Bette. Elaine may feel safe with her, but Tina wasnt so sure she felt safe with Elaine. Besides the fact that Elaine was, in Tinas eyes, getting prettier and prettier by the minute! OK. Sure. Tina moved into Elaines arms, and as the rest of the bar watched these two gorgeous women, they started swaying to the music. Julie looked over at Sandi, raised her eyebrow and grinned. My, my, my! Sandi smiled back. Exactly! BETTE & TINA Bette was just landing in Vancouver. The flight had been good for her, because it forced her to sit quietly and think about what it was she wanted to tell Tina. It had been six months since they had seen each other face to face. Tina had refused to see Bette in person after the night she found out about Bettes betrayal. They had spoken on the phone a few times before Tina left for Vancouver, but only about the division of assets. Tina had not allowed Bette to talk about any thing else. Six months. It seemed like an eternity. The only thing that had been giving Bette some peace, was knowing that she was going to see Tina in her dreams. In her dreams, she could touch Tina, hold her, kiss her. In her dreams there was no pain. Bette had decided to fly up on Friday night and get a hotel room. She wanted to go to Tina on Saturday morning when she was fresh from a good nights sleep. Of course, when she got to the hotel, she was unable to relax. She decided that a good workout would help, so she changed her clothes and headed down to the hotel gym. After an hour and a half, Bette was feeling better. She went back to her room and with the help of a mini bottle of Vodka, was able to fall asleep. Her dreams were filled with Tina and Mary. She couldnt believe the depth of love she felt in these dreams. It all seemed so natural. They were born to be together, Tina Kennard and Bette Porter. On Saturday morning, Bette woke up feeling totally at ease and comfortable in her own skin. She got up, took a nice long shower and ordered breakfast. She had brought one of Tinas favorite outfits to wear, and now covered it with her long black leather coat and black leather gloves. It was definitely colder up here, Bette thought. This would be a nice change for a while, but she would miss the LA weather too much to stay for any real length of time. Bette got a cab and headed over to Tinas. It was 10:00 on Saturday morning. She knew from living with Tina, that if she was going to go for a run in the morning, she would be back by now. She had thought about calling Tina first, but was afraid that what she had to say to Tina would not have the same effect unless she said it in person. Bette didnt want to gamble her future on a phone call. She thanked Alice in her head again for giving her Tinas address. Of course, that was only after an hour of convincing her that she and Tina were meant to be together. Bette, you have been practically living with Candace for the last six months. You have said that you love her. You want to tell me how that is supposed to convince Tina that you two belong together? Bette had leaned forward and rested her elbows on her thighs. Alice, you and I have known each other for a long time. We have gone through a lot during our friendship. I need you to trust me. I need you to believe me when I say that I do not want to hurt Tina any more than I already have. I believe with all my being that we should be together, but I need your help in order to prove that to Tina.” As the cab pulled up to Tinas building, Bettes heart started to beat faster. She couldnt believe she was finally going to see her beautiful, beautiful Tina. God, how she had missed her. With a deep breath, she knocked on Tinas apartment door. At first there was no answer, then the sound of feet walking towards the door. The door opened and boom, just like that, there she was. Hi Tina. Tina just about fainted. Her knees went weak and she felt all the blood in her body rushing to her head. Tina couldnt believe her eyes. Bette was standing right in front of her. ‘Oh my God, she looks beautiful,’ both Bette and Tina thought to themselves at the same time. Tina recovered enough to say, Bette? What the fu.. Betted cut her off. I know that my coming here without calling is very forward and probably a bit out of line, but I had to see you. I have to talk with you T. About what? Tina was feeling confused, but was now a little worried that maybe something was wrong. Otherwise, why would Bette fly all this way to see her? She was still with Candace…wasnt she? All these thoughts and feelings were mingling with Tinas incredible desire to jump into Bettes arms and slap her both at the same time. Bette saw the confusion, but also the love in Tinas eyes, and at that moment her whole speech that she had so carefully planned out went right out of her head. She now had no clue what to say, so she said the first thing that came to her mind. T, I need to talk with you about our future together…along with our future with Mary. Mary? Who the ***** is Mary? Tina looked completely confused. What are you talking about Bette? Tinas voice was getting louder, and her confusion was quickly turning to anger. All of a sudden, there was a loud noise that came from the back of the apartment. Tinas face changed from anger to anguish. Oh Bette. Why didnt you just call first. Bettes stomach fell to the floor. She looked past Tina to see a beautiful…no, a gorgeous woman making her way out of the bedroom, wearing only a pair of boxers and a skin tight muscle shirt. Is everything OK Tina? Tina turned and looked at Elaine and then looked back at Bette. Oh my God Tina! Bette started to stammer. You are right. I should have called first. Before Tina could say anything else, Bette turned around and ran down the hall and out of the building. Tina lowered her head and could feel the tears starting. That was Bette wasnt it? Yes. Tina, I am so sorry. Thats OK Elaine. You have nothing to be sorry about. Elaine came up to Tina and put her arms around her. It will be OK Tina. Will it? Yes. It will. Now…the question is, do you want to go after her? Bette was quietly sobbing while trying to hail a cab. ‘Oh God! Please tell me I am not too late!’ Bette took out her cell phone and punched in a number while jumping into a cab. She was heading back to her hotel for a quick checkout before heading to the airport. Hi, David? Its Bette Porter. I need you to do me a huge favor. I am in Vancouver right now, but I am catching the next flight to LA that I can get a seat on. Can you meet me at the CAC? Yes? OK great! I will call you as soon as I know when I am going to land. Oh, and David? Bring your materials and supplies with you.