Tina looked at the clock again and decided she had just about enough of this. It was Sunday afternoon and Bette still hadnt called her back. I know she was upset but she doesnt have to shut me out completely, thought Tina as she reached for the phone. She dialed Bettes home number and left a message there then she called Bettes cell. When Bette didnt pick that up she left a slightly angrier sounding message there and hung up the phone in aggravation. Bette had never let this much time go by without speaking to Tina and although she knew they had a major fight on Friday night, Tina didnt think it needed to go this far. After some indecision on her part Tina decided to call Alice hoping for a little more advice on how to handle Bette when she was in the worst of her moods.

Hello?

Alice? Hey its Tina.

Oh hey Tina, whats up?

Umhas Bette called you at all this weekend?

No, why? Did you guys get into a fight or something?

Wellyeah kind of.

Tina knew she shouldnt go into too much detail with Alice for two reasons. Number one, given the fact that Alice was Bettes ex, she didnt feel all that comfortable telling her about their problems, and number two, Bette had told Tina that Alice has an ear for gossip and she didnt want their problems broadcasted to all of West Hollywood. Tina waited for Alice to start grilling her for details, but Alices response actually surprised her.

Oh noreally? Dont worry Tina, you guys will get over it.

Tina was definetly surprised at Alices reaction to finding out about the fight she had with Bette and she instantly felt a little better about calling Alice.

Yeah wellI dont know. It was kind of a stupid fight actually.

What did you tie her up and leave her there?

ALICE.

Tina could hear Alice laughing on the other end and Tina smiled to herself. She knew it was just like Alice to try and lighten the mood and Tina figured she might as well just tell Alice what happened.

So what happened Tina? I mean what was the fight about.

Short version? Well we were supposed to do something on Friday night and Bette said she would call after work

Alice started laughing as she interrupted Tina.

But let me guessshe forgot to call then didnt know why you made such a big deal out of it right?

Yeahhow did you know?

Because that sounds like something Bette would do.

So what do I do now?

Tina, I thought you had figured her out by now. Bette can be such a caring and attentive person most of the time, but sometimes she justI dont knowforgets.

Well that doesnt excuse how she treats me sometimes.

I know it doesnt. But it kind of just comes with the package deal. Look, TinaI know Bette better than anyoneand I know she loves you. She just lets her stubbornness and attitude get in the way sometimes.

I know.

Tina knew what Alice was saying was right and she felt bad for being so short with Bette on Friday night. Tina decided to go visit Bette and see what was going on so she hung up with Alice shortly and headed out the door.

***
Bette was lying in her bed with her eyes shut but she was far from sleeping. She had come home so angry on Friday night and she stayed up well past four in the morning trying to figure out why Tina had gotten so angry at her and what she could do to fix it. When Bette finally woke up on Saturday morning she was sick as a dog. Her head was pounding, her stomach felt terrible and she had a temperature of one hundred and two. Bette had stayed in bed all day Saturday alternating between sleeping and coughing herself awake and she wasnt feeling any better today. She heard Tina leave both messages, but she didnt have the energy to pick up the phone. Bette knew she owed Tina an apology and as soon as she was feeling better that was the first thing she was going to do.

BAM BAM BAM

What the *****, thought Bette as she rolled over and put the sheets over her head. She was in no mood to see anyone and she knew she looked like ***** right now anyways.

BAM BAM BAM

Bette? Its Tina. Open the door.

Bette felt her heart jump when she heard Tinas voice and she gathered all her strength to trudge over and open the door.

Bette I think we need to talk aboutoh my god baby are you okay?

Im sick.

Bette was suddenly feeling dizzy so she turned and walked to the couch leaving Tina to follow her. Tina walked inside and shut the door and looked around at the mess Bette had made. There was Kleenex all over the place and an empty bowl on the table. Bette was so anal about things being clean and for her to let things get this messy Tina knew she was really sick. Tina felt her anger disappear in a heartbeat when she looked at Bette who was looking up at her with eyes that would have made a puppy cry. Tina smiled to herself when she saw Bette so vulnerable and needy and she knew Bette hadnt been mad at her this whole time, she just didnt have the energy to call her. Tina walked over and sat down on the edge of the couch and ran her hand lightly through Bettes hair.

Baby, why dont you go back to bed? Ill make you some soup.

Bette coughed a little and she felt so happy knowing that Tina wasnt mad at her. Either that or Bette just figured that Tina felt bad for her being so sick, but regardless, Bette was going to apologize for being such an ***** hole on Friday night.

T, Im sorry for not calling on Friday.

I know baby. Its okaycome on, we need to get you back to bed.

Tina helped Bette up and walked her back to her bed. Tina tucked Bette in and told her to rest while Tina heated up some soup for her. Tina walked back out into the living room and shook her head at the disaster area that was the living room. I swear, Bette may have it together on the outside but if anyone knew she was like this Tina cleaned up the living room and the kitchen which was in even worse shape since Bette had not only attempted to cook, but she had done so while she was completely sick. Tina made Bette some soup and some tea and put both things on a tray. She carried the tray back to the room and set it down next to Bette. Bette opened her eyes and looked at Tina with a small smile on her face.

I really am sorry for treating you bad Tina. Sometimes I get absentminded about things like thatand I know its not fair to you. Im sorry. And when Im better I will make this up to you I promise.

Tina smiled at Bettes attempt at a heart felt apology and she knew Bette really did feel bad at what happened on Friday. Bette was lying on her side and Tina gently took one of Bettes hands in hers as she spoke to her.

Bette, its okay. Maybe I was being a little hard on you anyways. I know youre really busy its just that I am too so I look forward to the time we get to spend together. But thats not important now so dont worry about it. Here drink this.

Tina lifted the cup with the tea in it to Bettes lips and Bette took a small sip. She let her head fall back to the pillow and just looked at Tina contentedly. Tina laughed when Bette pouted a little and Tina knew that right now Bette just needed to be babied a little. Tina told Bette to take a nap and she would go out and get Bette some medicine since Bette didnt have any in the house. Bette fell asleep within minutes and Tina waited until she was sure that Bette was sleeping before running out to get Bette some meds. Tina returned an hour later to find Bette still sleeping so she went into the living room to watch TV until Bette woke up.

Two hours later Bette emerged from the bedroom looking ***** as ever but she swore she felt a little better. Tina went to the kitchen to heat up some more tea for Bette and when she returned with a hot cup Bette took a sip of the medicine then made a horrible face.

Ugh…what is this? Its disgusting.

Yeah but it will make you feel better.

Bette put the cup on the table then laid down with her head in Tinas lap. Tina ran her hands lightly over Bettes face then through her hair and smiled when Bette closed her eyes and settled into her with a smile on her face. She is going to milk this for all its worth, thought Tina with a small laugh. Bette opened one eye and looked at Tina who had a Cheshire cat grin on her face.

What?

Nothing.

What?

Aww baby its nothing. Its just funny to see you like this when you are always so together and invincible.

I cant believe youre laughing at me when Im sick.

Bette pretended to pout again and Tina laughed louder this time and lowered her face and kissed Bette lightly on the forehead.

Im not laughing at you babe. Its just nice to know you have weaknesses thats all.

I do.

I know I can see.

Bette shifted so that she was laying on her back with her head still in Tinas lap. Bette looked up and smiled at Tina.

No I mean besides this I do have one weakness.

Whats that baby?

You.

Tina smiled and leaned in to give Bette a kiss but Bette started coughing and wheezing again and Tina laughed as she helped Bette sit up so that she could breathe easier. Tina spent the rest of the day playing nurse maid to Bette and when they fell asleep that night Tina was still holding Bette in her arms