They were on the road again. Tina dozing off in Bettes car. She wasnt really tired, she just wanted to think about the moment she woke up that morning.
She woke up feeling an unusual warm at her side, it wasnt just the knowledge of another body close to hers , it was something else.

Tina rolled on her back to face Bette peacefully sleeping. It didnt surprise Tina to see Bete there, what surprised Tina was to realize that it wasnt a surprise to her that Bette was sleeping with her, in the same bed, besides her.

It made Tina smiled and shiver to realize that her body knew it even before her mind did. Tina realized that it was her mind the one that was playing with her, it were her own insecurities and fears the ones pushing Bette away. It made Tina shiver, (while looking at a beautiful, peacefully looking Bette) to realize that even when shes already made the decision, back in her head she was still very scare.
She knew that she had to go on with her plans, she knew that her life depended on it but she also knew that if her plan fail that could mean her death. She was sure shed not survive another broken heart but looking at Bette she also knew that she had to try one more time.

She knew, always had, even back then , the first time Bette put her eyes on her,that Bette was her destiny, her life and that shed be her death.

Tina was sweetly thinking about it all and without noticing she was smiling.


Bette noticed how Tinas smile grew on her face, she could tell se was not sleeping but she didnt tell her anything. She just took comfort from that smile and continued driving.

She was still confuse and amazed by Tinas reaction when she woke up. She opened her eyes finding Tina looking at her with a curious look on her face. Shed tell she was not mad at her but she wasnt smiling either. Tina had a look that Bette only could name as pleading. But that didnt make much sense in Bettes head. What could be that Tina wanted? She made a note to herself to find out what it all could be about.She then was going to say something to Tina but all she managed was to smiled at her. They looked at each other in silence for a few minutes till Alice walked into the room.

She was exciting about getting to the mansion as soon as possible so she urged them to get ready. No time for pleasantries or talks.

As she was driving, Bette thought about the facts of live and the simple things in life that we usually dont pay attention to. She thought about how she looked at Tina when she headed to the bathroom to get ready. How she took comfort looking at Tinas luggage. It made her smile to notice that she was still not the anal freak that Bette was. She loved the image of Tinas clothes folded in the bag, there were not neat but they were they were so Tina. Shed imagine her packing. Tinas packing usually meant and easy task, a relaxed moment. To Bette, packing usually meant rushing from one room to another, folding and refolding clothes, checking lists and cursing all the way. Looking at Tinas bag made Bettes heart lift. It was so easy, so simple to find joy in those small things.


Tina was looking at Bette driving. So focus, so in control. Watching her hands hold the wheel made Tina remember the first time she realized how important it was for Bette to be in control. They were on their second week of dating when Tina suggested to pick Bette up instead of the contrary. He thought it could be nice for Bette just to relax and enjoy the ride but Bette refused saying itd be much easier for her to drive as she was the one that was going to be late. It made no sense to Tina but she just let it go. But that night, as Bette was driving her home, she studied Bette. Tina saw how much Bette loved driving, she was in control and driving let her control all her feelings, let her concentrate in her thoughts. Tina realized then that Bettes car was for her, like her own shrink divan. Driving was for Bette as easy as it was to breath. She took pleasure from it, comforted her, relaxed her.

It was as important for her to drive, as it was, Tina noticed then, to think that she was in control of what was going on between them. Tina realized then that Bette was trying to control all her feelings for her, in as many ways as possible, and that driving, as silly as itd sound, was one of her ways of controlling the situation.


Im glad you came yesterday instead of today.
Tinas voice shattered Bette, she thought she was still dozing off. She looked at her and saw a shy smile growing on her face. It filled Bettes heart with hope and joy to see Tinas smile.

“Yeah, I thought itd be better.”

Bette didnt know what to say, there was so much she wanted to say but she didnt want to say it on the car, she had to find the perfect set, the perfect time.

“Do we know where we are going? I lost Alice long time ago, we might end in Mexico….”

Tina laughed at Bette, it was impossible they were on the wrong road, but it felt nice to hear Bette kidding.

“Let me see, I have Jacks map here”. Tina unfolded a sheet of paper and tried to read it.

If we passed Monterrey and we are almost in San Mateo we are on the right path.
Tina was looking through the window, looking for any sign.

I think we are ok then, there was a sign a while ago saying we were close to San Mateo.

Bette was smiling, it felt nice to have such a silly talk with Tina, she knew perfectly well where they were, she just wanted to hear her voice.

The map says that the moment we see an old gas station with a pink barking dog we have to turn right and take the road on the left. Then all the way till the end of it.

Tina was looking at the map but hearing Bettes laugh made her looked up

Pink dog? Bette was smiling, teasing.

I swear it Bette, it says pink dog
Ok, ok, are you sure it wasnt Alice the one that made the map? Bette was giggling.

“Yeah I know, it looks like one of hers Tina was giggling too, then looking ahead her face brightened.

Look! The gas station!
Bette laughed, nodding. As they were getting closer a dog run towards them, barking.

Its pink! Look Bette, its a pink dog! Tinas words made Bette to laugh even harder.

Bette took Tinas direction and in less than fifteen minutes they were in front of what it looked like a magnificent old patrician house.

They jumped off the car feeling the sea breeze caressing their faces. They smiled at the same time, looking at each other, walking to the house.