Bette said nothing. She didnt know what to say. She knew that she was deeply attracted to Candace and their unions were nothing short of spectacular. Candace played with the granular details during their love making. She took control and took her to heights she hadnt been in a long time if at all. Just being around her was sensual and erotic and the aura she exuded was captivating and breathtaking. A feeling Bette apparently missed and desperately needed in her life. Her life had become monotonous and mundane and the most stimulating things that took place were the volatile reactions of Provocations and being vicariously involved with her friends lives. Her mind wandered back to a conversation she had with Kitt when Tina was pregnant and recalled how overwhelmed she felt. She thought of the many times she had to remain strong for Tina, or fight for her position within the CAC, and how their friends looked to them or her for strength and support. She was drained! She had been depleted of the things she needed to make herself feel whole and vibrant. It all made sense to her now. Her lust and insatiable desire for Candace made sense now, but she was still unsure of what her next move would be. She returned her attention to Candace who had since slid down to the floor and was clutching her knees to her chest waiting for Bettes response.

No, I cant lie. I do still find you extremely attractive. I cant seem to fight what I feel for you, but dammit, I have more to lose than to gain right now. Do you understand that?

Candace stood up to face Bette.

I know its too soon to tell, but do you have any idea what youre gonna do? Please forgive my questions, but I need to know something ” Anything. Bette, youve softened the hard exterior I put up. Youve intensified the energy I put into my carpentry and youve shown me so much in such a short time that it scares me that I have this intensity toward you. Im used to conflict and drama, but youve given me some calm. I know I shouldnt be here, but God Bette Ive got it bad for you. She confessed.

Again, Bette said nothing. She was afraid to. Her feelings mirrored Candaces and there was no denying it, but did she really want to act on impulse and lust again? Everything seemed blissful and exciting now; however, she realized walking away was not as easy as it seemed. The grass was looking really green right now and Candace was still looking really good to her; and in spite of her anger, she found herself wanting to yield to natures primal calling. She fought herself and refused to give in. She thought about Tina.

Bette?

Bette jumped.

Yes?

What are you thinking? What are you feeling? I need to know Bette I really do. God knows I know its hard, but I just cant walk away without an answer. I know you love Tina and I know youre afraid, but I have to know if I should hold on or walk away. Im not some ***** whos only thinking about herself and her needs. I really do care what happens to Tina, but I dont have intimate feelings for her. I have them for you.

Damn you Candace. Damn you! Came Bettes exasperated reply. I dont know if I want to slap you or kiss you. Im so ***** confused. One minute Im weighing all the pros and cons of where I stand with you and Tina and Im swaying toward her because my heart tells me thats where I want to be. Now here you are with your revelations and now Im a mlange of lust and desire. What the ***** is it with you? What have you done to me?

Nothing. Ive done nothing.

Thats not true and you know it. Youve played on my weaknesses. You preyed on me. I feel set up.

Candace gave Bette an incredulous look.

You cant be ***** serious. I know youre not ***** serious. There is no way in ***** you expect me to believe that. Stop playing the victim Bette. Youre stronger than that.

It was true. She was playing the victim. She didnt know what else to do. She knew she was in turmoil between the two of them. She loved Tina and she wanted her in her life and wasnt willing to throw her life and relationship away over an affair. If she and Tina had problems, they needed to work them out. She needed to reach out to Tina so they could make things right together. If they needed time apart, it had to be done fairly. They were both to blame for their problems and she wanted to play her part in the healing as she did in the hurting. She knew Tina could use some improvement, but continuing to cheat wasnt going to help the situation. She had to fight her temptation toward Candace.

Okay, fine! I know Im not a victim, but I feel victimized right now. I feel that youre playing on my confusion and weakness. You came back for your own altruistic reasons. You came back to tease and torment me, and to even make me reconsider my life. I feel like youre the snake in my once Garden of Eden.

Oh stop it Bette! Just ***** stop it. You sound like a whining five year old who acted out of natural desire and curiosity and because you got caught youre back peddling to get out of it. Grow up! Get rid of the superwoman cape youve been wearing and release the woman you know youre hiding. Stop trying to save the world, your friends, Tina, and any other cause youve chosen to take on. Yolanda was right about you. She

She what? That woman knows nothing about me. She sat in judgment of everyone in that room being as scornful and demeaning as she could get away with. If she knew so damn much, she wouldnt have ***** been there now would she? And what ***** right do you and she have discussing me anyway?

Candace smirked. She had finally gotten Bette to open up. She wanted to see the real Bette, not just the passionate side she hid under her conservative suits and corporate exterior. Candace wanted to see if her own desire was purely physical or if she was more mentally in tune with her. She was and she liked it.

Its obvious that Yolanda and I are still friends considering you saw us together at the club. So dont get all self-righteous now. And for the record, we werent discussing you. Shed previously mentioned you both. Not specifically by name, but by the depth of your relationship and how you both relate to and with each other. She actually gave you both some compliments, but from my own interaction with you, I can see there is room for improvement on both your parts.

You *****! Bette screamed. How dare you stand here and talk about us with such indignity meanwhile youve had no trouble ***** me?

I dare because you let me. I dare because you know you acted on your own accord and didnt need much prompting from me. Im sorry if youre pissed right now, but the truth needs to be said and you need to hear it.

Bette had had enough and wanted to Candace out. She couldnt take anymore and just wanted some peace. She needed to try to regroup again and finally make some sense of her life. She took a deep breath and forced stillness to run through her.

Candace, Im sorry. She sighed. I didnt mean to call you a *****. It was rude and unfair. Im just really going through it and you being here isnt helping me. I need some time to get myself together so I dont do anything rash one way or another. Understand?

Yes. Im sorry too. I shouldnt have provoked you. I just wanted you to be honest with yourself for once and stop hiding your emotions. I know the real you, the vibrant, and genuine you trying to get out. Dont shut yourself back in and fall back into a rut. Open yourself to growth and change.

Bette softened and let down her guard. She knew Candace was right; she was just not ready to deal with it all at once. She smiled softly.

Well, I guess you better get going. Youve given me too much to think about and Im probably gonna need the rest of the day to get through it.

Youre right. Ill go.

An uneasy feeling emerged between them. A deafening silence and dense fog engulfed the room and they found themselves locked into an unbreakable eye lock. Candace stepped forward and Bette stepped back. Sweat beads seeped through her pores and she felt her temperature rising. Her loins ached and the throbbing pulsed through her like electricity. She squeezed her thighs together forcing herself to deny the internal dam threatening to break within her walls. She swallowed hard feeling the knot lodge itself in her throat. Candace refused to break her stare and visually seduced Bette to yield to her. She raised her hand to her face and traced it without laying a hand on her flesh. Bette shuddered. Her chest heaved as she struggled to breathe and strained sighs slipped through her lips as she tried to step away from Candaces formidable presence. Candace stepped even closer to Bette barely grazing her body against hers and she spontaneously combusted. Her volcanous ***** erupted into loud moans as her face fell against Bettes shoulder and into her ears. Bette felt her body release within seconds of Candace. She wrapped her arms around her and held her close. She was in total awe of the experience and her knees gave way beneath her. Candace struggled to catch her, but it was too late and she fell too. They sat silently side by side on the floor.

It took a few minutes before either spoke. The shock of it all was too intense. Candace finally broke their silence.

Oh, my God! What the ***** just happened? Candace asked in genuine bewilderment. That has never happened to me. Not even the day in the jail was this intense. You are an incredibly powerful woman. Im willing to fight for you Bette. Im willing to fight.

With that said, Candace forced herself to her feet and moved toward the door. She couldnt take being near Bette any longer. Her carnal need for Bette was too intense and she refused to succumb to it. She couldnt ride the emotional and physical rollercoaster being with Bette would cause and she knew Bette was in no condition either. She had only one regret and that was leaving her to fight a battle she was a participant in without her. She couldnt face Tina, it wasnt her place, but she was willing to fight silently against her. She knew the battle might be a grave one, yet she was willing to take the risk. She stood to lose Bette in the process and she was on unstable ground; however, she refused to deny herself a chance.

Bette tried to stand, but her body was still weak. She had temporarily lost all control of her faculties and felt helpless. There was nothing logical she could even draw from to make her understand her conflict. All she could do was stare at Candace who looked like a giant to her. She crawled toward the door and motioned for Candace to pull her up. She reached for her hand and slowly stood.

Damn you! She whispered. Damn you and what youve done to me, but I cant Candace. I just cant. I need time. I just need time. Now go. Leave me alone and let me get through this somehow. Bette pleaded.

Candace looked at Bette sadly. She was crushed, but not broken.

Okay. Whatever you want.