Bette where are we going?

When Bette didnt answer Tina looked at her trying to figure out what Bette was up to. When Tina woke up that morning she thought Bette would still be angry about what happened last night and she was prepared to try and explain to Bette again why they were doing this, but she was surprised to find the house completely empty. Bette had gotten up bright and early and after talking to Kit and getting some good advice about not overreacting and trying to see Tinas point of view, Bette went to the CAC and found the number for Gary Marshall, the attorney who handles all of their legal proceedings, and asked if he knew any attorneys who specialized in family law. He gave her a couple of names and after doing some internet research on them she called and made an appointment for her and Tina to go over the will that Tina was drafting. Bette then went home and dragged Tina out of the house without saying a word.

They were almost at their destination and Tina was getting irritated at the fact that Bette still hadnt told her where they were going. Bette pulled up to the law office off of Santa Monica Blvd. in Westwood and Tina looked around confused. Bette turned to her and finally let her know what was going on. Bette reached for Tinas hand before speaking and when she did her voice was soft and low.

Where are we Bette?

We are at the office of Jason Winters, esq.

WHAT?

Look T, Im sorry I freaked yesterday okay? It just took my by surprise thats all. But I thought a lot about what you said yesterday and after talking to Kit this morning I decided that I dont have to like it but I might as well make sure its done properly.

Tina looked at Bette as if she were trying to decide if she were telling the truth or not. Sure Bette may have changed over the past year, but Tina didnt believe that Bette could be so levelheaded and controlled when it came to her. Tina looked around again before turning her attention back to Bette.

I dont get it. What did Kit have to say that made you change your mind about me writing this will?

She didnt have to change my mindbut she did have a lot to say. She told me I overreacted, as usual, and that I should try to see it from your point of view. Baby I know that youre just trying to cover all your bases but

Bette let her voice trail off as she tried to think of how to put her emotions into words. The thought of Tina being gone from her forever was a little too much for her to comprehend and then to top it off she was still scared that if it did happen that she wouldnt be a good mother to the baby. Tina looked at Bette patiently and just waited for her to continue.

TI had to live without you once and I barely got through thatI dont think I could do it forever. But what makes it even worse is that I dont know if I could do that AND raise our child. Im sorry if this seems selfish but just cant do it alone.

Tina gave Bette a small smile and leaned over to kiss her softly on the lips. Bette thought she was going to cry, but Tina just looked at her lovingly for a second before responding.

Its not selfish Bette, and I wouldnt be able to do this alone eitherbut this is just really a back up plan in case something does happen.

I knowI dont like itbut I know.

Thats enough for me babe.

They got out of Bettes car and walked hand in hand into the building. They went up to the second floor and walked into the office. There was no one in the reception area and Bette explained to Tina as they sat down.

This office isnt usually open on Sunday, but when I called to leave a message about getting an appointment he picked up the phone and said he could do it today. I guess Gary called him and asked for a favor.

Oh.

Jason walked in at that moment and found them sitting in the waiting area. Bette looked at him and thought he was a little young to be a lawyer, but apparently he had an excellent reputation so Bette kept her opinions to herself. On the other hand Tina smiled warmly at him and Bette raised an eyebrow when she saw the slight flush in Tinas cheeks. He introduced himself to Bette and Tina and Bette thanked him for meeting them on such short notice. He said it wasnt a problem and ushered them back to his office. Once they reached his large corner office, Jason offered them a seat before getting them coffee and tea. Bette took this opportunity to look at the various plaques hanging on the walls and she was very impressed. Jason was thirty-five years old and a very handsome, second generation partner at this firm. He graduated from Yale law and Bette was impressed with the fact that he was top of his class. He returned with the drinks and after getting settled at his desk, he asked to see the copy of Tinas will Bette had brought with her. He looked it over quickly and made some notes on a legal pad before finally looking up at them with a smile on his face.

Well this looks great. There are just a few things we need to discuss, but other than that I think this will do fine.

Like what?

Well, for starters are you two married?

Yes.

Legally?

What? Oh…um…well we were married five years ago

Do you have a marriage license?

No. But since California passed that law cant we get one now?

Well that law has actually been appealed and wont go back to litigation until the end of the year. But its okayI was just asking more for technical reasons than anything else.

Ohwait what?

Bette was confused as to what he was talking about and Tina kept looking at Bette like she expected her to start ripping Jasons head off. Bette was already not liking the fact that they were even sitting in his office having this conversation so the fact that she was a little unclear about what he was talking about was pissing her off. Jason sensed that she was tense about doing this so he tried to explain it as best he could.

Its in the wording. This will is a legal document that can be upheld in the court of law. If there are any discrepancies on anything, it could actually be used against you. I just dont want to see anything bad happen because of a technicality.

Im sorry JasonMr. Wintersbut Im a little unclear as to what you are talking about.

Tina references you as her spouse. Now legally, she doesnt have one due to the fact that the state of California still refuses to recognize same ***** marriages, and if someone were to really ***** with you they could point this out and all her assets and collateral are turned over to the courts to distribute. I just suggest that you change the wording a little and instead of naming you her surviving spouse, she should just name you the sole beneficiary.

Ohokay.

This went on for another two hours as Jason explained every aspect of Tinas will to Bette and made minor adjustments here and there. Tina listened as he went over the legal proceedings once she did die and how this would go into effect, and as he was talking Bette grew more and more nervous. Shitmaybe this was a mistake, she thought as she shifted slightly in her seat. Jason explained technical terms that Bette never heard before and when it was all over Bette and Tina were exhausted, but it was done. Tina signed the will and Jason legalized it before turning it back over to Tina. He looked at Bette for a second and started to say something but she cut him off.

No I dont think Ill be doing this anytime soon. But when I do Ill give you a call.

He smiled at her and nodded and Tina laughed as they stood up to leave. They left the office and drove back home in silence and Tina was worried that Bette was still a little angry about having to do this. She knew Bette had only done it because it was what she wanted but she didnt want Bette to feel like she made this decision for selfish reasons. They got home and Bette walked straight back to the bedroom to change. It had been a long and emotionally draining day and Bette just wanted to relax and not think about Tina dying or being a single parent for five minutes. Tina went into the kitchen to cook dinner and when it was ready she went to the bedroom to get Bette but she found her fast asleep in bed. Tina was going to wake her up but she felt bad for putting Bette through this emotional ride so she went back out and ate quickly before showering and crawling in bed beside Bette. Tina gently maneuvered herself so that Bettes arm was around her and she closed her eyes as she listened to Bette breathing. Tina knew Bette was awake but she wasnt going to be the one to push this time. Bette had to deal with this on her own terms and Tina knew when Bette was ready she would talk about it. Tina closed her eyes to sleep but after a few minutes she felt Bette lightly bury her nose in her hair and Tina knew that was Bettes way of saying she was ready to talk.

Tina?

Yeah?

What made you decide to write the will in the first place?

Actually Lauren told me it would be a good idea. She did it when she was pregnant with Jamie.

Ohwhat did Andrew say about it?

Nothingshe didnt tell him. I dont even know if she named him as Jamies legal guardian.

Really?

Yeah.

Oh

Bette let her mind drift a little as she tried to picture what it would be like if something were to happen to Tina. Bette imagined Liz looking a lot like Tina and Bette tried to picture what their life would be like. She thought about taking to her to the first day of school then waiting for time to pass so that she could pick her up and hear all about it, she pictured endless nights of making sure she was home on time to cook dinner for them and help Liz with her homework before tucking her into bed. She imagined watching Liz run around and play with her friends and worry when she would fall and scrape her knee and she imagined the feeling of being able to kiss it all better and send her on her way again. Bette thought about how she would teach Liz about lifes lessons and how to handle whatever comes her way, she thought about teaching Liz about boys, or girls, and telling her that without love, you dont have anything. Bette could see herself at Lizs high school graduation and she could feel the pride she would have for her, knowing she had accomplished so much. Bette thought about Liz going to college and meeting all kinds of new people and the stories she would tell her when she visited home. Bette felt tears forming as she thought about Lizs wedding day and how beautiful she would look in a wedding dress and Bette felt those tears fall as she pictured seeing so much of Tina looking back at her as she gave her daughter away. Bette could imagine all these things but in each case, she could only imagine it with Tina by her side. Bette couldnt fathom doing this all on her own and while she would never abandon her family, Bette was scared to death that she might be put in this situation.

Tina felt Bettes tears on her shoulder and she turned over so that she was on her stomach looking up at Bette. Tina gently wiped away the tears and kissed Bettes cheek before whispering to her.

Babe whats going on? Why the tears?

Tina I can see our babys futureI can see Lizs futurebut the only way I see it is with you in it. Im just afraid that with all this planning and what not, that it actually might happen and I would give anything for it not to. I love you and I dont want to live without you.

I love you too babeand its not. Im fine and the baby is fine. Were fine and we are going to raise our daughter together and grow old as we watch her become a woman. You and me Betteuswe are a familyand thats how it will always be.

Bette kissed the top of Tinas head and Tina smiled at this. She knew that Bette had fears but so did she. It was a natural thing to fear mortality and Tina knew that the thing that scared Bette most about all this was the fact that it would be something she had no control over. Even superwomen like Bette have their fears and Tina was glad that Bette was able to share hers. Bette and Tina fell asleep quickly and Bette finally didnt have any fears in her head. At least none that she hadnt shared with Tina and Bette knew that by just doing that, that she would be okay. Bette had a dream about Liz that night and in the dream Bette and Tina were old and Liz was bringing home her own baby. Bette woke up smiling and she knew that what Tina had said was truethey were going to have a family and raise their daughter and if Bette got her way, they would do it forever.