Tina awoke to find Bette gazing lovingly at her. Bette had been awake for a while. She had taken a shower, done her hair and was now just watching Tina sleep. She hadnt felt this happy and content for a very long timesince before her affair with Candace, and Tinas miscarriage. Last night, and well into the morning they had come together as one again. She knew if they communicated and were honest with one another that this time it would last. She had changed and so had Tina. Their relationship was truly a partnership this time. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses and they had found away to capitalize on both, and support one another. Today was her first trip back to West Hollywood in 15 months. She had not been back since the day Kit found her, after she had tried to kill herself. A wave of memories flooded through her mind. Most of her time there had been full of joy. She had a career, a circle of friends, and her life partner. She had destroyed it all with one selfish act. Now it was time to go back and face her past. Try to rebuild the relationships with the friends that she had turned her back on. She thought she had done so for all the right reasons but she wasnt sure they would see it that way. One thing she was certain of: Tina would stand by her and be supportive. With Tina by her side she could face anything.
Bette: Good morning sleepyhead. I know we didnt get much sleep but we really need to get going. I love you T, more today then ever before and I know tomorrow I will love you more than today. God youre so beautiful.
Bette leaned in gave Tina a passionate good morning kiss.
Tina: I love you too baby. I forgot how much I loved making love to you. You complete me Bette. I knew that once and let my anger and hurt get in the way. Ill never let you go again Bette, not without a fight. I love you.
The two women embraced and stayed that way until Tina decided they really did have to go.
Tina: Okay, Ill shower. Can you put some breakfast together that we can take with us?
Bette: I think Id rather join you in the shower
Tina: Nice try Porter. Aint gonna happen. Get your butt downstairs and do as I said.
Bette: I love it when you take charge. Okay, Ill get breakfast. Hurry up, were late.
They were on the road in less than a half hour. Bette was driving and Tina was studying her face. She looked nervous.
Tina: Are you okay baby? Are you nervous about seeing the gang again?
Bette: It is something I want to do, but youre right, Im very nervous. I walked out of their lives T, with no explanation and havent contacted them in over a year and a half. Id say they have every right to be pissed.
Tina: Do you want me to talk with them first?
Bette: No, I made this mess; I need to clean it up. Im just going to be honest with them and tell them the truth. I dont want their pity, but they need to understand what happened and why I left. If they know the truth then maybe they will find it in their hearts to forgive me.
Tina: I forgave you.
Bette: Tina, you are the most caring, loving person I know. Just because you forgave me doesnt mean they will. Im most worried about Alice. We were best friends and I just left. If I was her I would be pissed beyond belief. Im not certain I would forgive me.
Tina: I think you have to remember that they were more than your friends. They were our family. Theyll get past it. It just might take some time. Ill be there to help.
Bette: I know you will and thats whats going to get me through this.
They spent the rest of the drive talking about the gallery opening and how much work was left to finish on that front. They were meeting with the gallery owner and Peggy later on that day, before they headed back to Bettes.
Bette: Well, hear we are T. It looks like the gang is waiting for you inside. I should be back in about 45 minutes. Not a word to them okay?
Tina: You got it. Hang in there baby. Ill see you in a few.
Tina exited the car and walked into the planet. The gang was sitting at their usual table and Tina walked over, taking a seat next to Dana.
Tina: Hey guys.
Alice: Hey you. Who was that that dropped you off? Who do you know that rides around in a truck?
Tina: That was my girlfriend Alice. She is an artist and uses the truck to cart her supplies and paintings around.
Dana: Girlfriend? Did I miss something again?
Shane: Tina, youve been holding out on us. Give it up.
Alice: I cant believe this. Did you say girlfriend. I knew thats why youve been disappearing every weekend. You have been so mysterious and you have that glow.
Dana: I am happy for you. Is it serious? Are you gonna finally stop trying to beat Shane at her own game?
Shane: Hey, settle down now. To each her own. I dont pass judgment on your relationships.or lack there of.
Dana: You are such a ***** sometimes!
Alice: Ladies, lets not lose site of whats going on here. Tina has finally decided to move on and get serious. We need to celebrate. First I want details. Who is she, where does she live, is she good in bed
Tina: Alice!
Alice: Well, we want to know everything.
Tina: Youre going to meet her in a few minutes. She just went to get some art supplies and then she is coming back to meet all of you. Promise me, cross your hearts that you will be on your best behavior? Dont be quick to judge her, okay?
Shane: Judge her? Is there something wrong with her?
Tina: No, for goodness sake. Just promise me you will all give her a chance.
Shane, Dana and Alice in unison: We promise!
About 30 minutes later the truck pulled up again, across the street from the planet. The girls turned there attention toward the truck to watch as Tinas new girlfriend got out of the car. She was a tall brunette with long, very curly hair, left wild to blow in the wind. She had on painters overalls that had patches of paint all over them, a white tank top, and she had on rose colored sun glasses. The woman walked slowly towards the planet, with a masculine yet ***** stride, taking in the sites as if she was looking for changes in a place she had been to once before.
Shane: She is hot. Way to go Tina.
Tina smiled and jumped up to go meet Bette at the door.
Dana: She seems familiar, she reminds me of Bette.
Alice: Does she look pregnant to you? She looks pregnant to me.
Shane: Now that you mention it. It is hard to tell with the overalls.
Dana: Guys, I think it is Bette!
Alice: You are out of your mind.oh *****, what the *****. It cant be. She looks so different, I didnt even recognize her. Bette in overalls? Are we in the twilight zone?
This must be Tinas idea of a sick joke.
Shane: Sick yes, joke no. Look at the two of them.
Tina had reached Bette as Bette had stepped inside the door. She had put her hands on Bettes hips and leaned in the give her a kiss hello.
Tina: Hi. Ready to face your fans?
Bette: Fans? Yeah, Shane thinks youre hot. I dont think they realized it is you.
Bette: How could they not.
Tina: Duh, Bette Porter driving a truck and wearing dirty overalls? Your hair all wild and crazy. Give me a break. I dont think your own father would recognize you.
Bette: Dont get me started on him. Okay T, lets go.
Bette and Tina walked over to the table, hand in hand. When they arrived Bette took off her sunglasses and put them on top of her head, pushing her hair back off her face in the process.
Bette: Hey guys.