Seated behind her desk, a mountain of paper work awaiting her attention, Tina stared at the clock. The day seemed as if it were creeping by, and she was not looking forward to tackling the work that sat on her desk. Her thoughts kept drifting to Bette, and she was wondering how her day was shaping up. Ever since their talk earlier in the week, Tina couldnt help but be concerned for her wife and the pressure she was under to pull off yet another successful opening for the CAC. In truth, Bettes stress and bad dreams had begun to stir whatever leftover fear and doubt Tina still harbored. Tina decided that she should give Bette a call to check on her,
Bette Porters office
Hi James, is Bette busy?
Oh hi Tina. Bettes a mess over here trying to get everything done.
So I take it that shes not in the greatest of moods?
No, but thankfully you called. Shes always in a good mood when you call. Ill put you right through.

Bette, line 1.
James, I said I didnt want to take any ***** calls today. I have to finish this if I plan to get home sometime this century.
But Bette, its Tina.
Well why didnt you say so. Put her through.

Hi T!
Hi babe. Things not going so good over there huh?
Well, no. Im having one of the worst days, over here. Nothing seems to be going right. (sighing)
Sorry baby. Anything I can do to help?
No, but just hearing your voice is helping. I can just feel the day getting brighter already.
Awww, Bette, thats sweet.
So how is your day going?
Not too good either. I have tons of paperwork to do and a bunch of new clients I need to meet.
Anything I can do to help?
You can tell me you love me
Mmmmm, I love you baby.
See now that just made my day better. I love you too Bette.
Babe, I think Im gonna have to work late again tonight. Maybe you should call up Alice, Dana and Shane and go to dinner or something. You know they have been complaining that they havent gotten to see us in a while.
Yeah, weve both been a little busy lately havent we? Maybe youre right, Ill give them a call to check in and let them know that we havent fallen off the face of the earth (giggling)
Well I better get back to work and you as well. So Ill see you later at home then?
Yeah, Ill see you later. Dont work too hard babe.
Ill try not too. I miss you T. I love you.
Miss you too babe, and love you more.

Sighing, Tina falls back in her chair. Ever since Bette had opened up to her about being reminded of that terrible incident by the stress, Tina hadnt been able to get it out of her thoughts. It was as if it had also stirred some uneasiness in Tina, but she was trying to chalk it up to her own stress. Thinking out loud to herself, Great. Bettes going to have another late night at the office. Shes been working so hard for this opening, maybe I should stop by later tonight and surprise her. I do owe her one for that surprise she pulled last week. Yeah, Ill surprise her! The gang can waitwe could probably all go out for dinner tomorrow night. They havent seen us in so long that I dont think one more night will hurt. Tina chuckled to herself and started planning her surprise evening for Bette. She knew that it couldnt be as elaborate, or as passion filled as Bettes surprise, since it was going to be at Bettes office, but Bettes been so stressed out that any surprise will be a welcomed distraction. Besides, any time spent alone with Bette was worth it, even if it had to be at the office. The time seemed to creep by, and Tina started to feel anxious. She wanted the day to end so she could gather up the things that she needed that night to surprise Bette.
The day finally came to an end, and Tina left the office in a hurry. On her way out she called Bette again, just to re-confirm the fact that she would be working late, and to also tell her not to work so hard. She swung by the deli and the florist to pick up sandwiches, fruits some drinks and some flowers before heading home. Once home Tina quickly showered, changed and packed up everything that she would need that night, Ok, lets see.Blanket, check. Food and drink, check. Candles, check. Flowers, check. Drop dead gorgeous outfit, check. (laughing to herself). Well seems I got everything I need, guess I better get going. With that, Tina was out the door again, headed to the CAC.
Tina reached the CAC just before 8:00pm. She had called James earlier to tell him that she would be stopping by to surprise Bette, and he had agreed to leave the service entrance unlocked for her. Tina parked the car and made her way into the CAC. She navigated the darkened halls and made her way to Bettes office. The door to Bettes office was opened and Tina was just about to make her way in, but stopped in her tracks. Through the open door, Tina saw Bette talking to another woman. Tina stood there, watching, an over whelming fear growing in the pit of her stomach. She watched as Bette reached out and held the other womans hand, tears welling up in her eyes as she did so. Bette seemed to be saying something to the woman, but it was too soft for Tina to hear. Tinas thoughts were racing now, as she closed her eyesThis cant be happening, it cant be. Not again.
Tina opened her eyes to see Bette hugging the woman and holding her tight. Tina could take it no longer. She dropped everything that she was holding in her hands and ran toward the door, the tears were streaming down her face making it hard to see. She kept running toward the car, she just wanted to get out of there.
Upon hearing the sound of something dropping, Bette gets up to look around. She sees the bags of food and fresh flowers lying in the middle of the hall. Picking up the items, her heart starts to race.she knew it mustve been Tina that was there after hours and the flowers only strengthened that feeling. Her thoughts began to racewas everything okay? What the ***** was going on? She began to worry and quickly headed back into her office.

Hey Steph, sorry about that.
Is everything alright Bette?
Im not too sure. But look lets get back to your problem first. I understand that family is very important and that they come first.
But I know that its such short notice, thats why I came back here to tell you. I mean its not as if anyone could have predicted that car accident. (sobbing)
Thank you for telling me. Look, heres what I want you to do. You mom needs you right now and I dont want you worrying about work. You go and be with her, I want you there when she wakes up, you hear me?
Yes, and thank you Bette for being so understanding.
Ok, now go on and get outta here, I want you on the first flight to Virginia, you hear.
Yeah, and thank you again.
And Steph?
Yeah.
I hope that everything goes well for your mom and your family. Please keep me posted and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Thanksbye.
Bye

Stephanie walks out of the office and Bette is left sitting in her office. Her mind still racing since she walked out and found everything in the middle of the floor. She begins talking out loud to herself,
*****, what the ***** is going on? What was Tina doing here and why did she just leave? Damn it, everything better be okay!
A now worried Bette, picks up the phone and frantically calls Tinas cell.
Damn voice mail! Where the ***** is she and why isnt she picking up?
She decides to call Alice,
Hello.
Hey Al, have you heard from Tina?
Porter what the ***** did you do now?! Tina called me crying and hysterical something about you and another woman. I swear Bette, if youre fooling around again Im gonna kick your *****. Wasnt it enough that you broke Tinas heart once?! You better tell me that its not true Bette or I swear
Bette cuts her off,
What Al? God no, I would never! I lost her once do you really think I would be that stupid and do it again? Shes the love of my life! *****, she mustve seen me here with Steph and.Oh never mind just tell me what she said or better yet tell me where she is. I need to talk to her!
I dont know where she went. All I know is that she was very upset and said she need to be alone.
Damn it! Alright I have to go Al. I have to find her.
Porter, you better straighten this ***** out. I dont want another repeat from 2 years ago.
Yeah Al I knowlook if she calls you try and find out where she is and call me. Im gonna go look for her now.
With that Bette hangs up and rushes out the door, tears starting to stream down her face.
God T, where are you? Please be okay.

TBC