Bette lay there for a moment wrestling with her conscience before she leaned in to gently kiss Tina. She had intended for the kiss to be gentle and short lived but the moment she felt Tinas lips responding to hers she deepened the kiss. She licked at Tinas lips with her tongue and when Tina opened her mouth slightly she took full advantage and slipped her tongue inside of Tinas mouth. She was reveling in the taste of Tina and the feel of her lying beside her but she knew she had to stop the kiss. She pulled back from Tina and lay back on the bed with her eyes closed fighting to keep her self from kissing Tina again. There was nothing she wanted more at that moment than to kiss Tina and to make love to her. She wanted to let her know that she was the only person in the world she wanted to be with but she knew that would be a selfish act that Tina would never forgive. She was so intent on her own thoughts that she didnt realize that Tina was looking at her and she was surprised when she felt Tinas finger trace the outline of her lips.

Your lips are very soft Tina said. Was it always like that when we kissed?

Like what T? Bette asked.

That one gentle kiss could make me want more Tina said.

For the most part it has been that way for both of us. Bette said. T what we have had together is so special but our relationship wasnt perfect because no ones is. Weve had our ups and downs but the love we share has always been there.

Bette knew that this was an opening where she should tell Tina the truth about the affair. but she felt like it was too soon. She needed for Tina to feel more secure and then she made a promise to herself that she would tell Tina the truth.

If I ask you a question do you promise not to laugh? Tina asked.

What is it T? Bette asked.

Could it be that in some way my heart remembers you but my head cant? Tina asked.

I cant answer that but a part of me selfishly wants to believe it Bette said.

I think it may be true Tina said softly.

T I love you and I want to believe that you remember that you love me too, but I think you need to give yourself time to figure it all out Bette said.

Bette sat up and bent over and gently kissed Tinas lips and got out of bed. She knew that if she didnt put some distance between her and Tina she was going to do something she would regret.

Now what do you say we get up and go see if we can round up something for breakfast and check on Julie Bette said.

Bette and Tina found Julie sitting at the kitchen table. She had already made coffee and was drinking a cup of it.

Good morning Bette said. How are you this morning?

Fine Julie said. I hope you dont mind I made coffee. I was going to try and cook some breakfast but there wasnt much food in your refrigerator.

I was planning on going to the store today to buy groceries. I have been working a lot so I have been eating a lot of take out. Bette said.

Tina, how are you this morning? Julie asked.

Fine, I slept more last night than I have since I got out of the hospital Tina said.

That is good honey Julie said.

I am going to get dressed and go pick up some breakfast Bette said as she started to walk towards the bedroom. Do either of you have any special requests?

Anything is fine Julie said.

Same here Tina said.

Bette dressed and came back in to the kitchen to tell them goodbye and to make sure they hadnt come up with something special they wanted.

Okay Im headed out Bette said.

Bette, would it be okay if I took a shower while you are gone? Tina asked.

T this is your home. You can do what ever you want here Bette said. Julie, that goes for you too.

Bette left after walking over and gently kissing Tina on the lips and promising that she would be back soon. Tina went to take a shower and Julie went outside to check out the pool.

Bette returned with a variety of food and they sat down and enjoyed breakfast. Julie and Bette exchanged small talk but Tina really didnt contribute much to the conversation. Bette hated seeing Tina so animated and withdrawn because that was not Tinas personality. In that moment, she truly wished that Tinas memory would return so that she wouldnt suffer anymore, even if meant that she lost her forever. They cleaned up the mess from breakfast and Bette told them that she needed to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things. She invited Julie and Tina to go along and promised that she would take them for a drive so they could see the local sites. Bette drove them around town to some of the local sites, that she thought Tina might remember but Tina showed no recognition whatsoever, before taking them to the grocery story. They helped Bette do the grocery shopping and soon they were on their way back to the house. Bette had enjoyed their afternoon together and she realized that she really did like Julie because in some ways she was like Tina. When they got back to the house they unloaded the groceries and Bette told Julie and Tina to go and rest why she put them away. Tina insisted that she stay and help her. As they worked together putting the groceries away, with Bette telling Tina where everything went, they talked.

I didnt remember any of the places you took us to today. Tina said sadly.

I know baby Bette said.

Bette went to Tina and pulled her into her arms and held her there comforting her. Tina started to cry softly and Bette pulled back just far enough away from her to wipe the tears from her face. Bette told her that she was there for her, that she loved her and that everything was going to be okay. Bettes voice and words soothed Tina enough that she stopped crying. Tina looked up into Bettes eyes and what she saw there made her breathe catch in her throat. She realized that this beautiful woman standing here holding her, truly did love her. She also knew that she could ask anything of her and if it was within her power she would get it for her. That realization had a calming effective on Tina because she knew that Bette would help her through this.

Are you okay now T? Bette asked

Yes Tina replied. I seem to always feel better when I wind up in your arms or just being close to you. Thank you for loving me.

Tina reached up and started to kiss Bette. She knew she was feeling something for Bette and she suspected that she was falling in love with her. When Tinas lips touched Bettes Bette automatically responded but she let Tina have total control of the kiss. Tinas kiss started out with a gentle exploration of Bettes lips. She realized she loved the feel of Bettes soft lips on hers. She flicked her tongue at Bettes mouth as if to ask for permission to enter. Bette responded by opening her mouth and Tina pushed her tongue past Bettes lips and soon their tongues were entwined and they were devouring each others mouths. The kiss went on for several long minutes before they heard a noise and they broke apart to see Julie standing there.

Oh Im sorry Julie said.

Its okay Bette said as she blushed and pulled away from Tina.

Tina didnt say anything because she was dealing with the emotions and desire she was feeling for Bette. She walked out of the kitchen and towards her room.

I was just going to get something to drink Julie said as she walked over to the refrigerator. Is Tina all right?

She was crying because she didnt remember any of the places we saw today Bette said. I went to comfort her and well one thing led to another.

Bette I dont want to be an interfering mother-in-law, but do you think that was wise? Julie asked.

Julie I am trying to walk a fine line here Bette said. I didnt initiate the kiss. Tina did. Was I supposed to tell her no she cant do that?

This must be really hard on you Julie said. Ive seen the love you have for my daughter, but please be careful with her heart.

Bette walked out of the kitchen and to her room. She lay down on the bed as a teardrop ran down her cheek. She was trying to do the right thing for everybody including herself but did she really know what the right thing to do was anymore. She knew that Tina needed her and needed to be there and Bette needed Tina to be here with her, beyond that she wasnt sure. Bette looked up as Tina entered her room, closed the bedroom door and came to lay on the bed with her.

T Bette said. Im not sure it is a good idea for you to be in here with me.

Why? Tina asked. You dont want me here with you?

Its not that Bette said.

Tina ignored Bettes words and lay down on the bed and moved close to Bette. She was lying on her back and she pulled Bettes arm under her and around her so that she could rest her head on Bettes shoulder.

Bette Tina said. Will you continue your story from last night?

I believe I left off with us having set up our first date. Bette said. We agreed to meet at an Italian restaurant on a Friday night. I wanted to pick you up but you insisted that we meet there.

I think you were afraid that I might turn out to be a freak or something Bette laughed. I was so nervous that afternoon that I couldnt concentrate on work and finally gave up and went home early to get ready. I think I changed outfits 4 or 5 times trying to come up with what I thought was the perfect one.

I got to the restaurant about 30 minutes early and got us a table. They brought breadsticks and I ordered a glass of wine to calm my nerves. I was so looking forward to seeing you again but I didnt want to scare you off. By the time you arrived I think I had eaten about five of those breadsticks and felt like they were stuck in my throat. I looked up and there you were this beautiful blond, who had been haunting my dreams. We ordered dinner and talked while we waited for it to be served. Conversation flowed easily between the two of us. There never was that awkward moment of silence that you sometimes experience where you feel as if you have to fill in with idle conversation.”

Our dinner was served and we ate but Im not sure I tasted what I ate. I was so wrapped up in you that I could have been eating cardboard and not have known it. We sat there and talked for over two hours before I realized it. Our waiter brought our check and we had one awkward moment there about who was paying the bill. You wanted to pay for your share but I insisted because I was the one who asked you out. Finally you agreed to let me pay and we left the restaurant.”

I walked you to your car but I wasnt ready for the evening to end so I asked if you wanted to meet me somewhere so we could talk some more. You politely declined because you had to be to work by 6:00 a.m. the next morning. I was disappointed but I knew that your job required you to put in a lot of hours. I asked if I could take you out again and you said for me to give you a call next week. I desperately wanted to kiss you again so I did. This time there was no tentativeness in your kiss and I got as good as I gave. I kissed you one last time and watched as you drove away. I loved the taste of you and knew I wanted more. I knew I was going to have to tread lightly but I knew I wanted you in my life.

I had a job? Tina asked. What did I do?

You were the head of development for Alphaville studios Bette replied. You were quite successful.

Have I been missing work all of this time since the accident? Tina asked.

No Bette replied. You quit work almost 11 months ago.

Why did I quit? Tina asked. Why did I give up a successful career?

We had talked about having a baby and you wanted to be the one to carry our child Bette said. You decided to give up work to prepare your body for pregnancy.

Bette lay there worrying that Tina would ask further questions about what she had just said. She wasnt sure if she should tell Tina about losing the baby or not.

Oh Tina said. So I wanted to be a mom.

We both wanted that Bette said. T someday you are going to be a great mom.

Bette Tina said. Do you believe that someone can fall deeply in love in a short period of time?

I didnt until I met you Bette said.

Bette Tina said. I think I am falling in love with you.

TBC