Bette sat there for a few minutes gathering her thoughts before she continued.

Tina Bette said her voice tinged with sadness. I dont want to hurt you, but I cant let you to think that we had some kind of fairy tale life together. Most of our time together has been wonderful but weve had some rough times too. Ive done some things that I am not proud of. In fact

I am not expecting perfection from you Tina interrupted. If you remember, when you told me about us, you told me then that our relationship wasnt perfect.

But T Bette said softly. You dont know what I have done.

Your right, I dont know about our past but I know what youve done for me since the accident. Tina said. Youve done nothing but make me feel comfortable, secure and loved. I dont know if you realize it or not, but the only thing I remembered when I woke up was your voice telling me that you loved me. Bette, I dont think you fully understand what it has been like for me since the accident. How it feels to have no memory, to feel so empty, so alone and to be so scared. When Im with you I dont feel those things.

Oh T Bette said lovingly as she pulled Tina in to her arms and held her tight. I dont ever want you to feel those things again. I love you and I dont ever want to see you hurting.

Bette knew the moment had passed when she should have told Tina the truth. After hearing Tinas words she couldnt do it. She couldnt deliberately break her heart all over again.

The afternoon was spent getting ready for the dinner party. Bette and Tina left Julie putting the finishing touches on the dinner table while they went to pick up the food.
They had just arrived back home and were setting the food on the table when their first dinner guests arrived.

T Bette said. Do you want to answer the door with me so I can make introductions?

I guess so Tina said as she looked up at Bette with doubt in her eyes.

Its going to be okay Bette said as she took Tinas hand in hers and led her to the door.

Bette opened the door and there stood Alice, Dana and Shane. Bette looked in to Tinas eyes to see if she recognized any of the three people standing in front of her. Seeing none she took control of the situation.

T Bette said. These are our closest friends, Alice, Dana and Shane.

Tina stood there unsure of what to say or do but that didnt last long because Alice came up and hugged her.

Tina Alice said. Im Alice. Im glad to see you looking so good.

When Alice pulled away she motioned at Dana and Shane to do the same thing.

Hi Tina Dana said. Im Dana and I am glad your home.

Hey Tina Shane said. Im Shane.

I am glad to meet all of you Tina said. Im sorry but I dont remember anything about you.

Thats okay Alice said. Bette filled us in. We just wanted to come and see how you were doing.

They had just started towards the back of the house when Kit walked in the front door.

Hey Kit Bette said. Tina, this is my sister Kit.

Hi Tina Kit said as she walked up and embraced her. How are you?

Im doing okay Tina said softly as she pulled away from Kit and walked towards Bette.

Are you really okay? Bette said softly so that only Tina could hear.

Tinas only answer was to take Bettes hand in hers and squeeze it hard.

I know this is hard for you Tina, but I am right here for you. Bette said. T, they really are good friends and they love you too.

Just stick close Tina said.

Okay baby Bette said as she and Tina made it out to the patio area where dinner was set up and the others were waiting.

Bette made all the introductions and reintroductions since Alice, Dana and Shane had already met Julie and they sat down to enjoy their dinner. Conversation was light throughout dinner because everyone was being cautious about what they were saying in front of Tina. After everyone finished dinner they all cleaned up the mess and went out to sit by the pool with the exception of Tina who excused her self to go to the bathroom. While Tina was gone, Bette asked them if they would each take Tina aside and tell her a little about themselves to make it a little easier on her. After Tina returned they each did as Bette had asked them too and as the evening went on everyone seemed to be more at ease especially Tina. Bette was happy to see Tina relaxing among their friends and family.

Would anyone like something to drink? Bette asked. We have wine, sodas, ice tea or I can make some margaritas.

After finding out what everyone wanted Bette headed to the kitchen to make the margaritas and to fix everyones drinks.

Hey Alice said walking in to the kitchen. I thought you might need some help carrying the drinks out.

Thanks Bette said. Is Tina doing okay out there?

Yes Alice said. She was quiet at first but she seems to be getting used to us. I cant imagine how tough it must be on her to not remember anything.

It has been tough on her Bette said. Ive been telling her parts of our history together because she says it makes it easier on her to at least have parts of her life in her head. I wish I could take the pain away.

I know you do Alice said. She seems to be comfortable here with you.

Yes she is Bette said. I have been trying to make things easy for her.

What about you? Alice asked. How are you holding up with making things easy for her and dealing with the things that happened?

Honestly it is harder than I thought it would be Bette said. You know I want Tina here with me and I love taking care of her but its hard to look in to her eyes and know what I have done to our relationship.

Have you seen the therapist yet? Alice asked.

Yes Bette replied. Ive seen her once and it was tough facing up to some of the answers I gave to her questions.

So do you feel any closer to an answer as to why you cheated on Tina with Candace? Alice asked.

In some ways yes, but I still have a long way to go Bette said. Since Tina has been home Ive realized some things that werent right between us. We had quit really talking to each other and taking time to enjoy each others company. I took it all for granted and I think I quit seeing the person I fell in love with and she was there the whole time underneath everything we let get in the way. Its sad to say this, but everything that has happened has made me realize even more how much I love her.

Bette it sounds like you are doing everything in your power to try and make things right between the two of you. Alice said.

Im trying Bette said. Lets get these drinks out there before they think we got lost.

Unbeknownst to Bette or Alice, Tina walked up and heard the very tail end of their conversation before she walked in to the kitchen.

Tina Bette said as she looked over at Alice. I didnt hear you come in.

I was coming in to ask for some aspirin. Tina said.

Whats wrong baby? Bette asked.

I have a headache Tina said. I think maybe I over did it today.

Alice, would you mind taking the drinks out while I get Tina some aspirin? Bette asked.

No problem Alice replied as she took the drinks from Bette and walked out to the patio.

Bette got Tina a glass of water from the kitchen before she walked with her to the hallway closet to get a bottle of aspirin.

You want one or two? Bette asked.

Two please Tina replied. Bette, do you think it would be too rude if I go and lay down rather than returning to the dinner party? My head is really pounding.

Go lay down baby Bette said as she gently kissed Tina on the forehead. I will explain to everyone that you arent feeling well.

Bette went and explained to everyone that Tina wasnt feeling well and was going to turn in for the night. Bette told them they were welcome to stay for as long as they liked but they declined saying they really should be on their way and they hoped that Tina would feel better tomorrow. Bette and Julie straightened up the remaining mess from the party and then Julie went to bed and Bette went to check on Tina. Tina was lying on the bed in Bettes room in the dark.

T, are you okay? Bette asked.

Yes Tina said softly. I just need to sleep and let the aspirins work

Lets get you ready for bed and then you can sleep Bette said.

I dont want to get ready for bed Tina said. I dont want to get up.

Okay lift up and Ill help you out of your jeans. Bette said.

You wait until I have a blinding headache and now you want me out of my jeans Tina mumbled.

So youll be more comfortable when you sleep T Bette said.

Bette helped Tina out of her jeans and got her under the covers and soon Tina was fast asleep. Bette left the bedroom and got in to her pajamas and returned to the bedroom and crawled in to bed with Tina.

Goodnight T Bette said as she gently kissed Tina on the cheek. I love you and hope you feel better in the morning.

Bette snuggled down under the covers and soon was fast asleep. At around 6:00 a.m. she was woken up by the feel of Tinas mouth on hers. Tina was kissing her gently but the moment that Tina knew Bette was at least partially awake she started to kiss her passionately. Bette responded to Tinas kiss by reaching out to pull her in to her arms and Bette was surprised to find that some time in the night Tina had shed her clothes and she was lying naked in her arms. Bette tried to pull away from Tinas kiss but Tinas response was to take Bettes face in her hands and hold her there so she could continue to kiss her. Finally Tina had to break the kiss for them to breathe.

T Bette said as she was trying to catch her breathe.

Dont say anything Tina said drawing in a ragged breathe. I dont want to hear no. I want you to make love to me.

T, I told you I cant do this Bette said with anguish.

Why? Tina asked. If you truly love me than what is stopping you?

Its because I love you that I cant do this Bette said.

You can do this Bette Tina said. If you really wanted to you would do this.

God Tina Bette cried. Cant you feel how much I want to be with you but I just cant.

Bette got up and walked out of the bedroom and Tina was lying on the bed with tears in her eyes. Bette came back in to the bedroom and sat on the bed next to Tina.

T Bette said as she reached out and gently rubbed Tinas arm. I dont want to hurt you or me either for that fact, but you have to believe me that there is a good reason why I wont make love to you.

Then tell me the reason why Tina demanded. Tell me the truth.