Bette was trying to get her act together. She missed Tina like crazy, needed her like the body needs water, but the body survives on other liquids and she realized that after what Tina had witnessed, she would have to survive without Tina. She had made her mind up not to call or send messages, to basically leave Tina alone without the constant reminder of the pain that she had caused her. She had called Alice and told her that it was over, but tried to call every couple of days just to check in. She knew that if Tina had any problems with which she could help, Alice would relay them without having to be asked. Also, hearing about the family was like an antiseptic to her self-inflicted wounds. Bette was thankful that Alice understood that Bette didnt want to hear about Tina because it was just too damn painful. Not that it wasnt painful not to know what Tina was doing or feeling, but Bette knew she had forfeited her rights to the details of Tinas life by so cruelly hurting her.

Knowing she was the last one who should be judging anyone, Bette had also been mending fences with Kitt for the way she had been treating her about Ivan. Kitt had always been there for her, even through this breakup with Tina. Of course Bette hadnt mentioned this latest incident with Tina. It was bad enough that Tina had to be a witness to her infidelity, but to talk about it with anyone would have been the final betrayal, and Bette just couldnt do that. It was Tinas decision if the tale was to be told.

Bette had also rented a small, furnished apartment near the CAC that she would move into in another week. She had known that she had to move out of the house for the sake of her own sanity. She couldnt sell the house, even if she wanted to, without Tinas agreement, but she also couldnt live in it without her. Everywhere she looked, Tina was there. The kitchen had Tina standing there with the happy smile on her face after she had discovered the positive pregnancy test on the dining room table. In the living room, Tina was lying on the couch with lust filled, gorgeous eyes staring at her. The bathroom held images of Tinas naked body. Even the backyard had Tina in it, gardening or sunbathing or even floating in the pool clad in that skimpy little bikini of hers. The only place not filled with happy memories was the bedroom. Not that there hadnt been many a marvelous memory made there, but they were overshadowed by the memory of that final horrible night. So Bette had decided she had to move.

Bette knew she could never do anything that could make this up to Tina. Her mind constantly went back to that horrible afternoon two weeks ago, when she had hammered the final stake into Tinas heart. After Tina had closed the door, Bette had finally been able to move. She had pushed Candace away and then fallen to the carpet in tears.

Why didnt you lock the door? Youve always locked the door! Bette had questioned Candace.

Candace had no idea that anyone had been in the office until she had heard the door close. Tired of being used and then blamed, she snapped back, Because this was just suppose to be a conversation, not a ***** fest! If you were going to turn it into *****, why didnt you lock the door? Who saw us?

Bette got up and put her pants to order, then replied; It doesnt matter. Im sorry. I have not been fair to you. This cant happen again. Youre right, whatever this was is over.

Well! At least we agree on something! Candace had replied and then turned and walked out of the office.

And that had been the end of that. Bette had neither seen nor heard from Candace since. Happily, all the desire and weakness she had felt for her had also disappeared; unfortunately, it was way too little way too late. She had waited until she had totally fucked up her life to get her emotions and reactions in order. Poor pathetic Porter, getting her ***** together in time to somehow get on with her life, but without Tina.