Tina had been looking out the windows at the pool, while she tried to collect her thoughts in order to answer Bettes question.

Bette: Tina, you need to answer my question. Was it just the one time?

Tina turned to face Bette, and looked directly into her eyes.
Tina: No, Bette it wasnt just the one time. But the number of times shouldnt matter. It meant nothing to me, as did all the other women I slept with while we were separated.

Bettes anger finally surfaced.
Bette: BULLSHIT! THIS IS DIFFERENT AND YOU KNOW THAT.(in a whisper) How long did it last?

Tina: 1 month

Bette: Why did it end?

Tears were now running down Tinas face. She hated hurting Bette like this.
Tina: She fell in love with me and I didnt love her.

Bette: Why?

Tina: Why didnt I love her or why did I let it go on for a month?

Bette: Both.

Tina: I let it go on for a month because she reminded me of you and I missed you terribly. She came into my life and took control; something you did as well and I guess I was looking for that.again. She was charming and fun to be with and said there were no strings attached. The minute she professed her love I broke it off.

Bette: So, if she hadnt said she loved you it would have gone on longer?

Tina: Bette, why are you torturing yourself? Cant you just let it go?

Bette: I need to know Tina, and then Ill try to let it go.

Tina: Fine. It wouldnt have gone on much longer. She didnt have a chance from the start. My gold standard is you Bette and no one will ever measure up. Cant you understand that?

Bette: Was your curiosity fulfilled?

Tina: It helped me understand why you were drawn to her. She let you give up control.
Bette: What about the *****?

Tina: It helped me to realize I needed to change if I ever wanted to be with you again. She was the opposite of me, both in and out of bed. You were attracted to her because she took control and was the aggressor both in and out of bed. I had stopped being your partner in our relationship and the constant pressure to have control and protect me overwhelmed you. Whether you like it or night she helped me realize that somewhere along the way I lost myself and became too dependent on you. Were better together now because Im just as strong as you and we are equals.

Bette: You didnt tell me how the ***** was.

Now it was Tinas turn to explode.
Tina: ENOUGH. WHAT THE ***** DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY? IT WAS GREAT; SHE MADE ME ***** HARDER AND LONGER THAN YOU EVER DID? WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME BETTE?

Tina regretted her outburst as soon as it happened. The pain and hurt she saw on Bettes face was too much for her to take. She started sobbing uncontrollably. Bette was by her side in an instant, engulfing her into a tight hug.

Bette: Im sorry. I pushed you too far. I dont know whats wrong with me. I guess Im torturing myself with this because I think its punishment I deserve.

Tina: I love you Bette, with all my heart and soul. Please let go of this. I dont want to talk about it anymore. Please?

Bette: Come on, lets go to bed.

They undressed for bed in silence and Bette turned away from Tina once in bed. Tina got in, and spooned Bette from behind, wrapping her arm around Bettes waist and her ever growing belly. Pulling her as close as she could. Bette reached down and pulled Tinas hand up and laid it upon her heart. They fell asleep, both praying for the same thing; that the foundation of their relationship was strong enough to let go of the past and move forward together into their future.

When Tina awoke the next morning she found a note on Bettes side of the bed.
T,
I needed to clear my head so I asked Kit to drive me to the beach house. Please dont come, Ill be back tonight.
All my love, Bette.

Tina was immediately agitated. What was Bette doing? Running away, putting up walls. She had asked all the questions last night and Tina had been honest, yet in the end Bette had said very little about what she was feeling. Tina was not going to let Bette fall into her old habits so she got dressed and set out to join Bette at the beach house.

At the beach house:
Bette had spent the morning sitting on the patio, staring out onto the ocean. Her mind just kept on replaying last nights events over and over again. She had a knot in her stomach and her heart was heavy. Kit had left her alone but couldnt take it anymore. She went outside to talk to her.

Kit: Listen to me baby sis, you cant let this eat you up inside. You and Tina were apart. Let it go.

Bette: I know Kit, but I just cant.

Kit: You caused that girl a world of hurt. She became a different person Bette. She was looking for something, anything to take the pain away. She explained everything to you last night. Let it go. Dont let it destroy this second chance you have with her.

Bette: I want to do that. Still, now that I know its just ripping me apart.

Kit: Does knowing make you love her less?

Bette: Of course not!

Kit: Then concentrate on that. Bette, is there something else going on here?

Bette: ***** Kit, Ive been sitting out here trying to figure that out and what I come up with makes me feel like a *****.

Kit: Tell me what it is.

Bette: Tina was embarrassed when she told me that she had slept around while we were apart but I never told her that I was actually relieved. It meant she couldnt love anyone but me and that gave me a sense of power and security. Now I dont have that and it scares me to death. I dont want to ever lose her again, but now it seems like it could be more of a possibility because she found someone with which she could have a relationship. In a way it doesnt matter that it was Candace. Im feeling so insecure right now. I know she loves me but

Tina: No buts. You need to trust in that love Bette. Im not ever going to look anywhere else, unless of course you give me a reason to.

As soon as she heard Tinas voice Bette had jumped off her chair and turned around to see Tina.
Bette: How long have you been here?

Tina: Long enough. Dont you ever walk out on me again Bette Porter! We are not going back to our old ways, you hear me?
Tina strode over to Bette and took her face into her hands.
Tina: I will be by your side through everything Bette. Youre not getting rid of me anytime soon. Trust me, and trust in our love. Okay?

Bette was too stunned to speak, instead she pulled Tina close and gave her a passionate kiss. When they could no longer breathe, Bette pulled away and looked into Tinas eyes.
Bette: Ive been such an *****. I let my insecurities get the best of me and I put you through *****. Im glad you came T, I guess you know me better than I know myself. I love you so damn much.

Tina: I love you too Bette and by the way youre a very cute *****.

They laughed together and for the first time in the last 24hours Bette finally relaxed, calm in the knowledge that she and Tina had passed the first test of their new love with flying colors.