Bette sat there trying to interpret the tone of Tinas voice and the look on her face to see if she was angry, upset or happy. Unable to determine what Tina was feeling Bette decided to go on the offensive.

Tina Bette said. Please dont be angry with me for buying the necklace

Im not angry Tina said as she fingered the necklace. You shouldnt have bought it though. It was too expensive.

I knew it would look nice on you Bette said softly.

Thank you Tina said.

Your welcome Bette said.

Bette, could we talk about the list? Tina asked.

Sure Bette replied. You want to sit down?

I dont think that is a good idea Tina said after she looked at the bed and then back at Bette. Why dont we move back in the living room?

Okay Bette said as she got up from the bed and headed towards the living room.

Bette about your list Tina said and then hesitated before continuing. I know you poured your heart in to that list and I want you to know that I accept the fact that you are sorry for what you did.

Bette started to cry upon hearing Tinas words because she couldnt believe that Tina was accepting her apology. She moved close to Tina and started to reach out to try and pull Tina in to her arms but Tina stopped her.

Please dont Tina said softly.

I dont understand Bette said.

Bette Tina said. I accept that you are sorry but it doesnt change the fact that it happened. It doesnt mean that all is forgiven. I dont want to hurt you, but I just cant seem to get past the betrayal. Im sorry because I know that is not what you want to hear.

Bette sat there and swallowed hard trying to keep her emotions from overwhelming her before she spoke.

So are you saying that you accept that Im sorry but it is over Bette asked.

No. I am not saying that it is over Tina replied. Its just, just that I… How do I find the words to make you understand?

Understand what Tina? Bette asked angrily. What do I need to understand? That youre angry with me? I know that. That youre hurt? I know that too. That you love me? I know you love me because I feel it every time we are together. So tell me what I need to understand.

Bette, if I had been the one, would you just forgive and forget? Tina asked. I am really trying here.

No Bette answered honestly. Im sorry. I am just getting so frustrated with the situation. One minute I think we are taking steps forward and the next minute we take a huge leap backwards.

Im sorry too Tina said.

I know Bette said. Look, why dont we turn in for tonight and talk some more in the morning. Im just too tired to face it right now.

Bette got up and went to her room with out telling Tina goodnight. Tina sat there for a couple of minutes before she got up and headed for her room to try and get some sleep. Both of them tossed and turned for almost an hour before they were able to fall asleep. When they got up the next morning neither of them felt like talking so they ate breakfast in silence. By the time noon came around they were each in their rooms fighting their own demons. By dinnertime they had started to talk again. This time it was the start of talk specifically about the problems in their relationship and to honestly try to figure out if they should be together and by the end of the evening Bette was even more frustrated.

Tina Bette said. I dont know what more I can say. You believe Im sorry for what I have done but I cant undo things. Believe me if I could I would. I just feel as if we are spinning our wheels here.

Are you saying that you are ready to throw in the towel? Tina asked sadly.

No Bette said. I want us to work this out but I just dont know how to help you get past what I did. Ive said Im sorry more times than I can count, Ive tried to show you and tell you how much I love you and want to be with you. Please just tell me what I need to do.

I wished I could tell you Tina said sadly. I guess this is just my own battle to fight. We have talked through so many things and I know that we both contributed to why our relationship deteriorated but I didnt turn to someone else. I never even considered it. Thats the part I cant get past. Maybe we just need some time apart. I promised I would stay the week and I am going to but at the end of the week, unless something drastic changes, I m going to go stay with my mom. Bette Im planning on staying in Denver until I can figure out what I want to do with my life.

Bette sat there and said nothing for a few minutes, but tears ran down her cheeks as she held her head in her hands. As she sat there she was trying to figure out what she should do because she just couldnt give up. She knew in her heart that they belonged together and she had to convince Tina of that. She had the rest of the week to come up with a plan to change Tinas mind but for now she needed to buy some time.

Tina Bette said sadly. You have to do what you think is right for you. It is not what I want, but I cant force you to stay with me. I can only tell you that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. If you decide at the end of week that you have to stay in Denver, than I will accept that. It will break my heart but I will accept it. Now if you dont mind I think I am going to call it a night.

They both headed to their rooms for the night. Tina got ready for bed and lay in bed trying to go to sleep but tossed and turned for several hours before she was able to. Bette went to her room and didnt even bother getting ready for bed before she crawled into the sheets. She was trying to think of a way to convince Tina that they had to stay together. By the time she fell asleep she had come up with a plan that she hoped would work and when she got up the next morning she started to put her plan in action. Bette was in the kitchen trying to make coffee when Tina walked in.

Fighting with that machine? Tina asked.

Yes. Its not like the one at home Bette said smiling. Good morning

Good morning Tina said.

Since I cant figure this thing out you want to go out for coffee and breakfast? Bette asked.

Okay Tina replied.

Let me go and get dressed and well head out. Bette said as she walked towards her room.

Tina stood there staring after her and wondering why Bette seemed to be in such a good mood. When Bette returned they loaded up in the car and headed out. They drove to the main lodge and had breakfast there before returning to the cabin.

This is really a beautiful place to visit Bette said as she started to get out of the car. Im glad that we came here.

It really is Tina said as she walked towards the cabin. Maybe we should take a walk later.

Whatever you want Tina Bette said as she followed Tina inside.

When they got inside the cabin Bette began to further implement her plan. Bette had decided to let Tina believe that she wanted them to at least be friends but she was going to push the envelope at every moment she could to remind and show Tina what she would be missing if they werent together. She knew she was taking a risk but she felt she had no choice.

Tina Bette said. Ive been thinking about what we talked about last night and I want you to know that no matter what happens I want us to try and be friends. I dont think I could bear the thought of you not at least being my friend. I just want us to spend the rest of the week at least working on that.

Bette I Tina said.

Its okay Bette said walking up to Tina and gently touching her face. You dont have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that I felt that way.

Bette turned away from Tina and headed to her room.

I think that I am going to go take a shower Bette said. I dont suppose theres anyway that I could entice you to join me.

Tina looked at Bette like she had two heads before she replied to Bettes statement.

Uh, no I dont think that would be a good idea Tina said.

Oh well you cant blame a girl for trying Bette said nonchalantly as she walked in to her room.

TBC