Bette spent the rest of that day and the next three days trying to be a friend to Tina but flirting with her every chance she got. She would make ***** comments to her and when Tina would get on to her she would just play it off. She found every opportunity she could to accidentally touch Tina or brush up against her. She even found a way to get Tina to take a walk down memory lane with her and got her to laugh at some of the stunts they had pulled. With the passing of each of the three days she got a little bolder and by the time their last evening at the cabin came around Bette knew she had to step up her plan. Tonight she was going to make her move and she just prayed that she could get through to Tina because if she didnt she would be flying home tomorrow alone. They had just finished dinner and were cleaning up the mess when Bette started to make her move.

Tina Bette said. Ive been thinking about the last few days and how things have been between us and I have a few things I would like to share with you.

Okay Tina said Just let me finish cleaning up here and we will talk. I was going to talk to you later about what is going to happen tomorrow anyway.

Bette was pacing the floor in her room when Tina came to find her to have their talk.

Bette Tina said. I thought you wanted to talk

I do Bette said as she walked up to Tina. I want you to know that I have really tried these last few days to just be a friend to you, but tonight as our time here in the cabin is coming to an end I have to be honest about what I am feeling and I need some honest answers from you. Please forgive me but I have to do this.

Bette reached out and put her hands on Tinas arms and gently pushed her up against the wall and began to kiss her. It was a full out assault on Tinas mouth for a few moments before she pulled back. She took her right hand and gently touched Tinas face while her left hand moved down to take Tinas hand in hers. She started to lean back in for another kiss but Tina stopped her.

Tina, this is killing me Bette said. The thought of a future without you in it and the thought of me not being able to kiss you, to touch your face or your skin, and to not be able to hold your hand or hold you breaks my heart. Dont you know that?

God Bette Tina cried. Dont you think it is killing me too? Dont you know that other than losing our son that this is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my life? I wished it would all just go away but it wont.

So you are prepared to walk away? Bette asked dreading to hear the answer.

Yes. At least for a little while Tina said. I have to walk away for a little while to sort out how I feel. Bette if I come home with you now I am afraid I will wind up hating you. I am not shutting the door unless you cant live with my decision and then I guess I would have no choice but to shut it, lock it and throw away the key. Im sorry. I am so sorry to hurt you like this but I have to do this for me.

Bette was defeated as she pulled completely away from Tina and went to sit down on the bed.

Okay Tina Bette said her voice filled with emotion. You win. I just cant do it anymore. Tomorrow I will drop you at your mothers and I will fly home to LA. Now if you dont mind I really would like to be alone.

They both spent the night in their rooms crying and neither one of them slept. Few words were exchanged before they left the cabin and they were on the road to Denver by 8:00 a.m. When Bette pulled up in front of Julies house her heart was in her stomach. She wasnt sure that she could do this without breaking down. She got out of the car and helped Tina with her bag and walked with her up to the front door.

Should I go in and say goodbye to Julie? Bette asked.

Thats up to you Tina said.

I would like to if you dont mind Bette said.

Tina knocked softly on the door before opening it and calling out Mom.

They found Julie sitting in the kitchen just finishing up breakfast.

Hi mom Tina said as she walked over and gave her a hug.

Hi baby Julie said. Hi Bette. You guys hungry? You want some breakfast?

No thanks they both replied at the same time.

An awkward silence filled the room and Julie looked at the both of them and picked up on the tension between them but she said nothing. Finally Bette broke the silence.

Julie Bette said. I just wanted to stop in and tell you goodbye and to say I am really glad that we finally got to know one another.

Im glad we got to know each other too Julie said. So what time are you two flying out?

Im staying here Mom Tina said softly. That is, if you dont mind having me here.

You know you are always welcome here Julie said.

I better get going if I am going to get the airport Bette said. Tina may I have a moment with you before I go.

Why dont I go and get dressed while you say your goodbyes Julie said.

As she started to walk out of the kitchen she came back and hugged Bette.

You take care of your self Julie said as she turned and walked out of the kitchen.

Bette had tears spring in to her eyes when Julie hugged her and she fought to keep from crying when she walked over to Tina to say goodbye.

I dont want to do this but I will Bette said quietly. I love you enough to let you go. Will you call me and at least let me know what you are doing with your life?

Bette I promise I will call when I figure some things out Tina said.

Bette grabbed her and kissed her one last time before she walked out the door. She practically ran to the car and started it and pulled away from the curb. She had tears streaming down her face while she drove towards the airport. Tina was standing in the kitchen sobbing when Julie walked back in and put her arms around her.

Its okay Julie said. Honey please calm down. Tina honey, please talk to me.

I let her go Tina said as she cried. I told her I had to walk away.

Tina honey are you sure you are doing the right thing given that you are crying like this? Julie asked.

I just felt like I had no choice Tina said as she pulled away from Julie.

You want to talk about it? Julie asked.

I love her but I cant forget what she did Tina said. I cant just give in to my feelings and let her walk all over me.

Tina Julie said. Do you really love Bette?

Yes Tina said. I think I always will.

Do you believe that Bette loves you? Julie asked.

Yes Tina replied. I even believe she is sorry for what she did.

Tina Julie said. You know that I will support you no matter what you decide, but I have to say something even if it makes you mad at me. I think you should go to the airport and find Bette and go home with her.

Tina sat there stunned for a moment that her mother had just said that.

Why do you think that? Tina asked.

Because you love her and she loves you Julie said. Ive seen it with my own eyes and it is rare for people to find the kind of love that you two have. You are pushing her away because of your fear and your pride, not because you dont love her. Life isnt always fair Tina. People make mistakes and sometimes you have to be strong to face those mistakes and move past them. You cant let your fear or your pride ruin your life. I think you will regret it for the rest of your life if you dont go home to Bette. Now do I need to finish getting dressed and take you to the airport?

TBC