A New Beginning?

Chapter Four


It had been an eternity it felt like and Tina was finally ready to get back into her working gig. So many times Carlos wanted to ask but he knew he couldnt cause then only would she begin to cry again.

Trying to fall into some sort of routine proved to be an even greater obstacle than she had imagined. And getting comfortable in her own home didnt come easily as she hoped.

Tina barely could go out even to the Planet, where still after all this time people were sill whispering.

Hey guys,

T, you doing ok?

Going back to work, has helped a little but

Well whenever you want, I could come and stay with you.

Thanks, Dana, but Ill be all right.

Then there was that familiar pause, Tina knew they all wanted to know and secretly she wanted to know about her too.

Um, have any of you guys, talked to Bette?

I havent really, but then Ill call to see how she is.

I have talked a little, but then she can tell were still uncomfortable so then, shell go, I think Al is the one to most.

I dont want you guys to stop being her friend, I dont want there to be any choosing. You guys are going to have to get used to this.

Are you saying that there might be no chance for you guys?

I dont know Shane. Im still to emotionally lost to even think about her anywhere in my life.

Have you guys even really talked yet?

No.

Then how can you tell, Tina, maybe its time to hear her out? We all know she did wrong, you know she did wrong, but sometimes when she lets you, you can see the sorry in her eyes.

Shane was still torn on them both. She loved them both and when they were together everything was ok. That was what she had come to need to be ok. She hated Bette for what she had done but she needed them together, she had no other way to survive. Hurting for Tina and being mad and hurting for Bette too was something she couldn’t balance out.

All right you two, Im off for the day. Ill see you later ok.

K. Bye Tina.

Tina was busy working when Oscar brought her a letter,

This came for you.

Bette still hadnt been given the chance to explain so that was all she could do.


Dear Tina,

I know that though time has gone by, the pain and hurt still remain. I cant begin to explain why I have done these things. But I need to see you, even just hear your voice. Its been hard taking everyones advice to just give you time, T, I cant undo this wrong, but I dont want to lose you. Please we just need to talk, you know my number. I love you, and Ill wait an eternity for you to even love me a little again.

Loving you Always,
B.

Tina knew that within time whether she really had wanted to or not that it would be time to finally face Bette. She didnt know if the explanations or the excuses that were going to come her way were going to be enough.

It was easy to run back to her and be mad and then love her again, but she didnt know if she wanted to go back down that road just to end up by herself. She knew she had to start somewhere, and not letting Bette have her say wasnt going to help things get along for the both of them.

Bette line one for you.

Thanks James.

Bette Porter, there was a silence,

Bette, she recognized the voice,

T, sweetie,

Yeah its me, another uncomfortable silence. Tina could tell that as the time had gone by, Bettes voice became more and more silent. It was soft as if scared to even speak at all.

Its um really good to hear your voice.

Bette, I think Im ready to talk.

You do?

Yeah, but Im not ready to be alone with you ok.

Thats fine, just as long as I can see you.

Ill cook, you can stop by the house at seven oclock, is that ok for you.

Anytimes fine, do you need me to bring anything?

No, I have to get back to work.

T,

Yeah,

Thanks for calling, she didnt know if she could tell her, T,

I know.

Ok, bye

Bye.


The gang having their usual cups of coffee without the dynamic duo wasnt something they themselves could get used to.

You guys, I know its been awhile, but Tina really still hasnt talked to Bette yet. I think she is dying to, but she just cant.

Al, she has a lot to consider,

I kind of am worried too, its just hard and I miss Bette too, but I cant either, Alice.

Dana, I think you cant because Tina hasnt yet. Guys I know I have stuck with Tina, and I dont make excuses for Bette, but she is dying. I know she has a lot to make up for, but I have forgiven her.

Thats easy for you Al, youre not Tina,

Guys, we all held them up on our own pedestal, and neither wanted to let us down.

Al, she did though.

Wait Dana, Im just saying that us having them up there, maybe we put pressure,

Still thats no excuse Al.

Shane, I know.

But maybe we had a little part you know, Bette was breaking and though she is to blame for not telling one of us much less Tina, but she was at an end. Its just not easy for her. And we werent helping by having them be perfection in all they did, and in that moment of silence Dana and Shane thought about what little miss know everything had just finished saying.

Al, arent you going to get that.

What, Alice still in her thought, didnt realize her phone had been ringing.

Oh yeah, hey Tina, whats up, yeah sure at seven. No we will be there. Ok Bye.

Is she ok.

Yeah, she invited Bette over for dinner so they could talk and she wants us to be there.

I dont know, shouldnt that be between them.

Maybe, but she wants us there so Ill pick you guys up. Ok sounds like a plan.

Yeah.