After the bill was paid, Bette and Tina both rose, bending down to collect their purchases. Nothing was said between the 2 as they left the restaurant. The levity of before, was a thing of the past. The 3 blocks that they walked to get back to the apartment were silent as both were thinking of the previous conversation, each trying to absorb the emotions that were flowing through them.

Bette, still overjoyed at the thought that Tina had not slept with that woman, also knew that in the grand scheme of things, this information did not alter their current position. They still had a tremendous amount of work in front of them. Of that, she was certain.

Tina walked along, looking straight ahead, trying to figure out what had just happened between the 2 of them. The conversation had never escalated to a point of confrontation, but she knew that both of them had tumbled through mine fields, each laid by the other. Her response to Bette being asked out had been almost visceral, and yet, now she knew, not rational. Regardless though, no matter what their current situation was to become, she knew that just like before, she would never be able to think of Bette as available.

It was almost like, Tina thought, they had layers to unpeel in order to address their problems. If one was to look at a time line, there were the issues that they were both experiencing before Candace and the night of The Provocations opening ever took place. The next layer would be Bettes foray with Candace and following that, Tinas refusal to deal with their relationship just to be topped off by Bettes ultimate departure. Good Lord thought Tina. Where do we possibly start? Well, I guess that Bette has already figured that out, at the beginning.

As they got onto the elevator, another couple joined them, going to the floor just above Bettes apartment. They were laughing, touching and seemed to be very happy in each others presence. Bette and Tina were reminded of a time when this could have been them, and neither knew whether to feel sadness at the loss or happiness at the expectation of improvement in the future. They knew that this was no where close to being determined.

Bette unlocked the door and followed Tina into the apartment. Tina turned to Bette and said, Where should I put these?

Bette looked a bit surprised at the question and just said, Dont you want them to be with your other stuff?

Well yeah, I just did not want to assume anything? said Tina shyly.

What would you be assuming if you put your new things with those that you brought? asked a perplexed Bette.

Well said Tina, we have not exactly talked about the sleeping arrangements.

Uh huh said Bette.

And I did not just want to presume that I was going to be sharing a bed with you. I mean, I know that there is a guest room and I did not know what you were ready for. I mean, this is your place, and I dont want to just come in and take over. she finished while looking at the ground.

Come here, T Bette said as she led them over to the sofa. I think that we have a couple of basic things to figure out before we tackle sleeping arrangements.

Ok said Tina, waiting for her to continue.

Such as, I dont know how long you are planning on staying here in NY, but I think that it has been pretty clear, from today alone, that you and I are all over the place with our emotions. I mean, perhaps it is to be expected, but there has been a constant push and pull between the two of us that is having a huge effect on our ability to communicate.

I she gently continued, think that we need to remember the effect that you and I have on each other, and be respectful of that impact and act accordingly.

I dont know that I understand exactly what you are saying. said Tina.

Well, I guess what I mean is that you and I have always had such control over the other and I guess with our emotions running as highly as they are, need to not let them lead us in an unproductive direction, because we need to take advantage of the time that you are here to make as much positive movement as possible. Does that make any sense?

I guess that it does. said Tina. But Bette, how long are you expecting me to stay? she asked in a somewhat perplexed manner.

Truthfully, Im not sure said Bette. I mean, I know that you have responsibilities in LA that you need to take care of like your work at The Center, and so I just didnt know what your plans were. she trailed off.

Tina looked at Bette and said Bette, I was not planning on going back to LA.

WhatI mean, I dont understand? was Bettes only response.

You really expected me to go back to LA after everything that we have been through in not only the last 12 hours but last 8 months? Tina asked incredulously.

Well, yeah, I mean, I kinda did. Or, I dont know, maybe I just didnt know what to expect she continued in a surprised manner. But T, I mean, I could never ask you to give up your life in LA, work at The Center and what about the girls? I mean, have you thought this through? Bette said, almost panicky.

Tina watched Bettes reaction and knew where it was coming from. She knew that Bette was viewing this from Tinas perspective and that perhaps it would be construed as another method of Bette wielding control over her. She also knew that that was the furthest thing from Bettes doing and that not only had Bette not asked Tina to stay with her, it had been solely Tinas conception and decision. She knew that she would have to make Bette understand that she was doing this on her own accord and truly did not feel any pressure from Bette.

Bette she firmly said. I know, and think that if you thought about it for a few minutes you would also, that we have no other option.

But T-” she interrupted.

No Bette, just listen to me. You are locked into this gallery opening with Peggy for the next at least 6 months, right?

Bette simply nodded her head.

Ok, you can neither get out of that nor would I ask for you to try. That being said, there is no way that you can come to LA, right?

Again, she just nodded in agreement.

Now Tina patiently continued, as if she were talking to a 3rd grader, I have no ties to LA in terms of family and my work at The Center can always continue at some point. I dont like just leaving Oscar in the lurch, but I am sure that he will understand. As for the girls, they would probably not allow me back in LA if they knew that there was a chance that you and I could work things out here in NY. Do you see where I am going with all of this? she asked.

Yes replied Bette. But Tina, you have made so many concessions for me in the past and I dont want our work done on our relationship here in NY to be based on another one. she somewhat pleaded.

Baby, thats where we see things differently. I dont see this as a concession solely on my side. Will I cede my residence in LA? Yes, but will you cede to a certain degree, the life that you have been leading here in NY for the last 6 weeks? Yes to that also. See, baby, I think that we need to get our arms around the whole idea of this constant score keeping of the give get and push pull that has been our relationship. I think that we need to get back to a place that allows us to give to the other without wondering what the gift will be in return.

Additionally she continued, I also know for a fact that you and I dont do long distance, that is not what we are about. You and I both know that we can not improve things when we are living 2,500 miles apart from each other and baby, there is nothing more important to me than making us better and getting us back to who we were and who I know, deep down in my heart, we can become again.

Bette just looked at Tina and knew that she was exactly right.

So, you wanna hang here in NY with me for a while, huh? said Bette with a smile on her face.

Yeah. Yes I do. I cant think of any place that I would rather be. she said with assurance and determination.