Where Are We Going?
Chapter 1

Sorry Im late. I had to stop by my apartment and pick-up a few things. Bette rushes through the door with her laptop on one shoulder and her overnight bag on the other. Umm. What are you cooking? She reaches forward and gives Candace a kiss. She then moves to set down her bags.

Ah, so you assume that you are staying the night. Candace looks at the beautiful face before her and smiles.

Bette walks toward Candace and gropes her butt. I planned on taking you out after dinner.

Ah, so you assume that I cooked dinner for US tonight? Candace turns, places her hands on Bettes hips and slowly begins to move them up her lovers side. Candace stops, looks into Bettes eyes and began to tick her.

Laughing and wiggling away, Bette smacks Candaces hand. Stop!!! You know I hate that.

Then why do you laugh? And look at you, youre still smiling.

Still giggling, Bette replied. Leave me alone. You still didnt tell me what was for dinner. Im starving

Youre still assuming.. I cooked greens, colcannon, chicken and corn bread. And it is for my Grandmother.

Aw come on Honey, you always cook for us.

Before you and me, I had to cook. It allowed me to make sure that my Grandmother ate healthy. What did you do before you and me? Candace proceeded in a very sarcastic voice. Oh, yeah you had someone to cook for you.

Bette barked back. Thats not fair.

Do you remember the conversion you and I had in the San Francisco Airport about Yolanda? She wanted to accept only part of me? She saw me as one-dimensional. Dont you dare make the same mistake.

How about this. If you dont compare me to your ex, I wont compare you to mine. Fair?

In a not so convincing voice Candace replied. Fair.

Do you remember how we made up when we were on our way to San Fran in that tiny lavatory? Does that give you any ideas? Bettes devilish grin provided a hint.

Candace just smiled but still heated. Lets eat first. I want you to have all your strength. Oh dont let me forget the bottle of Mohawk Extra for Nanna.

Well, at least she eats healthy, but the pipe and the brandy is another thing.

I know. I try to get her to stop. After dinner, while you are cleaning up, Ill change.

Bette knows that Candace is still irritated. She tries to ease the tension by smiling and saying. Now whos assuming.

Stop being a smart ***** and do what you are told. Candace gives Bette a kiss. This was only temporary. Bette was not prepared for the wrath of Candace. So are we going to the Planet tonight?

Come on Honey, weve been through this.

God damn-it. Im tired of this *****!!. Weve been together for seven months and weve yet to hang out with Shane, Alice or Dana. You make me feel like Im your dirty little secret!!!

Honey, just be patie

WHAT!!!! How dare you ask me to be patient!!!! I think seven months is quite patient enough. What is this were doing here? Playing house? I cook your food , wash your clothes and you take me out from time to time?

Bette replies in a very soft voice. You dont wash my clothes Then she begins to walk away from Candace.

You know what I mean and you are really trying my patience. Stop trying to make light of this, because Im not

Bette turns back around and walks towards Candace. In an elevated and threatening voice states. Dont you DARE say it!

Say what? Candace moves forward and glares into Bettes eyes. That Im not going to put up with your *****!!! I told you that before and I meant every word. I learn from my mistakes. Candace pauses and thinks of Miriam. I wont be taken for granted.

I told you to stop comparing me to your ex. Im not her and never will!! Bette is still shouting.

Candace replies in a very calm voice. Im not comparing you to any of my exs. Im older and wiser. Ive learned from past mistakes and would be a fool to make the same ones again.

Bette begins to relax her tone. You were right.. I did assume I was staying the night. Im going home. Good night Candace.

You are so ***** stubborn!!! On your way home, think about what I said. Bette attempts to storm out the door, but Candace grabs her arm. She pulls Bette close to her and kisses her. And I dont care how mad you are with me, call me when you get in.

Bette stands at the door like a deer in headlights. She is truly taken back. She turns and walks out the door. She is feeling so selfish, but her ego is too big to let her go back. This was their first real intense argument and Candace was on a rampage from the time she entered the door. Despite it all, Bette thought to herself that the evening couldnt end this way.

Maybe shes right. Maybe it is time for us to start hanging out with the gang. But Im not sure Im ready for that. After ten or fifteen minutes of pondering the situation without leaving the front stoop, Bette decided to return to Candace.

Bette walks up the steps and peeks though the window only to see Candace crying. At that moment she realized how badly she was hurting Candace. As Bette rings the bell, she sees Candace wiping her face. She knew she had a lot of apologizing to do.

The door opens. Bette reaches for Candace who begins to sob. Bette stokes Candaces back a whispers. The hurt I brought to you was never intentional. I promise never to take you for granted.

Candace steps back and replies. Im scared.


–rdp
9/20/04