Bette arrived home to something that she had not experienced in way too long, the smell of Tinas cooking. She quietly closed the front door behind her and made her way to the kitchen.

As she got to the entrance of the kitchen, she leaned against the door frame, arms crossed in front, and smiled at the sight in front of her.

Tina had her back to Bette, stirring a pot on the oven. She alternately hummed to herself while at the same time, called out ingredients that still needed to be added.

Bette chuckled out loud which caught Tinas attention immediately.

Bette!! said Tina jumping in fright, You scared the ***** out of me!!

Sorry T, but I couldnt help myself. I just needed a moment to absorb the sight of you in this kitchen, cooking for me again.

Humph said Tina, slowly smiling at the sight of her beautiful Bette just leaning there.

So said Tina, not moving from the oven. How bout a proper hello for me then?

Bette pushed herself off of the door frame that she had been leaning against and made her way across the kitchen to Tina.

Hi she said, while leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek.

I believe that I said proper hello said Tina sternly.

Bette smiled and this time, kissed her on the lips, lingering for just a moment.

Hi said Tina, pleased with the second set of results.

How was your afternoon? asked Bette while opening the door to the refrigerator to see what she could snack on.

Well, after I left you, I made my way to the grocery store…to fill the empty shelves in this kitchen she said in a mildly scolding manner.

Bette, with her head in the refrigerator, ignored the dig and reached for some cottage cheese.

Uh huh she replied while looking for a fork.

And then, after I lugged all of that back here, I got everything put away and then just hung out for a while.

I see” said Bette. “And thanks for going to the store she added, in between mouthfuls of cottage cheese.

Baby said Tina walking over to Bette, why dont you go change. Dinner should be ready in 15 minutes or so and in the meanwhile, I dont want you to fill up she added, reaching for the container of cottage cheese that Bette was eating from, slowly taking it from her hand.

Ok said Bette, allowing Tina to take it from her, while quickly sticking her fork in for one last bite. Ill go change. What are we having by the way? Something smells awesome!

Baby, go change she said, pointing towards the bedroom. Youll see soon enough she continued, playfully swatting Bettes hand away from the lid on the pot.

Good Lord, fine! I can take a hint said a mockingly indignant Bette.

Babe, it wasnt a hint. Now go!

With a smile on her face, Bette left to go to the bedroom. Along the way, she flipped through the days mail, seeing nothing of interest, continued on to the bedroom.

She saw that Tina had already pulled out some clothes for her and so after taking off her suit, walked over to the bed to put them on. As she reached for the yoga pants, an envelope caught her eye. She bent down, choosing the envelope over the pants and slid her finger underneath the sealed flap.

The handwriting was Tinas and she began to read.




Bette-

I wanted to let you know that after leaving you from lunch, my mind has been constantly on you.

I can not begin to put in to words what it meant to have you trust in me enough to share your inner most fears as you did at the restaurant.

I think that we both know that none of this is going to be easy, but I also wanted you to know that with the love that we both have for each other, there is not a single doubt in my mind that we can get through this.

What you shared with me earlier is proof of that. The fact that we have acknowledged that we are both scared is an admission not to be taken trivially. We need to keep on telling each other what we are feeling, regardless if those feelings concern fear, insecurity, anger, happiness or just simply love. We have got to keep sharing with the other up until and beyond we reach the point that we both know is in our future, our rejoined lives.

I love you Bette Porter and dont want you to ever forget that. You mean everything to me and my life is not complete without you. Please, especially when things appear to be insurmountable, always remember that.

Yours-

T



This time, it was Tinas turn to lean against the doorframe, simply watching Bette. She saw her reach her hand to her mouth and heard her say, Oh T

She pushed herself off of the doorframe and made her way to Bette.

Bette, not knowing that Tina had been watching her, jumped in surprise at the feel of Tina behind her and the feel of her hands running up and down her arms.

Bette slowly turned around, still holding the letter in her hands, and said, T, that was beautiful. Thank you so much for that.

Tina wiped the tears from Bettes face and simply said, I meant every word of it, baby.

She then pulled her in for a hug, each wrapping her arms around the other, slowly swaying together, gaining strength from each other.

After a while, Tina pulled back and looked into Bettes eyes. There was a smile on both womens faces as they realized that they were truly there for the other and that Tina had been correct. If they continued to trust and believe in each other, they would see their way through this.

Tina reached down and pulled Bettes pants up from off of the bed. Gettin a little chilly? she said with a chuckle.

I guess that I am smiled Bette while pulling the pants up.

Ready to eat? asked Tina.

Oh, you have no idea said Bette with sly smile on her face.

Bette walked over to her dresser and placed Tinas note on top of it for safe keeping.

Cmon baby said Tina, while extending her hand for Bette to take.

Bette grabbed her hand and allowed Tina to lead her to what she hoped was the first of many home cooked meals spent together.