Bette looked Tina in the eyes. She was overwhelmed with the honesty that Tina had just shared. She was completely stoked that Tina had trusted her enough to be so open with her about what she was feeling. Bette couldnt remember the last time anyone left her….. speechless.

Bette knew Tina deserved the same courtesy.

Tina was beginning to feel a little vulnerable. She had just opened herself up to Bette and Bette hadnt even said a word. She just had this unreadable look on her face. Tina suddenly panicked, oh god, what did I do that for? I gotta get out of here. NOW!!!

Tina: I think maybe this was a mistake. Just forget about it Bette.

Tina got up to make a quick getaway.

No Tina, wait, Bette grabbed Tinas hand and sat her back down.

Bette looked Tina in the eyes and she began, Tina, thank you so much for trusting me enough to share your feelings with me. I totally understand where youre coming from.
I feel the same way you do. When I look into your eyes its like I can see your soul. Like only the two of us existing in that moment, I absolutely feel that too.
I have been with women, but I have never felt an instant connection with anyone before, and believe it or not it scares the ***** out of me too…
I dont know whats going to happen between us but I know that if we dont at least give this us a shot, I have a feeling that wed regret it.
I know this is a big chance I am asking you to take, but Tina I think we could be amazing together.
Just so you know, I am not usually this open with my feelings. There is something about you Tina that makes me feel at ease telling you this stuff.
And by the way, I havent been able to get you out of my head since the night of the fire either.
I will be patient and you can set the pace of the relationship, all I want is for you to give us one chance. If you decide its not worth it I will respect your decision, because right now I just feel that spending one day, even one minute with you will be all I could ever dream of.
So what do you say, will you give us a chance?

Now it was Tinas turn to look dumbstruck.

A single tear ran down Tinas cheek. After all that had happened tonight she was finally beginning to realize in her head that she made the right decision. Big chances, big rewards. She thought to herself.

Tina: (smiling) Yes Bette, I say we go for it. As long as youre willing to give me a little time to get my head around it. Up until now everything with us has been very intense.
And before I go out with you, Ill have to break it off with Eric. I can do that tomorrow, (looking at her watch) make that tonight. Ok?

Bette had a huge grin, which lit up her whole face. I can definitely do that.
She said and opened up her arms to embrace Tina. Tina moved into the embrace and they both sat on the seat with their arms around each other just soaking in the enormity of what just happened.

Bette: You dont have to be anywhere today early do you?

Tina: (jokingly) No, why what did you have in mind Ms Porter?

Bette: ( picking up on the playfulness in Tinas voice) Well Ms Kennard, in an hour or so it will be dawn. Id love to stay here and get to know you a little better, talking.just talking and watch the sunrise with you. Unless youre too tired, it has been a long night?

Tina: Theres nothing I would rather do.

For the next hour they talked, laughed and got to know each other. Conversation flowed freely and easily. It was like they had known each other for years. Tina was feeling more and more comfortable as the morning went on.

Bette sat with her arm wrapped around Tinas waist and Tina had her head on Bettes shoulder. Both watched in awe, as the sun rose over the water and it was the most beautiful new day they had ever seen, full of hope and excitement of what may come.

Tina was beginning to doze on Bettes shoulder.
Bette sensed that Tina was exhausted

Bette: Cmon lets get you home so you can get some sleep.

Tina: I didnt realize I was so tired. Can you take me back to my car Bette?

Bette: I would prefer if I took you home and Ill take you to your car later.

Tina: No, Bette Im going to need it later on.

Bette: Ok but Im going to follow you home to make sure you get there.

Tina: Ok I can see theres no point in arguing with you.

Bette: Good, lets go.

Bette dropped Tina off at her car and as promised followed her home.

They arrived at Tinas 30 minutes later. Bette got out the car and walked with Tina to her door. They exchanged numbers and Tina told Bette she would call after she squared things away with Eric.
Their eyes met; there was a few minutes silence as they just stared at each other, like they wanted to permanently remember everything about each others eyes.

Bette really wanted to kiss Tina goodbye but wasnt sure if it was pushing.
Bette: Well you better get some sleep, Ill be waiting for your call later.
Bette gave Tina a kiss on the cheek and turned around to leave.

Tina: Hang on Bette!

Tina Walked up to Bette put her arms around her neck and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Bette was loving this side of Tina. She responded to the kiss, she was willing to be patient, but if Tina wanted to initiate a kiss like this she was going to kiss back with everything she had. This time Tina deepened the kiss biting on Bettes bottom lip and lightly pushing in her tongue, requesting entry. Bette willingly obliged, pulling Tina closer and soon both women had to break away due to severe lack of oxygen.

Tina: (breathless and smiling) Ok, now I dont know how much sleep I will get. Ill call you later. See you babe.

Bette still a little breathless herself was thinking she called me babe
Ok Tina sweet dreams, Ill talk to you later. Smiling, Bette walked back to her car and drove home.


Eric arrived at Tinas place a little after 2 pm, bearing coffee and a sandwich from Tinas favorite deli down the street. He saw what happened the night before on the news and thought Tina may need some cheering up. Little did he know she was already cheered up

Eric knocked on Tinas door and when she didnt answer, he let himself in. Eric figured Tina was still asleep so he quietly made his way to the bedroom.
He was right Tina was sleeping soundlessly. Eric went over and placed a kiss on Tinas forehead. This caused Tina to stir

Tina: MmmBette?

Eric: Who the ***** is Bette? Tina wake up.

Tina: Huhhhhh, what? Eric, what are you doing here? Whats going on?

Eric:(annoyed) Tina whos Bette?

Tina:(confused and disorientated) What?..What are you talking about?

Eric: (now pissed off) Tina, you just said her name in your sleep.

Tina:(now very awake) Oh,. Eric I need to talk to you.

Tina explained to Eric the events of the previous week. She assured him that she did the right thing and didnt cheat on him. She told him how only last night had she realized what she wanted. She said she still wanted them to be friends.

Eric was a little disappointed, he knew Tina Kennard was an amazing woman, but they both knew all along that there was something missing in their relationship and Tina had been honest with him from day one. He had to respect her decision.
Eric thought to himself, that mustve been what was missing, I was the wrong gender.

Eric: Well Tina I cant say Im not disappointed but youve always been straight with me, (realizing what he just said, laughed a little) I mean honest and we knew it would end one day. Listen give me a while to get over things and sure we can be friends. Youll always have a place in my life if you want one.

Tina: Thanks for understanding Eric.

With that Eric left the coffee and sandwich and headed out the door leaving his key on the coffee table on the way out.

Ok that went better than I thought, its 2:30, and I wonder if Bette would be up yet? Tina thought to herself.

Tina decided to try.

RING, RING, RING,

Bette:(groggily) Hello Bette Porter

Tina:(suddenly a bit unsure of herself) HiBetteIts.um..Tina.

Bette:(now awake) Hey Tina howd you sleep?

Tina: (feeling better hearing the tone of Bettes voice) Good, until Eric woke me up saying your name.

Bette: What?

Tina: Ill explain it to you sometime, anyway its all sorted. Im officially single.

Bette was thinking, not for long

Tina: Alright well I got to get some more sleep, I just wanted to talk to you.

Bette: Anytime,Tina.how about dinner tonight, my treat?

Tina: How about tomorrow night instead, I may sleep through the night?

Bette: Ok sure, Ill pick you up at 6pm, leave everything to me.

Tina: Its a date,.Oh and Bette I was thinking. We need to get something sorted out from the start. I have one rule that if broken, I will walk away and not look back.

Bette:(a little nervous about what was coming) Ok what is it?

Tina: (in a serious tone) Bette, I and I repeat I.. am the only one to do any cooking in our relationship. Is that clear?

Bette laughed at the rule and said to Tina, That is one rule that I can safely say I never plan on breaking. Ill see you tomorrow night. Bye Tina.

Tina: (now laughing too) See you tomorrow babe..