Tina hadnt called Bette like she said she would after work. Checking her cell phone as she let down her hair and sat into the leather seat of her car, she sighed. Tina never forgets to call. In any normal situation Bette wouldnt really think anything of it, but Tinas mom had recently gotten out of the hospital after going through yet another round of alcohol de-toxand thats when the drinking would start heavily again. Stupid logic, she was aware. So Bette decided to drive over to check on her. As she came up to a halt in front of their front door she heard cupboards being slammed and Jaquline Kennards voice screaming at her 7 year old brother to turn the television down. Listening even more closesly she heard the faint sounds of Moments In Graces Stratus being played from around the house somewhere, she knew Tina was there somewhere. Rounding the back of the house, she climbed onto the recycling bins, then to the roof of the small patio, and then climbed to the very top of the roof of the house, turning down the CD player perched in the window as she passed. She sat her jean clad butt on the blanket next to her friend and placed a soothing hand on her back, rubbing smooth patterns. You okay T? Yeah. She said wiping at her tears. Nothing Im not used to right? You shouldnt need to be used to it. You know you can Colin could always come spend the night at my house. Im sure my parents wouldnt even notice. Tina just nodded. I need to be here, shed wake up and see we werent here. It wouldnt be a good idea. Plus you have your own problems at home. Tina said casting a sad smile at Bette who just nodded. I guess. Hows Mr. and Mrs. Porter dealing this week? questioned the blonde while lying back onto the shingles of the roof. Following her position Bette answered. Denial, still, they dont want to think of their daughter as a lesbianso they deny and ignoreme and the issue. They sat in silence for a while. How are we gonna make it Bette? Bette heard the sadness dripping from Tina like a leaky damn waiting to burst forth. Tina was so emotionally open, sometimes it was hard for Bette to deal with. But other times, like this one, it gave her the perfect opportunity, under the slightly chilly stary LA night, to hole Tina. Tina gave no protest, she was used to this from Bette, so she rested her head on the caramel color bared shoulder. Were gonna make it because weve got each other T. And were going to be across the country in a few months, and we can start over. I knowI just dont want to leave Colin alone with my mom I dont know what to do. Bette thought for a moment. We could always take him, I mean, youre 18you can become his legal guardianand then youre dad would send you the child support for him. We could ask him to help out a bit more. And I have money, my dad and mom most likely will be sending it left and right. Since the house were living in is already my parents we dont have to worry about that. Tina sat up a little and looked at her friend. Are you serious? You would do that for me Bette? Tina was beaming and Bette faltered at her answer. Itsits a thought. Tina nodded and laid back down this time her head resting back on the roof, she grabbed Bettes hand. Tina couldnt help the thoughts now running rampant through her head as she laid there thinking about Bette Porter. God shes so amazing, practically giving up her party college time to help me out with my little brother. Who would do that? We could be so happy though I know it. Im so happy I could kiss her. Oh- or-erKiss her? Tina casted a sideways glance at the woman lying next to her on the rooftop, staring at the dark night, thinking of the future together. She did think Bette was attractive, there was no way anyone with eyes could deny that; but Bette was everything to her besides a pretty face. She was always there for her, with a soothing word, a weird joke, or a smile to make her feel better. And soon she found herself wondering if Bette found her attractive, of she ever wanted to kiss her, or touch her. As she thought this her grip on Bettes hand became tighter, and Bette was feeling it. T? You alright over there? Bette asked quizzically. Swiveling her head to the right Tina became faced to face with those huge brown eyes that she had just caught herself fantasizing about. Yeah, Im goodI just She looked straight into Bettes face. I like being with you. You make me feel safe, like what home should feel like. She said this searching Bettes expression for any sign that the other girl felt the same. Not catching anything right away she looked back up into the sky. Godam I really feeling this for her. She thought. Tina decided to change the topic and quickly. This is our shot Bette, we get one shot at getting out of here. Do you ever think about that? Bette just kept going through what Tina had said to her earlier. like what home should feel like Bette whispered to herself, looking down at their joined hands. And without thinking about it she let the words slip from her full lips. You are my home Tina. Tina turned her head and grinned, A little late there Porter. Bette just smirked back. You know me, Im a little slow sometimes. But I know what you mean about this being our one shot. And youd be the only person Id want to leave with. Bette said making sure Tina saw this time, all the feeling that she had for the blonde; and Tina did. It made her nervous, knowing that maybe they might have something more than friend ship between them. It was weird, and new, and confusing, but it gave her the biggest sense of tranquility at the same time. All the time theyd spent alone together, on this roof, staring at a world that neither of them were ready for; had brought them to this point. Tina didnt know how long shed been sitting there gripping Bettes hand for dear life, but once she came back to herself and that quite little rooftop, she saw the sun coming up. Another wasted night to get them through the never-ending day, but this time it didnt seem like such a waste, floods or emotions Tina never even dreamed she would feel towards her brunette best friend were shown to her in the short period. She didnt know how to act them out, or tell her yet, but she knew she needed to figure it out. Abruptly she felt Bette stand up and stretch carefully. I need to hit the pavement T. Before traffic gets to bad. Tina smiled and arched an eyebrow, Bette you live a few block away, I doubt theres gonna be traffic at, checking her watch five in the morning. Bettes eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Im driving to Philly remember? Road trip? I need to get out of her for a few dayI told you. Sighing Bette ran a hand through messy chestnut curls. Maybe youre too preoccupied by the whole Kevin thing to remember. Tina shook her head and blurted out, ***** Kevin, thats over. She missed Bettes eyes sparkle with hope however. Bette was again by her side. Wow T, why didnt you day anything? Because I realized how stupid it actually wasI dont need him, thats that. Bette smiled. Im so proud of you T. Thats great. Bettes mind started going wild with all the ways she could now charm Tina Kennard, who for the first time on four years, was single. Thanks Bette. Im glad you stopped over, its always good when youre around. Tina leaned into Bette and wrapped her in a hug and pulled back, kissing her cheek lightly. Call me when you can yeah? All Bette could do was nod with her hand on her cheek. Seeing this Tina laughed. There was no doubt in her mind that Bette had some sort of feeling fore her. It was so obvious Tina didnt know how she missed it before. She watched as Bette climbed down the back of her roof. Tina found herself leaning over the front edge of her roof watching Bette run to heror rather watching Bettes ***** as she ran to her car. Climbing back through her bedroom window all Tina could think as she got ready for work was, DamnWhen in the ***** did this happen?