Chapter Twenty


In the months that have passed since that fateful visit to the Bette Porter gallery opening, Bette and I have remained inseparable.
The excitement that gripped me in that first second I laid eyes on her is stronger than ever. The nerves, the fears, the issues have all subsided, leaving me to feel happier than I have ever felt.
Or at least I would be if I didnt feel like Bette was hiding something. Like the way she curls herself around the phone when it rings and brushes off my questions, or the way she disappears on Sundays, or Tuesdays and never bothers to explain exactly where it is shes been.

I delve my hands, wrist deep,into warm soapy water, wiping the dishes clean as I continue to contemplate Bettes sudden mysterious streak.

I feel warm, strong, arms gripping me with satisfying strength, from behind, while Bettes soft face tucks gently into the crook of my neck.
A low mmmescapes my lips as Bettes hands join mine, entwining our fingers together, underneath the floating soap suds.
She kisses the side of my neck and I feel that familiar heat begin to rise in me. She clutches me closer to her, her body relaxing against mine. My prickling insecurities fading slowly away, replaced by the feather light touch of Bettes mouth as it meets mine.
Bettes damp fingertips flutter across my neck, slipping down to the buttons of my shirt, a wet path of popping soap bubbles marking her exploration.
Slowly she fingers the buttons of my loose white shirt, turning me around in her arms, her lips hungrily devouring the glistening trail inbetween my *****.
My hands instinctively move to the back of Bettes head, and I feel my knees weaken as her eyes dart upwards, her tongue still content in mopping up the moisture from Bettes once dripping hands.
As my body hums with the welcome sensation of Bettes hands unclasping my bra, I make out the sound of loud knocking. I freeze under Bettes touch, my hands still cupping her thick hair, as I try to identify the noise.
Bette…

Shh…busy Bette mumbles, preoccupied with my cleavage.

Bette, I think somebodys at your door

Bette pulls my bra down underneath my *****, the cold clinging to my taut nipples as her mouth encases one.

Oh god I sigh as Bettes tongue flickers across my aching *****. But through the pleasure of Bettes exquisite mouth I can hear somebodys voice joining the insistent knocking.

BetteI sigh. Bette, stop it. I cant concentrate when somebodys right outside your front door
Bette groans with frustration, pulling away from me as she stomps angrily towards the front door.

Whoever it is better be…Kit?
I frown at the surprise in Bettes voice as I rearrange my outfit until I look decent enough to join Bette in the hallway.

Kit, what are you doing?

Whats up sistah… I hear a deep voice slur. …surprised? I was just having a few drinks with some entertaining gentle…gentle… Kit erupts with laughter and as I stand at the door frame I notice the way the happiness and desire has been drained so quickly from Bettes face.

What are you doing here Kit? Bette asks, her voice calm and collected as she folds her arms across her chest.

Cant I visit my baby sister without being…without being accused of something?

Kit Bette hisses, unaware of my presence. How much have you had to drink?

Kit sways on her feet, her eyes closing slowly and then shooting open. Here come the…

Accusations? I cant believe this…again Kit? After I spent the whole of Tuesday trying to clean you up?!

The evident hurt in Bettes voice and her eyes tearing up makes me flinch, but as Kit leans against the wall, her head drooping forward I finally realise what all those secrets, all those Sundays and Tuesdays were about.
But what I dont understand is why Bette never trusted me with this.

Kit. Kit! Are you listening to me? Dont you see what youre doing to yourself, what youre doing to me? Bette turns away from her and I remain in the door frame, watching as Kit slowly slides to the floor. I cant keep doing this Bette whispers.

When she turns around her eyes are red with shed tears. She wipes her face, composing herself within the intake of one breath. Ok, I have to get you out of here before Tina notices Bette warns a fast asleep Kit, shaking her lightly with a panic that I have never seen consume Bette before.
Stoic, reserved, hard working Bette, who likes to believe that when it comes to flaws, she has none.

I step into the hallway, praying that Ill be able to prove to Bette that I love her regardless of her insecurities, her flaws.

When Bette notices me her eyes bug out in shock. Go back into the kitchen T, Ive got this covered Bette tells me, the falseness of her composed voice making my heart ache more than the tears in her eyes.

Let me help you I suggest, crouching down on the floor infront of Kit as she mumbles drunkenly in her sleep.

Tina go into the kitchen, I wont be long ok? Bette tells me, her eyes closed, a pained expression masking her face.

Listen to me Bette I cup her face in my hands, keeping my grip as she begins to gently struggle. Listen to me. Let me help you… Bette shakes her head. …this doesnt change the way I feel about you. I love you. You think finding out that youre human, finding out that you struggle… I look down at Kit. …finding out that your family struggles changes anything? It doesnt, not if you dont let it I smooth her tear stained cheeks. Dont let this change anything Bette, please dont shut me out

Bettes eyes tear up and she nods her head, her hands coming to mine, pulling them from Bettes cheeks to her lips. She kisses the back of my hands, my fingertips, her eyes closing as she pulls me to her. Shes going to have to stay here Bette explains, her voice muffled as I envelope her in my arms.

Do you want me to help get her on the couch?

Bette sighs loudly. Yes


The lights are off, the t.v is on low, while Bette and I sit huddled together under a blanket, with Kit snoring gently behind us.

Ive been thinking Bette begins, turning to face me. Even before Kit stumbled in here I was thinking about this, so dont think that this is motivated by todays events

I wont I smile, and slowly she smiles back.

Ive never been this close to anybody before, T, Ive never felt so comfortable, so loved, so safe. You make me feel things I cant even begin to explain. I love you so much, and I think that Im ready if youre ready

Ready for what? I ask, my heart thumping with the endless possibilities of Bettes words.

Ready for you to be with me properly. Move in with me T. I know itll work, and I cant stand being away from you. I mean, if you think about it its ridiculous, you having that apartment when youre nearly always here anyway Bette babbles, her obvious nerves freeing mine.

Bette… I whisper, kissing her lips softly. …I would love to move in with you. I cant imagine anything that could possibly be better than that I wrap my arms around her neck kissing the grin on her face, trying to taste the light in her eyes. Being with you, officially being with you…Im never going to be able to go to work

Well can you think of a better way to be late? She asks, that one swift move of her eyebrow making me melt just a little inside.

I can think of lots of ways to be late, and they all involve you finishing what you started earlier I whisper, my voice husky with desire as I nip at Bettes neck.

Bette glances over her shoulder. We should probably leave her alone anyway. Her hangovers going to be bad enough without having to see her sister engaged in some very sexual acts

Is that so? Well why dont we retire to our bedroom? Bette grins at me, meeting my lips with hers as we walk hand in hand towards the stairs.