She sat in her office wondering where Jenny was. Was it right to have told Jenny about her feelings? She was never like this. Marina, like Bette, never let her guards down and when it comes to expressing how she feels, she never felt comfortable unless she knew the other person feels the same way. It was always like that for her. With Francesca it was different. Francesca never asks for more than what Marina can give and Marina never wanted to give all of herself to her. It has worked perfectly for both of them. Francesca was always away and when they are apart, they are allowed to see other people, and even sleep with other people. Marina never found this compromise a hassle, not to those she slept with and definitely not to her. She felt it was what she wanted; a girlfriend, an open relationship, an affair, a casual ***** and a coffee shop which works out to her advantage where she can pull her latest conquest from.

But she has never felt like this for anyone of her one night stands. Jenny was different. Marina has never felt like this; fall so hard for someone. Even with Francesca. When they first got together, Marina found Francesca mesmerizing. She could finally meet her match. In fact, Francesca was more than a match. They became competitive of their liaison. Like school kids comparing notes on their latest kiss, Marina and Francesca gloat on their involvement. But now that she met Jenny, there was something about that innocent look that made Marina fall hard. She didnt want to share her with anyone. She didnt even want to share any information about Jenny with Francesca. It was bad enough to see Jenny with Tim in the beginning, now Jenny has Gene and Robin to juggle around with and Marina knew it was her fault.

She shook her head at the realization that she was the one who pushed Jenny aside. She was the one who converted her from an innocent straight girl to a confused bisexual. The fact that she helped Jenny understand her sexuality shouldve made her feel good about herself. This would be something that she and Francesca talk about when comparing notes. This would be the one on the top of the list; the one that would decide who has achieved the greatest. But Marina didnt want t share this with Francesca.

Ever since she met Jenny, she stopped searching for other women. She loves Jenny, more than she ever loved anyone. She cared a great deal about her and seeing her pain that night at the gallery when she saw her with Robin tore her apart. Robin saw the exchange between them and asked to be taken home. They argued about it and in the end Robin left her saying that she didnt want to be with someone manipulative as her. She was too engrossed to see what Jenny sees in Robin that she didnt realize she broke the heart of someone she loves dearly in the process.
—–
Shane where could you be? Alice has been driving for a half hour trying to find Shane. She went to Lather where Shane works but she wasnt there. Shes tried all the places she could think of but got nothing. Shane you sure know where to hide! She thought.

Alices mind went reeling from Bettes cheating, Tinas breakdown, Shanes disappearance and her kiss with Dana. What the ***** is wrong with everybody, everyone seem to excel in getting into trouble in one night! She understood Bette and Tinas situation and her situation with Dana, but what she didnt understand was why Shane had to disappear on her like that. She knows that Shane looks up to Bette and Tina, Christ, they all do. But there was also something else about Shane that was a bit off.

Shane has always been calm in troublesome period. She has made difficult situations seem manageable most of the times. Alice knows Shane never say much about things that werent in her place to butt in, but when she does say something, it would be something that would catch everyones attention. Shane was their Yoda. She seems to be able to say the right things at the right time. But what about now? Why couldnt she just say whatever is on her mind like she always does? Why does she have to run away? There must be something wrong, otherwise she wouldve said something about Bette and Tinas situation and somehow will make them see that theyre meant for each other.

Alice drove for a few more minutes until she decided it was time to head home. She has been taking care of her friends all day that her body felt heavier with each minute. She turned the corner and parked in front of her apartment. She got out of her Mini and walked up the steps to her apartment door. She fumbled with her keys and accidentally dropped it when she heard a familiar voice calling her name.
—–
Tina held Bette for what seemed like hours, both women not wanting to let go. Bettes sobs began to ease but her grip on Tina stayed like glue.

Bette? Bette? Say something? Bette has her head rested on Tinas shoulder, her puffy eyes darting from one corner of the room to the other. She wanted to say so much to Tina but she just couldnt find the right words and any explanation of her infidelity couldnt justify it. She stared at the bedroom door not really paying attention to it; her mind finding the right words to say. She wanted so much to tell Tina how her heart aches to see her in pain and the pain is caused non other by herself. But she was too afraid, too afraid that Tina will turn to her dark side like last night and start savaging her.

Tina had her hands run up and down Bettes back still unsure how this would turn out and still unsure of how she got there. Tine knew the last year she and Bette were together wasnt as perfect as everyone thought it was but she didnt know it was this bad that it led Bette to cheat on her, to find comfort in another womans arms. She couldnt think of any reasons as to why Bette couldnt find comfort in her before like she was holding on Tina for her dear life right at this moment.

It is true that the saying goes you dont know what you got till its gone. But Tina has never been gone and out of Bettes life. It was just one night that she left her wife here all alone to grieve the loss of their relationship. Tina only intended to take some time away from her to clear her mind. But the longer she stayed away from Bette, the worse it got. Tina just couldnt stop thinking about last night; with every mention of Bettes name or anything remotely connected to last night brought her to tears.

T? Bette loosened her grip and allowed herself to pull backwards. Tina held Bette within arms length and looked at Bette who cast her eyes downwards not wanting to look Tina in the eye.

Bette, look at me! Bette didnt move. Tina reached for her chin and tilt her head up to face her. As much as Bette wanted to hold back the tears, they couldnt be stopped. Tina wiped Bettes tears with her thumb. Seeing her wife broken down like this made her cry. Bette panicked, Baby please dont cry. You shouldnt cry. It was my fault I was stupid. Im sorry. Baby it was my entire fault, please dont cry. Im sorry, Im really really sorry Ive hurt you. Im sorry baby. Please, you have to forgive me She kissed Tina on her forehead, on her cheeks, the tip of her nose and a light kiss on her lips. She brought her in for a hug while Tina cried softly trying to ease the pain of the night. They both cried for their shattered dreams, for their failed relationship, for the hurt and pain and for the things that has yet to be uncovered.