Given Bettes last attempt to catch a flight they quickly agreed that flying somewhere was not an option for their getaway. After some debate Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains was settled on. The small alpine township was close enough to drive but well and truly removed from the frenetic pace of Los Angeles. After a little planning on Bettes behalf all the necessary arrangements had been made.

There was so much fear, Tina felt that awful sinking feeling in her stomach, the one that signaled she was in trouble or was about to be. As they pulled into the drive she couldnt help but regret agreeing to this little retreat. While she loved Bette she didnt love Bettes need to drag all of their failings out into the light and pick them apart piece by piece, dissecting each comment, each angry word. What if Bette realized just how distasteful her suspicious mind had become? What if Bette realized that she doubted her ability to ever truly trust her lover again? The thought alone was enough to have Tina blinking back tears.

This is it Bette smiles hopefully at their home for the next five days as they pulled up directly out front.

Tina peers out the window at the picturesque log cabin. It sits nestled amongst several tall pine trees, dry needles the color of rust lay like a blanket all around. She notices the property is waterfront and views stretch all the way to the mountains on the far side of the lake. In any other circumstance she would have found it beautiful, romantic even, but right now her instincts beseech her to leave. Having given her word to Bette, Tina quells her fears knowing that backing out is no longer an option. Where would she run to? There would be no more evading the tough questions. Those horrible thoughts that hung around in the back of her mind for so long, they were all coming out to play.

What dyou think? Bette prompts. Tina slipped out of their easy conversation and into a non-communicative state as they neared the township. Bette had surreptitiously glanced over at her partner and took heed of the noticeably defensive body language. She knew full well the difference between Tinas daydreaming and the silence which signaled something far more foreboding. Bette swore she could actually feel Tina steeling herself against what lay ahead.

Its beautiful Tinas quiet response offers no emotion, it is provided without thought, a simple reaction to Bettes need for affirmation.

Bette reaches over and laces their fingers together, gently rubbing her right thumb back and forth along Tinas left.

Thank-you The words are barely above a whisper as they pass Bettes lips. Her heart aches as she looks across at her strong and able wife who, somewhere through the past few months, has faded away to such fragility.

Its a little too soon to be thanking me Tina manages a half-hearted smile, doubtful of her ability to endure the next hour, let alone the next 5 days. The thought of all the malice that lies ahead makes Tina sick to her stomach. The knowledge that she will soon be faced with all of what Bette did is too much to bare. The car suddenly too confined, she withdraws her hand and hurriedly steps out into the fresh air.

Sighing heavily Bette looks on as Tina makes her way to the lakes edge. Torn between following her partner and leaving her be, Bette stays where she is, frozen by her indecision.

Please dont run, Baby Bette whispers, her gaze locked on Tinas retreating form.

Things had been going well, everything seemed fine until Tina had stumbled onto her ring. That was the moment which brought Bette undone. She couldnt get past Tinas reaction, Tinas concern about the weight of forever. Three months ago forever was a security, not a burden. Bette considers her own feelings. Has forever changed for her? Or has she changed and in turn changed the definition for them both? She couldnt be sure anymore. Many times Bette watched her partner subconsciously feel for the ring that no longer adorned her left hand. She knew Tina still wanted forever, she just didnt seem to trust it anymore.

She doesnt trust you to provide it Bette thinks dejectedly Forever, never, always – who has the right to promise any of it?

Tina feels her body relax as she takes in the peaceful scene before her. The lake shimmers with a golden hue, kissed by rays of the afternoon sun. To her this trip seems to more closely resemble an intervention than a holiday. Her only desire is to spend five days being close to Bette. To have access to the woman who, despite it all, owns her heart. No part of her wants to spend this time going over past mistakes, no matter how detrimental they may have been. Tina is looking firmly to the future with no desire to examine the carnage strewn recklessly in their wake.

T? Bettes hand comes to rest on Tinas shoulder making her jump

*****, you scared me! Tina reels around to face Bette

Sorry, I

I didnt hear you walk up Tina explains, placing a hand over her rapidly beating heart

Everything OK? Bette regards her skittish wife, a surprised smile tugging the corners of her mouth.

I was just Tinas turns back to lake and waives her arm in the direction of the mountains Taking in the view

Bette steps closer, wrapping her arms around Tinas waist, she pulls her into a tender embrace. Feeling Tina relax against her, Bette drops her head to press her lips to the fair skin of Tinas shoulder.

I love being with you like this Tinas fears begin to dissipate in the security of Bettes arms

No distractions, no dramas, just us Bette sighs Id die happy if I could just hold you in my arms for the next five days

Tina turns and places her arms around Bettes neck, looking intently at her lover. Bette lifts and hand and carefully removes Tinas sunglasses, placing them on her head before shifting her arm to the small of Tinas back once again.

Babe? Tinas voice is small

Yeah?

Can we just

Bette tightens her hold on Tinas waist as her words falter, pulling her closer, keeping her safe.

I know weve got stuff to deal with but can we leave it until tomorrow? I just wanna enjoy this tonight

Bette gazes at Tina knowing that she wanted nothing more.

TBC