It was raining again. Staring at the window Bette noticed the rain drops falling down. Slowly, drawing a wet path behind them, caressing the glass, Bette thought about the day. She could not believe what happened, and even now, she was unable to tell what went wrong.

She saw Tina talking with a tall blonde the moment she jumped out of the car. It didnt look casual, it wasnt intimate but to Bettes eyes, it was more than what it was looking like. Thinking about it now, many hours later, Bette could tell in her defence that she didnt see it coming. She didnt notice jealousy eating her inside. And it wasnt because she was unsure about herself, it wasnt because the tall blondes beauty and self confidence was a threat, it was because anything concerning Tina was new to Bette, was unsettled, it was precious and she wasnt sure how to take care of it.
Bette drove to the Planet not only to meet Alice but hoping to bump into Tina as she knew from Alice, that Dana and Sandra have been playing tennis and were suppose to meet Tina there.

Seeing Tina talking with Kate, how kindly her hand was on her arm, how generous and honest their smiles were opened something inside Bette that she didnt know about till it was too late.

Waking inside, unaware of Alice, Dana, Sandra and Paolo being at the table, Bette walked directly to Tina and the blonde.

So, now you dont have time to answer my calls? She said, her harsh words making everybody to look at her.

Tinas face was blank and emotionless but for a brief moment Bette saw anger and fear. Before she could say anything else a beautiful woman stood up and walking towards Bette with a smile on her face, said,

Hi, you must be Bette, am Sandra

Looking from Sandra to Tina and Kate, Bette shook the models hand feeling everybody staring at her. Rolling her eyes, Alice met Bettes briefly before turning to look at Dana who was still looking at Sandra.

“Bette, this is my cousin Kate, Paolo and you know Sandra Tina said, her voice cold as steel.

Nodding, Bette shook everybodys hand. Paolo, seductively smiled at her while checking her out. Unable to stop her eyebrow raising, Bette held his stare for a few seconds before turning to look at Kate.

Didnt know you had a cousin she said to Tina, her voice much sweeter and calmed.

Why should you? said Kate checking Bette up, trying to read her face.

Noticing the tension, the thick air around the table, Shane walked back from the ladies room.

Hey guys she said patting Tinas back.

Turning, feeling Shanes warm hand, Tina smiled.

Hey, how you doing?

Tina smiled Shane giving Kate a look.

Before anyone could talk again, Kate said,

Tina, I have to goI have your cell. So I will call you tomorrow, ok?

Nodding, still holding her cousins hand, Tina smiled.

Nice to meet you all Kate added, waving to the crowded table. Before turning away she briefly, very briefly glanced at Shane, acknowledging her presence.

Nodding, everyone waved back at her.

Looking from Tinas emotionless face, to Paolos curious one to Alice and Danas expecting ones, Sandra said,

Peebles, you coming with me, we have to pick up Marco patting Paolos shoulder, Sandra winked at Dana.

It was great Dana, will call you tomorrow after the shooting, ok?

Ok mumbled Dana.

But started to say Paolo looking from Tina to Bette and then to Sandra.

“Hey, no buts, you dont believe am going by myself right? Sandra added, taking Tinas car keys from her bag.

Sitting down, Bette was still looking at Tina while trying not to look at Paolo and how he was looking at Tina.

“Will see you at home Sandra said sqeezing Tinas arm.

Watching the couple leave, the table remained quiet. Bette looked at Alice, trying to sign her to move away but Alice, looking at Dana was in no way attentive to her signs.

I should go too Dana said checking her cell.

Why? Dear Tonya is looking for you? asked Alice unable to stop the words coming from her mouth.

No, dear Tonya (Dana said mocking Alice) is in New York but I have to run some errands said Dana trying to hide how hurt she was by Alice remarks, but sounding not very convincing.

Guys, see you tomorrow then she added winking at Tina before walking away.

Tomorrow? asked Alice looking at Tina.

Yeah, tomorrow, we will have some drinks at my place after the shooting Tina answer, taking her bag, not even bothering to look at Bette.

Oh, cool Alice said leaning back on her chair.

Al, didnt you have a meeting or something? asked Bette, trying to get rid of her.

“Me? NoI dont think so answered Alice seeing Danas car drive away.

I do Tina said instead.

But Tina, I thought we could Bette started saying only to be stop by Tinas icy stare.

You thought?…you know what Bette?…I know we need to talk but this is not the moment right now I dont think you wanna hear what Id say

Tinas words opened Bettes mouth even wider, drying her lips, shaking her confidence.

Ok she mumbled, unable to think of anything else to say.

With that, Tina left the Planet leaving a stunt Bette and a speechless Alice staring at her as she was walking towards her bike.

Wow, that was a first Alice whispered.

Turning to look at Alice, Bette said,

Thank you, you were very helpful

Me? What did I do?, I did nothing Alice said taking her cold coffee.

ExactlyI guess am going home nowsee you Bette said nodding at Shane who quietly was looking at her friends.

Watching Bette walking away, Shane said,

You have a giftyou should work for the government, secret intelligence or something

What?” Alice asked turning to look at Shane.

I didnt do anything Are you going to tell me that all this was my fault? Alice asked pointing the empty chairs, looking at Shane.

Leaning forward on the table, Shane whispered,

You better take it easy with heror you will lose her

What? Alice asked playing the dumb.

You know what I meando what you have to do or leave her alone okshe deserves to be happy

With that *****?” Alice asked after a couple of long quiet minutes looking at Shane.

Sandra doesnt look like a ***** to me

Tonya, I mean Tonya Alice said rolling her eyes.

Tonya?, Tonya is history Shane nonchalantly said standing up, you want another one? She asked pointing the beverages.

Nodding, thinking about Shane words, Alice sighed noticing reality finally hitting her conscience.



It was five hours later and Bette was still unsure. She hated feeling so insecure, so lost. It was against her nature not knowing what to do or where to stand. She picked up the phone and dialled a few times but she chicken out before Tina answered. Pacing the living room in the dark all she could see was Tinas anger look, but the brief, very brief pleased gleam she saw on Tinas eyes before she opened her mouth was holding her hopes.

As she was walking towards the bathroom she saw Tinas foulard resting on one of the chairs. Taking it, she instinctively smelled it, hoping to find Tinas scent on it. Just then, as Bette was burying her doubts and fears, hidden the tears in Tinas foulard the door bell rang.

Frowning, not sure who could be, Bette slowly walked towards the door having time to hear the doorbell ringing again.

Coming She shouted just before opening the door.

Hey she said unaware of the smile plastered on her face the moment she saw who was standing at the other side of the door, what are you doing here? she whispered noticing the serious look on Tinas face.

Without waiting for an invitation, Tina stormed in. Closing the door behind Tina, Bette watched Tinas quiet content paces. Not sure what to say, Bette stared at her, waiting.

Is this how it is? Is this how is going to be? Tina said, her arms raising as well as her voice.

I dont know if I want thisI dont want to feel thisI Tina was pacing up and down in front of Bette who listening to Tinas words was trying to read what she was not saying.

Ive called you too so is not like I havent answer your calls.what are we, twelve?…I dont want to feel trap, ok! As Tina was talking, lost in her arguments without looking at Bette, Bette was very carefully moving closer, walking towards her.

..I have a work, I have friendsis not like I was avoiding you! Tina added.

Nodding, seeing the light in Tinas trembling hands, Bette sighed. Taking Tinas hand Bette stopped her pace.

Tina, you were I dont know why but you were am unsure of many thinks but I know for sure that I havent done anything to hurt you While talking, Bette looked Tina in the eyes, trying not only to calm her but to assure her.

What happens? She whispered, hoping for Tina to finally say it.

Tina, looking at Bette felt her lips trembling, the truth fighting to come out, but then, shaking her head, she said,

What happens? Bette, you are the one who shouted in front of all my friend and some of yoursIt was you the one that made a scene

Bette sighed. Nodding she had to agree with Tinas words. That was true and she was still embarrass about it. Noticing the look on Bettes face, Tina took the opportunity to continue beating around the bushes.

And, what was that? What was all that about?

Still holding Tinas hand, Bette nodded. Subtly, she tried to lead her towards the couch but Tina, in a harsh move, harsher than she intended, released Bettes hand from hers.

No, tell me, tell me what was all that about? Tina asked.

Sighing, looking at Tina in silence for a few long seconds, Bette nodded.

I spent the most wonderful night of my life with the woman I love and then, out of nowhere, everything went wrongI cant reach you, I cant talk with you and I dont know why, you suddenly were very furious with meI went to the Planet hoping to see you and the first thing I see is you talking with a beautiful woman in a very friendly touching way I I guess I lost my temperamI am not good at this thingsI dont like to feel like this Bette said, mumbling the last words.

Staring at Bette, her words sinking in her conscience, Tina moved closer. Slowly, as if their bodies were burning, afraid of what was going on, Tina caressed Bettes arm. Caressing it she end on her hand, and tightening it, she whispered,

You love me?

Looking up from Tinas hand to her eyes, Bette bit her lip. Holding Tinas scared look, Bette whispered,

Dont you know that?…havent I told you this before?

Shaking her head, feeling tears running to her eyes, Tina said,

No you didntnot with those words

“I love you TinaI love your beauty, your mind, they way you move, I love (looking at her hands again), I LOVE your handsI love how your lips tremble when you are scare, and also when you are happyI even love your stubbornness and doubts Bette said, blushing a little.

My doubts? Tina whispered caressing Bettes fingers.

Something inside your mind messed with youI like that you are not perfectbut you have to let me explain myselfyou have to talk with meIIm new at this Bette said, blushing even harder.

You new at this?…I think you have it wrongam the one who is new at thisIve never been with a woman beforeyou have.. Tinas words drawing a shy smile on Bettes face.

Im new at this (Bette nodded again)Ive been with women before but Ive never been in love beforefor the first time in my life I know what I wantand what I want is youbut you have to let me.

Nodding, feeling her knees weak, forgetting the past, feeling the future, Tina smiled. Leaning forwards she took Bettes face in her hands and kissed her. It was eager, it was passionate but mostly it was full of love and desire.Breaking the kiss, Bette whispered while sweetly removing a lock of hair from Tinas face.

What happened yesterday?

Gulping, feeling the blush painting her cheeks, Tina looked at Bette for a few seconds before whispering,

You didnt call me

What?…I didI..

Nodding, placing her fingers on Bettes lips, Tina added,

I knowbut I was scaredafter the night we spent together I needed youI needed to know you were feeling the sameam new at thisI dont know what am suppose to feelIt was overwhelmingI wanted, needed to talk with youneeded to know that, the morning after you didnt feel regret..

Babe Bette interrupted before kissing Tina again.

II felt lonelythere was no one Id talk about it withI wanted youand it seemed like you didnt feel the needI felt needyand I hate that feeling Tina finished, unaware of the tears that were running down her cheeks.

It was overwhelming, I wanted to spend the day with you but I had to leave and then when I called you, you were busyyou were busy for a long time

But I was Bette mumbled, not as an excuse but as a fact.

But I didnt know if it was trueI know, it sounds lamebut I thought that maybe you got what you wanted from me andI hate liesI thought that if you wanted outI was going to make it easy for youIdont want you to lie to meI

Nodding, thinking in retrospective, seeing everything from Tinas point of view, Bette had to agree. Itd all look like she was avoiding Tina, they didnt, after all, know their routines yet.Closing her eyes Bette thought about all the mornings, all the times she did exactly that to avoid talking with one night standsand it was obvious that Tina could have thought that.

But Tinawe have talked before sleeping togetherIyouyou were not a one night standyou are much more

Nodding, Tina shyly smile at Bettes words.

I love you TinaII felt exactly the same but I guess I didnt think about how could you feelI was not worriedI was bothered we could not talk but I knew youd be there at nightor todayI felt sure about my feelingsand I was pretty sure about yours.II never thought you didntam sorry

Am sorry tooII guess is more difficult to

to come out of the closet? finished Bette smiling at Tina.

Yeahall of a sudden all my friends are hereand then I wasnt sure about you, and thenIII felt lost Tina said.

I knowam sorryI didnt think about all thatwe can do it at your pace Tinatake your timeam going nowhere Bette said caressing Tinas hair.

Unable to stop the urge, Tina took Bettes face in her hands again and leaning forwards kissed her again.

They kissed for a long time till Tina, breaking the kiss out of breath, mumbled,

Lets go

What? Where do you want to go? Bette asked, closing her eyes as Tina was kissing her lightly on the neck