Bette had every intention of telling Tina what happened the previous night with Candace, even though she wasnt sure herself. She didnt want any secrets between them, and Candace was going to get what was coming to her, Bette would make sure of that!!

But she didnt really want to tell Tina until she got her home. Tina had been through enough today, and Bette felt like she needed to protect Tina from her stupidity.

While Bette was contemplating how to answer Tinas question, Tina let out a huge yawn.

Bette: Baby, your tired, how about we talk about it tomorrow when I get you home. I do need to talk to you about something but it can definitely wait until tomorrow. You need to get some rest.

Tina saw the conflict in Bettes eyes, Is everything ok babe?

Bette: (half smiling) Yes, everythings fine Tee. Bette looked at her watch and realized how late it was. I better get going and let you get some rest. Ill be here early in the morning to take you home to my place, where Im going to take care of you.


Tina smiled. She realized Bette had been through a lot in the last 48 hours and was not going to push. She could see the love in Bettes eyes, and right now, thats all that really mattered, Tina could wait until they got home to know what was causing Bette such conflict.

Bette went to get off the bed and out of Tinas embrace so she could get some sleep. Tina grabbed Bettes hand, Oh no you dont, I really want you to stay with me tonight Bette. I couldnt bear the thought of you at home, in bed all alone. Weve spent too much time apart in the last few days as it is. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms, please babe? bringing Bette back into her embrace.

Bette: (grinning) How could I resist a request like that Tee. Of course Ill stay.
I just need to go and drop Tims car back to him and get mine, then Ill be right back..and then I wont be leaving this place, until you walk out with me!!!

Tina:(confused) You drove Tims car here babe? That old rust bucket, you call it? Why? Wheres your car? Tina asked innocently.

Tina felt Bette tense up at the question, UmI was at Milk last night with Alice and Shane and had to leave my car there. Ill tell you about it tomorrow Tee, ok? Bette then tried to lighten the moment, and change the subject And, well, I had to get here quick Tee. I had to see you, so it was the old rust bucket or nothing.


Tina stared deep into Bettes eyes, she sensed Bettes conflict and her need for reassurance, Babe, I can see in your eyes that something is bothering you. Ill wait until youre ready to tell me. I know youve been through ***** in the last few days. Im here whenever you are ready, Ok, what ever it is we can get through it together?

Bette: Thank you Tee, I just want to get you home first, we have already been through so much today.

Bette got up out of Tinas embrace, Ok, Ill only be a little while baby, and Ill be right back, in your armswhere I belong.

Tina: Hurry back babe. I love you.

Bette: I love you too Tee, see you soon. Bette gave Tina a passionate kiss and walked out the door of Tinas room. As soon as she got into the hall Bette breathed a sigh of relief.

She had really wanted to have it out with Candace tonight, find out exactly what happened then tell Tina the whole story, but Tina wanted her to spend the night with her and Bette wasnt going to deny Tina anything. She would deal with Candace tomorrow, with Tina..together. I just hope to GOD Tina understands Bette thought.

———————————————-


Bette arrived back at her apartment about 20 minutes later and dropped the keys back to Tim, thanking him for the use of his car.

Bette decided to take a quick shower before returning to the hospital. Before Bette jumped in the shower she checked her cell and home phone for any messages.

She had two. The first message was from Kit, just checking in to see how she was going.
The next message was from Alice, and sounded rather urgent. Bette picked up her phone and called Alice. Perfect, she thought, Alice could give me a lift to pick up my car.

Alice didnt answer her phone. Strange, Bette thought. Bette decided to try Kit for a lift. Kit was more than happy to do so, Ill be right over baby sis, I aint got a gig till 10.

Bette: Thanks Kit, just beep and Ill be out

Bette took a quick shower and changed into a comfy pair of tracksuit pants and a white fitted t-shirt. She grabbed a change of clothes for Tina as well, and was ready.

Bette was waiting for Kit and decided to try Alices cell again. The phone just started ringing and Kit showed up, beeping the horn.Bette immediately hung up the phone, threw it on the couch and headed out.

Alice picked up phone noticing the caller I.d. Bette, Have I got some news for you.
Bette? You there? Dial tone. Bette had hung up. Damn Porter, Alice thought to herself.

Kit dropped Bette at her car, and Bette returned to the hospital. When she arrived back at Tinas room she found Tina, asleep, with a magazine resting on her chest and the headboard light still on. She took the magazine, placed it on the side table, turned off the light and crawled into bed with Tina. Tina instinctively snuggled into Bette wrapping her arm around Bettes waist pulling her close. Bette just smiled and enjoyed the sensation of their two bodies so close together.

Sleep came almost instantaneously for Bette; it had been a long day.


———————————————–


The next morning Tina stirred first from her slumber. It was only early, she smiled feeling Bettes breath on her neck, peacefully sleeping with her arm on Tinas tummy.
Tina noticed a figure in the room, and assumed it was Lucy

Tina: (whispering) Good morning Lucy.

She got no response. Tina sat up a little, confused, to see who in fact it was.

Tina: (yelled) MUM!!

The sudden noise awoke Bette from her sleep, disorientated; she nearly fell of the bed. What?.. Tee, is everything Ok?

Tina: (seriously)What are you doing here, mum?

Bette quickly composed herself and got out of bed. MumShit? Bette thought, as she tried to get out of there to give Tina some time. Tina took Bettes hand to stop her from going to far away, quietly asking, Where are you going, babe?

Bette: I just thought you and your mum (looking at Tinas mum) could talk, Tee?

Tina still had hold of Bettes hand. This didnt go unnoticed by Nancy. Mum, Id like you to meet Bette Porter, Bette this is my mum Nancy Kennard.”

Bette held out her hand to introduce herself, Nancy looked the other way, avoiding eye contact with Bette and dismissively said, nice to meet you, could I speak with my daughter for a minute please?

Bette: (hesitantly) Sure.
Ill just go get some coffee and Ill be right outside if you need me Tee. Bette went to give Tina a kiss, but thought better of it, instead giving her a peck on the cheek.

As she left Bette said simply to Tinas mum in the most pleasant tone she could muster, please try not to upset her. Nancy just glared at Bette and before she could say anything Bette was gone from the room.

Nancy: Dad and I have been talking sweetheart, Tina no matter how much we think about this we come up with only one conclusion. Nancy went over and took Tinas hand. We dont want to loose you Tina. You are the most important person in the world to us, but we just cannot bring ourselves to condone this situation.

Tina: (getting angry, trying to pull her hand away) Mum, why are you here then?!!!!

Nancy: Let me finish, please Tina. We are going back home to San Francisco this afternoon andwelldad and I wanted to say goodbye..and (Nancy was stalling, she really didnt want to say this next part out loud, it made it too real.) dad and I wanted to tell you.. we dont condone it but.. we will try and accept it, this new relationship of yours.

Nancy quickly added, But remember we were bought up with old-fashioned ideals sweetie and its going to take time to get used to this. Just dont expect too much from us. We are only doing this cause we love you. We still think its a phase or some type of experiment, but youre a grown woman, making your own decisions and..

Tina: Alright mum I think you should quit while youre ahead. I will accept that your willing to try, for now. Thank you

Tina: (sternly) Just one thing mum, I will not tolerate again, how you treated Bette before she left. You were being disrespectful to Bette and.to our relationship. Bette loves me, and will do anything for me, she tried to make an effort with you mum, and I will not accept a display like you showed her earlier, ever again. Is that clear?

Nancy: Im sorry, its just hard, but I will try.

Tina: No! You will do it mum. Now, Where is dad?

Nancy: Hes in the car, hes really conflicted. After your news then the accident, just give him some time sweetheart. He told me to bid you good bye, and tell you he is really proud of what you did. Nancy looked at Tina with pride, we both are.

Tina was a bit disappointed that her dad hadnt come in to say those things himself, but decided to let it go for now. She knew what her parents were like and also knew it was a big step for them to try. See how it goes Tina thought to herself.

Nancy just looked at her daughter for a minute before reaching over and giving Tina a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Ok sweetheart, Id better get back to your dad. Im so glad you are ok; you call us if you need anything, anything at all Tina? We love you.

Tina returned the hug, smiling Thanks mum, have a safe trip home. I love you two too..Remember, if you see Bette on your way out BE NICE!!

Nancy: Ok, goodbye sweetie.

Tina: Bye mum.

Nancy walked straight out of Tinas room with her head down and out of the ward. She wanted to make sure she didnt see Bette. She felt she wasnt ready for that.


———————————————–

Bette was waiting out in the hall and saw Nancy leave. Bette immediately went back into Tinas room.

Bette went over to Tina and wrapped her in a tight embrace, Are you ok baby?

Tina: (thoughtfully)Yeah, it actually went better than I expected babe. Tina explained to Bette what had been said between her and her mum and was relatively pleased with the outcome. At least its a start, Tina shrugged.

Bette smiled and looked into Tinas eyes, Im glad Good morning, baby. How are you feeling? Bette bought her lips to Tinas and gave her the passionate kiss that she wanted to earlier, before Nancy had gotten her to think better of it.

Tina: (suggestively) MmmmBetter now, babe.. It is a good morning

Bette saw the playfulness in Tinas eyes, I love you so much Tina, I have missed youlets get you checked out of here and go home.


Bette helped Tina into her car. Tina didnt really need help; she just liked the feeling having Bette taking care of her. Bette was beginning to feel a bit nervous, a bit nauseas, she knew the time was fast approaching when she had to tell Tina about spending the night with Candace.

Bette took her place in the drivers seat, immersed in thoughts of how Tina may respond. As soon as Bette closed the car door, Tina leaned over and laid a scorching kiss on Bettes lips. All of her thoughts were gone as Bette responded to the kiss parting her lips, moving her tongue in search of Tinas, and finding it almost immediately. There tongues danced with each others and soon Tina was running her hand up and down Bettes thigh stopping only inches away from Bettes core. Bette in turn placed her hand on Tinas left breast; caressing it as she felt the nipple immediately harden under her touch. Both women were getting extremely aroused; they could feel the growing wetness between their legs. The steam emitting from the two bodies was enough to put a layer of fog on the windows of the car. Tina regrettably broke her lips away from Bettes kiss; she couldnt go without breathing any longer.

Tina looked lustfully and longingly into Bettes eyes, trying to catch her breath.

A few moments later, she leaned into Bettes ear licking her ear lobe whispering, Get us home babe, I havent been able to smell you, lick you, taste you or love you for two whole days. We gotta make up for lost time. Are you up for that babe?

Bette didnt say a word, she promptly started the engine and they were on their way to Bettes apartment.

Tina teased Bette all the way home. She kept her hand right on the top of Bettes thigh, lightly running her fingers up and down, coming within centimeters of Bettes hot core. She was kissing and nibbling on Bettes ear. Bette could hardly keep focused on the road, driving them home.

They arrived safely, at Bettes a short time later, no thanks to Tina. Bette by this time was wild with desire. Tina got out of the car and ran around opening Bettes door, practically dragging her out of the car. Bette had to laugh at Tinas eagerness. Tina planted a kiss on Bettes lips and started roaming Bettes body with her hands. Her hands were quickly under Bettes t-shirt and had her bra unclasped.

Hurry up babe, lets get inside. Tina was so turned on she could feel the moisture running down her thighs.

Bette breathlessly broke the kiss and, in that split second realized she had to talk to Tina first. We need to talk baby when we get inside before
Tina didnt allow Bette to finish her sentence. Tina bought her lips to Bettes once again, parting her lips and exploring every inch of Bettes mouth with her tongue.
Tina erotically whispered to Bette, Cant talk nowkissing. Bette couldnt take it anymore, she submitted to Tina.

A few seconds later, they had reached Bettes front door. Tina had Bettes t-shirt practically off before they even got inside the door. Tina pushed Bette up against the front door, continuing to explore her mouth, her hands settling on Bettes firm ***** cheeks, while Bette fumbled for her keys.

Eventually finding the keys and somehow unlocking the door, they pulled each other inside. They stared into each others eyes for a moment while their hands were still roaming each others bodies, in a sensual embrace. Bettes t-shirt and bra was already in a pile on the floor.
Tina: (seductively) Shower, I think we should start in the shower, come on babe.

Bette: Hmmm sounds good to me, Tee, slowly removing Tinas t-shirt and throwing it on the floor. They were both too wrapped up in each other to notice a figure of a person on Bettes couch.

As they were about to make their way to the shower, they heard someone loudly clearing their throat. Startled, they instinctively looked around, in Bettes lounge room was Alice, sitting on Bettes couch, armed with her tape recorder and yesterdays newspaper

All right you two, get dressed, we got to talk!!!!.