Tina opened her eyes and tried to look around in the darkness. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust in the darkness and for things to come into focus. She thought for a moment that perhaps the events of the night before had just been a dream, but she knew that was just wishful thinking. The girls, all extremely emotional, had decided to stay the night and Bette and Tinas house. For the most part everyone was lost in their own thoughts. Shane was distant, not saying much, just listening and comforting. They all knew she was still hurting, and they didnt push her to talk about it. Alice and Dana were thinking about each other, but avoiding eye contact. Kit and Tina were really upset about Bette. Tina was confused as well. She wasnt sure what she wanted from Bette, but she knew that she couldnt let her leave for three months without telling Bette that she loved her. Everyone else was curious as to what Tina showing up at the airport meant as far as Bette and Tina being together, but no one was brave enough to ask. Bette had called just as she had promised she would as soon as she landed at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. She didnt talk to them long, she was exhausted.
Tina looked out the window and noticed that the sun still wasnt up. She got up as quietly as she could and tiptoed to the kitchen. Tina fixed herself a cup of coffee and then went outside to sit on the porch. The horizon was just starting to lighten, but behind her she could still see the stars. Tina sat there in the silence and breathing in the morning air.
Oh God, what was I doing, she thought. I shouldnt have gone out there last night. Tina wasnt sure what she wanted. She knew that she didnt trust Bette in the slightest. She loved Bette, nothing was going to change that, but Bette had cheated on her. Tina wasnt even sure of all of the details from Bettes adulterous adventure. At the time all shed needed to know was that it was true, and the look on Bettes face as she looked at Candace that night had been given Bette away. Tina felt a fresh wave of pain wash over her, and she wiped away a single tear that fell down her face, surprised that she even had any tears left.

Dana woke up with a jolt, shed been having the strangest dream, but now that she was awake she couldnt remember any of it. She looked over and saw Alices silhouette next to her. She reached over and trailed her fingers softly down Alices cheek. Alices eyes fluttered, but she didnt open them for fear of it just being a wonderful dream. She grinned a little. Dana, who felt much braver in the dark, leaned over and gently kissed Alices nose.
Wake up sleepy head, Dana whispered.
Alice opened her eyes as her brain registered Danas voice and words, and she was greeted by Danas beautiful smile. Without saying a word Alice put an arm around Danas neck and pulled her in for a gentle kiss. Danas tongue brushed against Alices lips, begging to be let in, and Alice willingly opened her lips. It was a very slow, simple kiss. They both pulled back and stared at each other.
Good morning, Alice said, breaking the silence and grinning.

Shane looked around the living room and notice that Tina wasnt on the couch. She knew Dana and Alice had slept in the spare bedroom, and Tina had insisted that Kit sleep in the master bedroom saying that she wasnt ready to lay in that bed. Shane had offered to stay in the living room with Tina. The smell of coffee drifted into the living room and Shane couldnt ignore its call. She walked into the kitchen and quickly found the coffee pot and a cup. Shane glanced out the window and saw Tina sitting by the pool in the early morning light. Shane walked out to the pool and sat down beside Tina.
Shane looked at her and said quietly, You okay, T?
Yeah, Tina said, without looking over at Shane.
Shane knew she was lying, but she decided to let Tina get away with it. No one had forced her to talk about what was going on in her life, and she wasnt about to force Tina to talk to her. Shane simply wrapped her arm around Tina.

An hour later, everyone had left. Alice, Kit, and Shane all had to go to work, and Dana had to go to training. Tina walked to the bathroom to get ready for work. She walked into her bedroom, a place she hadnt been in for over a month now. All the memories came back. Tina stood in the doorway for a moment, and then turned and went to the guest bathroom.

Tinas day at work seemed to last forever. Her thoughts were with Bette, and she couldnt seem to concentrate on anything. She decided at lunch to go to the gym after work. Tina thought shed be able to relieve some stress, and on top of that she needed to talk to Zoe. So there she stood, in the changing room, getting ready as quickly as she could. Tina was running a little late. She walked into the aerobics room and joined the class in the back. She made eye contact with Zoe, who had noticed Tinas arrival immediately, and couldnt help but grin. Tina took her eyes off Zoe. She concentrated on pushing her body, and focusing her thoughts on anything but Bette. All too soon, her workout was over. She contemplated running on the treadmill for a while, but the thought of a hot shower forced the treadmill out of her head.

Tina emerged from the shower with a towel wrapped around her wet body. She walked over to her bag a stepped into her underwear and put a clean bra on. Zoe walked in and saw Tina from behind.
I thought youd already left, but Im really glad youre still her, Zoe said softly.
Tina jumped at the voice, and turned. Tina quickly put on a wife beater as Zoe walked over to Tina and wrapped her arms around her.
Howve you been, Tina asked.
Not too bad, just been working, as always, Zoe said, pulling out of the hug, but leaving her arms around Tinas waist. For some reason, Tina felt very comfortable in Zoes arms.
Im sorry I didnt call you yesterday, things were a little crazy, Tina tried to explain.
Dont worry about it, Zoe began, I know you had a lot going on, especially after lunch Saturday. Is everything okay?
Yeah, Bette left, and I went to the airport to see her off. It was kind of a last minute decision.
Zoe noticed the sadness in Tinas voice, and felt completely helpless. Tina shook her moment of sadness, and grinned at Zoe.
I was thinking we could go to dinner one night this week. Do you have any openings, Tina asked playfully.
How about Wednesday night?
Wednesday night, would be perfect, Tina said smiling. She stared at Zoe for a minute, before leaning down and drawing her into a soft kiss.

Hundreds of miles away, Bette was laying in bed after her first day of work. She was trying to fall asleep and staring at the beautiful yellow rose that Tina had given her the day before.