Bette arrived at Tinas five minutes early, and she pushed the intercom button.
Tina let her up, and opened the door as Bette approached the apartment. Bettes breath caught in her throat as she saw Tina, hair down and beautiful. Tina had a pair of grey dress pants and a tight pink shirt with a matching grey jacket on top. How could such a simple outfit be so attractive Bette thought.

Bette walked into the apartment while Tina grabbed her purse from the bedroom. Though small, it was cozy. It was tiny enough to practically be a studio, but Tina didnt need much, nor could she afford much else, until now.

The women arrived at the event, and Tina couldnt help but be excited. Bette, this is so great. Thank you so much!

Im just glad you wanted to come. Bette smiled at Tina as they sat down, ready for the speaker. During the lecture, Bette was barely able to sit still. She watched Tina, who was enthralled through the whole of the speech, and she hid a grin, amazed at Tinas passion for this art form. Bette didnt necessarily have a plethora of books on poetry, fiction, or literature, but she was being exposed to a new world with Tina. She would go anywhere Tina wanted to venture as long as they were side by side, learning together.

As the crowd left, Bette and Tina headed back to the car. Bette stopped and said, Tina, you want to go to the food court and grab a cup of coffee before heading out?

Tina didnt think twice. Sure, but I think Ill choose tea. Coffee will keep me up all night.

They each had a cup of herbal tea and sat down amongst small groups of students sitting out of earshot from them.

Did you like what the author had to say? Bette watched Tina.

Loved it. That was amazing. I love hearing authors talk about their work, what inspires them, how they hold onto what they believe in without selling out in the end.

Well, you have expanded my horizons tonight. I never thought Id go to hear an author talk. I live for art.

Words are art. Tina enjoyed talking to Bette.

I see that now. Do you write?

Tina laughed and said, I try. Im surrounded by books and other publications all day. Youd think it would be inspiring, but instead its overwhelming. Words become blurry.

But you love it, right?

Of course, and I do love to write. I just dont let myself do it often enough.

I bet you write beautifully.

Tina flushed and laughed. I dont know about that.

Me either, I guess, but someday Id like the opportunity to find out. Bette looked at Tina who remained silent. What are you thinking, Tina?

Im thinking… I feel like Ive known you forever.

The feelilngs mutual. And I feel like I want to know everything about you.

Tina looked at Bette, deep in thought, wrestling with her heart and mind.

Do you want to go home, Tina?

She nodded, and Bette nodded as well, in understanding and acceptance. She could accept that Tina needed time to process, but she couldnt accept losing her. Bette saw the confidence inside of Tina and the assuredness to move forward instead of retreat. She wanted more than anything to love Tina with every fiber of her body and blood, but sometimes loving someone means holding back until both can delve into each other as one.

They rode in silence, Tina leaning her arm on the rest between their seats. Bette also rested her arm, so they were touching. Tina felt like she would explode from the contact. After a few minutes, Bette placed her hand on Tinas, waiting for a reaction. Tina shifted so that they were comfortably holding hands, both acting as teenagers, hearts beating wildly, pulses racing. Neither one dared look at the other or interrupt the quiet. Their silence spoke volumes.

Arriving at Tinas, they were forced to let go, but by letting Bette hold on for so long, Tina opened new hope in her.

They sat in the car and Tina said, I had a great time tonight, Bette.

So did I.

Bette reached over for Tinas hand again and brought it to her face, laying the palm into Bettes cheek, her other hand holding it in place. Tina placed her free hand on the other cheek, looking into Bettes eyes unsure of what she might do next. Bette had stopped breathing, holding onto Tinas gaze as she felt her soft hands pulsating against her face. Tina leaned over towards Bette, hesitating briefly before placing her lips on Bettes forehead, lingering for a moment, then letting go, leaving the car with a breathless Bette, paralyzed inside.