Saturday came bringing rain. Tina woke late, and crawled out of bed full of mixed emotions. She started a pot of coffee, looking outside trying to remember the last time rain fell so hard in LA. She thought it was a sign, a day to stay in and write, taking her insides out bringing them to life on paper. No shower or dressing, Tina wrapped a long sweater around her tank top and adidas pants, holding her small frame, and she wrote.

Shouldnt we call this brunch? Bette and Alice were having breakfast together at a local cafe.

Bette looked at her watch and said, Yes. I guess noon is a little late for breakfast.

Late night?

Not at all actually. I just didnt sleep well. You?

I went out with some friends, but we didnt stay out long. Alice sipped on her coffee, waiting for the food to arrive. Why couldnt you sleep? You all right?

Im fine. I guess its just been one of those weeks. Bette grinned to herself as Alice watched.

Like one of those weeks where you fall in love?

Huh?

Youre glowing again, Bette. Now that I think about it… you were hanging out with Tina last night, werent you? At that author thing?

Bette looked at Alice as the waiter brought out their food, and she simply smiled, letting Alice know she had guessed correctly.

Well? How did it go? Youre killing me Porter. Alice dug into her food.

Theres really not much to say. Nothing happened.

What do you mean nothing?

We went to the lecture, grabbed some tea, then I dropped her off at her place. Thats it. Bette had started eating as well, both women pausing for a moment to take a couple bites.

Ok, Ill buy that. But I dont believe its as simple as that. Alice looked at Bette, eyebrows raised.

What do you want to hear from me Alice? Just tell me so we dont have to play guessing games. Bette sounded irritated and snappy.

Chill out, Bette. Im not out to get you, I just want to know whats up. I mean, youve been really off this week. One minute youre ginning from ear to ear and the next youre biting my head off.

Im sorry, Al. Ive just got a lot on my mind.

I can tell. Remember, Porter, Im your friend. All joking aside, you can talk to me. You know that.

I know.

Alice looked at Bette with care, trying to gain more of Bettes confidence. Do you want to talk about it?

Bette laughed and said, I know you mean well, but I also know you wont leave me alone until I do. Alice shrugged her shoulders, hiding a smirk as she took another drink of coffee.

Last night was fun. Listening to the author was ok, not really my thing, but Tina was in her own world. It was great being able to see her in her element. Bette paused for a moment, holding that memory. Then, we went to the food court on campus for some tea.

Food court? Alice interrupted. Since when do you hang out at food courts on college campuses?

Do you want me to continue?

Go ahead, sorry, geez.

Anyway, we didnt talk long, but she really started to open up. We drove back to her place, and we held hands in the car. Before she got out, she kissed me on the forehead. Bette smiled and ate one last bite of food.

May I speak now?

Yes.

Holding hands, kiss on the forehead? How old are you again?

Al, its different with her. Shes never been with a woman before.

How do you know? Did you ask her?

No, I just know. Shes so… innocent. Its like I can see her fighting something inside of her.

I understand, I think. Like a soul harvest.

Soul harvest?

Yes. Things inside of her are growing, coming to life, things that have never been watered before, right? So all of this is happening because shes letting it happen. All these years shes never opened herself up this much, been this honest with herself. Am I right?

Bette slowly nodded, wondering where Alice was going with this.

So all of this new life is sprouting, starting to grow all over inside of her, inside of her soul, her very being. Now starts the harvesting. Now that shes letting it develop, it needs to be harnessed, like when something is ripe for the picking, you harvest it, right? Well, now its time for her to accept whats going on with you and her. Shes gathering up all of these things, these feelings and emotions inside of her, collecting them to use for accepting who she is, and who she wants to be with you. Shes harvesting.

Hmm… maybe youre not crazy after all, Al. When did you become so metaphorical?

I watch things and analyze them how I see fit. What do you think?

So, are you saying I need to give her space… time?

No, Im saying watch and see. Stop thinking about yourself and what you want for a while. Focus on the battle Tina is facing within herself, her harvesting.

Bette thought for a minute, quietly, processing all that Alice had to say. She smiled and reached for Alices hand across the table. I love you, Al. Youre a good friend. Thanks for reminding me and saying just what I need to hear.

Youre welcome. You know I always have something to say. Both women laughed as Alice continued, But, I have one more thing to add.

Go ahead.

I think you should go see her today. Surprise her. Stop by unannounced. That way you can give her a little encouragement, a push in the Bette Porter direction. It may be what she needs today. See what she has to tell you in the way she responds.

Think so? I dont want to scare her or push her away.

You wont. Just be the Bette Ive seen this week and she wont be able to resist.


Tina was enjoying the day because it gave her time to spend doing whatever she wanted. She wrote, read, ate junk food, and watched movies. It had been a long time since she had so much alone time. Being by herself was haunting, though. She couldnt get Bette out of her mind, and she felt weak inside. Her heart ached with fear and love all at the same time, and her body constantly reminded her of how she felt in Bettes presence. And her mind, it forced her to face her confusion, excitement, and fear. She searched her past, picking through her memories, looking for an answer to why this all could be happening. She found clues, here and there, but she didnt realize the answers were always there inside her. She just needed to ask the right questions.

While she sat on the floor, back propped against the couch, writing on her laptop, her intercom buzzed. She looked at her watch and couldnt believe it was 8:00 already. Looking around, she realized it was dark, except for the glow of her computer. She ran over to the window and saw Bettes car. Oh my god, look at me! What do I do? The intercom buzzed again, longer this time. Hello?

Tina, its Bette. Can I come up?

Um… sure. Tina opened the door and frantically threw stuff into the kitchen, in the cupboards and trash, cleaning as much as she could in 2 minutes. She heard a knock on the door. As she opened it she said, Bette, hi. Come on in. Look, Im sorry this place is a mess.

I dont mind, and its not that bad. Did I catch you at a bad time? Bette asked as she looked at Tinas outfit.

Oh *****. Look at me? Im still in my pajamas. Im so sorry, Bette, I look like a train wreck and my place is a mess…

Bette smiled and said, Tina, you look fine. I dont think you could look bad if you tried. But, its a little dark in here, isnt it? Bette looked around, no lights on to be seen, except for the illuminated couch, by the laptop.

Tina quickly hit the light switch and nervously laughed. I lost track of time. I was writing, and sometimes I get in a zone.

Its good youre writing. Both sat on opposite ends of the couch, feet tucked under them.

Um… you want coffee or tea or something to drink? Tina started to get up.

No, Tina sit down. Just relax. I didnt come here to make you nervous. Bette noticed Tina fidgeting.

What did you come here for? Tina was almost afraid to ask, but something inside of her spoke for her.

Just to see you. To say hi. To say thanks for last night.

Tina sat there, picking at the hem of her pants, unable to look up. Bette moved closer, sitting knee to knee with Tina. Placing her hand on Tinas chin, she moved her head so their eyes met.

What do you want? Tina whispered, her body trembling.

I could ask you the same question. Bette placed her hands on Tinas knees, holding her still, warming her body with a simple touch.

From deep within came a boldness, a confidence that erupted out of Tina as she leaned forward, placing her hands on Bettes. Moving slowly forward, steadying her beating heart, she closed her eyes, pausing, lips barely touching. Bette didnt move, her breathing quick and shallow. Parting her lips slightly, Tina fell into Bettes mouth, as if a gentle breeze had blown them together. Tina held on only for a moment, and she pulled away, sighing sweetly before opening her eyes. Bette watched, and stood up over her.

Thank you for your honesty. Bette reached down and held Tinas head in her hands. Kissing the top of her head, she lingered for a moment, smelling this fragile woman below her.

But I didnt say anything. Tina could only muster a whisper.

You said more to me tonight than ever before. Bette gently let Tina go and walked out the door, leaving Tina the space she needed.

Sunday passed without excitement, and Tina found herself in front of the computer once again. Mandy called on her way home from San Diego, and she was heading towards Tinas to arrive any minute. The intercom buzzed, and Tina let her up, leaving the door unlocked. Mandy walked in and saw Tina furiously typing away. She closed the door and with curious eyes, glanced at Tina who looked up, putting the computer down.

Tina sighed, unsure of what to say or how to explain the events of the weekend to Mandy. She smiled faintly and said, Love has taken away my practices and filled me with poetry.