Bette stood with her fingers to her lips. It was as if she could still taste Tina on them. She knew she probably shouldnt have done it, but now at least she could say shed kissed the most incredible woman in the world, even if she never saw her again.

*****, Tina thought. She kissed me. Okay, so shed thought it was a possibility, but it had actually happened. But the thing that was really confusing her was that shed kissed her back. That wasnt supposed to happen, that was what had scared her. The force of her own actions were what had made her run away.

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The next morning Bette sat at her desk, still unable to get the previous night out of her head. Had she acted too soon? Because she knew she had to act at some point – feelings like those she had for Tina were too consuming to just ignore. But now shed gone and scared her away. Good one, Porter. James knocked on the door and came in carrying a piece of paper.

Someone dropped this note through the door, I assume its for you

Thanks James she smiled at him as he left.

She read the note he had handed her carefully.

B,
Im sorry I ran. Im just a little scared of what it might mean for me. Dont beat yourself up about it, you had to let me know somehow. I just dont think it can be right at the moment.
T x

It was as if Tina knew exactly how Bette was feeling. And no matter how confused and scared she was, Tina had still made an effort to try and make Bette feel better. If it was possible, Bette felt she cared for her even more after that. But the last line made her heart sink. It would be so right, if Tina could just see it. And now it was her turn to make amends. She grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled her own note.

T,
I feel a little better now I got your note, but I still want to apologise for what I did. I thought I felt something but I was wrong to act like that. If you ask me to leave you alone I will. I can walk out of your life right now if you want me to. Please call me,
B x

She called James and got him to send the note to Tinas office. Now all she could do was wait.

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Tina sat staring at Bettes note on the table in front of her. The ball was in her court now, she could see that. But what did she want? This woman had turned everything upside down. Shed thought shed known what she wanted, who she was. And know she wasnt sure anymore. Her feelings for Bette had shocked her and she didnt know what she was supposed to do. Bette had given her an easy way out – she could walk away, forget the whole thing had ever happened and carry on with her life as normal. But would she be able to forget? It wasnt all one-sided, Tina had felt something too. She had feelings for a woman and she didnt know if she was quite ready to accept that yet. But she knew she couldnt face losing Bette completely, so she picked up the phone and dialled.

Bette Porter speaking

Hi Tina was lost for words.

Hey Bette wanted to let Tina do the talking.

There was a moment of silence as both women struggled to vocalise what they were feeling.

So did you just call to say hi? Bette tried to break the tension.

No, Idont know what I called to say really

Okay, well Ill sit here until you decide. Take your time there wasnt even a hint of sarcasm in Bettes voice.

Bette was content just to know that Tina was there. She didnt need words, she understood Tina was struggling and didnt want to make it any harder for her.

Okay Im just gonna say what comes into my head. It might not make much sense

Its okay, Ill listen Bette spoke calmly and softly.

What happened last night didnt anger me or really upset me, it just confused me. It was something Id never done before andwell Im not even sure how it felt. All I know is I have a boyfriend and I care for him so much

Do you love him? Bette jumped in, immediately regretting it.

II dont know Tina stammered.

Im sorry, I shouldnt have asked you that

Its okay, I just dont know how I feel anymore. I dont even know who I am. What I am

You dont have to label yourself Bette offered.

I know, its justmy heads in a mess. But I do know Id be crazy to let you walk out of my life right now

Thank you Bette whispered.

For what?

For not making me. I dont know what Id have done if youd actually asked me to

Tina had to laugh. Knowing Bette had insecurities too made her feel a little better about her own worries. Bette smiled at the sound of her gentle laughter.

But in what way do you want me in your life?

A friend. Bette, thats all I can I ask you to be right now

I understand. Then please dont let last night stand in the way

It wont, were friends Tina needed to say it out loud to fully convince herself.

Can we be friends who go out for a drink tonight?

I think we can