Monday morning came sooner than either had expected with the beeping of Bettes alarm clock stirring both women. Bette reached to turn it off and heard Tina sigh.

She settled back in bed, laying on her side, as she felt Tina tighten her hold on her from behind. Neither woman said anything, just laid there, feeling their bodies pressed tightly against the other.

Tina nuzzled her head as far into the back of Bettes neck as possible, inhaling deeply. She knew that she didnt have much more time before she would have to let Bette go and so held her as tightly as she could for the duration of that time.

Bette began to stir more, knowing that she had to get up. She began to push the covers back and slowly sit up to get out of bed.

No, not yet she heard Tina softly say as she was pulled back down on the bed.

Bette smiled and allowed herself to be pulled down.

T, I have to get in the shower she gently said, rolling on her back in order to be able to look at Tina.

I know was all Tina said, eyes still closed as she rested her head on Bettes shoulder.

They stayed there for another five minutes until Tina finally opened her eyes to see Bette looking down at her with a loving smile on her face.

Tina returned the smile and while moving over to kiss Bette said, How did you sleep, baby?

Well, and you? she responded while returning the kiss.

Good she said, placing her head back down on Bettes shoulder for a couple of more minutes.

T?

I know, baby. How bout some breakfast?

That would be great.

Ok said Tina as she lifted herself out of bed, walking to the bathroom to get a robe that was hanging on the back of the door.

Bette got out of bed as well and made her way to the bathroom, passing Tina who was now headed to the kitchen. Tina playfully swatted Bette on her bare backside telling her to hurry up, that breakfast would not take long.

Ok, T. Ill be right there she smiled in return.

Bette quickly showered and dressed and then joined Tina in the kitchen.

Quite a spread, T she said as she leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.

Tina was already seated at the table drinking a cup of coffee and reading the paper.

So, sit yourself down and join me she said while playfully winking at her.

Bette poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down, reaching for some of the fruit that was in a bowl between them.

Tina reached over, getting a bagel and spreading cream cheese on it, placed that in front of Bette as well.

Eat she instructed, not happy with Bettes eating habits of late.

If Bette noticed the subtle dig, she chose to ignore it.

So T, have you figured out everything that you will be doing in LA this week?

Not day to day. I mean, obviously I know what it is that I wish to accomplish, but in exactly what order, I am not completely sure.

Hmmm. So, is Alice picking you up at the airport?

Yeah she is. Im just meeting her at baggage claim though since Im not checking any bags.

Thats good said Bette. You know, I never asked. Are you planning on staying at your apartment or with Al? asked Bette.

Neither she suredly replied, looking directly at Bette.

What do you mean? asked Bette, totally perplexed. Are you getting a hotel room?

No, baby she said.

Uh, then

Bette, Im going home.

The fork that was bringing a piece of fruit to Bettes mouth was stopped in mid-air. Tina saw the panic cross Bettes face, expecting this reaction from her. She knew that Bette would not want her going back to their home alone, that she would want to be with her. She also knew though, that this was something that she needed to do on her own. She needed to reconcile everything in her life in LA with what was happening here in New York, and knew that in order to do that, would need to tackle the demons that were waiting for her at their home.

Tina Bette weakly uttered.

Bette Tina interrupted. I thought a lot about this last night while you were sleeping and know that it is the right thing to do smiling at Bette, attempting to reassure her.

Its just that I think that I should be there with you. I mean, this is kind of a big deal. You have not slept in that house, in our bedwellsince that night… she worriedly trailed off.

Baby, I am aware of the last time that I slept there and as we have been discussing all week, if we are to truly put this all behind us, we need to move forward and I see this as the next logical step.

I just dont know Bette said, for lack of any other argument.

You dont have to know Bette because I know, and that should be enough Tina said forcefully with a raised eyebrow for emphasis, needing Bette to understand her need to do this.

Bette read the determined expression on Tinas face and realized that there was nothing that she could say to change her mind. She had convinced herself that this was the right thing to do and Bette would simply have to trust her instincts and let her do what she thought best.

Nothing that I can say will change your mind, will it T? smiled Bette.

No, baby, theres not said Tina returning the smile.

Well, there you have it I guess said Bette, laying her napkin down on the table after wiping her mouth.

Can I get you some more coffee? asked Tina.

No, I really should be going. Monday mornings are insane as I think that I have mentioned.”

I thought every day was insane teased Tina, smiling up at Bette as she stood.

Nows never too late to start behaving you know, T she chuckled as she leaned down and gave her another kiss.

Thanks she said into Bettes lips, Ill remember that.

Bette left the kitchen to finish getting ready, leaving Tina sitting at the table. She had not really thought through what it would mean staying at their home by herself, but deep down, knew that she needed to do this to begin to close the circle.

She knew that it was going to be heart wrenching, walking in the front door of the home that had been so much more to her than just a house. It had been a place that she had always felt was a refuge, a haven, a place of safety and comfort.

That last night, the night that she had walked out on Bette, she had felt that it was anything but that. She felt as if she could not breathe in the house, her very survival dependent on her departure of their home.

Things were so different between her and Bette now. Not only were they different people as individuals, but as a couple as well. The love and trust that she had for Bette had reached a whole new level and she hoped that it was enough to get her through what she was sure would be a difficult time, a return to their home.

Bette walked back into the kitchen, briefcase in hand and saw Tina sitting at the table, coffee untouched, deep in thought.

T? she said from the doorway of the kitchen.

Tina whipped her head up and at seeing Bette, slowly stood to join her. As she reached Bette, she wrapped her arms around her neck pulling her in close.

T, you know that you can always change your mind about staying at the house, dont you?

Um hum she muttered deeply into Bettes neck.

Bette tightened her hold around Tinas waist and whispered into her ear, I love you T and I hope you know how much I will miss you.

Tina didnt say anything, just held onto Bette.

Bette missed it at first but then felt the tremors coming from Tina.

ShhhT, dont cry Bette said soothingly.

Tina still said nothing, just continued to hold onto Bette.

Bette brought her hands up and gently lifted Tinas head off of her shoulder so that she could look at her. She saw the tears pouring down Tinas face and wiped them away as best she could.

Tplease dont cry she pleaded.

Im not crying she softly said in between quiet sobs.

Ok smiled Bette.

Bette pulled Tinas face up to hers and kissed her gently, allowing her lips to linger on Tinas.

Tina returned the kiss, drawing it out for as long as possible.

Bette pulled back and looking directly into Tinas eyes said, Fly safe?

Tina nodded in response, not fully trusting her voice.

Will you call me when you land? Bette whispered.

Tina nodded again and quietly smiled, As soon as they let us use portable devices.

Bette chuckled in return and began to pull back. Tina pulled her back in though for one last hug. She inhaled deeply, trying to register everything about Bette until she saw her again.

She began to release Bette and they turned to walk to the front door. Once there, Bette turned around, laying a hand on the side of Tinas face, drawing her thumb across her bottom lip.

You do know how much I love you dont you Tina?

I do. And I hope that you know the same?

No question about it smiled Bette.

With that, she opened the door and with one last wave, left the apartment, closing the door behind her.

Tina leaned back against the door and felt tears coursing down her face. She didnt want to be away from Bette and knew that returning to LA without her was going to be very difficult.

She pushed herself off of the door and taking a deep breath, walked back to their bedroom to get herself packed, gently dabbing at the tears that were still running down her face.