It was cold for a summer day in LA. Brisk winds made Tina pull her hoodie tighter around her body as she shivered in the chilly morning breeze of the ocean. She came here to forget, but ended up thinking more than forgetting. How empty it felt sleeping with that guy, how sick it made her to feel hollow, and how it made her cry for what she had experienced in that one night with Bette. The sunrise cast orange and pink hues across a glistening crystal ocean, purple clouds rolling in bringing promise of a storm, and matching the gales raging in Tinas heart. She knew she needed Bette, her body craved her. Moments more spent reeling of the implications of being with Bette until it hit her, as the sun dipped behind the clouds and a few drops pelted the sand around her and landed on the bridge of her nose. If Im in love, why does it matter that I want it to last forever, thats a good thing. Bette has always been there hasnt she? Tinas mind drifted to the many times she called Bette when her mother was on a drinking binge. All of the nights spent on Tinas roof talking about their dreams and running away to school together. Bette had held her the night Colin died and she was there at Colins funeral; that was probably the first moment she realized eternity, for her, was in the other girls arms. Thunder cracked and Tina was reminded of the first and only time they had made love, of how different it was compared to her only other partner, which was Kevin. Instead of fast, boring, and unsatisfying; it was slow, passionate, and unbelievingly fulfilling. And she left. God, how could I be so ***** stupid! She thought of how maybe if she had stayed they wouldnt have gotten out of bed that day, she may have been able to lay there in those sheets breathing in Bettes wonderful scent and making love until either her parents heard or they were extremely exhausted. But no Kennard, you had to freak out. She realized now that she was ready for all of the scary situations that could arise in being in a relationship with Bette. She was certain now because as she thought about it, she was sure that the amazingly wonderful and happy times would out weigh the bumps in the road. They were worth it anyway, getting to be with the one person she loved more that her own existence. Another crack sounded followed by a flash of white light and Tina remembered where she was, and how it may not be such a good place during a thunder storm. Getting up she grasped for her car keys and smacked herself as she forgot she walked. Flipping her hood up she ran as the rain soaked through her sweatshirt. Finally getting home she let herself into the house and grabbed the note that was sitting on the small kitchen table. Christina, Im out with Greg, I dont know when Ill be home. Make yourself some dinner. Ill see you tomorrow. Mom. She rolled her eyes and crumpled the note, throwing it hopelessly against the cabinet. It was nice while it lasted but Jackie had met a guy at her AA meetings, theyd been going out for a while and she was slowly forgetting that Tina even existed.again. Opening the refrigerator door, then the cabinets she sighed. She wasnt hungry, thinking made her stomach toss and turn. Instead she went up the steps and took her clothes off, not bothering to shower or put on pajamas she tumbled into bed and was asleep almost immediately despite the thoughts spinning through her head. The morning came too quickly as Tina rose from bed expecting to hear her mother in the kitchen. She made her way down and noticed a note taped to the refrigerator, she already knew what it said put she pulled it off and read it anyway. Tina, Went to Vegas with Greg, be back before you know it. I left $100 on the counter and there are some leftovers in the fridge. Wish me luck! Love Mom Running up the stair and changing into a pair of jeans and her favorite Element hoodie, she pocketed the $100 and grabbed her car keys. She sped out of the driveway with the biggest smirk, she had an idea. Bette walked into work at 12 in the afternoon and was whisked away immediately busy at the register. Thats how she spent the entire day until 8 that night, ringing customers. By the time her shift was over she was tired and sore from standing, and her head hurt from thinking of Tina all day, she couldnt help it, the cute little blonde would never leave her thoughts. No matter what though, Tina was gone from her life and there was nothing she could do about it, being friends again would just be too hard so she chose to avoid the situation all together. Still she couldnt shake the memory of her scent, her smile, her touch; it was driving her insane. Telling her boss she was leaving Bette started unbuttoning the white shirt as she pulled her car keys out of her pocket. Looking up she froze. He car windows were covered with plastic glow in the dark stars, their greenish yellow hues shining brightly in the dark night. With wide eyes she moved to her car and let a finger trace one of the glowing shapes. There was a note folded up and stuck in the crack of her window. Pulling it out she flipped it open and read it quietly to herself, words whispering on the warm night air. Bette, Last night I looked up at the stars and matched each one with a reason why I love you. I was doing great until I ran out of stars. You may think its cheesy with all the stars, but I had an epiphany last night. You may not have asked me for forever, but Im asking you. Im not afraid of what we have anymore, whats the point of spending my time hurt and empty when you make everything sp perfect. Im asking you to forgive me for being so childish and stupid, if you dont I will understand. But I need you in my life. I wanted to give you a star, but then I realized they eventually burn out and fall from the sky, but these will last forever. Im willing to see if you and I could outlive them. Together. Tina. She stood in the dark, grinning from ear to ear and pulled out her cell phone and called Tina. Standing there waiting for it to ring, she jumped when she heard the ringing from behind her. Hanging up she quickly turned around to see Tina standing there with a white rose and a red rose. To anyone she might have looked like a mess, to Bette she looked beautiful. She stood there in jeans and a sweatshirt, her hair in a loose ponytail, tendrils slipping from the confines and framing her flushed face. Tina was staring at Bette, waiting for her to say something, but she didnt. She cleared her throat and spoke first. I hurt you, and Im sorry. But dont think that it was easy for me. These last weeks have torn me apart, I was so confused, but I realized last night that I cant continue to exist without you. Bette exhaled the breath she was holding for the past couple weeks, smirked and looked up from the ground. Its about damn time T, was all she said. Tinas face almost split with the smile she was beaming as she let out a choked laugh and jogged the small distance to Bette who wrapped her arms around Tina and picked her up off the ground slightly. They hugged for moments that twisted into indiscernible amounts of time as their lips found one another and kissed hungrily. Come home with me. Tina whispered in a breath her lips inches from Bettes, so close it made Bettes spine tingle and give her goose bumps. With reluctance she backed away from Tinas embrace T, I think we should talk first before we do that again, I dont want to risk you freaking out. I dont think I could handle it a second time. I just want to be close to you, we both know how much it hurts to be alone. And my moms not home, unless you want to go back to your house. Bette agreed and they got into Bettes car, Why didnt you drive? I was keeping my fingers crossed that you wouldnt wig out on me. Bette smiled and grasped Tinas hand. As soon as they arrived at Tinas Bette began yawning. Maybe we should talk in the morning, youve probably had a busy day. Nodding Bette agreed and Tina went to get her a pillow and blanket. Coming back she said, Ya know you can sleep upstairs with me right? Bette shook her head and struggled to keep her eyes open as she kicked off her shoes and pulled her work shirt off leaving her in a tank top and black slacks. I dont trust myself around you, Id rather talk first, that way I know youre sure about us definitely this time. Tina stared for a second before nodding and looking away. Okay. Sweet dreams babe. Tina said as she kissed Bettes cheek before the other girl climbed onto the couch and started to drift off. Night T. Bette murmured before she began snoring softly. Bette woke up at 1am, sitting in the darkness she contemplated why Tina suddenly had a change of heart. Had her little boyfriend dumped her? Or did she actually have a so called epiphany about their relationship. Leaning with her back against the back of the couch she sat in silence brooding over Tinas reasoning, wanting to believe shes serious. She prayed that Tina was being honest and wasnt trying to reel Bette back in because she had no other options. That familiar gritty feeling was biting her eyes and soon she expected the tears to fall, sure enough they were there, and she fought to stifle even the tiniest of sobs but was unsuccessful. Seconds later Tina was standing on the stairs, her eyes straining to see Bettes figure trembling in the dark. Bette looked up through the blurriness and saw Tinas steady form on the last step. Only thinking that Tina was wearing a black wife beater and blue underwear, how good she looked. The thoughts she was thinking vanished. Her mind going from what if shes lying, to what if shes telling the truth. She saw her standing on the steps, then moving toward the couch and kneeling in front of Bette. All that she could do was touch that long blonde hair, suddenly thinking hurt and she rationalized quickly that talking doesnt get you anywhere. Actions speak louder than words. Tina may have been slightly confused, but she knew she wanted to die in Bettes arms, she wanted to be her sky, stars, sun, moonshe owed Bette the galaxy, she wanted to be that for this amazing girl in front of her. There was bleeding mascara running down her face, but never looking more stunning to Tina. Im sorry. I put you through *****, but Ill kneel here in front of you and beg if thats what it takes. Tina I forgive you, no one could hurt me like you do. Thats how I know this is so real. I love you more than I know how to love. I love you Bette, and I will live with putting you through so much, Ill make it up to you, I swear. Bette didnt answer, she pulled Tina from her knees and onto her lap connecting their lips in a sweet kiss that was quickly turning from heated to scorching. Their desire for one another reacting to the memory of the last taste they had of the others body. Bette reached to Tinas hips her hands grasping the hem of her shirt, she slipped her hands under the material she pushed up, the shirt following the caressing path her hands were taking. She pulled it over Tinas head and tossed it to the floor. Bette pushed Tina back into the couch and hooked her fingers in the elastic of Tinas underwear sliding them down and flinging it to the floor with the shirt. Tina reached up while Bette was doing this and unbuttoned her pants, Bette standing up pulled them off and her tank followed creating a pile with Tinas. She laid her body back down against Tinas and both girls basked in the amazing feeling of their skin heating against each other. Looking into Tinas eyes Bette felt an overwhelming sense of the need for reassurance. Tina saw this, and without even having to hear Bettes question she answered. Ill be here, in the morning, and everyday after that. She leaned up and met Bettes lips with their own, a kiss that strengthened in both their minds that the term forever was certainly not going to be long enough.