Hello? Tinas nervousness echoed through the phone line.

Tina? Its so good to hear your voice.

Bette?

Its me.

How did you get this number?

I got it from Mandy. Arent you happy to hear from me? Bette couldnt hide her hurt.

Of course I am… I just wasnt expecting to hear from you, thats all. Tina looked over at Adison who was watching her intently. She left the room and sat on the bathroom toilet, door closed.

Wasnt expecting or didnt want to?

Dont put words in my mouth, Bette. I am under a lot of pressure to get this work done. It has nothing to do with you.

Why didnt you tell me about your thesis? Instead I had to hear it from your friends at a bar. Bette kept her voice calm, not wanting to come across as confrontational or angry.

Im sorry. I just didnt think it was a big deal.

Apparently it is now, you had to go all the way to D.C. just to get it done.

Bette, I came out here because it was somewhere to go. The only other option I had was to go home to Ohio, and I wouldnt get any work done being around my family.

But you can get work done with Adison around?

There was a long silence on the phone. Neither party spoke, Bette waiting for an answer and Tina searching for the right words.

Bette, I dont know what you want me to say here. Tinas voice was quiet, marred.

I dont want you to appease me, Tina. I want this to be real and honest.

Another silence filled the line. Bette wished she could reach through the phone cord and wrap her arms around Tina, either to hold her or strangle her.

Listen, Tina, you dont need to explain anything to me. I shouldve just given you the space you needed and waited until you came back to talk.

I dont mind that you called, actually, it was nice to hear your voice.

Ditto.

I guess I just have a lot on my mind lately and I acted on an impulse by running away.

Into Adisons arms.

Bette, what is your problem? She was a good friend years ago, nothing more.

I just cant stop thinking about that poem you wrote and then I wonder if theres something youre not telling me.

Is that how this works?

What?

This relationship… or whatever this is that we have?

What do you mean, Tina?

You dont trust me?

Of course I trust you.

It doesnt seem like it. You dont trust that I will come back to you? That sometimes I need to leave you in order to be closer to you in the long run? Bette… there are some things I dont need to explain to you right now, but you need to trust me.

I want to.

Then do it. We havent made any promises, no strings attached yet. I want to be with you. But you need to let me go at my own pace.

Ok, I can do that, I think. I will try. Hard. Bette sighed unsure of what to think. When are you coming home?

Hopefully in a week. I wont be back until this papers done.

Can I call you again?

How about you let me call you?

Only if you promise to do it.

Deal.

Tina?

Yes, Bette.

I miss you.

I miss you, too Bette.

Dont make me wait too long. Its lonely out here.

Its lonely out here.

Youre worth the wait.

Silence. Open air. A million things floated through Bettes mind as she listened to the silence. She knew Tina was going through something tough and challenging, but she knew shed make it through, without Bette trying to do it for her. She wanted to trust Tina and continue such candid conversation, but time would play its part.

Ill let you go now, Tina.

Ok, Ill talk to you soon.

Ill be waiting.

Tina hung up the phone and put her head in her hands. Adison knocked on the door. Everything all right in there?

Fine, fine. Everythings fine. Tina whispered under her breath.