Rough night?

Tina looked to her left and saw Alice at the bar next to her. She put her hand up and threw back a shot.

That bad, huh?

Im sorry, I dont want to be a downer… but if I could, Id crawl out the bathroom window.

Boy, Ive been there and to tell you the truth, the windows are too small… considered it before. Alice shrugged.

Guess I should get back to the table and face the music.

Wait, Tina… listen, if your friends cant accept you for who you are, then they arent worth the trouble. Tina looked at Alice with concern in her eyes. Oh, dont worry, Bette told me about Liz and Tesa. You can trust me, Tina. Besides, what are friends for?

Tina raised an eyebrow at Alice.

Tina, I know Im Bettes friend and I barely know you, but anyone who is a friend, or in your case a girlfriend, of Bettes is one of mine as well. I really mean that. So get over to that table, be cool, and show those women how much you care for Bette. No holding back. Just be who you are supposed to be. And remember…. you always have at least one friend at the table. She winked at Tina and handed her a drink.

Back at the table Bette looked like a deer caught in the headlights and when she spotted Tina she glared at her.

Hey guys, glad to see you could make it out. Tina looked at Tesa and Liz.

We wouldnt miss getting to see Addie. Tesa spoke for both of them.

Well Im gonna hit the dance floor if you guys want to join me. Tina stood up behind Bette and rested her hands on her shoulders. Bending down she said in Bettes ear, Can I lure you to come with me?

Bette smiled and followed Tina, hand in hand.

There goes one happy couple. Adison waved her drink in their direction.

I know, they make relationships look… good. Alice watched them dance. She saw how well Bette and Tina fit together, wishing she had someone real of her own. She had never seen Tina so comfortable with anyone before and she sighed, thinking of everything that couldve been. Shaking her head, she realized those two were meant for each other and no amount of wishful thinking could change that. She smiled as she saw Bette lean in and place a passionate kiss on Tinas neck, unaware that anyone was watching.

Seriously, watching them makes me feel like I want to settle down. Yikes, maybe I should hit the dance floor and shake off some of this crazy talk. Adison shuddered. She looked over at Mandy, Tesa and Liz who were talking about something intently. What are you guys talking about?

Nothing. Liz jumped in.

Whats up? Youve acted weird all night. Everything ok? Adison asked.

Fine. Just dont know why we had to go to a ***** bar. Liz replied.

Well, see, Im *****, Tinas *****, Bettes *****, Danas ***** and Alices *****. That beats you guys five to three. Thats why were at a ***** bar. Adison raised her glass towards Alice who smiled.

I dont mind being here. Tesa took a sip of her drink.

Whatever, why dont you just turn *****, too? Liz scoffed.

Whoa! Hold on there cowboy. If youre gonna talk like that, then you might as well leave. Scowling, Adison continued. Do you have a problem with ***** people, Liz?

No… its just weird that Tinas with a woman.

And you dont have a problem with me?

Look, its just weird having two close friends come out to you. Liz defended herself.

Coming out is hard enough without your closest friends giving you a hard time about it. Dana piped up. Everyone around the table looked at her. What?

Youre so quiet then you come out with a sassy remark. I love it. Alice gave her a high five.

Well Im barely out as it is and the few high school friends I told harassed me about it. Its just wrong. Dana shrugged.

Its an awful lot to just dump on your friends, though. Liz said.

If you think its a lot to deal with just try to imagine how much Tinas going through. Alice nodded.

On the dance floor Bette and Tina were holding each other, getting some fresh air. Even though Tina had appeared to be cool and collected at the table, once her and Bette walked away she felt as if her knees would give out.

What do you think theyre talking about? Tina asked as they swayed to the music, bodies pressed together.

Id say… you.

You think so? Tina suddenly stopped.

Yes, but dont worry. Alice, Mandy, Dana and Adison have them outnumbered and outwitted. Bette grabbed onto Tinas jeans and pulled her closer letting her arms hang around her waist. Tina rested her forehead against Bettes.

Look at me T. Tina leaned back and fastened her eyes on Bettes. Do you know what I see when I look at you? Tina shook her head. I see your eyes brimming with love. If your friends dont see that, then they dont know you at all.

Tina sighed and brushed a curl out of Bettes face.

Im here tonight for you, Tina. Have fun and be yourself. Your honesty is one of the most attractive things about you. Lets go back to the table and show those women how ***** you really are. Bette grinned and playfully slapped Tina on the rear.

Tina was taken aback but barely missed a beat when she said, Youll pay for that.

Bette chuckled and said, I hope so.

At the table, Mandy stood to get another drink but Bette rested a hand on her shoulder encouraging her to sit back down.

Next round is on me… Ill be right back. Bette headed towards the bar leaving Tina to fend for herself.

You two looked pretty close on the dance floor. Adison raised and eyebrow at Tina.

They cant keep their hands off each other. Alice rolled her eyes.

Hey! Im sitting right here!

How long have you two been together? Dana asked.

Well, weve been hanging out for over a month now but Im not sure how long weve been officially dating.

How did all this start? Liz looked directly at Tina for the first time this evening. It was almost as if she was daring Tina to stumble on her words or say the wrong thing.

Well, we started hanging out as just friends, then… Tina was interrupted.

Then they kissed and Tina realized her true feelings. Alice jumped in.

Thanks Alice. Tina shook her head and continued. Yes, we kissed and a ton of all the other things that happened… all the little things and subtle moves between us. It took some time for me to come to terms with what I was feeling.

And a trip out to see me. Adison smiled.

Adison was great in helping me out. Tina winked, and Adison smiled in understanding. Then I came home and decided to let go and deal with what I was feeling. Since then Bette and I have been going strong.

You guys are too cute. Dana grinned.

Bette seems nice. Tesa said, finally opening up and trying to accept Bette.

Im dancing. Liz stood up just as Bette returned to the table and walked out on the dance floor. Bette looked puzzled but didnt say anything as Tina followed Liz.