aaTnB/A – Thank you so much for your emails, I’m sorry it took so long to post this one but finding it quite hard to write and the internet isn’t too reliable in Zim, hopefully it’ll be better once I’m back in the UK…. thanx again! :)
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It had been a week since Tina opened up a little more to Bette, she had told her about one of the most difficult times of her life loosing Joshua. Sadly, she had more to tell her but she didnt know if she could. It was a time in her life that she desperately wanted to forget but she knew that eventually she wouldnt be able to hide it any more. But how do you tell the woman you love that you once hated yourself, that you used to hurt yourself because you felt that you needed to punish yourself. God, even thinking about it makes me sick. how could I do that to myself? She had decided to tell Bette tonight, all she had to do was make sure that her date would be there.

Bette was working through lunch as usual, but her thoughts were on Tina. She sensed there was something else that Tina wanted, needed to tell her but that it was painful for her. She could see a deep sadness combined with a quiet strength in Tinas eyes and she had decided to let Tina tell her in her own time, she somehow knew that it had something to do with the fact that Tina never really let Bette see her body. not the way she wanted to anyway, she wanted to know every scar and freckle on Tinas body, commit it to memory but so far she hadnt been able to. She was steadily loosing her concentration as she became lost in the thought of Tinas body when she heard her cell phone ring. Seeing the caller ID, the biggest smile spread across her face as she answered

Hey T, I was just thinking about you. How was your class this morning?

Howzit babe, it was good thanks but would have been better if you were in it Tina said a little more huskily than she would have liked, but thats what the thought of Bettes body did to her. she just couldnt help herself.

Hows your day going hun?

Well you know how it is, phone calls from temperamental artists and directors who dont know a Matisse from a Degas but its better know that I get to talk to you. Now, how may I help you Miss Kennard?

Well, I was actually calling to invite you to join me for a home cooked meal tonight? Thought you might need it. You know you really should eat lunch babe

I know, so youve told me. Id love to join you for dinner, specially if its your cooking, Ill only be done at around 7 though. Is that ok?

Of course babe, I got a class till 6.30 so wont be done that much before you. Shall we say 8 oclock at my place?

Sounds good, Ill be there babe.

K, bye hun. I love you

Love you too T, and cant wait for tonight. Bye

After Bette hung up, she couldnt suppress the smile that had formed on her face from the moment she knew it was Tina calling. She was going to see her tonight and she knew that tonight, all the secrets Tina had bottled up inside would be put out in the open.

Tinas face on the other hand held a frown which had replaced her smile which formed once she heard Bettes voice. She thankfully had a reprieve though as she had classes after lunch and no time to think about what she was going to say to Bette tonight. All she had to do way concentrate on her students and her classes ahead. Besides, she was late for lunch with the gang. They had become like her second family, they had helped make the transition much easier (Both in terms of becoming Bettes girlfriend as well as from Zim to L.A). There were certain traits which each of them had that Tina wouldnt mind possessing herself. She admired Shanes confidence, Als sense of humour and her brassiness and most of all, she admired Danas dedication and innocence. In many ways she related to Dana more than most, Tina had known what its like to be insecure in everything but your passion. in her case it was dance and in Danas it was tennis. She felt a connection with all the women and she was grateful to have them in her life.

Howzit going guys? Tina said as she approached the gang at what she had learnt was their usual table.

Al, Dana and Shane all smiled at the sound of Tinas voice, they couldnt help but think how cute she sounded with her accent. although they had discovered that if you told her that then you would be subjected to her thickening her and subsequently not understand a word. They discovered that this was Tinas way of discouraging people from commenting on her accent, although it was good fun sometimes just to hear her talk like that. It was such a contrast to Tina, it sounded abrasive and harsh compared to Tinas soft, delicate manner.

Hey Tina they all said in unison

How did class go, any hotties I should know about? inquired Shane and Dana just shook her head as Alice looked on eagerly awaiting Tinas reply.

Well Shane, why dont you come down one day and see for yourself

Really? asked Al and Shane in unison, both thinking of the possibilities that it would provide

Ya, but on one condition though?

And what would that be Miss Tina? this is what Tinas younger students called her and the girls had found it hilarious, especially Al, and they used it every chance they got

Well that would be that no one comments on me in leotard and tights and there will be no wolf whistles.. oh and you girls will have to dress appropriately if youre going to come, cant let dress code slip for friends you know!

Tina said this with a mischievous twinkle in her eye at the thought of those two in leotard and tights participating in her class, she couldnt suppress her giggle as she saw the look that dawned on their faces as they realised what she had meant. They both looked at each other and couldnt help but laugh to as they imagined what they would look like. Dana however still looked confused but when she saw the three of them laughing, realisation suddenly dawned on her and she joined in the mirth.

This was just what Tina needed and before she realised it, it was time for her to head off to get ready for class. She was about to leave the safety blanket of friends for the hostile environment of dance. She was relishing the challenge, as long as it meant keeping her mind off what she had to tell Bette tonight.

Well ladies Id better be off as Ive got two classes this afternoon and still have some stuff to prepare. Thanks so much for lunch and hope to see ya again real soon?

Yeh Tina of course, it was really nice chatting to you. I can see why weve been saved from the wrath of Porter recently, you make her really happy! Alice was quite pleased with the fact that she had been saved from Bette on more than one occasion thanks to Tina and she couldnt help but like this Zimbo, as Tina liked to call herself, so she didnt notice the small frown that creased Tinas brow.

Shane had noticed a hot blond that had walked through the door so her attention was else where as she casually gave Tina a hug and said goodbye, it was only Dana who noticed the sadness in Tina and she didnt know what to make of it so she just smiled up at Tina and said her goodbye.

Tina walked out the Planet fully conscious of the fact that her dinner with Bette was drawing ever closer and she only had a couple more hours before she had to relive her past through her memories. memories she had tried so hard to bury and overcome.