Chapter 54 – Inspiration


The day of Tinas birthday was forecasted to be a beautiful southern California day. Tina thinking she deserved a little pampering rented a car for the day. She was eliciting Shanes assistance to pick it up.

Shane had picked Tina up and was providing transportation to the rental agency. Shane thanks so much for helping with the lift. Tina started.
No problem, you know I always like being there for you Tina. Shane responded.
Well I was sort of hoping you would say that I have another request and this one could be a little harder. Tina started and then went into her explanation of what she needed.
Shane initially was hesitant but relinquished as she could see Tinas point.
OK, but you know this doesnt make me feel very good. Shane shared with Tina shaking her head the entire time.
I know what you mean but its a risk I need to take but thanks in advance for being there for both of us. Tina really appreciated all that Shane had done for her and really didnt like the position she was putting her in but it was unavoidable.

Shane dropped Tina off at the rental place and she went in to pick up her car. Tina had rented a BMW Z4 Roaster. This car was the bomb. A Toledo Blue metallic, two seater which had plenty of get up and go. At first Tina was hesitant to wind it up and put it into 6th gear but once she had it out on the highway it just shifted like butter. She wanted to have the feeling of the wind in her hair as they were driving up the coast tomorrow. This car would definitely do it. The car was ready, all Tina had to do were pick up a few items at the grocery store for tomorrow and then she was off to Alices to show off the car a little.

The morning of Tinas birthday arrived with Tina pulling into the Planet for coffee with the girls before she was off to pick up Bette for their adventure. She had the car all packed. Well actually as small as the truck in this car is she couldnt pack much but she was efficient with her packing and was all set.

Walking into the Planet the girls all started singing Happy Birthday to her and presenting her a bagel with a candle all aflame. Laughing, Tina thought about how much she loved all of these girls.

Wow we saw the car as you pulled in, nice. I hope your day goes every bit as well as the weather seems to be for you today. Alice commented for Tina. Alice knew of Tinas plan and had the same hesitations as Shane, but she also knew it was the right step forward.

Thanking them all for her serenade Tina was off to Bettes. Arriving at Bettes, Tina just honked the horn like some poorly mannered teenager picking up her date. When Bette stuck her head out the door, Tina was sitting up against the headrest with her arms spread wide, her smile almost as wide as her arms.
Hey what do you think of our ride today? Tina asked as Bette ventured out her door.

Well, well, well what do we have here? I believe Ms. Tina Kennard is splurging a little on her birthday. Bette is chuckling as she walks around inspecting the car and Tina at the same time.
You ready for our adventure? Tina asks.

Actually I would like you to come in for a minute if we have the time. What do you think? Bette inquired looking to Tina with her head cocked.
What do you have planned? Tina asked with a suspicious look crossing her face.
Oh, nothing. Bette said looking every bit the guilty party.
Tina feeling a little giddy jumped out of the car and walked into Bettes apartment. Once inside Bette closed the door, smiling she just pointed for Tina to go back to the living room. Once Tina got back there she saw it immediately.

Propped up in the love seat was the most beautiful picture. It was the painting Tina had seen earlier at the market, Vision of Inspiration only in that painting the woman was abstract in her features with the pendant being in sharp detail. But in this painting, it was clearly Tina as the central figure. The detail was remarkable as Bette had captured her in a loving light. The look in her eyes is what she must have looked like to Bette as Tina first lock eye with Bette that night of the auction. Bette had been able to capture all the caring and love that Tina holds for Bette. It was remarkable but it also immediately told Tina that if Bette was able to translate that look so clearly she must know how much I love her. Oh My God, Bette knows just how much I love her, she knows. Tina though. She has known for months now and hasnt made any attempt to do anything about it. Maybe she doesnt want that kind of relationship anymore. Maybe she doesnt love me in that way anymore. Maybe she just wants to be friends. But no I know she wants me and has all these feeling for me so what is it?

As Tina stood there her elation for the painting turned to deep sorrow. If Bette really knew how much she cared for her than her plan for today was doomed before she even started. Theres some other hurtle that they need to overcome. Now Tinas thoughts turned to what could it be and how would she get Bette to cross over that hurtle.

Bette was standing to the side watching all these emotions cross over Tinas face. She had seen the elation which turned to sorrow and now concern. Misinterpreting the sorrow, Bette was confused: Tina whats going on dont you like the painting?
The stress in Bettes voice as she asked that question pulled Tina out of her thoughts.
No .. no its magnificent! I love it. Im sorry I just went off to some other thoughts. But the painting is amazing. Is it for me? Tina had shook off her thoughts and was now back in the present moment. Tina smiled happily at Bette.

Bette knew that something had passed but felt she needed to respect Tina and not ask too closely. Seeing that Tinas smile was now crossing into her eyes, Bette felt more on even ground. Yes, Ive wanted you to have this since the moment I finished it. When I saw you at the market looking at the sister painting I almost broke down and gave it to you then. Happy Birthday I hope you like it. Bette finished with a passion.
Oh Bette, thanks so much. As Tina comes up and gives Bette a quick hug. But you know Ill have to come back to get it as I dont think it will fit in the car. Tina says this last part with a laugh.
Do you think? Bette says jokingly.
Well if you dont mind it just means youll have to tolerate my presence again. Tina ribbed Bette.
I think I can handle that. Bette jokes back.
Great than lets get this adventure on the road. Tina says wanting to just enjoy the moment and the day she would have with Bette pushing any of the other thoughts to the back of her mind for the moment.