Bette looked intently at Jacks facial features as he slept. He was definitely her son, the resemblance was undoubtedly there, but as he grew older Bette was noticing he was looking more like his father, the darkened skin, the deep brown eyes..yes he looked more and more like Marcus Allenwood every day!!..

Tbc..

Chapter 8

The next morning arrived promptly, too promptly as far as Tina was concerned. She was unable to get a wink of sleep. Her mind kept churning over and over all the information she had acquired so far, since she had returned home.

But was it her home anymore? Tina thought, her mind refusing to shut down. Bette was the one who made it home.
Sure she had great friends, but was that enough to start a new life. It would be very difficult to do if she decided to go that way, and then there was Bettecould Tina just be friends or even a casual acquaintance with the love of her life; watching her every day with the family they had so desperately wanted. Everything was still so raw in Tinas mind.

Tinas headache was returning fast and she decided she had to get up, and at least try and think of something else for a while.

Tina got up off the couch and wandered into the kitchen in the wife beater and underpants attire she had worn to bed the previous night.

She was surprised to see Shane sitting at the counter, already dressed, sipping her morning shot of coffee.

Tina: (jokingly) Well I dont ever remember you being up before noonThings have changed while I was awayhey?

Shane: (smiling) Good Morning Tina. Did you manage to get any sleep? knowing full well the answer, hearing Tina tossing and turning all night.

Tina: Good Morning Shane making herself a cup of coffee, EhhEnough. (determinedly) Im ready to start the day!

Shane looked at her watch and realized she was due downstairs to open up the salon in 10 minutes, So Tina. whats on the agenda for today? wanting to make sure her friend was ok, before she left her to go to work.

Tina: Well I was going to catch up with Alice today. She probably thinks Im nuts the way I just took off on her yesterdaycould you give me her number so I can call her?

Shane: Sure TinaThats a great idea. One day wont hurt, just catching up with your friends. You have plenty of time to decide on your future just enjoy today with Alice. I know she has really missed you!!

Tina: I was just thinking the same thingand I have missed her too (sincerely looking over at Shane) Thanks Shane, for listening and for letting me crash here last night. I really appreciate it!

Shane: (compassionately) No worries Tina. Listen I got to run. Youre welcome to stay at my place as long as you like, okas long as you need to! Call me if you do need anything! giving Tina a light hug and walking out the door.

Shane had left and Tina called Alice.

Alice: (looking at the caller I.D, concern etched in her voice) Hello, Shaneis Tina ok?

Tina: (shyly) Hello Al, Im ok

Alice: Thank god Tina, you scared the ***** out of me yesterday girl!!!!Dont ever do that again ok!!!!

Tina: Im sorry Alice. I just I couldnt breathe. Trying her best to explain.

Alice: (resignedly) Its OkI understand Tina..So what can I do for you?

Tina: I wondered if you were free today to catch up with meId love to hear whats been happening around here and with you. and I assume you are still the woman who knows everything!!

Alice smiled, she really had missed Tina, Tina(smirking, playfully) I have always known everything (thinking) how about we do lunch. Can you meet me out front of the L.A. times at noon?

Tina: (smiling) Ok Al, youre onIll see you then Ok

Alice: Ok bye Tina!

After Tina concluded her call with Alice, she was feeling a little better about herself. She was going to catch up with her dear friend today and that was what she was going to concentrate on for now!

Tina could feel the exhaustion overtaking her body and decided to take a nap before she met Alice at noon.

Tina lay on the couch and closed her eyes. Just as she was drifting into a deep sleep.she heard a loud knocking on the door.

Tina groggily got up to answer it, finding a visibly distressed Bette standing on the other side of the door.

Bette didnt say a word; she just grabbed Tina around the waist and pulling Tina into her, bought her lips to Tinas. Bette began devouring Tinas mouth, grazing Tinas bottom lip with her tongue, demanding entry, which Tina happily granted. Soon their tongues were in a mad battle for control, licking and tasting every inch of each others mouths.

Bette pushed Tina into Shanes, closing the door with her foot. Guiding Tina to the couch, Bette slid Tinas wife beater off over her head, kissing and licking a trail down Tinas flat stomach, caressing Tinas ***** with her soft smooth fingers.

Tinas desire was overtaking her. Bettes touch felt so familiar and so right; it had been like forever since shed last had ***** and her body was telling her just that. Tina could feel that desire enveloping her entire body.

Bette grabbed at the hem of Tinas underpants and started to slowly pull them down, Look at me. Tee Bette asked in a sultry voice.

Tina looked down, smiling in anticipation at Bette.. and screamed.

There was.. Candace lying on top of her, with her hands on the hem of Tinas underwearlaughing. staring back at her.

What the *****!!! Tina woke up covered in a layer of sweat.

Jesusthats all I need!! Tina thought as she looked at the time and realised she had better get ready to go and meet Alice. Making a mental note, Tina spoke to the empty room, I definitely need some sort of closure with that! rolling her eyes.

Tina showered and dressed and was out the door 30 minutes later to meet Alice at the L.A. times.


———————————————-

Kristie woke up the following morning to an empty bed. Curiously she arose and wandered around the house looking for Bette. It wasnt long before she came across a sleeping Bette, in her robe, in the chair next to Jacks bed.

Kristie just took a moment to take in the beauty of the woman she loved. She could see the residual effects of tears from the previous night on Bettes cheeks.

Kristie thought to herself, I am in for the fight of my life. I am not giving up Bette and Jack without a bloody good fight, thats for sure!!

Kristie walked over and kissed Bette on the forehead. Bette stirred slowly opening her eyes.

Kristie: (smiling, whispering) Good morning baby.

Bette: (smiling back, stretching her arms) Mmm good morning. sorry I mustve fallen asleepUmJack was restless, so I came in to settle him sweetie Bette told a little white lie, she didnt want to hurt Kristies feelings.

Kristie knew there was more to it than that, but also thought now wasnt the time to delve into that conversation

Kristie: (walking out of Jacks room with Bette, their arms wrapped around one another) Ill make us some breakfast honey, then I got to get ready and get to the hospital ok!

Bette: Its ok baby, you get ready. Ill fix breakfast. Im not going in to work today, Im going to call Alice and see if she could squeeze me in to see herIm sure shed love to see Jack too!!

Kristie: OkSure sweetie knowing full well that Alice was going to be Bettes sounding board!!

Bette went and into the kitchen and made some toast, freshly squeezed orange juice and nice warm porridge for Jack. Kristie went into the bathroom; showering and changing, for work.

Fifteen minutes later Kristie came into the kitchen, ready for work. Grabbing a piece of toast and sculling a glass of o.j, she gave Bette a passionate kiss goodbye, Ill see you later babe. Call me ok!!

Bette: (smiling) Have a great day sweetie! I will call you later. and Kristie walked out the door.

Alice had become a very good friend of Kristies over the last 12 months, since her and Bette had started dating. Kristie hoped; knowing Alice couldnt keep a secret, that she could find out some details from her.

Kristie needed to know at least what kind of relationship her Bette used to have with this Tina Kennard. She needed to know what she was up against, and if she could, what Bette was feeling, because Bette certainly wasnt talking to her.. just yet anyway She had to do something.she couldnt lose Bette and Jackshe just couldnt!!

Kristie walked out the door, got in her car and dialled Alices number.

Kristie: (seriously) Hey Al, could I see you this afternooncould you come by the hospital?Thanks!!.ok, Ill see you then.

Tbc