Bette woke up and rolled over. Feeling someone beside her, she immediately tensed. Her eyes flew open when the previous evenings romp came back to her. She glanced over at Tina who was tangled in the sheets and her blonde hair shone brightly against the white pillow, sunlight filtering through the window on her unclothed body. Bette was afraid to move, in fear of waking Tina. Looking back at her, she held her breath and captured that image of Tina so peaceful in her bed before tip toeing out of the bedroom, gathering some clothes on the way. She dressed quickly in the bathroom, not even bothering to shower and pulled her hair back, applying little makeup. In the kitchen she scribbled a note and placed it by Tinas bag. As she stepped out the door, she realized Tina had no way of getting home.

*****. Bette said. Hastily she pulled thirty dollars out of her wallet and put it with the note, explaining it was for a cab when she was ready to leave. She drove away not sure of a destination. The only thing she knew was being anywhere but home would be good. A wave of guilt swept over her but she brushed it aside, rationalizing her behavior. Although feeling nothing but love for Tina, Bettes fears began to overwhelm her. How could she have stayed with Tina this morning, waking up together? What would they do? How was she supposed to act? The ***** part was easy. Bette was a pro in that department but the morning after was hard. The intimacy of it all made her run. Bette rarely had women stay over her place though she would stay at many womens homes. That way, she could sneak out at any time but with Tina at her place, she felt trapped. She felt tied down.

Thats not Tinas fault. Alice pointed out.

After driving to her gallery, Bette decided to work on some projects to busy herself. Alice happened to be driving by on her way to breakfast when she spotted Bettes car and decided to stop in to see what she was doing on a Sunday morning at work.

What?

Its not Tinas fault that you feel tied down. Alice replied.

Oh really? Then whos fault is it?

Yours. She didnt do anything wrong. Actually shes done everything right so far. Remember, you were the one who pursued her.

I know, but Im not ready for all this commitment stuff.

If it were up to you, youd never be ready.

Relationships are so stifling.

How would you know, Bette. Have you ever been in one longer than a month?

Bettes silence spoke volumes.

Thats what I thought. Alice said smugly.

Look, Al, commitments are for straight people not me. Why conform to their way of thinking?

Alice rolled her eyes. *****, straight it doesnt matter. Everyone deserves to grow old with someone. That someone for you is Tina. You know that. Stop this political mumbo jumbo. Youre only doing this because youre scared of how much you love Tina.

I do love Tina but –

No buts Bette. Plain and simple… you love Tina. And you deserve her just as much as she deserves you. She looked at Bette closely. Will you at least think about what I just said? Let it sink in today? Please?

Bette slowly nodded.

I cant believe you slept with her and didnt even tell me. Alice mumbled.

It was right before Christmas. You were already at your moms and I was getting ready to head to my dads.

How was that, by the way… Christmas?

Lets just say Im glad it only comes around once a year.

Ditto. What did you get Tina?

*****! We still havent exchanged gifts!

Youd better get on that. So anyway, back to the ***** thing…

Alice, it was good… very good. Both times.

Your own little virgin.

Bette glared at Alice who grinned. What? Its true. Are you guys coming to the big New Years Party at the club?

Hm… forgot about that one.

Decide soon its in two days.

Bette frowned and looked away out the window as Alice stood up to leave.

Dont run away anymore. It doesnt flatter you. Alice whispered in Bettes ear as she left.


Tina woke up feeling fresh, ready to face the world as a new woman. She reached over towards Bette and realized she wasnt there. Scowling, she rolled out of bed and put her clothes on, walking around the apartment.

Thats funny, wheres Bette? She said aloud.

She spotted the note by the door and picked it up, reading it.

Dear Tina,

I had some work to do and decided not to wake you. Ill call you later.

Love,
Bette

PS Heres some money for a cab.

Tina put the note down and sighed, a million emotions flooding her. She was determined not to cry but she allowed herself to get angry. Bette invited her over last night and took her to bed. Tina hadnt put pressure on Bette, quite the contrary, so why did Bette leave at dawn? Wondering if Bette was having second thoughts about this relationship, Tina felt panicked. After everything she had gone through, would Bette really leave her to the curb? Did Tina make a bad judgment call? She decided to wait until Bette called her before coming to any rash conclusions. Closing her eyes, she attempted to clear her head. It didnt work. Gathering her belongings, she got into the cab and headed to a local cafe for breakfast.

Alice spotted Tina immediately as she exited the cab. She watched her enter the cafe and take a table in the corner, looking tired and worn. Alice wondered how Tina had looked when she first woke up before realizing Bette was gone. She wouldve bet it was more refreshing than what she was seeing now. Alice felt sad for Tina but confident things wouldnt remain this way, not if she had anything to do with it. Usually she butted out of Bettes women, but Tina wasnt just any other woman. Alice knew the urgency in these two women holding onto what they have and exploring the future together. She walked over to Tinas table, pushing aside Bettes voice scolding her.

Tina, hi!

Tina looked up and saw Alice. Oh, hey Alice. She wished Alice would go away.

Mind if I join you? Alice brought her coffee over and told the waitress she was moving tables. Looks like Tina didnt have a choice.

Alice looked Tina up and down and saw worry and fear written all over her.

So whats up Tina? You look like you just woke up. Tina couldnt help but chuckle at Alices bluntness and honesty.

I did.

Needed your coffee fix before facing the day?

Something like that.

Theres a New Years party at the club down the street. You and Bette should come, its going to be great.

Im not sure what Im doing yet.

Consider it at least.

Their food arrived and conversation remained shallow and light while they ate. Once finished, the waitress cleared their plates and filled up their coffee cups.

Look, Tina, I need to say something to you. Alice caught Tinas eyes. I know about last night and this morning. Tina looked at Alice with wide eyes. I ran into Bette this morning and she told me. Listen, dont breathe a word to Bette about talking to me. She doesnt like me to interfere.

Tina nodded, silent.

Good. Now, listen to me. I know what Bette did was wrong and confusing, but dont you give up on her. She has been so patient with you for months while you ran away, came back, ran away and so on. She respected you. Now its your turn. Dont let her go, no matter how much she fights or runs away. Hold on to what you have. You two belong together and sometimes that means fighting for whats right and good until both of you are walking along side of each other.

Alice stood up, took the bill and walked out the door, leaving a speechless Tina behind.