Dana spotted Alice and walked over, signing a number of autographs for adoring fans along the way. Seemed Dana, once dubbed the ***** Anna Kournikova was a now a big star in her own right!!

Tinas back was facing Dana, and as Dana approached their table, Tina turned around smiling shyly at Dana

Danas legs came to a complete stop, as her eyes came into contact with Tinas. She gave Tina a derogatory look and turned around walking out…

Tbc.

Chapter 12


Alice gave Tina a sympathetic look, immediately jumping up out of her chair and running out to stop Dana.

Tina felt like her whole world was slowly disintegrating, Yet another casualty of the coma Tina thought, there were certainly a few mounting up!!!

Alice caught up with Dana and the red head just outside the door.

Alice lightly grabbed Danas arm, (adamantly) Dane, just hear Tina out please!!!Youll be really sorry if you dont.

Dana turned around and looked steely eyed at Alice, Alice, does she really deserve to be heard out after what she put us through?

Alice: (sympathetically)She didnt put us through anythingPlease Dane. Do I ever steer you wrong, this is importantTina really needs usall of us now!!

Dana looked at Alice incredulously, her anger was rising, What?. What did you say?.. Tina needs us?Well where the ***** was she when we needed her Al? Huh????

Alice cringed realizing her choice of words, Dane, I didnt mean it like that(pouting) Please for me Dana just let Tina explain!!! If you do not accept her explanation you can leave, okno questions asked..just leave and youll never need to see her again.

Alice was confident that once Dana knew the truth she would not want to do that!!

The red head that was with Dana agreed, Come on sweetie, what will it hurt. Youve been angry with Tina for long enough!!! Just see what she has to say?

Alice mouthed a thank you to the woman.

Dana resigned to the fact that she was going back inside, Ok, Ok! I will hear her out. Thats it!!!

Dana had taken Tinas departure extremely hard. Tina was like the glue that held the gang together and after she had left, nothing was ever the same.

Not hearing hide nor hair of her for the last 5 years had also left Dana feeling like she wasnt important enough to Tina, for even a phone call, and then there was the matter of how she held Tina and Bettes relationship in such high esteem.

If their relationship couldnt survive how could she possibly expect any of hers to? Dana knew that wasnt Tinas fault, but she couldnt help how she felt. It was like one phase of her life ended when Tina left and a completely new one emerged, but the trouble was she loved the old phase. Dana wasnt ready to give up the old phase just yet, then!!!

Dana and the red head accompanied Alice back inside the caf and over to the table where Tina was sitting. Tina looked up smiling warmly at her friend returning. She didnt even notice the red head accompanying her; she was visibly distressed; her concentration solely on Dana; tears were streaming down her cheeks.

Tinas eyes met Danas and she could feel Danas ice cold stare go straight through her, sending a shiver down her spine. Tina forced herself to calm down and stop the tears.

Dana: (defensively) Ok Tina so Alice said you have an explanationI got to tell you that short of being laid up in a hospital bed for the last what (thinking) 5 years, what other explanation could I reasonably accept?

Alice smirked at Danas choice of words.

Tina quietly spoke, she focused all her attention on Dana, Dana please sit?

Dana: (adamantly) No Im fine standing thank you!! crossing her arms and staring at the floor.

Tina thought to herself, just say it, blurt it out! Obviously Dana is pissed and she wouldnt appreciate me ***** footing around!

Tina: (determinedly) Ok Dana.well what you said is actually right on the money. Yes, as a matter of fact I have been laid up in a hospital bed for 5 years.

Upon hearing Tinas statement, Dana eyes, which had previously been fascinated with a speck of dirt on the floor, quickly arose until they were looking directly at Tina.

Dana felt confused, concerned, and incredibly sorry all at once, her tone softened, What?. Are you serious?. (Tina nodded) . Oh god..Im so sorry Tina..Why am I always the last to know everything??? (looking over at Alice)..I didnt Dana was now getting tears welling in her eyes, and she had to sit down.

Tina interrupted, (teary eyed) I was involved in a hit and run Dana. and I was in a coma for 5 years.. I understand why you are angry. but please believe meI would never have just deserted you, any of you. I loved you allyou were my family.are my family!!!

The tears trickled down Danas cheeks, Im so sorry Tina.It was just so hard.You were one of my best friends and I thought you had just left me.I didnt like that feelingI was so angry at you for so long. Im so sorry!! Dana got up and went over to Tina encasing her in a tight hug, both women crying in each others arms, I really missed you Tina!!

Tina: (sniffing) I missed you too Dana!

Dana unwrapped herself from Tina and went and sat in the chair opposite, both women recomposing themselves. Without even thinking Dana blabbed, You know Tina. I have to tell you I always hoped that you and Bette wouldve tried againgot back together, after what you two had.and especially after Bette had little Jack

Alice shot Dana a glare.

Tina interrupted, her voice coming out louder than she anticipated, What????.. You mean Jack is Bettes son???.That cute little boy I saw in here a few days ago???.. Bette is the birth mother?? Omg, Omg??? Tina was beginning to breath erratically.

She didnt know what to think, Wow!!!!!!I never thought Bette would actually have a child.I mean give birth to a child???Wow!!!(Tina managed to put things into perspective) Doesnt change anything though….Jack still has two moms and Bette has moved on Tina!!

Alice was getting worried. Tina had drifted into her own little world, and Alice could see the intense emotions playing across her face.

Tina composed herself looking over the table at Dana, who by this time had realized what she had said, and was blushing, (grimacing) Sorry Tina!

For the first time, Tina noticed the red head sitting next to Dana.

Tina knew that woman, (inquisitively) Isnt that? Lara Perkins? Tina whispered to Alice.

Alice smiled, (whispering back) Yeah. can you believe it, they met back up a few years ago and have been together ever sinceLara travels with Dana!! They are a great coupleLara makes Dana very happy; thats the main thing right?

Tina: (smiling) Sure is Alice.

Tina looked at Lara and Dana, smiling, (sincerely) Im so happy for you guys!

Dana and Lara glanced at each other lovingly, Thanks Tina!

The gang started conversing; Tina wanted Dana to fill her in on her budding career and everything else that had been happening in her life.

Dana felt a sense of warmth pass through her body as she recounted the last 5 years. To Dana this. talking with Tina and Alice. felt like the good old days. The days she really did miss!

Dana was explaining her official statshow her serve was faster than everand what the difference was between a forced and unforced error.. and how she had beat some of the best names in tennis. Tina listened intently, even though she had no idea about some of the stuff Dana was talking about.

Dana was excitedly rambling on when Alice noticed two women walk into the caf.

Alice: (not meaning to yell) *****!!

Tina, Dana and Lara just looked at Alice funny. They all followed Alices eyes and saw Kristie and Bette walking, hand in hand, into the caf to grab some lunch.

As much as she tried, Tina couldnt stop the tears flowing once again. She just couldnt get used to seeing Bette with another woman.

Bette spotted Tina and the gang as soon as she and Kristie walked in, she could see Tinas tears, her face in so much pain, and her immediate reaction was to let go of Kristies hand

Kristie looked disappointedly at Bette.

Kristie: Baby?whats that all about???

Bette realized what she did, grabbing Kristies hand once again, Sorry sweetie

Bette: (looking lovingly at Kristie) Could you indulge me a minuteplease? looking over at the gang.

Kristie saw Ms Kennard with the gang and she knew that Bette and Tina had to talk, but she knew she didnt like the idea either.

Bette didnt wait for a response; she dragged Kristie over approaching Tina and their friends.

Bette stared at Tina for a moment; still holding onto Kristies hand. Bettes heart was breaking seeing Tina in so much pain, (quietly) Could I have just a moment of your time TeeTina?

Tinas heart skipped a beat when Bette called her Tee. Tina took a deep breath, (resignedly) Ok Bette.

Dana, Lara and Alice noticed the thick tension and the undeniable chemistry still present between the two of their friends.

Kristie let go of Bettes hand and walked over to get them a table. She trusted Bette and knew they had to talk things out, Besides what could possibly happen in a crowded caf? Kristie thought.

Kristie: (smiling weakly) Excuse me ladies.(looking at Bette) Ill just go and order us some lunch babyIll meet you at our table in a few minutes ok?

Bette glanced at Kristie, smiling, Thanks sweetie

Tina got up and accompanied Bette outside.

Bette: (compassionately) Do you think you would have some free time this week to talk to me Tina?.. We need to sort a few things out?

Tina: (determined to stay focused) I think we need to settle a few things too Bettewhenever you are available I am too. (Tina looked into Bettes eyes, her voice cracking) .The sooner we sort things out the sooner Tinas voice trailed off, she just couldnt admit to herself that Bette and her were really going to be over!!!!!But she knew she had to!!!!!

Bette: Ok Tina, how about Thursday at noon

Tina: Ok! FineHow about I meet you at the park a few blocks down?

Bette: Ok I will see you then. Thursday, noon, the park!!Thank you Tina. Bette tried to look into Tinas eyes one last time, but Tina wouldnt let her.

The two women walked back inside, trying to contain all of the emotion they were feeling.

Bette: Guys.. Ill let you get back to it. (smiling at Dana) Dana, call me before you go so we can catch up ok?

Dana: Sure Bette as long as I get to see Jack.

Bette smiled, Of course DaneBye guys.

With that Bette waked back over to Kristie sitting at their table.

She walked up behind Kristie, rubbing her back lovingly, just like she used to do to Tina.

Tina couldnt help herself; she just had to look. After all this time she was still captivated by Bettes mere presence, God, why must I continually torture myself? Tina berated herself.

Tina didnt know whether to be relieved, or excited, or nervous about what awaited her on Thursday. All she knew is as far as she was concerned it couldnt come soon enough.

Tina wanted it over and done with one way or another!.

She had to start living her life again, even if that meant a new life!..

Tbc.