Packing her bags, Tina glanced around her apartment searching for anything that she might have forgotten. She sighed and sat on the couch, pulling out a photo album from the shelf. She flipped through the pages, looking for a specific memory. Finding it, she pulled out the photo and stared at it for a few long minutes before tucking it away in her book on the coffee table, shoving it in her purse. She picked up her plane ticket off the counter, grabbed her bag, took a deep breath and headed out the door, leaving behind a piece of her innocence.

Bette held Tinas hand as they drove to Mandys house in the early morning before even the sun had a chance to brighten the day. No words were spoken and it was the first time in their being together that Bette didnt know what to say to make things better and Tina couldnt choke up any words to help her. The drive was unbearably long and as they passed through each intersection, the stoplights seemed to drag over the car, like a stream of green light, holding onto the vehicle. Tina looked out the window, allowing her eyes to lose focus and let everything blur, like her thoughts.

At Mandys apartment, everything was dark and no lights were on. If Bette found that odd, she didnt say anything. Today, there were no rules. She watched Tina take long slow steps towards the doorway, her shoulders heavy. Mandys head popped out the door, handing Tina a bag, but Tina let it fall at her feet. She pulled Mandy in for a long hug, holding her tight, her hands delicately grabbing Mandys head close to her neck. Mandy resisted at first, but understanding Tinas need for the embrace just as much as her own, she gave in and clung to her best friend for what felt like an eternity as Tina slowly and softly rocked their bodies back and forth as if soothing a tired infant.

Breaking contact, Tina whispered a quiet question. Ready?

Mandy wiped the tears away with her hand and nodded. Yes.

Bette felt out of place, as if she was intruding on personal time. She didnt know how to act or respond to the air of sadness and heartbreak in the car once Tina and Mandy climbed in. She understood the need for silence. It was easier than talking. Conversation required too much acceptance of the pain and a sense of denial overcame both Mandy and Tina as they neared the airport. They exited the car just as quietly as they had entered. Tina walked over to Bettes window and quickly kissed her, her eyes expressing all Bette needed to hear. She knew Tinas eyes could say more than words at times. Bette waited until she saw the two women enter the airport from her rear view mirror before she drove away. They were out of sight and she slowly rolled away, wondering if there was a God above them.