The shock woke Bette up suddenly, and when she fully immersed herself in reality it was in fact Kristie caressing her *****, running her fingers down Bettes torso, trying to surprise Bette with an early morning wake up call.

Kristie was so into what she was doing she missed the look in Bettes eyes as she hastily awokeor did she????

Chapter 21

After her impromptu early morning wake up call by Kristie, which she enjoyed immensely, Bette decided she would take her woman out for a romantic dinner to celebrate. She needed to refocus on their relationship and move forward with their livesas a family!!Just as soon as she made sure Tina was ok!!

Bette had got out of bed and made breakfast for Jack, spending the morning playing and engaging in some quality time with her son, Now hes what its all about Nothing else really matters!! Bette thought to herself, smiling broadly as she watched her sons face light up as he pressed a button and the music played on his Dancing Elmo toy!

Kristie had also gotten up and taken a shower; dressing and walking into the lounge room she just stood and observed the woman she loved playing with her son. It filled her heart to know she was only one of the lucky few who got to see this side of Bette Porter, the gentle, caring mom who would do anything for her sonfor her family. Kristie was very much looking forward to being part of that family.

Bette noticed Kristie standing at the door and motioned for her to join them. Kristie did and the three of them spent the morning together, hanging out, just like a family would do!!!!

It was just after noon and Bette realized she had better get the arrangements for the evening organised. She walked into the kitchen grabbing her handbag and keys.

Kristie looked mystified at Bette, Where are you going baby?

Bette: (innocently) Kris, can you look after Jack for hour. I want to go and see Shane.

Kristie: (curiously) What for babe?

Bette: If you must know Im taking you out tonight, just the two of us sweetie, to celebrate. I want to make sure Shane can baby sit. Giving Jack and Kristie a quick kiss, heading towards the front door.

Kristie: Oooothat sounds great, but why cant you just call and ask her babe? slightly irked at Bettes dismission of her questions.

Bette: (winking at Kristie) Because I need to make some additional arrangements for the evening too baby. as she was walking out the door. I wont be long!

After Bette left, Kristie whispered annoyingly under her breath, you could do that over the phone too, Im sure??!??!

Kristie had seen the look in Bettes eyes when she awoke that morning. Even though Bette was very loving and attentive after she actually woke up, Kristie knew she had extricated Bette from one ***** of a dream. which she could tell by Bettes look, certainly wasnt about herand she also knew that Tina was staying at Shanes.

Is that why Bette wanted to go over there, instead of just calling and spending the afternoon with her son, and the woman she had just made love to only hours ago!!! Kristie was going to ask Bette for the answers at dinner later that night..


Bette arrived at Shanes at half past 12. It was Sunday morning after all and Bette thought a reasonable hour would be considerate.

Bette knocked, silently hoping that Tina would answer the door. Even if she slammed it in her face, at least Bette would catch a glimpse, of the woman whose heart she shattered the day before, and know that she was physically ok at least.

Shane and Toni were still in bed. Shane heard the knock at her front door and hastily arose, fumbling around for a pair of boxer shorts and a t-shirt. Curious as to whom would be knocking on her door on a Sunday morning. (looking at the clock) .UhSunday afternoon. She approached the door and opened it.

Shane: (rubbing her bloodshot eyes) Hey, Bette. What are you doing here? Is everything ok?

Bette: (trying to peak inside the door to see if Tina was awake, distractedly) Um. no everythings fine Shane. I was just wondering

Shane interrupted, (grinning at Bettes obvious inattentiveness) Come in Bette, sit and spill!

Bette: (relieved) Thanks Shane.

Bette hesitantly entered Shanes place, glancing around, observing no sign of Tina. Shane noticed Bette looking around, with a weary look on her face and was pretty sure what..or rather who.Bette was looking for.

Shane: (smiling, still feeling mild effects of sleep depravation) Tinas not here, BetteDont look so worried.

Bette: (disappointed) I thought she was staying with you? Is she ok?

Shane: (without thinking) Yeah, Steph and Tina were out with us last night ..Tina seemed to be doing .ok, just ok. She got really drunk and Steph took care of her. They looked pretty chummy. Tina went back to Stephs hotel with her I guess.

That single statement stabbed right through Bettes heart. Bette immediately assumed the worst. Tina had really moved on, already. If she had spent the night with the doctor, they must be in love, or at least think they were. Tina wouldnt just have random ***** with someone if she didnt feel love for them.

Bette sadly thought she had really lost her Tee. After the previous days events Bette had an idea that Tina and her doctor Steph would start something, but it was only yesterday that Tina was asking her for a second chance, now she was already sleeping with someone else, God I pushed her right into the doctors arms. Bette thought to herself.

Bettes jealousy and rage began to build, I dont trust that Doctor Stephanie, Shane she probably took advantage of Tina while she was intoxicated. I really want to make sure shes ok!!

Shane then realized what she had said, cursing herself, NoBette, Kristie is a great chick!! You should be happy for Tina.

Bette: (quietly, almost in a whisper) Yeah. I am, its just that I fear Ive made the biggest mistake of my life!!!

Shane: (just barely hearing Bettes words) Well Bette.you need to stop thinking with your head and think with your heart Now what can I do for you on this lazy Sunday afternoon?

Bette: (previously lost in thought, snapping back to reality) Umwell I was hoping you could look after Jack tonight, Shane? I wanted to talk Kristie out and celebrate. Try and quell her insecurities and make her realize that shes the one I want!!

Shane looked at Bette and raised her eyebrows, Is she really?

Bette: (adamantly, bordering on abruptly) Im not discussing it, Ive made my decision! Can you look after my little man tonight or not?

Shane: (calmly, knowing her friend didnt meant to be so abrupt) Bette of course I can, I told you I will take care of him anytimeyou just have to ask.

Bettes face softened, Ok, thanks Shane, I need to get back home..Ill bring him by at 5 ok? as she ventured to the front door.

Shane: (a smile spreading across Shanes face) Sure..I cant wait to see the little man again!! Ill see you at 5 Bette! letting Bette out and closing the door.

Bette drove home, back to Jack and Kristie; on the way arranging her plans for the evening. She was going to show her woman how much she really loved hertonight she was going to regain control of her emotions and of her life!!!!!.

Bette made reservations at Kristies favourite Chinese restaurant, Jimmy Wongs, and had already arranged for Shane to baby-sit. Bette was going to make the evening all about Kristie and try her utmost to refocus on their relationship.. forgetting all about her past and one Ms Tina Kennard! Bette realised that was going to be easier said than done, but she was determined to try at least!





Tina and Steph woke up a few hours later, still entwined in each others arms. Both women felt a sense of contentment holding each other, lying in comfortable silence, thinking of a future..their future, full of possibilities. They found themselves having those new relationship thoughts, excited by the feelings those thoughts evoked.

Tina looked up into Stephanies eyes and found her grinning and staring back down at her. Steph had looked into Tinas eyes thousands of times since theyd been friends, but this look was different somehowTina felt. SPECIAL!!!!!

Tina: (smiling) Mmm Hi there Steph. moving up to gently graze Stephanies lips with her own.

Stephanie: (smoothly) Hey. wrapping Tina in a tight embrace. You know Tina, I could stay here with you, like this forever

Tina: (playfully) I could too. (pretending to pout) but what about our date???

Stephanie pulled back and looked at Tina, Are you seriousyou want to go on an actual datewith me?

Tina: (genuinely) Yeah Steph, dont you?

Stephanie: (a tad dismissively) Yeah, its just weve been out plenty of times before.

Tina looked at Stephanie a little disappointed, Yes, but now things have changed!!!

Stephanie saw the flash of disappointment invade Tinas eyes and she realized how important this date was to Tina, (enthusiastically) Tina Kennard, I would love to go on a date with you!!!..How about this evening?

Tina: (smiling excitedly) That sounds great. How about I make the arrangements. and the reservations; Ill even come by and pick you upLeave it all to me, after all L.A. is my town!!!!

Stephanie: (smiling) Ok I can live with that..(changing the subject) so whats on for today Tina? knowing she needed to prepare her speech for the conference, starting tomorrow; but if Tina had hopes of spending the day together, Steph was not going to deny her.

Tina: Nothing really, what did you want to do?

Stephanie: Um I need to prepare my speech for the conference tomorrow, (grinning) then I can give you my undivided attention tonight! So as much as Id love to spend the day with you.. I wouldnt be able to concentrate at all (looking Tina up and down)if youre here distracting me raising her eyebrows suggestively.

Tina laughed untangling her limbs from Stephs and getting out of bed, (playfully) Ouch, Well I can take a hint!!!

Stephanie pulled Tina back into her arms laying a slow smouldering kiss on Tinas unsuspecting lips.

Tina broke the kiss breathless, (smiling into Stephanies eyes) Ok then, you can be very persuasive Dr Hunter cant you???..I have a few things to do today, so get to work doc., and Ill be back at 6pm on the dot.to pick you up ok!!

Stephanie looked over at Tina, eagerness written all over her face Cant wait Tina. Ill be ready and eagerly waiting.

Tina went over and gave Stephanie one last quick kiss and grabbing her bag and keys she headed out of the hotel.

Tina went back to Shanes and made all the arrangements for the date.

It was their first official date, so she wanted it to be special. Tina called her favourite restaurant and made reservations for the evening, Jimmy Wongs at 7 pm

Afterwards she prepared a basket for a romantic night, sitting on the beach, staring up at the stars

She wanted tonight to be just perfectShe couldnt remember the last time she felt so full of anticipation and hope. Tonight could be the start of the rest of her life.

Tina slumped on Shanes couch after she had concluded the planned events for the evening, thinking that she had actually managed to go the whole day, till then, without even thinking about Bette. Tina knew this relationship with Stephanie was only new, but it was full of promise, Well if anyone can get me over Bette Porter, Dr Stephanie Hunter can Tina thought, although she knew she was a long way off being over Bette Porter unsure if she ever would be..

TBC