It wasnt until six oclock the next evening when Tina stirred out of her haze and struggled to sit up in the unfamiliar bed. Her head felt heavy as she struggled to pull herself upright and lean against the headboard behind her, it wasnt until she had her head resting against that solid support that her eyes could open, albeit partially. Squinting even though the curtains were only opened halfway and the sun was already starting to set, she looked around at the unfamiliar setting. She didnt remember how she got here, and certainly didnt remember taking her pants off. The last thing she could recall was going to some big party. She pulled her knees up to her chest bringing the silky sheets with them, resting her forehead on her legs she tried to remember how the ***** shed managed to get back to Bettes place. Still she had no idea. Her head snapped back up as she heard the door to the guestroom open, the sudden jarring of her brain caused pain to ricochet through her skull and in her face. Quickly she brought her hands to her face like it would make the throbbing subside. Bette stood in the doorway watching the blonde with a slightly angry look, she couldnt help think though that Tina looked beautiful for having the hangover from *****. As soon as she felt a twinge of a smile make its way on to her face she remembered why she was mad. Making her way over to the side of the bed Bette put the bottle of water and some aspirin on the nightstand before taking a seat next to her ex on the mattress. Almost as if she were in slow motion Tinas hands slid from her face and she once again fought to open here eyes. Finally she achieved a squint and as her scrunched face relaxed more, her eyes opened so she could stare clearly into Bettes volatile eyes. Tina guessed then that it had to have been her former best friend who had found her wherever she collapsed last night, and no doubt Bette was expecting an explanation. Staring at Bette for a few more seconds she then averted her eyes as Tina tried to think of a quick lie to placate Bette. She stopped herself mid-plan-formulation however, when she realized what she was going to do. The whole point of this little excursion to visit was to tell Bette why she hadnt contacted her and to tell her she missed her. Tina moved back and forth between telling Bette the truth and making up some simple fib, she was sure she was going to make a definite decision until Bette spoke and all rationalizing skill went out the window with the sound of Bettes voice. So Tee, how are you this evening? Bette said with a deceptively sweet smile, Tina knew better, she knew what was comingmoving her eyes back up to Bettes face she didnt quite look in her eyes. Not great, my head feels swollen, but Ill be okay. Bette nodded and leaned over grabbing the pills and water and handed them to Tina. Take these. Tinas finger brushed against Bettes palm and Bette felt fingers tingle from the light touch. Tina looked up then and as they made eye contact Tina found her answer. She could tell Bette anything, just like she always used to. Because no matter what, Bette wouldnt stop caring about her. Thanks. Tina whispered as she tossed the pills into her mouth, swallowed, and then took a swig of water. Resting her head against the headboard of the bed again, Tina tried to figure out where this catastrophe of conversation was to begin. The two of them sat there in an awkward silence that descended on the room like a thick fog until Tina cleared her throat and licked her lips. Bette looked at her, waiting for her to say something. I. Tina sighed. Im sorry, for last night, for whatever happened between us. I dont really remember much but Bette rolled her eyes and Tina caught it. What are you rolling your eyes for? Im serious here Bette Bette laughed and lifted an eyebrow, Youre serious? Tina you dont even know what youre apologizing for? How can you be serious when you have no idea what happened. Tina look momentarily staggered Iwell it had to be something not to great of you wouldnt be getting so ***** with me right now. Are you forgetting that I DROVE 3,000 miles to see you? Bette let out a frustrated sigh. Yes Tina, I realize you drove all this way. But thats kind of also an issue that needs to be brought up. What the ***** possessed you to get in your car after all this time and look me up? Im doing good here.I dontI dont need you ***** with my head. Tina was both shocked and hurt by Bettes words. ***** with your head? I never fucked with your head Bette, Im sorry if I couldnt run of to Philly with you like you planned and live out your little fairytale. Do you know how much it hurt that I couldnt be with you? But it looks like you got over me fine, moved on to the first hot little piece of ***** that came along. Bette looked at Tina like she had three heads. What the ***** are you talking about? Carmen and I arent dating nor are we sleeping together, shes my roommate. Not that its any of your business, but I really havent been with anyone since you. She looked down slightly embarrassed while Tina looked ashamed. The look didnt go unnoticed by Bette who immediately felt stupid for having thought that maybe Tina was thinking about her the time when they were apart. Wow Tee, Bette got up off the bed and started pacing around the room, youre so ***** quick to jump on me being with someone else, what about you? How long did you even wait before you jumped to the first warm body you could find? Tina felt like an *****, but wouldnt let Bette get the best of her. Its none of youre business Bette Bettes anger flared and she started to scream at Tina who held her head in her hands waiting for the medication to kick in. Like ***** it isnt my business Tina! You said you ***** loved me, that you wanted to be with me! But instead of waiting, or writing, or even freaking CALLING me, you find someone else. Where? While you were at your uncles? Or when you were home? No matter how much Bette was making her angry Tina kept her mantra of honesty in telling Bette everything, so thats what she did, no matter how much it hurt her in the end. Both. She said softly. Bette stopped her ranting and stood stock still staring at Tina who was sitting on her knees on the bed. Both?! Both?… She looked at Tina, her eyes glistening with tears, Tina? she added almost pathetically in a high pitched girly sigh and then sat heavily on a chair opposite the bed. How many? She asked with her head still in her hands. Tina picked at a thread in the blanket before slowly answering. Twoor three, technically. Bette looked up with her mouth open before she shook her head in confusion. Technicallyhow do you add a technically, either you fucked them or not.theres not really a technically involved here Tina was growing increasingly upset, her anger was coming to a slow boil, and she was going to pop with just one more outburst from the other girl. Technicallyits what I said Bette. Gee Tee, could you be more ***** vague? Bette said condescendingly. That was the last straw for Tina. Bette wanted to know? Fine, shed tell her every little sordid detail until Bette despised her and couldnt look her in the eye anymore. Tina jumped off the bed and pushed Bette back into the seat she had risen from when her new rant began. Bette was momentarily stunned at Tinas sudden movement and it gave Tina the edge of aggressiveness over Bette. Fine Bette, Ill be honest, Ill be so honest that youll beg me to be lying when Im done. Bette looked scared and confused as she nodded. Okay. Ill start from when I left, Ill give you a slightly shortened version. Tina slid back onto the edge of the bed. Souhhwell the guy, Andy, turned out to not really be my uncle but the guy that basically broke my mom and dad apart. At first he was kinda creepy and I thought he was going to hit on me or something, but her really wasnt that bad. He lived in a ***** run down apartment building without air conditioning. I met a girl there, her name was Dorian Tin fidgeted with the hem of her shirt and looked up at Bette who looked hurt already.Tina knew it was just going to get worse. We started going out after a little while, she got me into things. The whole scene down there was pretty bad, a lot of drugs and stuff. I started getting really into it. At first it was a way for me to forget your faceI wanted to talk to you so bad Bette, believe me I did. I didnt have a phone, I didnt have your number or your address, I guess I lost it She looked up at Bette who looked half amazed and half distressed. Bette held up a finger telling Tina to stop for a second. So how did you know where I was now then? Your mom actually. You went to see my mother? Wow Tee Bette smile a little at Tina who smiled back. Believe me I didnt want to, but Iwell I needed you Bette nodded and slipped off the chair tentatively to sit beside Tina on the bed against the headboard. Tina just looked at the other girl quietly before starting again. Well one night Dorians ex Lynn ODd and jumped off the balcony of the apartment or something and Dorian went running back to her. Its a whole bunch of ***** drama that really doesnt need to be rehashed. Lets just say I came home with a really ***** tattoo, Tina said rubbing her upper thigh where the inked outline of the slightly crooked heart lie. Bette didnt stop to think before she let her fingers follow the same path of Tinas, her thigh quivered a bit before she grabbed Bettes fingers and Bette blushed. Sorry. Why did you let her do that to you? I dont know, I thought I was in love, you do crazy things when you think you love someone I guess. I made a lot of stupid decisions with that girl while I was away. I really shouldve just escaped with you that day. It would have been so much better that turning my life to *****. Bette looked at her skeptically, So are you saying this is my faultthat with the drugs and that girl, that it wouldnt have happened if I made you come with me. Tina you know I always respected what you wanted to do, it was your choice to goI think it was stupid of you to get involved with that kind of thing. I always thought you were so level headed and Tina once again was feeling the frustrationGod Bette, I was a teenagerI was going to make some mistakes, and after breaking up with you, which by the way was your idea remember.after that I just wanted to have fun So it was my fault, for breaking up with you No, no. Im a grown woman Bette, I completely take responsibility for what Ive done. In a way Im sort of glad you broke up with me. Bettes eyebrows shot up as she gave Tina an excuse me? look. I said sort of, I rather have been with you that been in that circumstance, but if it never happened I would have never had my wonderful baby boy Tina said with a smile before she knew what she had said, not two seconds later she cringed and realized what she let slip. She wasnt going to tell Bette that part yet. She cautiously looked over at Bette who was doing nothing but blinking until Tina snapped her out of it. Bette? Bette are you alright? Bette stuttered. B-bababyTina? You have a baby?! A BABY?! Tina nodded and Bette jumped off the bed shaking her head and stormed out of the room, slamming the door in the process and making Tinas head pound just a little harder and a little louder between her ears. Great, just greeeeeeattt. She thought to herself as she slid down the soft comforter and flopped back onto the bed.