Bette: You know I could just lie here forever and ever!

Tina: Same here babe.

I looked at her lovingly. God, how do I get so lucky? I kissed her forehead and tighten my hold of her as if she was to vanish into thin air.

Tina: Bette? Hey

Bette: You know, Im really really sorry for freaking out like that.

Tina: Its ok babe. Everyone has their insecurities

Bette: Everyone?

Tina nodded while twirling my locks with her fingers.

Bette: And what might yours be?

Tina: Well, for now its your friends.

I was taken aback by her statement. What about my friends? Im very protective of them.

Bette: What do you mean?

Tina: I mean like Alice is cool, Dana and Marina well I havent really had the chance to talk to them yet but Shane? I just feel like theres something about her that I dont know

Bette: Shane is the least of your worries Tee She doesnt really care about what we do and stuff but she has a big heart. Shes the youngest of us all. And I know you dont believe this yet but shell love whoever makes her friends happy and Tee you make me happy! And that means a lot to her.

Tina: Thats sweet Bette but I dont know

Tina started to place kisses on my face and that just did it. I pulled her closer.

Tina: Sometimes when I

Just then my cell rang. I groaned! Just as things were going somewhereI didnt want to answer it cos I know I know who would be calling anyway But it kept ringing and ringing and it just got on my nerves.

Bette: Hold on baby (Tina was looking at me half smiling, knowing too well I was pretty pissed off to have been interrupted.)

Bette: Bette here.

Shane: Yeah Bette, were here Al said youre coming?

Bette: Ummm… you guys at Milk?

Shane: Yeah, Dana and Alice. Marina couldnt make it she has a lot of preparations to do for the place shes opening next week. (I looked at Tina. I mouthed Shane and pointed at my cell. Tina nodded and started to get up and get ready for Milk. I mouthed how? to Tina)

Tina: Were going!

Shane: So youre coming right?

Bette: Yeah, (hesitantly while watching Tina) yeah of course! I will see you guys soon

Shane: Great.

I hung up.

Bette: Sohmmm So much for lying in bed forever!

Tina laughed and walked into the bathroom. I really dont know why Tina is making such a big deal out of this. I got up and started towards the bathroom.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The place was packed. I held Tinas hand as we walked side by side cutting the sea of people. Alice waved at us to come over and I nodded.

Alice: Glad you could come Bette Hey Tee.

Tina: Hey

Bette: Hi Al. Wheres Shane?

Dana: Ah the usual

Bette: Right

Tina smiled at me.

Bette: So baby do you want anything to drink? I could get something for you

Tina: Ummm Ill have whatever youre having.

Bette: Ok, Ill just be right back.

I gave her a peck on her cheek. Even in the dim lights I could see Alice rolling her eyes. I ignored her. What is her problem anyway!

Bette: Ill have two Vodka Martini please.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Alexis.

Bette: Oh hi.

Alexis: Hi Bette. I havent seen you in a while. How are you?

I grabbed the drinks from the bartender, my eyes fixed on where Tina was standing. She was looking at me for a moment but turned away.

Bette: Im doing great actually How are you?

Alexis: Im alright. Hey You look stunning

Bette: Thank you. Hmm I apologize and thank you for the other time (I felt my self blush. I couldnt believe I couldnt perform)

Alexis: No Problem.

Bette: Well I better head back to the table. My friends are waiting for me. It was nice to see you by the way.

Alexis: UmmBette.

I turned around.

Alexis: Is that her?

Bette: Im sorry?

Alexis was pointing at Tina.

Alexis: The new woman youre into at the moment?

I couldnt believe what she was saying to me the woman Im into AT THE MOMENT? What is she trying to imply? That I just pick someone and throw them away once I got bored of them? Is that how everyone sees me?

Bette: Im sorry but thats none of your business Alexis.

Alexis: Everyones talking about it Bette.

This is ridiculous!!! I left Alexis at the bar not believing what just happened. Why is it any of their business who I date and what I do? What do I have to do to get them off my back?!?!

I made my way back to Tina and the girls feeling a bit uncomfortable. I could feel eyes on me as I made my way through the crowds and their lingering stare just made me feel insecure of myself. Why cant they just leave me alone? I looked at Tina while carefully handling the glasses. She was superbly fine, listening to what Alice and Dana was saying. Shane was there and looked like they were in a heated conversation. I wonder what that was about.

Bette: Tee heres your drink. Hey guys. Whats all this?

I handed Tina her drink. She turned to me with the coldest stare. Whats going on here?

Tina: I cant believe you Bette.

Tina placed her glass on the table and ran towards the entrance. What the ***** is going on here?

Bette: Tee?!?! What? I didnt do anything Tee, I promise Alexis and I were just talkingFuck!

I turned to the girls.

Bette: What the ***** just happened? I came here with Tina and got some drinks for us and when I returned she ran off? What the *****?! Nothing happened between me and Alexis at the bar!

Shane: Err Bette.

Alice: Bette please dont be angry. I… I dont think its about that.

Bette: What else could it possibly be?

Alice: I I think she overheard me talking about Ummm (Alice looked down at her feet)

Bette: About what Al? (I looked at Dana who had GUILTY written all over her face and Shane just stared at me)

Alice: Ok dont be mad but I think she might have heard me talking about the bet

Bette: What bet?

Alice: You remember the bet about getting Tina?

Bette: What did you tell her?

Alice: I didnt tell her anything Bette! She just, she just came from behind us and she heard it. I didnt tell her Bette I swear!

Bette: Christ! *****! She must think this was some kind of a joke! Thank you Al! Thank you. Why dont you just tell everyone about it? And while youre at it, tell them whatever it is that I do every minute. I cant believe you ***** you Al!

Alice: But Bette!!

Shane: No Al leave her be for now

Dana: Come on Al

Alice: *****!

I ran towards the entrance and once I got out I looked around for Tina. The queue to the club was long and people dressed ready to face the blaring music. ***** where had she gone? I couldnt find her anywhere. ***** where the ***** is she? ***** Al, if I couldnt get through to Tina because of your ***** big mouth, I swear Id Tina

There she was sitting by the curb both arms hugging her legs. She looked so vulnerable, and sad and angry at the same time. I took a huge breath and walked over.

Bette: Tee

But Tina just sat there. She didnt move. *****.

Bette: Tina?

This time I moved in front of her. Her head bowed. I kneeled down in front of her and place my hands on her arms.

Bette: Tina baby? Are you ok?

I felt her body shook. I wrapped her in my arms

Bette: Shhh. Baby please dont cry. Everythings going to be ok.

Tina: Is it true? Was there a bet? Was I some kind of a trophy for you Bette?

I didnt know what to say. I could say there wasnt but I know shed see right through me. And what if I say there was? What would she make of it? And would she believe me when I try to explain myself? I hesitated for a moment.

Tina broke free of my embrace her eyes filled with tears. It broke my heart to see her hurt. She stood up and pressed her hands on her forehead.

Tina: So its true? It was all just a bet? How could you Bette? And what about the things that you said to me tonight? Was that all part of an act?

Bette: It was. I mean there was a bet but it was nothing Tee. It wasnt a

Tina: I cant believe I fell for that! I cant believe I trusted you Why Bette? Why did you play me?

Bette: Tina please listen to me. I didnt play you. This, us, this is real What I said to you tonight I meant every word. I swear to you I meant it. Please believe me. The bet, it was nothing. I promise you it was nothing.

Tina: Was it fun for you Bette? To make a straight girl fall in love with you?

Bette: Tina! I didnt mean it like that. Please listen to me.

I pulled her close. Her shoulders were shaking. *****! What have I done?

Bette: Tee, please listen to me. I need you to listen to me. The moment I saw you Tee, the moment you walked into the gallery I knew I wanted you. But when I found out you were with Eric, I know I couldnt do anything. Im not one to break a relationship. But if I could have you then Tee, I would, I just couldnt stop thinking about you since that night. And Tee please dont move away. Please listen to me.

Tinas lips quivered. God Im such an *****! I wish I could take her pain away.

Bette: Before you I I have had many acquaintances so to speak. (Tina shot me a look and I gulped). And when the girls knew I wanted you and saw how impossible it was, they thought they could put a theory to the test; that I could make anyone want me. I didnt want to pursue you Tee, I mean I do but seeing that youre with someone, I couldnt. But the more I think about it the more I want you here with me, I even dream about you Tee, I even reach out for you but of course youre not there. You were with Eric. I wanted so much to have you with me Tee. So so much.

Tears were now running down my face.

Bette: I knew I couldnt have you Tee, I knew so I promised myself that wed just be friends. As long as Im near you and with you then things would be ok. We didnt need to be going out or be a couple, being with you, going out for lunch was enough for me, though I never stopped wanting you. Do you know how hard it was to stop the urge Tee? You in front of me so near yet I couldnt have you. You see Tee, the bet started out to prove a theory and it did.

Tina: get away from me Bette! Youre sick you think you can have anyone you wanted?

I held her tighter.

Bette: Tee, listen to me. Thats not the theory Tee. I thought I wasnt capable to love anyone The point was that I could actually find someone I could be in love with, Id fallen head over heels with, that Id give everything and anything just to be with. Tee, before you, my life was meaningless. Before you Tee, there was no one. No one to make my days worthwhile, no one to make me smile, and there was no point in returning home from work cos there was no one to come home early to. But now, everything is different. I feel more alive. Do you know how I wake up in the morning lately?

Tina looked at me through her teary eyes. I know I was crying too. I could feel the tears running uncontrollably.

Bette: With a huge smile on my face, looking forward to see you. My nights are long, too long and lunch seems to be short. Every night I wish for the sun to come up sooner so I could see your face. Wanted to shut my eyes sooner at night so tomorrow would come faster. Thats what you do to me Tee. No one else can do that to me. In this short space of time that Ive known you, youve become the most important thing to me Tee You believe me Tee? Do you believe me?

Tinas arms which hang on both sides now wrapped around my body. It felt safe to be in her arms. Tee please believe me you have to forgive me

Bette (whispering in Tinas ear): Please believe me Tee you have to believe me. My heart wouldnt be able to take it if you dont.