Dr. Wilson: I am sure the two of you will do fine. But if you have any questions, please dont hesitate to give me a call. And I will need to see both Tina and the baby in six weeks, so dont forget to call and schedule an appointment. Now Tina, you just let the nurses know how you feel after your shower and they can pass word onto me.

Tina: Okay, Dr. Wilson. Thank you for everything.

Dr. Wilson smiles at the two new mothers and is on her way to her next patient.

Tina: Bette, do you want to take Katalina? Shes finally done eating. I think I will try and take that shower.

Bette: Yeah, I can take her. You sure your feeling strong enough for a shower, Babe?

Tina: Yeah, I actually do. I think Im just excited about going home with my family. Why dont you call Kit and the girls and let them know well be at the house later and have them come by this afternoon? Better yet, make that later this evening so the three of us can get settled and you and I can have some time to ourselves to talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bette and Tina make it home with minor difficulties, mainly getting the car seat safely secured in the back seat of the Saab. This gave Bette one more thing to ponder over. Whether or not a two-door convertible was the right mode of transportation now that she had a family to consider. As they pulled into the drive, Bette could see that from the outside things looked the same. It was as though she had never left. But that wasnt true. She had been gone for over three months and things had changed. How was she supposed to just walk back in there as though everything was fine? As though Tina was reading her mind, she reached over and took Bettes hand in her own.

Tina: Its going to be okay Babe. Well take things slow and figure them out together as we go.

Tina brings Bettes hand up to her mouth and kisses it.

Tina: Welcome home, Baby. Now lets get this little one settled in before she wakes up again.

Bette: Okay, T. Why dont you go and open the door, while I get Katalina.

Tina opens the door and goes in the house while Bette gets Katalina and hesitantly follows her. She takes a deep breathe and enters the house. As she looks around she sees that everything is exactly as it had always been, minus the artwork that she had sold. In some strange way that makes her feel a little better about things. Tina came over and reached for the car seat.

Bette: Oh, no you dont. Did you not listen to what Dr. Wilson said? No lifting Babe. Ive got her. Just tell me where you want her.

Tina: Well, since she is sleeping why dont we put her in the nursery.

Bette: Wow, you fixed up the nursery?

Tina: Yeah, well, I didnt really have a choice, time was moving forward so quickly. The girls helped with it, too. Im sorry you missed out Babe, but we really couldnt wait any longer. In fact, we were just doing the finishing touches when I started going into labor. Pretty close call, huh?

Bette: I guess I really did miss out on a lot.

Tina: But youre here now and thats all that matters, Babe. Come on, I cant wait for you to see it. I think you will like what we did.

Bette follows Tina into the nursery feeling a little sad that she had missed out on so much. As she enters the nursery and looks around she bursts into a huge smile and tears begin to flow down her cheeks.

Bette: Tina, its beautiful. How?.I mean it is just like we had talked about last time. I cant believe you were able to find everything?

Tina: Well, believe me, it wasnt easy. I think I drove Shane crazy. We must have looked at over 20 different places. I lost count of how many times I heard Im sorry, Ms. but you cant get that style any more or we had that last year, but heres what we have this year. Even Shane tried to convince me to go with some different things. But I knew what we had picked out together and since you couldnt be here I at least wanted you to be a part of the decision. It turned out really nice, dont you think?

Tina turns from Bette as they both look throughout the nursery taking in all the decor. Bette slowly walks over, behind Tina and wraps her arms around her as she whispers in her ear.

Bette: Its incredible, T. I cant believe you did this. Thank you Baby, thank you so much. You dont know how much this means to me. I love you so much T.

Bette held onto Tina and for a moment all the fears and doubts that she had been having were gone. But just as she was getting comfortable, the fears kicked in again. She slowly pulled away from Tina and walked back over towards Katalina.

Bette: Why dont you stay here with her T and I go unload the rest of the car?

Tina had felt the closeness from Bette, only to have it pulled back away so quickly. It was really beginning to worry her. She had to get Bette to let her in.

Meanwhile, Bette headed out to the car and began the tedious task of unloading. She had so many things running through her mind again and she knew she wasnt going to be able to keep Tina at bay much longer. She slowly emptied the car and made her way back to the house. As Tina sat in the nursery watching Katalina and trying to figure out a way to approach Bette, Bette had taken refuge out on the sofa were she was actually hoping that Katalina would wake up and want fed in order to buy her a little more time. She desperately needed some time to sort through all the emotions she was feeling. Bette heard Katalina on cue and felt a little relieved as she knew Tina would temporarily focus on feeding her. Bette slowly got up and walked towards the nursery.

Bette: I thought I heard her stirring. Let me get her for you T.

Tina: Its okay Bette, I can get her. I just thought Id give her a little time to adjust to her new surroundings. Shell be okay for a little bit. Did you get everything carried in?

Bette: Yeah, Ill bring Katalinas stuff in here so we can get it put away. Are you feeling okay, T?

Tina: Yeah, Im just a little tired. I think Ill try and lay down for a little while after I get Katalina fed.

Bette goes and gathers Katalina things and with the help of Tina, gets everything put away. Meanwhile, Katalina decides to make a ruckus in order to get some attention as she is beginning to get hungry. Bette goes over and gathers her up and takes her to Tina.

Bette: Here you go Babe. I think the munchkin is hungry now. Would you like me to put your bag in the bedroom?

Tina: Yeah, just sit it in on the bed and Ill unpack it later.

Bette goes back out and grabs Tinas bag, leaving hers still sitting by the door. She slowly walks back to the bedroom. As she enters the room she can smell Tina, just like old times. God how she had missed that. Memories go flashing through her mind. They had so many happy moments right here in this very room. She looks around the room to find everything still in its place. She walks over to what used to be her closet and slowly opens it up. All of her things were still there. Exactly as she had left them, just like Tina had said. She went over to her dresser and again everything was still there. She then went over and sat on the bed, becoming overwhelmed with emotions.

The questions begin running through her mind again. Has Tina truly forgiven her? Is this really what Tina wants? Would Tina be happier with someone else? Would Tina be better off with someone else? Someone who wouldnt hurt her and let her down like I had. Would they actually be able to get things right this time? Would they drift apart again? Bette lost track of all time as the questions and doubts raged in her mind.

As Tina fed Katalina she wondered what was taking Bette so long. She had expected her to take the bag to the bedroom and then come back in and sit with them as Kataline nursed. The longer she was gone the more concerned Tina became. Once the baby was done eating, Tina got up with her to go in search of Bette. As they walked around the house there was no sign of Bette. She did however, notice Bettes bag by the door. Had Bette changed her mind? Had she decided not to stay there with them? She looked out by the pool, no sign of Bette there either. The only place left was their bedroom. She headed back that way and as she looked in the room she found Bette sitting on the edge of the bed. Bette was obviously deep in thought as she never noticed Tina and Katalina standing in the doorway. Tina couldnt remember a time when Bette appeared so distraught. She decided that this had gone on long enough. She needed to know what was going on with Bette and she needed to know now.

She headed back to the nursery and rocked the baby to sleep. Once asleep, she laid her down and then made her way back to the bedroom. Bette was still sitting in the same spot.

Tina: Hey, Baby. You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Whats bothering you?

Tina got no response so she walked over towards Bette and sat down next to her. It was then that Bette realized she was no longer alone.

Bette: Hey, T. You look tired Baby. Why dont you lie down? Ill keep an eye on the baby.

Tina: Bette, whats going on with you? I feel like youre shutting me out again, Baby. I think we need to talk.

Bette: I know we need to talk T and I promise that we will. But I would feel so much better if you would rest first. You look really tired and Dr. Wilson said for you not to wear yourself out. What do you say to a short nap and afterwards I promise we will discuss whatever you want?

Tina didnt want to argue with Bette about this. And since Bette did agree to talk afterwards, she decided to go ahead and do this Bettes way in hopes that it would make things easier for her.

Tina: Okay, Babe. You win, but only on one condition.

Bette: Whats that T?

Tina: That you lie down with me.

This was a hard one for Bette. Her and Tina had not shared this bed since that awful night after the Provocations opening. Something they had yet to address. But on the other hand Tina hadnt really asked much of her since she had gotten back and if this is what Tina wanted then she needed to be able to give that to her. Tina sat back and watched Bette process her request again wondering what was going through her head.

Bette: Okay, T. That is only fair. Well both get some rest and then well deal with the heavy stuff.

Tina smiled at Bette and crawled up into bed.

Tina: Come here and lie next to me Baby. I want to feel your arms around me. I sleep so much better that way.

Bette crawled in behind Tina, spooning her and wrapping her in her arms. It wasnt long before Tina could once again feel Bettes tears on her shoulder.

Tina: Baby?

Bette: Yeah, T.

Tina: Please talk to me. I am so worried about you. I know something is not right. Please let me in. Please tell me whats wrong. I want to help, Babe, but I cant do that if I dont know what is going on. I love you, Baby. You can tell me anything.

Tina takes Bettes hand and brings it up to he mouth and gently kisses it. She wanted Bette to feel safe enough to open up to her. Bette knows she needs to do this and for some reason with Tinas back to her she feels that maybe she can.

Bette: T?

Tina: Im right here Bette. Im not going anywhere. Tell me what your feeling, Baby?

Bette: ImIm scared T.

Tina: Scared? Scared of what, Baby?

Bette: So many things, T.

Tina: Its okay to be scared, Baby, but let me help you. What exactly are you afraid of?

Bette: This is really hard T. I mean, Im scared to tell you why Im scared. One of my biggest fears is that once I tell you everything Im feeling, youll decide that Im just not worth the effort.

Tina: Awww, Baby. That is never going to happen. I love you Bette and we will work through all of this together. I just need to know what has you so worried.

Bette: Are you sure you want to get into this right now?

Tina: Baby, you cant continue to carry this load all by yourself. Remember, we promised from here on out we would share both the good and the bad. Just talk to me Baby. I promise you that you will feel so much better once you do.

Bette: Okay, T. Just please dont freak out on me. Theres a lot (Bette takes a deep breathe and begins).Im afraid I will let you down again, disappoint you again.Im afraid I will hurt you again. Im afraid I wont be able to make you happy or that someone else could make you happier than I canIm afraid youll decide you dont want this anymore, that Im not enough for you, that I wont be able to give you what you want or what you needIm afraid that I wont be able to please you sexually, now that youve had the experience of another woman, that I wont be good enough..Im afraid to get close to you again, only to have you come to the realization that you dont really love me anymoreIm afraid you dont really need me anymore, that I dont deserve youIm afraid that as time goes by we will fall back into the same old pattern and well drift apart againIm afraid the wall will go back up between us and I will fail you againIm afraid to fully open my heart up again, only to get rejectedBut most of all Im scared of losing you again, because I dont think that I have the strength to go through that again and if it happens I think I will surely die.

There is a long silence as Tina absorbs everything Bette opened up with. She cannot believe Bette had so many insecurities going on within her. She knew Bette had an insecure and vulnerable side, but she never imagined it went to this depth. She never realized their breakup had affected her so deeply. While Tina was busy trying to figure out what to respond to first, Bette was beginning to panic over the long silence.

Bette: Oh my God. I was right wasnt I? This is too much for you. I knew this was a bad idea. I shouldve just worked through these on my own. Ive scared you now, havent I. Ive said too much and now Ive pushed you away. I knew this was too soon. What have I done now?

Tina immediately rolled over so that she could look Bette in the eyes. She knew how hard this had been for Bette and she wanted to console her, to let her know it was okay. She understood Bettes apprehension now. She took her hand and ran her fingers down the side of Bettes face.

Tina: Shhhhh, Baby. Its okay. Im right here and Im not going anywhere. Im glad you told me. Baby, I felt a lot of the same things when we first split up. Theres nothing wrong with having fears. I assure you, we will get through them. It will take some time, but we will be okay. I love you so much Baby. Nothing can change that.

Bette: How can you say that, T? How can you know for sure? I mean, Im not even the same person anymore. How can you say you love me if you havent even had time to get to know the person Ive become? *****, I dont even know who I am anymore.