Shane puts Katalina up on her shoulder and walks her around as she talks to her and tries to get her to burp. Tina goes over and sits next to Bette.

Tina: So, did you and Shane have a good talk.

Bette: Yeah, we did T. I think Im going to like having Shane live next door. She really loves all of us you know, especially our little one.

Tina: Yeah, I think youre right about that Babe. Things are definitely looking up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Just then they hear Kit pulling in. Bette gets up and goes out to help her carry in the food.

Kit: Hey, baby sis.

Bette: Hey, Kit. Let me help with that.

Kit and Bette carry everything into the kitchen.

Tina: You guys need some help with that?

Bette: No, T. Weve got it covered. You just sit back and relax baby.

In no time at all, Alice and Dana arrive.

Alice: Okay, where is she? Wheres the little cutie pie?

Tina: I think shes out back exploring with Auntie Shane. What have you two been up to or shouldnt I ask?

Alice: Ahh, wouldnt you like to know?

Dana: Oh Alice, stop it. She just picked me up at the club. Ive been busy training.

Alice sees Bette in the kitchen with Kit.

Alice: Oh, please tell me that Bette is not cooking dinner. We are all too young to die.

Bette: Very funny, smart *****. For your information, dinner is courtesy of Kit.

Alice: Oh, thank you Kit. Thank you for sparing us a slow and painful death.

Kit: Girl, you are pushing your luck?

Dana: Yeah, Alice. Why dont you lay off a bit?

Alice: Oh, come on. You guys need to loosen up. Everyone knows Porter has no skills in the kitchen. We all know where her skills are best used.

Kit: Girl, you need to chill out?

Bette: Dont worry Kit.

Tina had heard the banter between Alice and Bette and headed to the kitchen. She walks up behind Bette and wraps her arms around her waist.

Tina: Yeah, Kit. Alice is just jealous. Youve got to cut the girl some slack. She cant seem to find the love of her life.

Bette smiles at Tina as Tina nuzzles into her and places a kiss on the side of her neck.

Bette: Dont worry Al. You still have some time.

Just then Shane walks in with the baby and everyones attention is immediately turned to her.

Alice: You know Shane, you need to learn how to share. Dana and I would like to spend some time with our niece.

Shane: What do you think, little one? Do you want to go to one of these crazy girls or would you rather stay with me?

Shane places her head down as though she is listening to little Katalina.

Shane: What was that little one? You want to stay with me. That is a wise choice. Who knows what kind of trouble you could get in with either of those two.

Alice: Alright, enough funny business Shane.

Alice yells for reinforcement.

Alice: Tina, tell Shane she cant hoard the baby.

Tina: I dont know Alice. Katalina is one smart cookie. She probably didnt like the way you were talking about her mommy. Maybe you need to apologize.

Shane hadnt heard the discussion, but figured Alice had been tormenting Bette again. She quickly backed Tina up.

Shane: What was that Katalina? You think Alice is a big meany. I dont know Alice. You seemed to have scared little Katalina. Dana, she wants you to hold her next. But you better keep her away from Alice. She hasnt made a very good impression.

Shane smiles as she hands the baby to Dana.

Dana: Aww, come here sweetie. Auntie Dana wont let big bad Alice get you. Besides, shes more bark than bite.

Alice: Alright, what is this? Gang up on Alice night.

Dana: Maybe it takes a little newborn to get your attention Al.

Alice: Alright, alright. Im sorry, already. Ill be good, I promise.

Kit: Thats better. Now why dont you all grab a plate and come eat before everything gets cold.

Everyone fixes their plates and goes outside to eat, except for Dana.

Bette: Do you want me to take her while you eat Dana?

Dana: No, Im okay. You guys eat first. Ill eat when youre finished. Im just enjoying holding this precious little one.

Alice: First one done gets the baby.

Alice yells as she scarfs down her food.

Shane: Give it a rest Al. Maybe she just isnt going to like you.

Alice: Not like me, how could she not like me? Enough already. You guys are really going to make her afraid of me.

Its not long before everyone but Dana has finished eating. Alice is hanging around Dana and is still waiting patiently to hold the baby. Kit is talking to Bette, while Tina is talking to Shane.

Kit: Things look like they are going good between the two of you.

Bette: Yeah, they are Kit. We have actually done some real talking. I think things are going to be okay. Weve come a long way. Weve both changed a lot. Tina is so much stronger, than I ever gave her credit for. I think were really getting closer. Ive shared my fears with her and I think she actually understands.

Kit: Baby sis, I have told you all along that Tina loves you and she wont let you down as long as you are brave enough to let her in.

Bette: I think I have finally got that one figured out Kit.

Meanwhile, back over to Shane and Tina.

Shane: She seems to have made some changes Tina. Some changes that I think are going to be good for the two of you. She seems willing to open that special place that she always kept so tightly closed off. I think it will only get better from here on out.

Tina: Yeah, she really has Shane. I am so proud of her. I know she wants this to work as much as I do.

Shane: I think the love that you to share is amazing and is able to heal anything. You two belong together. Seeing you two back together gives me hope again.

Tina gathers up some of the dishes to take to the kitchen.

Shane: Here, let me help with that?

Shane gets up and helps Tina as they make their way into the house. Dana finally decides to give the baby to Alice, since she has fallen asleep.

Alice: Thats nice, Dana. You wait till she falls asleep to give her to me. How am I supposed to bond with her if she is sleeping? This is so not fair.

Alice continues to complain as Bette looks around and notices that Tina is missing.

Bette: Hey guys, where did Tina go?

Alice: Youre slipping there Porter. Youre going to have to keep a better eye on your woman than that. After all, you dont want some rich ***** stealing her away from you.

Alice was just joking, but the words crushed Bette. Everyone could see the pain it had caused as soon as the words came out of Alices mouth, including Alice. Bette just quietly got up, walked over and picked up Katalina and without saying a word headed toward the house.

Alice: Bette, Im sorry. I was just kidding. I didnt mean anything by it. Please dont go, Bette. Im really, really sorry.

Alice gets up to follow Bette, as she knows her comment was way out of line. She just needed Bette to see that it was all meant in good fun. Kit reaches out and stops her.

Kit: Let her go Alice. Just give her some space. I think youve done enough for now. I cant believe you would say something like that to her. What were you thinking?

Alice: I wasnt thinking. You know how we always joke around with each other. It just came out. I didnt mean anything by it.

Dana: You know Al, you really need to start thinking before you open that big mouth of yours. I hope you are proud of yourself. Did you see the look on her face? You really hurt her Al.

Just then Shane and Tina come back out. They can sense something is going on.

Tina: Whats going on guys? Wheres Bette?

Alice: Its all my fault Tina. I opened my big mouth. I think I really hurt her. I didnt mean it.

Tina is getting upset. She knows how vulnerable Bette is right now. She was just starting to get a better feeling from Bette and now this. She truly hoped that Alice hadnt done anything to serious.

Tina: What have you done now Al? What did you say to Bette this time?

Alice: I was just joking Tina, I didnt mean anything by it. I told her I was sorry as soon as it slipped out.

Tears are coming down Alices cheeks which is causing Tina to really begin to worry.

Tina: For Gods sake Al, what did you said?

Alice hangs her head in guilt. She couldnt repeat the cruel words that affected Bette so deeply.

Kit: Baby girl, its not good. Bette asked where you went, and Alice trying to be her funny self, told her she should keep a better eye on you before some rich ***** stole you away.

Tina is livid. She cant believe Alice would say something as hurtful, especially knowing everything they had been through.

Alice: Tina, Im really sorry. I tried to apologize. She just got up and took the baby and left.

Tina still couldnt believe it. She was only gone for just a few moments and now Alice and her big mouth had probably devastated Bette. Why was this happening? She looked sternly at Alice and let loose on her.

Tina: You know Alice, Bette has been having a real hard time dealing with things. She is quite aware of the mistakes shes made and she doesnt need reminded of anything by you. We have been trying so hard to put the past behind us and move forward. You know, she was really excited about having you guys over here tonight, because she really wanted to try and get things back to the way they used to be and this is the what you do to her. ***** Alice. You are supposed to be her friend. I cant believe you would hurt her like that. How could you say something like that to her, joking or not? God Alice. Now, excuse me everyone while I go to see how much damage has been done. I hope you are happy with yourself, Alice.

Tina heads for the house as Alice gets up to leave.

Kit: Where do you think you are going?

Alice: I think it would be better if I just go.

Kit: Well, I think you better just sit your ***** down until we get this all worked out.

Alice: Kit you saw how hurt Bette was and how angry Tina is. I think I should just go.

Kit: They have every right to be feeling what they are feeling, but this needs to be worked out tonight. They dont need this to drag on, so you are going to wait and see what they need.

Tina goes into the nursery where she finds Bette in the rocking chair with Katalina laying up over her shoulder sleeping. Bettes eyes are closed as tears are running down her cheeks. Tina walks over towards them.

Tina: Hey baby. Let me take her from you and lay her down.

Bette doesnt respond. Tina takes Katalina and gently lays her down in her crib. She then turns back around to Bette who is still rocking with her eyes closed. She reaches down and takes Bettes hand and pulls here up out of the chair.

Tina: Come here, Baby.

Tina pulls Bette into a tight embrace as Bette collapses into Tina and the floodgates of all her pent-up tears from the last year come bursting open. Tina is caught off guard by both Bettes grasp and her release of emotion. She quickly regains her balance, but knows shes not going to be able to hold Bette up much longer.

Tina: Come on, babe, come with me.

Tina leads Bette into their bedroom and over to the edge of the bed, where they both sit down. Bette is still sobbing and pulls Tina back into a tight embrace as she lays her head on Tinas shoulder. Tina is shocked that Bette is allowing her to see this side of her, but at the same time she is extremely happy that she felt safe enough to share it with her. She just hopes she is able to console her loving wife.

Tina: Its okay baby. I am right here with you. Please dont let this ruin the evening, baby. You know how Alice is. Shes always trying to be so funny that she doesnt think before she opens that damn mouth of hers. I know what she said hurt you baby and Im so sorry for that. But please dont let it mess up how far youve come. I love you so much baby. I am here baby, right by your side, always. Im not going anywhere without you.

Tina pulls back so she can see Bettes face. As she gently places her hands on each side of Bettes face, she tenderly wipes the tears from her cheeks. She then places a soft kiss on Bettes red, streaked cheek in an attempt to kiss away the tears. She follows this with another, and another as she slowly works her way up to Bettes eyelids and back down the other side of Bettes face gently kissing the tears away as she repeats over and over between each kiss how much she loves her. Bettes tears continue to flow, as she has no control over them at this point. Tina whispers tenderly into Bettes ear.

Tina: Its okay, baby. I love you so much, baby. Can you open your eyes for me? I need to see your eyes. Can you look at me baby? Please, baby, I need you to look at me.

Tina desperately attempts to connect with Bette, as Bette slowly opens her eyes. Tina can see the pain stemming from the depth of Bettes soul and immediately knows that these tears are about more than just Alices comments. These are tears that have been stored up for a very long time, probably clear back to the loss of their son. Bette is finally releasing all the pain and hurt she had managed to collect over the last year. This was a good thing. This could help them move forward. Bette needed to release all of this hurt. Tina just hated to see the love of her life in so much pain, knowing there was not much she could do to help her.

Tina: Awww, baby. Its okay. Everything is going to be okay, I promise you.

Tina uses her thumbs to wipe away Bettes tears as she stares deeply into Bettes eyes.

Tina: I love you so much baby. I hate to see you hurting like this. What can I do to help? What can I do to ease the pain, baby?

Tina takes one of her tear soaked thumbs and slowly grazes it over Bettes bottom lip. She then follows that with a soft and tender kiss as she waits for a reaction from Bette. She doesnt want to push Bette into something she is not yet ready for. Bette was completely taken by surprise with the kiss and takes a deep gasp as Tina pulls back away from it. They both look deeply into each others eyes. Tina is looking for a sign from Bette, hoping that it is okay to continue, wanting to bring them closer to one another. However, she is not getting the reaction she had hoped for. Bette seemed to be frozen in her thoughts. Tina feared she had intensified things to quickly and that Bette was withdrawing from her. Meanwhile, Bette is in complete and utter awe over the fact that she has just felt and tasted Tinas lips upon her own. Those incredibly soft, sweet lips that she had thought she would never have the privilege of feeling against her own again. God, how she had longed for that feeling. Tina could see that Bettes mind was once again in overdrive. She quickly tries to maintain the progress they had made.

Tina: Im sorry, baby. Are you okay? That was that too much, too soon? Please forgive me, baby. I didnt mean to rush you. I just wanted to make you feel better, to help ease your pain. Talk to me baby. What are you thinking?

The sound of Tinas voice brings Bette back to the reality of the moment. She reaches over and touches Tinas luscious lips with her index finger as she remembers the many kisses they had shared during their life together. She couldnt believe she was getting a second chance at this. A second chance at making her life complete again. Bette suddenly realizes she hasnt yet responded to Tina and sees the uneasiness on her face.

Bette: Shhhh, its okay baby. Im sorry. I didnt mean to worry you. I just got caught up in the amazing sensation of your lips upon mine. I never thought I would be lucky enough to feel the wonderful warmth of your lips against mine again. I never thought I would be blessed again with that magnificent feeling.

Bette needed to feel that breathtaking feeling again. She leaned in slowly and brushed her lips ever so gently against Tinas to make the contact once again. Tina responded with a soft moan into Bettes mouth. Tina was also reeling from the amazing sensation that only a kiss from Bette was able to make her feel. The current that one simple kiss could stir throughout her body was utterly blissful. God, how she had missed that extraordinary sensation. Hearing Tinas moan inspired Bette to continue. She yearned for so much more. She leaned in again and kissed Tina with such passion that it momentarily took both their breaths away. There lips quivered as they began that familiar dance, one that even after all this time had not been forgotten. They were soon both gasping for air as they were making out like a couple of teenagers for what seemed to them like hours. Bette couldnt contain the love that was bursting from within her. She began to feel the desire quickly build in the pit of her stomach. Her breath had become ragged and she had broken out in a sweat. She knew she needed to break away in order to regain control over her senses. She knew they couldnt take this any farther until Tina had time to recuperate. Bette indecisively pulls back as both her and Tina take a deep breath. Tina looks into Bettes eyes and can see the desire that is burning there. She knows that is why Bette pulled away.

Bette: God, T. As much as I dont want to, we need to slow this down. You cant believe how much I want to make love to you right now, baby. To show you just how much you mean to me. God, how I ache for you baby, but we cant do this yet. You need time to heal. Just give me some time to catch my breath baby. God, I cant believe what just your touch can do to me.

Tina: Baby, I know that you cant make love to me yet, but I can make love to you. Let me take care of you, baby. Let me show you how much I love you. I know that look of yours baby. Let me ease your ache. There is nothing I would love more than to make sweet, passionate love to you. Please baby.

Bette: God T, I cant believe I am actually going to say this, but even though I would love nothing more than for you to make love to me, we cant do this. Not like this. This is not how I want our first time back together to be. I want us to both be able to make love to each other. We need to wait until we can both share in the pleasures of our love.

Tina: Are you sure, baby? It could be weeks.

Bette smiles as her kind and considerate Tina amazes her yet again.

Bette: Well, I guess Ill be taking a lot of cold showers then. Come on T, I have waited this long. I can wait a little longer. I want everything to be perfect. Well know when the time is right. Besides, how sexually frustrated can I get in just a few short weeks.

Tina: I dont know, baby. But I think we are going to be finding that out. Since we are not going to continue what we started here, what do you say about us pulling ourselves together and going back to join the rest of the gang. Are you okay with that babe or would you rather for me to just go and get rid of everyone.

Bette: No, its okay T. I know Alice didnt intentionally mean to hurt me. Its just suddenly all of this pain seemed to rise up from deep inside and I couldnt control it. I guess it just needed to come out.

Tina: God, baby. No more storing things up like that. You really had me worried.

Bette: Ill try and remember that babe. Now, lets go see what everyone is doing. Im surprised they havent sent someone in to check on us. They must really be worried. Besides, I suppose Alice has suffered enough. Do you think she will learn anything from this?

Tina: I dont know babe, after all we are talking about Alice here.

Bette chuckles as she takes Tinas hand and they head out to see where everyone was at. As soon as Alice sees them she hops up and runs to Bette and throws her arms around her as tears are flowing down her cheeks.

Alice: Im so sorry Bette. Please forgive me. That was a really stupid thing for me to say.

Bette hugs Alice back letting her know that all is forgiven.