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.

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

The rest of the evening was spent catching Bette up on everything that she had missed while she was away. Everyone was truly happy to have her back home and the fact that her and Tina were back together helped the gang feel complete again. Things were definitely looking up.

The next couple of weeks breezed by as Bette and Tinas days were filled with caring for Katalina. They had managed to become closer than they had been in a very long time and were openly talking about anything and everything. Tina was amazed at how helpful and supportive Bette was being. She couldnt believe how laid back Bette had become and the fact that her once workaholic wife had not mentioned her work at all was rather shocking.

They had discussed Tinas job at the Center and Tina was hoping to go back to work at least part-time after her 6 week check up. Depending on what Bette decided to do, they could utilize the Centers daycare services the days Tina worked. Although Bette hadnt talked about the CAC, she did talk to Xandra who informed her that Franklin definitely wanted her out. It seemed Franklin had managed to add some new board members while she was gone that were supportive of his every whim. After talking with Xandra, Bette had pretty much decided she wasnt going to go back. Even though she could have gotten enough support to stay, she felt it just wasnt worth the effort to fight Franklin and his cohorts. Xandra told Bette she understood and assured her that the remaining board members would force Franklin to abide by her contract. At least she knew her and Tina would still have some cash flow coming in. Now she just needed to decide what exactly it was that she wanted to do.

As time quickly went by, suddenly it was the day that Bette was to meet with the CAC board. She wasnt real thrilled about it, but at the same time wanted to get it over with so she could move on. She arrived at the CAC about 20 minutes early. James was excited to see her asking her when she planned to come back. Bettes only comment was, they would have to wait and see how the board meeting went. Bette went to her office and looked around. She didnt have a whole lot of personal things she would need to pack up. With some help from James, it shouldnt take too long at all. She knew she should have said something to James about her leaving, but when she saw how happy he was to have her back, she just didnt have the heart. It wasnt long before James was at her door.

James: Um, Bette. They are ready for you.

Bette: Thanks James.

Bette takes a deep breath and heads toward the board room. She walks in and sees that they have a full house. As she looks around the room she notices a few new faces and then she sees herHelena ***** Peabody, sitting right next to Franklin. For someone who was not into the arts, what the ***** was she doing here? Is there no end to this woman? Now Bette had no doubt that she had made the right decision. Once Bette got seated, Franklin quickly took over.

Franklin: Well, Bette, I know you are here today to see were things stand with you and the CAC since your extended leave of absence. I just want you to know that a lot has happened since you have been gone. Things that had to be taken care of in order for the CAC to move forward. I personally feel that your leave was very enlightening. It made us, as a board, really focus on where we vision the CAC to be headed and I must say that I dont believe you share the same vision as we do. I feel that it would be in the best interest of the CAC and make a motion to let you go as Director.

Bette: Franklin, let me spare you the trouble. I have no intention to stay here and spend the remaining portion of my contract in constant battle with you. If you so desperately want me gone I suggest you buy out my contract and I will more than happily leave you to guide the CAC to whatever vision it is you have in mind.

Franklin: Honestly, Bette, with you taking this extended leave I dont feel that we should have to honor your contract. Helena here has assured me that her attorneys.

Xandra interrupts Franklin. Bette glares at Helena and her smug demeanor.

Xandra: Franklin, the board has a contract with Miss Porter and there is no way that I will agree to not honor it. If you are so adamant on letting Miss Porter go, I suggest it be done properly. Her contract was unanimously agreed on by this board in the first place, so I suggest you not waste any further CAC time or money on hiring attorneys in an attempt to get out of this. I make a motion that we buy Miss Porter out of her remaining contract as stated in the contract.

Xandras motion quickly got a second and upon vote was passed. Franklin was not happy, but there was nothing more he could do at this point. Bette thanked the board members as they all, except for Franklin and Helena, wished her well in her future endeavors. Now she had the painstaking matter of informing James. Bette quickly went back to her office in an attempt to avoid a run in with Helena. James saw her and followed.

James: So, how did it go?

Bette: Im afraid you are not going to like this, James, but the Board has decided to let me go.

James: I knew it. I knew Franklin was up to something. Hes been sneaking around here for weeks.

Bette: James, its really for the best. I wouldnt have been able to continue working under these conditions. Im tired of fighting Franklin. I will not be his puppet. Im tired of the constant stress. Life is way too short. Im trying to get my priorities straight and this job requires way too much of my time and energy. I have a wife and a new baby I need to focus on.

James: Oh, my God Bette. You and Tina are back together? I didnt know. Thats great. I cant say that I blame you. Im just really going to miss having you around. What are you going to do?

Bette: I really havent figured all that out yet, but Ill let you know when I do.

James: Well, whatever you do, if theres a place for me, let me know. Id be out of here in a heartbeat.

Bette: Why thank you James. Ill keep that in mind. Now, do you think you can round me up a few boxes so I can pack up my things. Id really like to get back home.

James: No problem. Ill be right back.

James takes off in search of boxes as Bette sits down and places a call to Tina.

Tina: Hey, babe. How did things go?

Bette: Just as expected. Franklins still an ***** and even though it wasnt what he wanted, the board agreed to buy out my contract.

Tina: Thats great babe. Thatll give you some time to decide what you want to do.

Just then Tina hears a familiar voice come into Bettes office.

Helena: Well, Bette, I hope you are getting your things packed up. Well be needing this..

Bette: Tina, I need to call you back. I love you, baby.

Bette hangs up the phone and turns her attention to Helena.

Helena: Youve got to be kidding me. Dont tell me she was foolish enough to take you back after everything you put her through.

Bette: Helena, I am in no mood to put up with your ***** *****. You got what you wanted, so why dont you just leave me the ***** alone or did I knock the wind out of your sail by giving up so easily? Were you expecting me to beg and plead to keep this life sucking job? Jokes on you Helena. I had no intentions of coming back to the CAC. As a matter of fact, you actually made it easier for me to get the board to buy out my contract. I suppose I owe you a thanks, not that I would ever thank you for anything. Now, if youll excuse me, I would really like to get my things together so I can get back to my family. I hope you enjoy your time as a board member. I cant think of anyone better for Franklin to have to deal with. The two of you deserve each other.

Bette got up and walked past Helena in search of James, leaving Helena to stew in her own juices.

Meanwhile, Tina was going crazy. She knew it was Helenas voice that she had heard, but couldnt figure out why Helena would be at Bettes office. Bette had been doing so well and now this. What was Helena up to and how far would it set Bette back? Just then the phone rang. Tina quickly picked it up.

Tina: Hello.

Bette: Hey T.

Tina: Thank God its you baby. Ive been going crazy. What was Helena doing at your office? Are you okay? She wasnt causing trouble, was she?

Bette: T, slow down baby. Im fine. Ill explain everything when I get home. James and I are packing my things up now. I should be home within the hour. Please, dont worry baby.

Tina: Okay, babe. Just hurry home. I miss you.

Bette: Baby, I havent been gone that long. Ill be there as soon as I can. I love you T.

Bette and James got things loaded into the trunk of Bettes car. Bette then gave James a hug and told him if there was anything she could do for him to let her know. Bette took one last look around and then headed out. Luckily, traffic was on her side and it didnt take Bette long to get home. As she walked in the front door she had expected to find Tina pacing, however, everything was all quiet. She immediately headed to the nursery where she found her two favorite girls rocking as Katalina nursed. Tinas eyes were closed and Bette wasnt for sure whether she was asleep or not. She quietly took at seat across from them where she could relax and enjoy the beauty of the moment. Tina must have sensed her presence as it wasnt long before she opened her eyes to see Bette staring back at her.

Tina: Hey, baby. Youre home. How long have you been sitting over there?

Bette: Not long, T. The two of you looked so peaceful, I didnt want to disturb you. You know how I enjoy just watching the two of you together.

Tina: Well, I think she is about done here, babe. Do you want to take her? I think she missed you.

Bette: Sure, T. But I wasnt gone long enough for her to miss me.

Tina: I wouldnt be so sure of that. Weve both gotten pretty spoiled having you around all the time.

Bette got up and walked over to Tina. She leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Tinas lips.

Tina: What was that for?

Bette: I think Im the one thats getting spoiled. Truth be known, I missed the two of you too.

Tina reached her hand around the back of Bettes neck and pulled her back in for another kiss. This one a little longer and a little more passionate. Bette moaned into the kiss as she felt her knees go weak. She pulled back away in attempt to catch her breath.

Bette: I think Id better take her now, before we get something started that we cant finish.

Bette gently took the baby from Tinas arms and laid her up on her shoulder. She patted her on the back as she walked her around the room talking to her.

Bette: So, what all did you and mommy do while I was gone? Did you have fun together? Did you miss me? Did you even notice that I was gone?

Tina was relieved to see that Bette was in such a good mood. Helena had obviously not had an impact on her or at least she didnt appear to be upset. She knew how much Bette enjoyed her time with the baby, so Tina figured she would wait until Bette laid her down before she asked her any further questions. Tina went in and sat on the sofa to read while Bette doted over Katalina. After about an hour, Katalina had fallen to sleep so Bette placed her in her crib. She then headed out and found Tina sleeping once again. She didnt want to wake her as she knew she could use the sleep. She once again sat down across from her and watched her sleep. It wasnt long before the entire Kennard-Porter household was sleeping.

Tina was the first to awake and she smiled as she saw Bette sitting across from her sleeping. She knew Bette had fallen asleep watching her again. God, how she loved this woman. She didnt want to wake her, as she knew she hadnt been getting much sleep. So she quietly got up to check on the baby, who was sleeping soundly. When she returned, Bette had begun to stir.

Bette: Hey, you. Come over here and sit with me.

Tina walked over towards Bette as Bette pulled her down onto her lap and kissed her.

Tina: What was that for?

Bette: Do I need a reason to kiss my wife?

Tina: No, of course not. So, are you ready to tell why Helena was at the CAC?

Bette: Seems shes found a new love for the arts and is now a board member and a cohort of Franklins. She even offered her private attorneys services to the CAC to fight my contract. None of it matters now, though. Its all over, T. I never have to deal with Franklin or Helena again. That chapter of my life is closed. I have a new chapter to focus on. One that involves my lovely, (Bette places a soft kiss on Tinas lips) beautiful (kiss) wife (kiss) and our precious little girl,

Tina: Im proud of you babe. Im proud of the way you handled things. I love you so much baby.

Tina leaned over and pressed her lips against Bettes. What started out as a soft gentle kiss soon turned heated and full of fervor. Bette felt the desire begin to rise in the pit of her stomach. She passionately plunges her tongue into Tinas mouth, desperately needing to feel every part of it. They moan into one anothers mouths as their tongues collide in exploration. Tina is the first to pull away as she needs to take in some air. Bette doesnt stop as she begins an assault up Tinas neck and over to the place just behind Tinas ear that drives her crazy. Tina moans into Bettes shoulder when all of the sudden they are interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Tina pulls herself away from Bette, places a quick kiss on her lips and gets up to get the phone.

Tina: Ill get that before we end up taking cold showers again.

Bette groans in frustration as Tina walks away.

Tina: Hello.

Tina listens for a moment than looks over at Bette:

Tina: Hey babe. Its for you. Its your father.

Bette is surprised, as she hasn’t spoken to her father in quite some time. Tina hands her the phone.

Bette: Hey daddy.yeah, I can do that..okayjust let me know when you get here..okayBye daddy.

Tina: What was all of that about babe?

Bette: Daddy is going to be in town in a couple of days and wants to do lunch.

Tina: Are you okay with that? You seem a little unsettled.

Bette: He asked for me to invite Kit.

Tina: Wow! Thats unbelievable. What do you think is up, babe?

Bette: I dont know, T, but I guess Ill be finding out soon.


???Have you all had enough or shall I go on???