Previously~~~~~~~~~~~~
A cool burst of air-conditioning enveloped Bette and Tina as they walked into the lobby of the Gran Melia Cancun hotel, Bettes short-heeled sandals clicking against the smooth marble floor as the pair made their way over to the front desk. The statuesque bronzed-beauty stood talking with the neatly groomed male attendant while Tinas soft brown eyes roamed the foyer, taking in the subtle elegance of its pastel walls, large glass chandelier, gently flowing fountain, and soft elevator music.



The flushed blonde beauty began to collapse on the coat tails of her *****. Bette grabbed her lover around the waist with her left hand and slowly removed her fingers from Tinas core.

Ive got you, T. Ive got you baby., Bette whispered, as Tina relaxed against her.

Bette maneuvered them over to a lounge chair and sat back, pulling Tina into her, wrapping her arms protectively around her girlfriend. Ive got you, T. I love you, baby., she whispered.

Tina couldnt speak. Her lips were quivering as her body trembled beneath her lovers arms. She rested with her head on Bettes chest, her lungs struggling to suck in air, her heart struggling to slow down its rapid beat.

Bette gently stroked Tinas hair as she held her close. I love you so much, T. Welcome to paradise, baby., she said, before kissing her girlfriends forehead.

After a few moments of comfortable silence passed, Tina raised her head up slightly and looked into Bettes eyes. I love you, too. Was that my official welcome?, she whispered.

Bette smiled. Yes it was. Was it to your liking?

Tina put her head back down and snuggled into her lovers chest. It was.indescribable. You might have to carry me inside. I dont know if I can walk.

Dont worry. Ill take care of you, T.

You promise?, asked Tina.

I promise., said Bette.
..

T?, asked Bette.

Yeah?

Its like 8 oclock. You want to go and get some dinner?, asked Bette.

I had my sights set on a beautiful caramel feast., said Tina.

Dont worry, T. This buffet is always open. Lets eat dinner and see what we can of the city. Is that okay with you?

Yeah. I just need a quick shower., said Tina.

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

Soft Mexican music floated down to Tina Kennards ears as she nibbled on her hard-shelled taco and took in the touristy ambience of the small Mexican restaurant. She and Bette were surrounded by sun-burned Americans in floral print t-shirts and the sun-kissed beauty smiled at the ornate, stereotypical sombreros, multi-colored ponchos, and green cacti that dotted the walls. The freshly-outed film student was pulled away from her warm thoughts and study of the dcor by her lovers gentle voice.

T, is your food okay? We can send it back if you dont like it., said Bette.

Tina smiled into the soft brown eyes of the beautiful young woman seated across from her and replied, Oh, its fine, babe. Nothings wrong with it.

Are you not hungry? Youve barely eaten anything., asked Bette, glancing down at Tinas plate.

The beautiful blonde placed her folded arms on the table and quietly stared down for a moment before raising her head and meeting her girlfriends dark brown pools. I..I ummm..Im just, she began, before the tears rushed to her eyes and emotions choked off her words.

The dark-haired beauty reached out and loving stroked her lovers arm with her slender fingers, her brow furrowing in concern. Are you okay? T.whats wrong?, she asked.

Tina cleared her throat and wiped at the few tears making their way down her tanned cheeks. Babe, nothing is wrong. She looked up to meet Bettes concerned gaze and smiled. Im just so happy. For the first time it feels like everything is right. Baby, we are in paradise together. We have been through so much. A few days ago our lives were in total chaos and noweverything is so together. So..at peace. Im just so grateful and so happy, I feel overwhelmed.

The caramel beauty smiled so brightly that her dark eyes twinkled. T, youre right. I still cant believe Im here with you. I feel like this is a dream and Im going to wake up any minute.

Tina reached across the table and took her girlfriends hand in her own. Im almost sure its real. Im just so excited. Im too excited to eat. I just love being here with you.

Bettes stomach fluttered and a warm rush of emotion flowed through her when she heard her lovers words. T, you make me feel like Im walking on air. You really do. I meanall my life Ive wanted someone to love me like you do. I just feel so complete.

I know, babe. I feel the same way., said Tina.

Bette smiled and looked down at their clasped hands resting openly on the table. T?, she asked.

Yeah?, asked Tina.

The bronzed young woman was suddenly very shy and apprehensive, her dark eyes darting around the room as she spoke. II.Is it, she stuttered.

Tina squeezed her lovers hand and asked, Bette, what is it?

I dont want to pressure you, T. Dont feel bad or anything if you want to say no., said Bette, the color rushing to her cheeks.

Bette.just tell me., said Tina.

The dark-haired beauty looked down at her plate as she spoke, afraid of her girlfriends rejection. OkayI..I want to kiss you, T. I just love you so much, you make me so happy. I just wanted to give you a kiss. But, I dont want you to feel uncomfortable. I just

Tina swallowed her lovers words with her own. Bette, look at me., she whispered.

The caramel colored woman looked up into her girlfriends smiling brown eyes, her face slightly flushed, as she chewed nervously on the inside of her lower lip.

The sun-kissed blonde leaned in closer and whispered, Kiss me.

Bette blinked her eyes a few times, as if to verify that what was happening was real; the confusion swirling in her dark brown pools. What?, she asked.

Tina licked her lips and replied, Kiss me.

Right here?

Yes, babe. Right here.

Bette glanced around them. In front of all these people? Youre okay with

Yes. Im okay. I love you, Bette. I want to feel your lips on mine., said Tina.

You sure?, asked Bette.

Tina tugged on her girlfriends hand and raised an eyebrow, indicating that she was tired of the back and forth.

Her cautious counterpart got the message and smiled as she replied, Youre sure. I get it.

Bette glanced around them one more time before seductively licking her lips and closing her eyes as she leaned in to softly kiss the woman of her dreams. Their soft lips pressed sensually together and butterflies began to flutter in the abdomen of both women, as this loving kiss conveyed their mutual affection and long-awaited solidarity.

In the prying eyes of the most curious restaurant goers, this was simply a kiss. In the hearts of the two women that sat lip locked at a side table of this small Mexican eatery, this tender kiss was a powerful symbol of freedom, pride and renewed strength. It represented their first real step outside the menacing closet of internalized homophobia and self-hate. It had been relatively easy to hold and caress each other surrounded by a safe-haven of ***** Alliance members and supporters. It was quite another experience to kiss each other openly, declaring their love and lifestyle before a sea of unpredictable strangers.

Bette Porter and Tina Kennard were entering the second dimension of their relationship; a dimension in which they were unified and committed to each other without question, doubt, or fear. In this dimension, a beautiful blonde and a dark-eyed brunette could lean on each other, standing back to back, fiercely combating any idea, person, or circumstance that threatened to impede their union. Their sensual, public kiss symbolized the emergence of a new force to be reckoned with: Bette and Tina against the world.

The lovers separated, staring intently into each others eyes. They sat in a comfortable silence. Words were not needed. Soft amber orbs spoke to chocolate brown pools and both women realized that this meal was over. They needed to be in each others arms. They needed to connect as closely as they could. In moments, the check was paid and the girlfriends headed back to the Gran Melia.

As they entered the hotel, hand-in-hand, Bette looked to her soul mate and gently asked, Walk with me?

Tina nodded and her girlfriend led them outside to the resorts private beach. Standing outside under a luminous moon and the soft light cast from strategically placed outdoor lanterns, the couple removed their shoes before walking together along the cool white sand. They remained cocooned in reflective silence as they moved slowly along the shore, never parting their clasped hands. At long last, Bette decided to rest and sat down on a mound of sand, sitting with her knees up. She pulled Tina to her and the golden-haired beauty made herself comfortable between her lovers legs, resting her back against Bettes chest. Slender caramel arms wrapped themselves around Tinas body, pulling her close. Relaxing exhales came from two sets of lungs as the young women settled into each other amidst the soothing sound of the rolling tide.

Bette?, asked Tina, her eyes studying the moonlight dancing on the waters surface.

Yeah, T?

How out do you want to be?, asked Tina.

What do you mean?

Well, you seem okay with us holding hands in public. You hesitated tonight in kissing me. Are you sure youre comfortable with that?, asked Tina.

I mostly hesitated because I didnt want to make you uncomfortable. But, to be honest, I am a little apprehensive about kissing in public. I just worry that we could end up with an unfriendly situation on our hands. You seemed okay tonight. How do you feel about it?

Im still getting adjusted to things, but I was okay tonight. I felt comfortable. I think Ill feel even more comfortable as time goes on. , said Tina.

So, do you think youd feel comfortable kissing me in the dining halls or the student center?, asked Bette.

Tina thought for a moment. I think so. If I feel uncomfortable though, Ill let you know.

Okay. And youre comfortable being affectionate here in Cancun?, asked Bette.

Yeah. You dont have to be so worried about making me feel uncomfortable. Okay?, said Tina.

Okay.

Bette, what about your family? Are you going to tell your dad?, asked Tina.

I dont know. I dont think so, T. Melvin Porter does not want to hear that his daughter is a *****. He preaches to me all the time as it is. I can just imagine what Id have to go through if he were to find out. I have a strong feeling that hed cut me off, just like he did with Kit. Hes just now speaking to her and they are really just cordial these days. And hes kind of it for me, T. Hes all I have., said Bette, her voice growing quiet with the utterance of her last sentence.

Thats not true, babe. You have me. Youll always have me., said Tina.

Bette smiled and hugged her girlfriend tighter. I do, dont I?

Yes, you do.

I love you, Tina., said Bette, a subtle sadness settling into her.

I love you, too., said Tina.

The dark-haired beauty sighed as images of a future with her girlfriend flashed in her mind. She wished that the warm-hearted blonde in her arms was her family. She wanted to share a home and a life with this woman and longed for the day when Tina would be the only one shed have to answer to. When Tina truly was the only one she needed.

I just wish I didnt need my fathers finances. To get his money, I need his approval. So, I guess as far as hes concerned, Im staying in the closet. Do you have any spare cash laying around to foot the bill for this degree Im getting?, Bette asked, light humor in her voice.

No. But let me know if you find some. We can put into the Bette and Tina relationship defense fund.

Bette chuckled. Thats cute, T.

I know. Just like me., said Tina.

Youre not cute, baby. Youre *****.

Thank you. Youre *****, too., said Tina.

I know.

And so modest., said Tina, the sarcasm dripping from her words.

I know, T. Isnt is such a rare and endearing quality?, asked Bette.

Right. Bette Porter. The queen of modesty., said Tina.

The lovers shared a small laugh and peaceful silence.

What about you, T? Are you going to tell your family?, asked Bette.

Absolutely not. Not yet anyway. I meant to tell you this last week, but things got hectic and I forgot. You remember last week, when I came in and I was all upset?, asked Tina.

Bette thought back and the memory of an emotional Tina emerged.

Flashback to Chapter 7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tina was in the restroom when Bette made it home. When she opened the door and saw her girlfriend unpacking her backpack, she smiled and felt her heart drop at the same time.

Bette turned around at the sound of the door opening and smiled at Tina. Hey T, how are you?

Tina smiled lightly and walked over to Bette. Im good, babe. How are you?

Bette looked into Tinas sad brown eyes and knew that something was missing. Tinas shine was missing. The sparkle had gone out. Bette stared at Tina inquisitively. Tinawhats wrong, baby?

Tina felt the tears gather in her eyes. One look. One look and she knows. All it took was one look and she can tell Im dying inside. My mother has been looking at me for 18 years and she still doesnt know. How could I ever turn my back on this kind of love? She loves me with no reservations. But my parents are still my parents. If they find out about me and Bette, I know they will disown me. How am I supposed to make it through school without their help? I still need them. These thoughts kept chasing each other in Tinas mind as the tears shed tried so hard to keep to herself slipped down her cheeks and she collapsed into Bettes embrace.

The lost and painful look in Tinas eyes had not gone unnoticed by Bette. As she held Tina in her arms and felt her lovers sobs, Bette felt Tinas pain pierce her own heart. She loved Tina dearly and to see her hurting like this was painful to her.

Bette didnt know what to say. She just rubbed Tinas back lovingly and whispered, Let it out, T. Just let it out. Im right here, baby. Let it go.

Finally, Tina whispered, I love you, Bette. I really do.

I know you do, T. I know. What happened? Why are you upset?, asked Bette.

Tina wanted to share the chain of events that had brought her to this point, but she just didnt have the energy. Giving voice to her circumstances just made her think more about the impossible situation she found herself in and she couldnt bear to give it any more thought. She felt like her head was about to explode.

Tina responded, My mom. She just really pissed me off today. But, I dont want to talk about it anymore. Im tired of thinking about it, babe.

Bette furrowed her brow and looked into Tinas soft brown eyes. Are you sure? You know you can talk to me about anything.

Tina smiled. I know. Thank you. I just want to spend some time with you. Can we go and eat?

Bette still wasnt convinced. T.Id rather you talk to me. Id like to know youre really okay.

~~~~~~~~~~End of Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yeah, I remember. I wanted to talk about it, but you said you were okay. What happened?, asked Bette.

My mom had called me that morning. She was talking about how she was proud of me for not ending up like Veronica and not getting mixed up in being *****. She said it a poison infecting the community. It was the most random phone call and conversation. She hurt me so much. I just dont think shell ever understand. She just doesnt get it. Maybe when Im out of school and on my own, Ill tell her. But definitely not now., said Tina.

Im sorry she made you feel so bad. I knew something was really bothering you. You know, T. I know this past week was really hard for you. Im just so happy we made it through together., said Bette.

Me too.

We have come so far and we have a really long way to go. But, well make it, T., said Bette.

I know we will. Its just me and you, babe.

Me and you, T. Me and you against the world., said Bette.

Tina smiled and kissed her lovers hand. I like the sound of that., she said, snuggling closer to her soul mate, her back pressed tightly against Bettes chest, her head resting softly against her girlfriends.

They sat together under the stars and the faint glow of the crescent moon, listening to the water lap against the shore, until they began to fall asleep. Tina stood up, reaching out for Bettes hand and the lovers made their way back to their pocket within paradise on the fifth floor of the Gran Melia.

TBC (To Be Continued)