For What Happened Previously…Read Parts I and II

A few hours after her fathers funeral, Bette Porter stood holding on closely to her older sister, with tears standing in her dark brown eyes. The caramel colored woman had scheduled an early flight back to Los Angeles so that she could be by Tinas side as much as possible. This scene was like dj vu; here they were, once again standing in the departures drop-off point at another airport. As much as Bette wanted to stay and help Kit sort through their fathers affairs, she knew her presence was needed back home. Home was where her wife of 8 years was waiting on her. Home was where she belonged.

As they embraced and slender streams of salty tears slid down caramel and pecan colored skin, Bette whispered quietly in her sisters ear. Kit..tag..youre it.

Kit pulled back, her dark eyes questioning her sisters words. Im it?, she asked.

Bette smiled and wiped at her tears. Yeah. Youre it, Kit. Youre the strong one now.

The curly-haired caf owner smiled nervously and glanced down at her shoes, shaking her head slightly. I never thought you would say that in a million years.

With the slender fingers of her right hand, Bette reached for Kits hand, holding it in her own as she lifted her sisters chin with her left. Their eyes met and Melvins youngest daughter smiled gently into the weathered, brown orbs of her fathers prodigal child.

Im so proud of you, Kit. You have accomplished so much. I know youll do just fine tying up Daddys affairs. And David will be right by your side. Youll call me if you need anything?, said Bette.

Kit nodded her head in agreement. Thank you, Baby Sis. Thanks for believing in me. I feel like Im finally worth something and you believing in me had a lot to do with that.

Kit, youre my sister. And over this past year, youve been there for me when I needed it. Ill always be here when you need me. Thats what sisters are for., said Bette.

Oh, okay. So thats why you got born. Girl, Ive been trying to figure it out for years., said Kit, her sultry voice laced with humor.

Bette smiled and hugged Kit once more. Ive gotta get going. I love you, Kit.

They separated and Kit replied, I love you, too. Send my love to Tina, and let me know if anything happens with my niece.

I will. Ill call you when I get in., said Bette. She glanced back at her sister, wheeling her upright, and in moments, her tall figure disappeared behind the sliding glass doors.

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Dr. Phillips smiled warmly at Jenny, taking a seat in the orange, overstuffed chair across from her newest patient. The psychiatrist extended a hand and said, Hello Jenny, Im Dr. Phillips.

The doe-eyed brunette smiled nervously. Hi.

Well Jenny, Ill tell you how I work. I like to start out just learning a little about my new patients and then get into discussing their reasons behind coming in to see me. Does that sound okay?, she asked, the warm friendly smile never leaving her sun-kissed face.

Jenny nodded. That sounds great. What would you like to know?

Well, tell me where youre from. What do you do for a living? Whats going on in your life right now?, asked Dr. Phillips.

Jenny looked down and played with her fingers, before speaking. Oh, well, Im from Chicago, originally. Actually, a suburb there named Skokie. I umI came out here a little over a year ago to be with my boyfriend, Tim.

Dr. Phillips was managing the monumental task both listening while writing, and doing so while maintaining eye contact with the suddenly shy young writer. Oh, so how are things with Tim?

Jenny smiled uncomfortably. Well, theyre not. Tim and I broke up. It was my fault. I cheated on him..with a woman.

The psychiatrist resisted the urge to widen her eyes at this bit of news and continued on, her face a mask of perpetual friendliness. I see. So, do you consider yourself bisexual, Jenny?

Jennys bright blue eyes looked away at this question, as she pondered the most appropriate response. No, I dont think so. I actually think Im a *****.

The doctor nodded and continued on with her note-taking. Okay, so where is Tim now?

He moved to Ohio for a new job.

And, are you currently involved in a relationship with the woman you cheated with?, asked Dr. Phillips.

Jenny shook her head and looked down. No, no Im not..that ended pretty badly.

I see. So, tell me more about yourself.

Jenny was quiet a moment, Well, I guess Ill give you the short, cliff-notes version. My life.is a total ***** nightmare these days. Im living out here in LA. I have no idea what Im doing with my life. Im working as a waitress in a diner. I have a college degree and Im waiting tables. Its humiliating for me. Im trying to make it as a writer, but I keep getting setback after setback and Im just so ***** tired of worrying about everything all the time. Every ***** relationship I get into seems to blow up in my face. And all of it makes me feel so absolutely lonely. Im always alone. Even in a sea of people, Im still alone. And on top of all of this, she said, her voice trailing off, her soft blue eyes growing watery with unshed tears.

The doctor smiled, encouragingly. On top of all this what?, she asked, her soft voice filled with the comfort and concern she knew Jenny needed to hear.

The troubled brunette closed her eyes and tears slid down her alabaster cheeks. These nightmares.these thoughts wont get out of my head. I cant seem to control them anymore.

Despite efforts to the contrary, the psychiatrist couldnt keep the concern from furrowing her carefully sculpted eyebrows. What kinds of nightmares and thoughts are you having?

Jenny slowly opened her eyes as she spoke. I think.I think they might be flashbacks. I think I was raped.

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Danas tired body flopped down in defeat on her soft brown sofa. She hadnt spoken to Alice since their conversation at Bette and Tinas. Dana hadnt called because she really had no idea what shed say. And Alice refused to call; in her mind, the ball was in Danas court.

The young tennis player had been out running, hoping that the exercise would help clear her mind. It hadnt. Now she was not only confused, but exhausted.

I love Al. I do. But, I feel like things are moving too fast. I feel like Im suffocating. And this doesnt have anything to do with Lara. Right?, she asked herself.

No, it doesnt. I want to be with Alice. I do. Shes my best friend. She really gets me and thats not easy. Ill just call her up and tell her that., she though, reaching for her phone.

As soon as she picked up her slender cell phone her doorbell rang. Alice., she said aloud.

Walking to the door, the athletic young woman thought to herself, Im glad were on the same wavelength. I just want to pull her into my arms and hold her.

With a bright smile on her face she swung open the door as she said, Al—-Lara!

Her big brown eyes were wide with surprise at Laras presence on her doorstep. Dana looked around, as if expecting someone else to suddenly appear at her ex-girlfriends side. What.what are you doing here?, she asked.

Lara smiled uncomfortably and looked down before meeting Danas confused gaze. I um.I just wanted to talk to you.

About?, asked Dana.

About Us

About Us?, asked Dana.

Lara shifted where she stood and said, Yeah. Us. We still have that connection, Dana. I feel it. I know you feel it. I think we should talk and maybe get some closure. Unless, she trailed off.

Unless what?, asked Dana.

Unless.you want to think about us getting back together.

Dana shook her head. No, Im with Alice now. Thats not really an option for me.

Okay. Fine. Then lets talk and get the closure we need. Well, the closure that I need., said Lara.

Dana slowly nodded her head. Closure. Okay.Well, lets uhlets take a drive., said Dana, wanting space from the thoughts and confusion swirling around her apartment and needing to move this discussion away from places with inviting beds and comfortable couches.just in case her body got out of line.

Laras soft blue eyes brightened at this notion. Great. Ill drive.

In spite of the uncertainty of her current situation, a slow smile spread across Danas tanned cheeks as she replied, Great. Ill be ready in just a minute.

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After only one visit with Dr. Phillips, Jenny was already feeling better about her mental state and her future. She already had a second appointment scheduled for the following week and Dr. Phillips had written her a very mild prescription for a sleeping pill. Smiling slightly and filled with hope for finally reaching some level of emotional and mental normality, the thin brunette opened the door leading into the kitchen and found her roommates eating together and talking animatedly. Shane and Mark both turned in Jennys direction, their jovial conversation suddenly silenced and an awkward quiet hung in the air between them.

It was Jenny who finally broke the ice. Hey, she said, smiling shyly.
Hey Jen. Whats going on?, asked Shane.

Nothing. Just needed to run a few errands. What are you two up to?, she asked.

Just grabbing some lunch. You wanna join us?, asked Shane.

Yeah, I think I will., said Jenny.

Marks dark eyes darted around. He didnt know if he should stay or go, speak or remain silent. The rogue filmmaker realized he was still on shaky ground as far as Jenny was concerned and he didnt want to aggravate her any further than he already had.

Finally deciding to give his roommates some quality time alone, Mark said Well, Im gonna go and let you guys enjoy.

Jenny shook her head. No, dont go. We havent done this in a while. Sitting around and just hanging out. Pleasedont go Mark.

Mark was quite surprised at this warm reception and fought the urge to ask his roommate about the impetus behind her change of heart. Okay. Ill stay., he said.

Good., said Jenny. She sat her things down and began to sift through the refrigerator, searching for items with which to assemble a sandwich.

As she prepared her meal, Mark asked So, how are things with Burr Connors going?

Jenny smiled and spoke excitedly about her latest project. The three roommates enjoyed their conversation and for the first time since the troubled writer had discovered Marks hidden cameras, they laughed and talked without the uneasy tension of Marks betrayal hovering around them.

Hours later, Jenny was writing on her bed when she heard a soft knock at the door.

Come in., she called.

Seconds later, Shane opened the door and slipped into the room, nervously chewing at her lip. Can we talk for a second?, she asked.

Jenny laid down her pen and sat up. Sure, she said.

Shane slipped her hands into her back pockets as she spoke. Look.Jenny, I want to be straight up with you.

Okay, said Jenny, her soft blue eyes filled with curiosity.

I wanted to tell you that tonight..Im going out on a date..with Carmen.

Those last two words sent a sharp pain shooting down Jennys tortured soul. Oh., she said.

I just wanted to tell you myself. Is this going to be a problem at all? Cuz if it is, Shane began.

Nonoits not a problem. Thanks for telling me. I want you guys to go out. Youre perfect for each other., said Jenny, smiling softly at her best friend.

Youre sure?, asked Shane.

Yeah. I am.

Excellent. Youre a real gem, Jenny. You really are., said Shane.

Jenny chuckled lightly and said, Thanks.

Thank you. Im gonna go run to the store. You need anything?, asked Shane.

No, no thanks. Im good.

Okay. Well, if you get any cravings, hit me on my cell phone while Im out. Ill see you in a little while., said Shane.

Okay. Ill see you later., said Jenny.

And then Shane was gone, leaving Jenny to wonder just when being a real gem would translate into real happiness for her.

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Bette chewed nervously on her lower lip, butterflies fluttering furiously in her stomach as she rode the escalator down to LAXs baggage claim. Just that morning shed sat in the first pew of Grace AME, bidding Melvin Porter farewell. Now she was back on her home turf and even though shed lived in LA for years, owned a home in West Hollywood, and knew the city streets like the back of her caramel-colored hand, Bette Porter still found herself on unfamiliar terrain. She and Tina had been playing phone tag for the past few days. The three-hour time-difference, Bettes hectic planning for her fathers funeral, and their mutual discomfort and uncertainty regarding their relationship and future, had made it difficult for the two women to connect. Theyd barely spoken since their tearful goodbye and the tall, lithe caramel beautys dark brown eyes came to rest on the figure of her estranged wife, she wondered just what she should say and how she should greet the only woman she would ever love.

For her part, Tina was just as nervous. Making deals with her very own British form of the devil had left her feeling edgy and conflicted; her mind filled with worry and trepidation. She stood off to the side of the escalator, absently rubbing her swollen abdomen. As her amber orbs locked eyes with Bettes soft brown pools, a million thoughts raced through her mind.

Shes beautiful. Shes so beautiful. What if shes changed her mind about wanting to be with me? Ive waited all this time, what if she changed her mind while she was gone? What am I going to do then? Should I tell her about Helena? I dont want her to worry and she shouldnt have to. I already made the deal. Bette should have nothing to worry about., she thought.

Tinas heart rate sped up as the mechanical stairs brought the love of her life closer and closer to her Bette-starved spirit. Ive missed her so much. So much has happened. Can we really do this again? Can I really trust her again? Can I trust myself?, she wondered.

By the time Bette reached her wife, there were tears standing in her eyes and her lips quivered as she struggled to contain her emotion. Tina wrapped her arms around her soul mates thin frame and the bronzed woman held on tightly, her tears flowing freely, her body shaking with small sobs.

This was it. This was the touch Bettes body had been craving since her departure. This was her safe place, her shelter from the storms of life, her unique and powerful source of strength. She had always found comfort in Tinas arms and on this day, Bette needed that soothing embrace more than ever. The cloak of grief covering the caramel colored womans soul was being slowly cast away and as she stood lovingly caressed in her wifes tender arms, their unborn child resting comfortably between them, Bette finally exhaled, feeling as though a sense of order had been restored in her chaotic life.

Tina let her eyes close as she inhaled her wifes familiar scent and stroked her lovers dark locks, the worries and fears in her mind evaporated as she held Bette close to her. She felt her wifes trembles and heard the grief-induced sobs and the faint moans the caramel woman struggled to contain. This was her Bette, her wife, her partner; and she knew that yes they could do this again. They had to. They needed to. Their bodies and spirits needed each other and Tina knew that it was time; Time to move on past hurt and regret and escape to the happily ever after ending that both women craved.

I love you, Bette., Tina whispered softly in her wifes ear.

Overcome with emotion, Bette simply held on tighter and nodded her head in response.

TBC (To Be Continued)