Tina leaned her small frame against a lamp post in the park at exactly 11pm. She had no idea why she was there. What was there to say really, other than this could never work. She watched as adorable couples held hands and walked the path past her. Guys and girls, guys and guys, girls and girls, just people in love and not hiding! Tina was so angry! Not with Bette, but with herself for letting Bette get so far under her skin. Just a year ago Bette was a mere picture. A few photos she had seen in a CD sleeve. Now Bette Porter was real. She was flesh and bones and beauty. How did it come to this. Tina suddenly jumped when she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist. Bette buried her head in the warmth of Tinas flaxen hair.

Bette: You smell so good.

Tina didnt move. She stood there frozen, her eyes screening the park for her nearest escape route.

Tina: I wasnt going to come.

Bette loosened her grip on the woman and spun to face her.

Bette: I didnt expect you to.

Tina: Just tell me why you wanted me here.

Bette took Tinas hand and led her to a bench facing the fountain.
She ran her hands through Tinas hair and traced from her temples to her jawline, then to her lips.

Bette: I wanted to talk to you.

Tina: Im listening.

It was killing Tina to be so cold but she didnt know what else to do. She had already showed Bette she was vulnerable to her, she wouldnt do it again.

Bette: T, please. I need you to understand that this isnt about you…its about me and my career.

Tina pulled her face from Bette hands.

Tina: How dare you say this isnt about me. We are talking about my heart. My feelings and emotions! We are talking about the reason I let you kiss me last night. The reason I let you stay in my bed! And correct me if Im wrong but that sounds an awful lot like it has to do with me!

Bette: Youre right.

Tina: I know Im right!

Bette: Tell me what you want from me T, because I dont know!

Tina: I want to know you. I want to be privy to that secret world you keep hidden up there.

Tina touched Bettes dark curls and immediately pulled away.

Bettes eyes were glazed with the risk of tears spilling over at any moment.

Bette: There isnt much to know.

Tina: Do you know where Im from?

Bette: What?

Tina: Where I moved her from?

Bette: I dont.

Tina: Im from Tuscon…Arizona. My mother and father are still together. I have 2 sisters. Both younger. Im 21, did you know that?

Bette: I didnt. I dont know where this is going.

Tina felt like her attempt was hopeless. She stood up and started to walk away.

Bette: Im from Philly. My mom left my father when I was really young because he wasnt faithful.

Tina turned and watched Bettes tears spill down her perfectly chiseled face.

Bette: I have a half sister…Kit. Shes a singer too, only she sings R & B. I always wanted to be on stage. Always! I graduated Yale and got my B.F.A. there. It was the only college my father would have his daughter attend. No pressure right?

Tina walked back over to Bette and kneeled before her. Lifting her hands she began to wipe the tears.

Bette: I got my start on Broadway when I was 21. Like you.

Tina: I remember.

Bette: Yeah and I got it because Im so talented right?

Tina: Damn right.

Bette gave Tina a half smile.

Bette: Damn wrong. Ever hear of the casting couch?

Tina: Oh god, no.

Bette: Yes. He was a director. He promised me the world. I didnt love him. I;ve never loved anyone. But I did it. I lied there naked and scared with my ***** legs spread so one day he could put me on stage.

Tina: Im so sorry.

Bette: Oh it gets better. He was married. He put me up in this fancy apartment and came over whenever he wanted some. Which was often. He wouldnt let me out of his sight. I had to be ready for his ***** whenever he wanted it. About a year later I still had gotten nowhere…I threatened to leave. He told me my career was finished. Naturally I stayed. Finally he got me a part in…

Tina: Jake

Bette: Thats the one. Now I wasnt a lead but I have a song all my own and I felt so important. People would send me letters and presents. It was like I was on top of the world. But every night I would go home alone and remember that I didnt get that part. I fucked for tha t part.

Tina: But your talent is undeniable Bette. No matter how you got that part you got it.

Bette: Well anyway, I left the show. I left the apartment. I had no money and nowhere to go. I couldnt get a job to save my life. Long story short I finally got on my feet and began auditioning again. Thats when I got into Cleopatra.

Tina: I loved that recording.

Bette: That show and my fans saved my life.

Tina: Im sorry, I didnt know.

Bette: I know.

Tina took Bettes hand and held it to her heart.

Bette: There is something I want you to hear, ok?

Tina: Of course.

Bette took her hand from Tinas and dug into the side pocket of her jeans. She removed a piece of notebook paper and proceeded to flatten it out.

Bette: I am so enamored by you.

Tinas eyes foxed on the crumpled paper.


Bette: Your talent surpasses any Ive ever seen. Though Ive never met you I feel like I know you. I feel like your voice speaks to me and only me. I dont know if youll ever get this letter. I doubt you will. And even if you do get this and read it, odds are you wont remember me 5 years or minuets from now. But just know that I will always know you.

Tina couldnt keep the tears at bay any longer. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.

Bette: Sincerely your biggest supporter, Tina Kennard. Tucson Arizona.

Tina: You kept that letter.

Bette: Of course. It touched my heart. You touched my heart.

Tina: I…umm, I just dont know what to say.

Bette: When Alex told me your name the other night, I felt like…it was about time. I felt like I had been waiting for you.

Tina: Bette…

Bette: Yes…

Tina: I need you. I always have. Before we knew each other I needed you.

Bette leaned in gently and placed her lips tenderly on Tinas. It was just one sweet simple kiss but to Tina it was the whole world.

Tina leaned back to get a full image on Bette.

Tina: I dont know what to do.

Bette: Me either.

Tina let out a sigh.

Bette: I have worked so hard to get where I am. I just cant risk losing that. I cant…

Tina put her finger up to Bettes lips.

Tina: Shh…

Bette kissed Tinas finger. Then her palm. She reached over and brought her mouth to Tinas soft supple neck. She licked lightly from Tinas ear lobe to her defined collar bone.

Tina tried to suppress the moan that escaped her lips but it only made it sexier. She felt a heat growing from her center to her lips. She was thirsty and only Bette could quench that.

Tina leaned into Bettes ear.

Tina: Tell me you want me.

Bette struggled for air.

Bette: I want you.

Tina pressed her further, all the while running her hands down Bettes sides.

Tina: Tell me you NEED me like I need you.

Bette moaned.

Bette: I need you Tina. I really ***** need you.

Tina stood up abruptly and reached for Bettes hand.

Bette: Where are we going?

Tina: Heaven I hope.

Bette was feeling more confident now.

Bette: I can take you to heaven.

Tina: Im counting on it.

They began to walk toward Bettes apartment. Never holding hands to keep Bette comfortable. Finally they made it to her door. Both woman wrought with desire for the other. Tina took Bette Surprise and pushed her against the door. She kissed her with such force that Bette was sure she would have been on the floor if the oak door wasnt supporting her.

Bette: *****….

Tina: What? Whats wrong.

Bette: I like you Tina. I dont want to hurt you.

Tina smirked.

Tina: So dont.

Bette: I cant make promises.

Tina: Dont make any then.

Bette: are you sure you are ready for this?

Bette nodded toward her door.

Tina: I have been ready for years…

Bette: But I thought you said…

Tina: Ive been ready Bette. Ive just been waiting for you.

Bette grabbed Tina as hard as she could kissing her with all the passion and desire she had been keeping pent up.

Tina broke away breathless.

Tina: Take me inside.

Bette smirked and opened the door.



TBC…Youll hafta wait until tomorrow..sorry guys!