“I need to go.”

She had to go.  Somewhere.  To distance herself from the ache she felt invading her frame. 

Tina stepped to her right, opting to bring them closer. She felt Bette stiffen though the reaction failed to discourage her from the touch she sought.  Reaching with her left hand, the customary finger still bare of a tangible claim of union with another, she lightly stroked the other woman’s forearm. 

“Let me come with you.”

She hesitated, then responded. “I think I should be alone.”

Bette remained rigid.  The tension that marked her statement was unmistakable.  Obviously holding back on a verbal release that was commonplace in their past.  Instead she’d wanted time to herself, to collect her thoughts before dealing with the circumstances.

Tina shifted her pose, angling to look at Bette. “I don’t,” she contradicted. 

“I think we should be together.”

“I just need some time to…” Heavily, Bette sighed.  “It’s okay.  Really.  Everything’s fine.  We’re okay.  We’ll talk later.”

“Yeah, we’ll talk later.” Tina agreed.

“But I still think we should go together.  You don’t need to say anything.”  Evenly, the blonde persisted, “I just need to be with you.” 

Conceding, a small nod served to imply assent. 

Silently they took their seats.  Bette turned the key without pause revving the powerful engine to life.  The eagerness to bring her away from their current location perceptibly of foremost import. 

She turned the knob for the fan and slid the lever of the thermostat until it clicked in protest, making sure the air conditioning was on its coldest setting.  Gulping the air that forced its way through the vents she grasped then shoved the gearshift accordingly to put the vehicle in motion.

Driving along the streets it was clear there was no predestined route in mind.  They took various turns that led to several unfamiliar local roads.  The car traveled well within the speed limit prompting impatient drivers to press on their horns, a handful sputtering words of annoyance their way.  The woman who sat at the wheel took no notice, mutely staring straight ahead.

The slow drive allowed Tina to think back to what had transpired over the last hour or two.  Not wanting to press, she glanced at Bette surreptitiously trying to gauge her disposition.  Who would have thought their Sunday would turn out this way?