Fan Fiction
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Early Sunday Evening (Time of Day 19)
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Tina rang the doorbell and waited. She knew that the excessive formality was probably just that – excessive, but she didn’t want to presume anything at this point. She especially didn’t want to get her hopes up.
The door opened, and it warmed her heart to see Bette’s smile grow when she realized who had come over.
“Hey,” Bette said in welcome, stepping back to let Tina pass.
“Hey.” She leaned in and gave Bette a kiss on the cheek. ‘Cautious,’ she told herself; it had become her mantra of the day.
A million questions ran through Tina’s thoughts, but she held herself from asking any of them.
Bette seemed to be doing the same, as the two of them just stared at each other for a moment before finally breaking the silence. “She’s pretty much set, aside from dinner. I was hoping maybe we could go out. Eat as a family.”
“That’d be nice.” Tina smiled as she saw her daughter running towards her in her cute, clumsy way, and then throwing a big hug around her legs. “Hey there.”
Tina picked up the child, and, cradling her close, swung her up and down a couple times. The actions gained a laugh from the girl.
“Good thing she hasn’t eaten.” Bette noted, smiling and their antics.
“As long as they’re not work clothes, it’s all good,” Tina said, taking Angelica for another swing.
“Any preference for dinner?”
“Anything.” Tina placed a kiss on her daughter’s nose, and then set the child down. “I haven’t had much today – I was planning on picking something up on the way home, anyway.”
“Really? Work day?”
“Actually,” Tina hesitated, then decided she was not going to withhold. “I was touring properties with Shirley.” On Bette’s blank stare she tacked on, “the real estate agent.”
“You’re still?” Bette’s face mirrored the uncertainty in her voice. “But?”
“Bette, it’s just looking.”
“The other night…”
“Nothing’s changed, Bette. Not yet.”
“But you said…”
“I do,” Tina said quickly, interrupting Bette’s question. “I always have, and that hasn’t been enough, always.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m living my life, Bette. I love you. That has not changed in two days. But I’m thinking that nothing else has changed, either.”
“What am I supposed to do? Email? Talk through Tom?” Bette’s voice was rising.
“Bette,” Tina stepped closer and laid a hand on her arm. “Please, understand I’m not putting a timetable on things. But I’m also not putting my life on hold.”
“I’m not sure I do understand.”
“Which is why we need to talk.” Tina diverted her gaze towards Angelica. “Alone. Just us.” She picked up her daughter’s bag of necessities. “So, are we going to dinner.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Bette.”
“I just don’t know that I feel good about this.”
“This, whatever you’re referring to, hasn’t changed since Friday night. This hasn’t changed since I entered the house.”
“But you’re moving on with your life.”
“I’m moving forward, babe. Not on.”
“Aren’t they the same?”
“Come to dinner, Bette.”
“I’m not…”
“A meal. The three of us. Please?”
Bette chewed at her bottom lip.
“Please?” Tina repeated.
“Maybe it’s too soon.”
“Maybe,” Tina agreed, trying not to let her disappointment show.
She scooped up Angelica again. “Give Momma B a kiss.” Tina held the child close so that Bette could give her a kiss goodbye.
Then Tina leaned in, giving Bette a tight hug, followed by a peck on the cheek. “I love you,” she whispered, “Remember that.”
Bette nodded, and said nothing.
With that, Tina turned and headed for the car. She hoped that, again, Bette would follow her. That they’d at least spend time as a family.
She did see Bette waving as they drove away, and she waved back. ‘Cautious,’ she told herself, trying to keep from getting too excited while driving. ‘Cautious,’ she thought again. ‘Cautious.’
(the end)
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So short, yet so hopeful and sad all at the same time. How do convey all that in such a short post? Genius. And did I mention that it’s short? :) I’ll be looking forward to your next post.
I’m sorry pseud but Bette is being an idiot – what the hell does she want Tina to marry her on the spot – why can’t she go with Tina’s flow and see where that leads – damn she’s a dumb alpha at times. And well written though frustrating, congrats on your nominations you deserve it.
Yeah, even if it isn’t a Jodi thing, Bette is book smart. And kind of stupid in other ways.
I was going to say that Bette is stupid too, but I think she’s just really scared right now. She made the effort with Jodi because of Tina’s input and I do think Bette has feelings for Jodi, but she is in love with Tina still. And allowing herself to be open to being in love with Tina again is a difficult thing. And Tina is being wise to be cautious because Bette probably really, really wants to believe in what Tina’s saying but the past just won’t let her. I very much look forward to your posts. This is one story that I really absolutely enjoy. Pseud thanks for giving us another glimpse into the confused world of TiBette.
Short or not, thanks for posting! Tina is so right about moving forward, although Bette needs to start speeding up…like going to dinner…if she wants to salvage anything, at this point.
And you know what else, how irrating, Bette asked Tina to go out to dinner, THEN she finds out Tina is looking at houses, has a hissy fit and withdrawls. Bette’s an ass and she needs to grow up!
Bette makes you want to strangle her! Seems like the sh… has to hit the fan before she figures to the right move to make. Liking Tina in this story. Hopefully her kindness, patience and understanding toward Bette, will get Bette to dump Jodi, and do the right thing.
love this story
I like the fact that they are taking it slowly. I know that it is freaking Bette out but what they have been through would only make matters worse if they rushed.
I’m going to be cautiously optimistic. You deserved the nomation, congrats!
Thats sad!
Hey Pseud, That was so painful and hurtful. Bad enough that Bette and Tina are walking on egg shells around each other but not to talk and sort things through is a big step backwards. Sometimes a leap of fiath is needed to show just how far you have come and how far you are prepared to go. Bette needs to stop tippy toeing around Tina and lay in on the line. Tina needs to open up to the possibility that Bette will choose her. Can’t wait to see where you lead me to next. Most enjoyable ride. Thank you, from Your Loyal Fan.
So she doesn’t want to have The Talk with Jodi through Tom or via email, fair enough. Surely though, on a Dean’s salary, though, she could afford a flight out to the fair meadows of artless fancy and do the deed in person, yes? Yes. I suppose she’ll just have to wait ’til the next weekend that Jodi was referring to. There’s a certain amount of power in Bette’s situation though, by her doing nothing, even though it’s causing her anguish. And I guess she’s not willing to give it up. “Too soon” maybe, for that to happen. As always, pseud, I enjoyed it, and I’m glad you could give us this post. Thanks
tooo short,what up with bette,usally goes with guns blazing and now shes being???? p.p.s.
CAUTIOUS mmmmmmm….very much intriguing me….short huh???? did everyone else notice…short???? mmmmm torturous just like Bette!!!!
I almost want to laugh, but if I was in this situation I doubt I’d laugh. Maybe Peggy Peabody needs to swing by and say hello. ;)
Love the story immensely. So, Tina is the sensible one and Bette is just being bratty. Can’t wait for the next one.
Wow, I’m out of circulation for a few weeks and come back to multiple posts from you – all very enjoyable. Whenever you can, I look forward to the continuation!
Sad. Bette needs to figure stuff out. She can’t expect Tina to be her girl on the side while Jodi is the official girlfriend cross country. Hopefully she gets her act together.
Bette wants everyone on her timetable. She doesnt want to wait. yet she still has Jodie on the string. Post soon thanks
pseud – so good. so true to life. write when you can. thanks.
Sad. And Bette is being difficult. Great post pseud!