Bette was in the ladies room when she heard her plane announced over the loud speaker. She had just finished listening to Tina’s last message and closing her phone, reached for the carry-on at her feet. She handed the ticket over and stepping into the corridor, waved to Kit, who was there to see her off.

Once airborne, she made herself comfortable with a cocktail, and listened to music as she leafed through a magazine. When she grew bored, she opened the window and stared out at the horizon. She became lost in her thoughts and running her fingers through her hair, felt for the scar just behind the hairline.

**************************************

She had pulled up in front of the hotel, like she had done many times before. Tina would run out and jump in with an excitement that always flattered Bette. She would usually take her to a movie, or a museum, or a local art show. But on this visit, Tina would be turning sixteen, and Bette wanted to do something special for her, something that she would never forget.

Tina had written Bette throughout the years of their youth. She thought it was cute at first, but as they became older, the simple correspondence would hold a more romantic tone that always left Bette swooning. Being three years older than Tina, and bearing that in mind, she would simply write about what she was currently doing; about school, the debate team…which would always leave Tina feeling unfulfilled, and frustrated.

When she entered the car and shut the door behind her, Bette leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Happy Birthday.” Tina blushed and said, “So, where are you taking me this time?”

Bette put the car in drive and said, “I was thinking we’d get something to eat, and maybe take a drive—unless you had something else in mind.” Tina pretended to think about it before awkwardly replying, “Actually, I’d like to see a gay bar, I mean, I’ve never been inside one before, and that seems like something different to do.”

“A gay bar,” Bette snapped. You want to go to a gay bar? Tina, you’re only sixteen; your father will kill me if he finds out I’ve taken you to a gay bar.”