Previously 

Tina slowly placed the frame back on the table and picked the envelope up. Written outside was Tina’s name in Bette’s handwriting. She slowly opened the envelope all the while thinking how Bette has pulled this all off.

Dearest Tina,

Welcome back to LA, baby! I hope your flight went well and that your eyes are not too puffy due to excessive crying. I know how hard this is and I cannot thank you enough for understanding the circumstances that I am in. I promise you that this will only be temporary. I will not spend more than a second apart from you than necessary. I don’t think I myself can live with that. I waited all my life for you and I will not let it pass.

The picture was taken by Alice and I never knew she had it until last week. I think it is a very beautiful picture of us and I’ll have you know that I have the same shot on the same frame on my night table. I’m taking the other picture of us in my office. I can’t bear not to see your face everyday. It’s not because I might forget how you look like because that is not happening. You are etched in my mind and heart and even if I want to, I can’t erase it.

Tina, I promise to love you with my whole being for forever and a day.

Please take care of yourself, my sweet. I cannot wait to have you in my arms again. I missed you already while I was writing this letter.

All my love,

Bette

Chapter 18

Tears were freely flowing from Tina’s eyes. She cannot stop them even if she wanted to. She reached for the house phone and dialed the number that would soon be on her speed dial.

“Hello” Bette answered on the first ring.

“Bette” Tina answered while sobbing.

“Baby, are you ok? You’re not hurt are you?” Bette worriedly asked.

“I’m fine. I just miss you.” Tina explained through her sobs. “I saw your surprise. Thank you, baby!”

“And thank you for your surprise. Wouldn’t you say that great minds think alike?” Bette said trying to make the situation lighter as it already is.

Tina laughed. “Yes, sweetie. Yes, indeed.”

“I didn’t know Alice had a shot of us like that until I spoke to her. I really thought it would be a nice gift.”

“It is. But it made me miss you even more.”

“Oh baby. I’m so sorry. This breaks my heart…”

“But we need to do what needs to be done. It’s not your fault, Bette. I love you.” Tina said after interrupting Bette. “Will you stay on the phone with me until I fall asleep?” Tina asked.

“Of course. Of course, I will.” Bette said.

“Call me back after ten. Lemme just get ready for bed.”

“K, babe. Talk to you in a bit.”

Nine minutes after.

“Hi baby!” Tina said.

“Is that how you call everybody now?” Alice asked.

“Crap! Alice. I’m sorry!” Tina immediately said.

“Now it’s crap! What’s with you?”

“I thought it was Bette.” Tina explained.

“Oh. Oh! Isn’t it too early for your relationship to be engaging in phone sex, Tina?” Alice jokingly asked.

“Oh sod off, Alice!” Tina quipped.

“I will. Geez! I was just trying to make sure that you came home safely. G’nyt my dear! Don’t do anything I won’t do.”

“I wonder what that would be. With you, nobody knows. Thanks, Al! Nyt!” Tina said while placing the phone back to the receiver.

RING!

“Hello?” Tina asked.

“Hey, babe! Why do you sound like that?” Bette asked.

“Hey, baby! I just got off the phone with Al. I thought she were you so I called her baby. Big mistake.”

“Sweetie, we’ve been apart for no more than 24 hours and you’re calling somebody else baby? Hmm… I don’t like the sound of that.” Bette jokingly said.

“Oh shut up, Bette! You’re not even funny!” Tina said a little bit irritated.

“I thought I was.” Bette replied enthusiastically. “My girlfriend told me so!”

“You always did.” Tina said sarcastically.

“I love you, Tee!” Bette sweetly said.

“Sweet talker!” Tina accused.

“I love you, baby!”

“I’m going to sleep now.”

“And I’m staying where I am. I’ll wait until you fall asleep.”

“Thanks. I love you, too, Bette.”

“I know. Now go to sleep. I know you’re tired. I love you, Baby!”