CHAPTER 6

             “It’s a surprise baby shower?” her voice is timid a tone Tina is unfamiliar with. Bette feels the anxiousness begin to rise, ‘It’s too much. She hates it.’

            “I can see that.” Alice steps towards Tina the rest of the girls fast on her heels.

            “C’mon Tee, it’s so beautiful and there’s food and drinks,” She places her hand on Tina’s arm, “plus there are so many presents I don’t think you’ll ever be able to fit them all in your apartment. This baby is going to be so spoiled.” She gently coaxes Tina through the living room. Tina takes a moment to take in the sights of yellow, pink, and white tulips, roses, orchids, and lilies that fill the space before her. She glances up to see that there are twinkle lights hung with care as well as a banner that reads ‘CONGRATUALTIONS TINA’. She smiles and the group let’s out a collective sigh.

            “Thank you so much for this.” She says softly, “it’s really amazing.”

            “It was all Bette’s idea.” Alice hands Tina a plate and the rest of the women begin to help themselves to the food and drinks. The party goes smoothly, the mood is light as the girls sit, chat and eat.

            Tina goes into the kitchen to replenish her juice. Bette seizes the moment and follows her in; she has the bracelet box in one hand and a heart beating so rapidly that it is liable of jumping out of her chest. She inhales, ‘it’s now or never Porter,’ she thinks to herself.

            “So are you having a good time Tina?” Her voice is small. Tina turns slowly to face Bette her grin widens as she looks into Bette’s brown eyes.

            “I’m in shock, it’s so beautiful Bette. Everything is just perfect. You don’t know what this means to me.”

            “I’m glad you liked it. You had me worried in the beginning.”

            “Oh yeah…I’m sorry about that. I was just hoping to come and talk to you tonight there are things I need to say to you. I was just caught off guard is all.”

            “Tina I’m sorry I should’ve thought of that.”

            “No Bette don’t apologize for this,” her arms gesture to the house, “it’s been perfect really… I… it just feels good to be with my family.”

            “Family?” Bette repeats. Tina looks deeply into Bette’s eyes as tears begin to form in her own. She nods her head slowly. Bette moves closer to her unsure of where the boundaries lie, she hesitates at arms length. Tina closes the gap between them and wraps her arms around Bette.

            “You’re the only family I have ever known,” she whispers, “I love you.I always have. You just…” Bette pulls away enough to look into Tina’s hazel eyes.

            “Broke your heart,” Bette finishes the sentence. “I never meant for any of this to happen…” Tina places her finger on Bette’s lips silencing her.

            “Stop.” She says softly. Tina leans in and presses her lips gently against Bette’s.