"Just tell her that you’re extremely sorry and that whatever happened last night was an honest mistake. It’s that simple." Bette reminded herself quietly for the millionth time.
 
She checked the time on her cell phone. Her heart rate started to pick up slightly, knowing that Sierra would be out of the dance studio any moment now.
 
Within a few minutes, the doors swung open and the group of dancers streamed out, laughing and chatting happily.
 
Bette winced when she spotted Sierra smiling brightly at her. She was going to break this nice, sweet girl’s heart.
 
"Hi." Bette smiled nervously. "How are you doing today?"
 
"Great, how about yourself?" Sierra beamed, leaning in to give Bette a hug.
 
"I’m good, thanks." Bette nodded, making sure that the hug didn’t linger on longer than a friendly hug would.
 
"So…"
 
"We need to talk about last night." Bette said seriously.
 
"Okay…" Sierra was surprised by Bette’s abruptness.

“Uh…” Bette didn’t know how to start, “Thanks for looking out for me last night.”

Sierra smiled brightly, “Don’t mention it, I’m just really glad that I could be…”

“Sierra, I’m sorry. I really am.”

“Huh?”

“I… What I’m trying to say is that I’m sorry about the kiss last night.” Bette didn’t realize how hard this entire conversation would get. “I was drunk, stoned, my head was all messed up. What I said to you last night, and that kiss, I didn’t mean it.”

Bette searched Sierra’s eyes for a response. She couldn’t bear to watch the younger girl’s pretty eyes turn watery and so she looked down to find Sierra’s hands grip tightly onto her duffel bag.

“I’m sorry, I really am. I didn’t mean to lead you on.”

Bette cringed when she heard the smaller girl sniffle. She felt so bad; she never had the intention of hurting this girl.

For awhile, they stood in silence. Bette did not know what to do or say and Sierra’s silence was making her feel even worse.

“Please don’t cry,” Bette bit her lip, “You deserve someone else way better…”

“Was everything that you’ve said meant for her?” She stiffened at Sierra’s question.

“It’s Helena isn’t it?”

Bette looked up to face Sierra whose face was stained with tears. She couldn’t bear to answer that question for the fear that she would put the girl through any more pain.

“Please give me an answer.” Sierra asked firmly.

Bette ran her hand through her messy brown hair before responding softly, “Yes, it is meant for Helena.”

Sierra blinked hard as she willed herself to stop crying, “Thank you.”

“Look Sierra, I really am sorry about this whole mess. I never meant to hurt you in any way.” Bette apologized again.

“Please stop saying sorry,” She was afraid that she would not be able to control herself if Bette continued to apologize. “I’m glad that you’re being honest with me.”

Bette nodded as she tried hard not to fidget.

“I think I should go now,” Sierra tried to force a smile as Bette look back up into her eyes.

Sierra leaned forward with her arms outstretched to give Bette a last hug. Bette moved closer to embrace the petite girl.

Sierra squeezed Bette tightly and said softly, “Goodbye”. She then gave Bette a quick peck on her soft cheek.

With that, she pulled away and walked off.

Bette stood alone as she tried to digest all that had happened. She never felt so remorseful. She quietly reassured herself that she did the right thing. All she needed to do now was to look for Helena to make things right.