Notes from Underground – Lovesong, Ch. 1

Short Story 6, Chapter 1: Blast from the past

Los Angeles, Present Day

The phone rang later than usual and Tina checked the Caller ID. The number was local but she didn’t recognize it.

“Hello?” Tina asked cautiously.

After a few moments of silence she heard a painfully familiar voice, “Hi, Tina.”

“Bette?” Tina suddenly couldn’t breathe, feeling as if the bedroom walls were closing in on her.

“I’m sorry for calling so late but I was wondering if we could meet tomorrow for coffee maybe.”

“You’re in town?”

“I’ve been back for a while…my father…passed away…” Bette’s voice faltered and Tina thought she could hear Bette’s quiet sobs.

“I’m so sorry, Bette…prostate cancer?”

“Yes…” Bette seemed to control her emotions now. “In the end he refused any treatments and just wanted to be left to die in peace.”

“Kit didn’t say anything…”

“I asked her not to. I didn’t want to make a big deal. He never liked any of my friends and he had never acknowledged you as my partner.”

“I’m really sorry, Bette,” Tina said sincerely. It was true. Bette’s father could never accept his daughter’s sexuality and was often mean to Tina but she tolerated his rudeness because she saw how much Bette adored Melvin.

“Thank you…” Bette paused and then asked hesitantly. “So, about tomorrow…coffee?”

“Why? After all this time…what is it that you want from me, Bette?”

“I just need to talk…and to see you.”

Tina sighed and closed her eyes, willing the tears to stop from coming. Her tumultuous relationship with Bette always made her feel very emotional. “Getting over you was the hardest thing I had to do. I don’t think I’m ready to see you yet.”

“I understand,” the sadness in Bette’s voice made Tina feel like shit but she was the one left with the pieces of her broken heart and it was still healing.

Bette took a deep breath and pleaded softly, “It’s just coffee, Tee… and if it’s going to be hard for you or me, I promise I won’t bother you ever again.”

Bette’s use of her old nickname made Tina’s heart jump wildly with forgotten pleasure. Stupid treacherous heart, Tina shook her head, knowing that no matter how much she denied it or told everyone that she was over Bette, in her heart she still loved her.