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Friendship Foundation Chapter 11
Story written on January 15, 2013 by justkeepswimming.
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"Okay, I admit it, I’m getting tired," Tina said.
"I’m sorry," Bette said. "We’ve been talking a long time."
"No, I’m sorry," Tina said. "I’m the one that doesn’t know what I’m doing with you."
"You mean besides sending some mixed signals?" Bette asked.
Tina was taken aback at the implied judgement in Bette’s comment.
"I’m trying to be as open as possible," Tina replied.
Their conversation that evening had been of the ‘getting to know you’ variety. Nothing too deep. Yet.
"You said it felt comfortable to be affectionate with your friends when we were out together and then chastised me for doing the same thing last night."
"It does feel comfortable for me to do that," Tina said. "But when you do it, I feel my heart rate go up, and I like it just a little too much."
"So you can flirt with me, but I have to keep my hands to myself?"
"I’m not flirting," Tina said. "I thought you understood."
"I understand that we’re spending a lot of time together and saying just about everything except what needs to be said," Bette replied.
Enough was enough. She was going to get Tina to admit something. Anything.
"I enjoy spending time with you," Tina said. "I value the friendship we’ve managed to develop in such a short time."
"And we’re back to friendship," Bette sighed and shook her head. Fine, if that’s where they were. Fine. "How was Eric tonight?"
"I don’t want to talk about Eric," Tina replied. Why did she have to keep bringing him up?
"I think you should talk about Eric," Bette said. "Why aren’t you having a two hour conversation with him when you’re on a business trip across the country?"
"I talked to him before you called," Tina said.
"For how long?"
"I don’t know," Tina replied. She didn’t. It was three or four minutes, but she wasn’t sure which. "Listen, you called me."
"Should I stop calling?" Bette asked. She knew she was taking a chance – forcing Tina’s hand so to speak, but Tina offered the opening. And this was exasperating! No one had ever made her this crazy before.
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My questions now are: how long will it take Tina to tell Bette that she broke up with Eric after their two-hour conversation; will she admit to Bette about her crying, the freedom she felt when she ended it with Eric; will Tina be Bette-free the upcoming weekend or does she miss her so much that she will crash the pool party. I can go on, but I’m sure you’ll answer all of my questions, right Swimmie? Breakups are never easy, but Tina needed to be free in order to find her true self.
This is definitely my fave story you have written, and truth be told I love all your stories. That one just has that something extra, keep at it.
Hah, that was pretty smooth.
Damn, woman! Wish I could write as well as this. The pages just fly by. You seem to have struck a certain chord w/ your fans.
Thanks for the update. Glad Tina talked to Eric and expressed her feelings
And now to my favorite part of a Tibette “beginning” story. Thank you, JKS. I enjoy the escape with each chapter.
Well, that is definitely a step in the right direction. She may not be able to deal with her feelings for Bette yet but at least she recognizes that she is not satisfied with her relationship with Eric. She’s doing the right thing to break it off before she even contemplates anything further with Bette.
I agree with all of the above comments. Awesome chapter.
✌😁 I know exactly how she feels about thei whole break up emotional coast. You are writing the story of my dreams. At least for a B&T beginning close to the show. Tina’s got a lot to think about, and you’ve got a lot of writing swimmie 🐠! 😉 supercalafragalisticexpialidcious post swimster✌😘💗💗💗💗💗💗
jks thanks for the PM and for this post. I like that both Bette and Eric called Tina on her sh*t because she was stringing both of them along for a while getting what she needed from each. I hope she really does take the time alone to come to terms with what she’s feeling and what she wants. She’s celebrating her freedom from Eric but does that mean she’s ready to give it up right away to commit to Bette? I personally like your Authors Notes and the analysis so please continue to write them. For me the notes are a part of the story so I wouldn’t skip them.
Great update as always. Tina wants time to figure things out but doesn’t want to let go of either until she decides. Stringing both along until you can decide is wrong on level, but totally understandable on another since many new connections initially form while in a relationship with another person (especially when the new connection begins in the form of friendship and later develops into more.) keep up the good work.
Loved the update……Tina has got some decisions to make
Wow Tina ripped that bandaid right off didn’t she? I just hope she don’t get mad at her situation and take it out on Bette. She needs to really think about what she wants and make the decision. I feel sorry for this Eric. In other stories he is a jerk but in this one he is a nice guy and treated Tina nice. This chapter seemed short but they all seem short because I want the story to go on and on and on. I need more! Thanks for posting.
Tina taking some time for herself to be by herself is a good idea. Introspection is a good thing – especially if it leads to clarity. Clarity wouldn’t be easy to come at a pool party with Bette in a bikini, but I will miss it nonetheless! I like the analysis before chapters, but it’s up to you Swimmie to lead the way how you see fit.
If T had an O in bed at the Plaza during her two hour telephone conversation with B, and B didn’t hear it, did she make a sound. Because T (based on the show) has amazing Os.
Finally, I have time for stories and am just now getting caught up with yours. Eleven chapters looked like a lot but you write so well they just fly by :) First, I don’t mind one bit how long you take to develop this. IMO, wham-bam thank you ma’am lacks imagination and are just not that fun to read. Also don’t mind that you “fast forward” between posts, but then again I don’t have a problem “filling in the gaps” on my own. I really do appreciate the depth you give to the characters (wished IC would have done that more), and the more realistic approach you take with the plot, characters, responses etc. I’m probably in the minority here but I actually feel bad for Eric – I’ve been in that position before and it really sucks. Thank you for writing his and Tina’s break up with some sensitivity. Hope to have more time to keep up ’cause your stories ROCK Swimmie ;) – PS: 5 stars. PPS: Don’t mind AN analysis. It’s interesting. I usually save until after I’ve read your post though.
Tina. I’m not trying to hasten any decisions on your part.” – Yes you are, Bette… but we understand that you’re not really the patient type :)
Wow I dunno how I missed this series but captivating as always dear
Woohoo now Tina can be with Bette
Break ups are never easy, no matter what the situation is. Sometimes when things don’t work it can’t be fixed and clean cut is the best. Can’t wait to see what happens now.
Wonderful update thank you it’s getting interesting :)
That was really intense. I’m glad I was wrong about the last chapter. Yes, this was how it would have happened. Even on the show, despite the kiss in the gallery and all. Thanks to Bette for pointing out to Tina (and myself) that her foremost loyalties should be to herself. I like how you’re telling the story glut-free. Thank you!
Ahh, this story just keeps getting better and better. That was a great break-up scene!
Wonderful chapter. I was expecting this to happen but not so quickly, thought it might take a couple more weeks because she was so unsure but still going toward the enevitable. Hopefully she will soon tell Bette what has happened. Now I must go back and read for clarity. When I see another chapter has been posted, I’m like a kid with a new present, I go thru the story so fast and I’m so thrilled to have a new chapter. Thanks for posting. We have snow this morning but it won’t last. I looked out about 6:00 this morning and we didn’t have anything going on, looked out again about 8:00 and everything was covered. Thanks for posting.
“Ain’t no sense in going home. Bette has got your girl and gone.” Ha ha. A two hour long distance call? Does Bette have unlimited talk and text? Since Eric did not exist in scenes separate from Tina, I guess it wouldn’t make much sense to portray his next few days of sorrow, would it? I feel we’re all leaving Eric in the lurch, not just Tina. Goodbye, Eric. You were a decent sort. You should have never brought Tina to that art opening or dinner. Maybe they’ll name their first baby after you. NOT !!
And why did that last word of the chapter have me humming George Michael’s song? I think this breakup was a long time coming. Bette’s facilitation of it, and Tina’s realisation of its inevitability were always going to occur… it’s just sooner than I expected. Tina should probably still take the time to ponder on the enormity of what may be about to take place in her life. Thanks for the post, jks. I am really enjoying this story. :)
I’m surprised Eric didn’t suspect and ask Tina if there’s someone else. I wonder how Tina would have responded if he asked her that. I think she wouldn’t have acted so swiftly and so decisively about their emotional disconnection if she didn’t have or feel an intense connection with someone else. The sad and sudden breakup over the phone speaks a lot about the shallowness of their relationship. Yeah, Tina should be alone for a while, even for just a few days. I think it would be unwise for her to jump into another relationship right away. When she finally figures out what she wants, she can be around Bette again to explore and test the boundaries of their friendship without any guilt. I like seeing the different layers of Tina’s character in this story. She’s open and adventurous in art appreciation and books. She values friendships. She boldly finds a way to take care of her sexual needs. (I’m still amazed she pulled that off while they were talking on the phone. What a night, huh? A quiet, satisfying, solo ending within a 2-hour conversation capped by a short, sad breakup. A lot can really happen/change in one night.) She’s honest and has a big emotional heart. What a huge loss for Eric. Can’t wait to find out what happens next. Btw, I like reading your anecdotes and thought process in your author notes, jks. Thanks a lot for this frequent treat, jks! Please write on! Cheers =)
It`s the right decision.Eric is now history.Looking forward to the next chapter.I love your story.Thank you.PPS
This is such a great story, thank you.
I’m with Mighty Mouse, MadCapper, and BAT2012 on this one, the most healthy thing for Tina to do is to avoid Bette and really focus on her own self-discovery. It’s what anyone coming to terms with their newfound sexuality should do. That being said, if this story is anything like what we were shown on television, Tina will not adhere to that healthy decision because, like all our other favorite characters from the show, she is flawed. Her flaw comes from her inability to be alone. We saw how she would figuratively jump relationship trains while they were still in motion without much self-discovery in the form of waiting on the platform to buy a ticket to the next one. From Eric to Bette, Bette to Helena back to Bette, then to Josh and Henry and onto Kate, Tina appears to be that one friend you have who just couldn’t be alone and always defined herself by being with someone else. It may be that Tina felt too uncomfortable to be left to her own thoughts. Which is exactly why she would show up at the pool party so as not to over-analyze herself. That being said, fantastic chapter and I am chomping at the bit for the next one. Oh, and poor Eric’s grandma. She’s probably miserable living in that horrible town he plans to visit to see her. ;-)
Excellent as always! Thank you!