Three Weeks Later

Bette had kept all of her follow up appointments with Dr. Casper and every thing appeared to be healing. This afternoon she would get to view her skin for the first time since the surgery. Sure when she had returned to Dr. Casper for her follow up’s he had removed the bandages but Bette had not looked at her backside since the beginning of this process. However today the bandages were to come off permanently. A small part of her was afraid that the pain she had went through had been for nothing and when the bandages were finally removed she would be disappointed with what she would see.

However when the moment arrived Tina was by her side holding her hand. When Dr. Casper removed the last bandage he moved a floor length mirror behind Bette and handed her a larger hand held mirror, so she could see her reflection. As she looked for the first time a small gasp emitted from her throat. As she tilted the mirror to take in the full length of her body tears began to leak from her soft brown eyes.

Tina had stood by her side motionless this whole time, yet as Bette looked in the mirror Tina softly whispered, “Baby…it’s beautiful.” Tenderly she ran the palm of her hand over the repaired skin. Bette pulled away from her soft touch slightly. Although the incisions were healed they were still tender to the touch. “I’m sorry babe; I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“It’s ok Tina…It’s still a little tender to the touch.”

As they left the doctor’s office that afternoon both of them were in very good spirits. If the success of the first surgery was any indication of what was to come Bette, knew the ugly reminder of her punishment would be gone soon.

“Baby let’s go celebrate tonight. The girls are really getting tired of extending invitations that we are not accepting. And truthfully, I am finding it hard to continue making excuses. As they so like to remind us we are on vacation.”

“That sounds great babe. I am looking forward to a night out on the town with you”, Bette said as she leaned in to kiss her.