Tina awoke with a start, immediately feeling the absence of Bette underneath her. Bette her panicked mind screamed. She quickly rolled over and looked towards the other side of the bed, and sighed in relief at seeing her, a foot and a half away.

In her sleep, Bettes body had pulled itself away from Tina without Bette even knowing it. She had not turned completely away from her, just distanced herself. Tina scooted over to Bette, and drank in the sight in front of her. It had been so long since she had been able to do this. Just look at Bette. Just look at her with no pretenses, no games, no visible emotions and no fear that either would run away. She reached over and allowed herself to do what she had been denied for this entire pain filled period.

She touched Bette. She ran her fingertips down the length of Bettes almost bare shoulder, all the way down to her hand. She reveled in the feel of Bettes skin against her own.

It had just been so long.

The touch was not meant to awaken Bette as Tina was just selfishly enjoying this time alone with her. As a matter of fact, she silently hoped that Bette would not waken too soon, as she wanted this experience to go on forever.

In the back of Bettes mind, she felt a sensation on her arm. Soft and sensual but not intrusive. She continued in her state of slumber, willing the sensation to continue, forever if possible, uninterrupted. But her mind would not allow what her body craved. Her mind began the process of bringing Bette back from that place of dreamless wonderment in order to confront what her mind knew had to take place.

Tina watched Bette as she slowly came to. Her hand was now in Bettes hair, playing with the soft tressses that she loved so much. Bettes eyes were beginning to move under the closed eyes, and Tina recognized the signs of Bette waking up.

As Bettes eyes opened, the first thing that she saw was Tina. She was resting on her elbow, leaning over Bette, her hand supporting her head, while she felt her other hand in her hair. She smiled weakly at Tina, but said nothing.

Tina looked at her with a smile on her face and said, Hi there.

Hi responded an unsure Bette.

How did you sleep? Tina asked her.

I guess ok, and you?

Like I used to came Tinas reply.

Bette did not question the time reference that Tina had used, as she knew very clearly what period in their life used to meant.


Tina just continued to watch Bette and before she really knew what she was doing, she was leaning down, moving towards Bette, never taking her eyes off of hers.

No! Bettes mind screamed. No, I dont want this, not yet anyway!

Tina must have seen the panic in Bettes eyes because she immediately started to pull back. The expression on Tinas face was one of confusion with a little hurt mixed in.

They continued to just look at each other with no words spoken.

Bettes pulse began to return to normal, but knew that she needed to put a little distance between the 2 of them. This was just too intimate, too soon.

Tina felt Bette pulling away before it actually happened. She watched as Bette sat up in bed, turning the intimate space between the 2 of them, into a gaping abyss.

She looked at Bettes back that was now in front of her. She looked at the strong shoulders that had carried them through so much in the past. She also knew though, if she were to reach her hand up and place it in between Bettes shoulder blades, she would feel all of the tension. This was the same tension that Bette thought that she was holding inside, and yet, it was so visible to Tina. She could always see just by looking at the way that Bette was carrying her shoulders, how much stress and tension she was holding on to. And Tina saw a lot there right now.

She was not really sure how to read what was going on between the two of them at this point. She could almost see barriers flying down Bettes body, covering all sides of her in a protective maneuver.

Bette began to get off of the bed and walked to the end of it. She briefly looked at Tina, who was still in the same position, supported by her elbow. Tinas eyes had never left Bette as she continued to wait for Bettes next move.

Are you hungry Bette asked her, while allowing her eyes to roam the room, falling almost anywhere but on Tina.

None of these actions were missed by Tina. She knew Bette better than Bette knew herself at times. This Bette was hurt, this Bette was protecting herself, and this Bette was not ready.

Not really, but I guess that I should eat something.

Ok, Ill arrange to have something sent up.

Tina got the distinct impression that Bette could not wait to leave this room, to put as much distance between the 2 of them as possible.

What the *****? she thought. Had she missed something? Did she misread Bettes note that clearly displayed Bettes continued love for her and desire to have Tina in her life? Where was the Bette that had been chasing her for 6 months, pleading to have Tina back?

More time has passed than just 6 months her mind answered her. What? she thought. 6 weeks have happened since Bette last tried to get you back in her life her mind continued to prod her. She has had 6 weeks to move on, begin a new life, a new life without you in it.

Tina cringed.

She pursued you for 6 long months and you could not stand the sight of her the thoughts went on. You are in NY for 7 hours and you expect her to fall into your arms?

No, that was never the case. I never stopped loving her, I just needed time.

Tina shook her head, forcing the mental argument out of her head. Jesus she muttered under her breath.

She pushed the covers back, placed her feet on the floor and rested her hands at either side of her, supporting her upper body, still seated on the bed.

Ok said Tina. No more waiting then.

This was Bette Porter after all, and if there was anything in her life worth fighting for, she knew it to be her.

She heard Bette end her call and hang the phone up. Tina gathered herself and walked away from the bed towards the kitchen, and towards Bette.

No she repeated, no more waiting.