Chapter 15

Bette and Tina’s House

Shane and Bette sit at the dining room table as Shane plays with the centerpiece. “Well that seems a little rash,” Bette comments, after listening to Shane’s detail of her morning.

“Frankly, I’m surprised we made it this far,” she responds. “I want to be with her, I just – I don’t want to hurt her.”

“Who says you’re going to hurt her? Just because you have never been in a relationship doesn’t mean that you can’t be in one. It all depends on the people involved.” Shane nods her head. “You have two choices: you can either deny your feelings and try to be friends with her, or you can trust her and show her you can be the person she wants you to be.”

“I’m not sure if I trust myself enough to do that,” Shane replies standing and pacing the room. “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I knew I hurt her the way I did Kelli; I couldn’t watch her go through that.” She stands still and Bette’s eyes lower. “I think maybe friendship would be a good thing for right now, until I know I can do what she wants me to.”

Bette nods. “I understand that decision, but just because you’re not with her doesn’t mean you can’t hurt her. Just know that.” Shane stands still, caught in thought.

The Planet

Shane, Bette and Tina walk in to find Dana and Helena sitting at their regular table. They join them. “Hey guys!” Dana greets them, and they each give their own response.

“We were just talking about organizing a dinner party,” Helena tells them. “My new chef is trying out new recipes and I was going to get everyone’s opinion. Jenny and Dana already said they could come.”

“That sounds nice,” Bette replies. “When is it?”

“Tonight, if you have no plans,” she answers. “We can always push it to tomorrow if it doesn’t work.”

“Well, I’m free tonight,” Shane responds.

“And I will be as soon as I get off work at around 7 or so,” Bette adds and then giving her order to the waitress who had found them.