(Still Thursday- at Kit’s place- Tina is outside the door, looking nervous. Her hand is positioned to knock, it takes a little while, but she finally does it. Bette opens the door, looking as shy and nervous as Tina)

Bette: hi.

Tina: hi. (They just stand there looking at each other in silence for a minute) Can I come in? (Bette, looking completely embarassed, moves out of the doorway and motions inside)

Bette: of course, God…I’m sorry (Tina giggles slighty as she passes by Bette through the door. Inside, she turns around and watches as Bette queitly shuts the door. Bette faces Tina, still embarassed)

Bette: …I made grilled chicken salad. I hope that’s okay, my cooking has never been great.

Tina: Sounds good.

Bette: Shall we. (Bette leads Tina into the kitchen, both sit at table, and begin lunch without speaking. The silence gets to Tina)

Tina: This is really good… (Bette just picks at hers) .. Are you not hungry? (She asks this, knowing she, herself, hasn’t much of an appetite)

Bette: well, you know… (Tina nods, obviously understanding)

Tina: (knowing they need to get down to business) Maybe we should just go sit and talk?

Bette: Okay, yea… (They both get and walk into the living room, sitting on opposite sides of the couch, appearing slightly awkward)
 
Bette: Tina, I’m…(Tina cuts her short)

Tina: Bette. Please don’t apologize. (Bette looks down immediately, but not before Tina saw the unshed tears that had so quickly sprung to her eyes) It’s just that I know. I know you’re sorry. (As Tina takes a deep breath to gather her thoughts, Bette looks up and is about to say something, but she can see that Tina is not finished. Tina, finally noticing that Bette is waiting for her, smiles in appreciation for the gesture) It’s so hard to find the words, you know? I have all these different emotions inside that are just crashing into one another, each one just completely contradicting the next. So… I’m just gonna say some things, and hope it all makes sense, okay? (Bette nods, knowing exactly what she means and Tina continues, not able to look into Bette’s face)  I hate that we did this. I know it wasn’t all your fault. We’re both to blame for the mistakes we made, but it doesn’t make it any easier. it still hurts. I was betrayed, and I still feel some of the pain and rejection that came with that. but at the same time, I love you. I did then, I do now, and I know I will tomorrow. when it happened, I thought that I’d never want to see you again. And then… I found out you were in the hospital. I got so worried. And then Kit says you were basically making yourself sick and I couldn’t take it. I couldn’t believe that you had done that. And I was scared that I might lose you. Then I remembered, I kind of already had. Bette, it kills me that we’ve this to each other. I love you so much… I know that I don’t want to live without you anymore. (Silent tears have benen running down both their faces, but now Bette’s expression turns from shameful to hope) But… I still need time, I… We need to heal. we need to pick the pieces slowly, so we don’t drop them again…(silence)…say something, please…

Bette: (looking into Tina’s eyes, which are as wet as hers) I love you so much, Tina. I will do anything it takes to put us back together. I messed up and I was horrible, I want to be able to make it up to you.

Tina: (takes Bette’s hand into her own) you weren’t being you… I wasn’t being me either.

Bette: i still want to make it up to you…maybe I’ll “woo” you again..slowly… (Tina smiles)

Tina: I think I’d like that.

Bette: Would you like to have lunch again, on Saturday?

Tina: Yes, I would… how about at that house?

Bette: (looking a little unsure, panicky, but trying to sound confident) Okay.

Tina: (seemingly not noticing Bette’s discomfort) I’ll still be at Alice’s, so if you want, you can go back. stay there.

Bette: Maybe

Tina: Okay, well…Thank you for lunch. It was nice. (Stands up and walks to door, with Bette following)

Bette: Thank you for coming. (reaches toopen door for Tina)  See you Saturday.

Tina: (nods) at one. Bye, Bette. (Both seem a little awkward, neither can decide on how to say goodbye. Tina, making the decision, leans in to kiss Bette’s cheek. Each closes their eyes at the contact. Then smile as Tina turns to leave. Bette shuts the door and leans back against it.)

Bette: Thank you, Tina.

TBC….