"In the beginning, Jodi and I bumped heads. We both had a stubborn nature, me always wanting to be right and she always wanted to prove me wrong. I’ll spare you the details but somewhere along the line we . . we fell in love"

Tina’s eyes went back to Bette. She didn’t move, barely breathed. She was stunned at what she had just heard, Bette had told her Jodi was her captor and about how the bitch forced her to do unspeakable things but never about them being in love. Tina had no idea why Bette would hide that from her but decided to let her lover speak.

"I’m sorry" Bette whispered "I know I should have told you about that a long time ago but I was just so afraid . . Jodi isn’t the person I once knew . . she became this monster I don’t even recognize"

Tina sighed and sat up slowly. It hurt that Bette felt Tina would judge her for something that happened in the past. She understood the fear but she wanted Bette to know that the past was the past, things happen.

Tina gently cupped Bette’s face and looked into her lover’s eyes that were glassy from the tears beginning to form.

"Bette . . I need you to understand that I would never judge you for something that happened in the past. What matters is now, who you are with me and the fact that you’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Nothing you did can make me see otherwise. I’m only sorry I didn’t know you then to protect you"

Bette closed her eyes as two tears fell and slid down her cheeks. She lowered her head slightly as she felt Tina wipe away her tears. She loved this woman more than her own life, Bette felt so blessed to have Tina in her life.

She felt Tina gently lift her head and she opened her eyes to look into Tina’s. Her lover brushed away a small strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear as Bette leaned in to kiss her softly.