Jenny: (incredulously) No! What do you mean – were just friends. We just talk – mostly about you and my writing. Shes been helping me get my stories into a book compilation & some magazines.

Tina: She doesnt want to be around me obviously. Has she fallen in love with someone there? Do you know?

Jenny: Tina, calm down. As far as I know, Bettes not seeing anyone. Shes just been trying to be there for you. God knows she cant stop talking and thinking about you. You know she has a hard time seeing you with other women.

Tina: Really?

Jenny: Yeah really. She said before she didnt think she could ever change completely to be who you want her to be.
Tina: But she is who I want. She has changed. Shes been so supportive of me and my work, listens to me more, is caring and kind. I dont expect her to change completely. I still want her to be who she is. I know shes always going to have her opinion and want things a certain way but shes been more flexible about things – she has changed. I have too – she wasnt the only one at fault. I love her for who she is – I dont want anyone else.

Jenny: Have you told her any of this?

It was midnight by the time she left Jennys. She lay the baby in crib in her room and lay down. She saw Bette was still up – probably working and didnt want to interrupt. She remained restless watching the hands of the clock turn. By 3am, she couldnt wait to talk to Bette and went to her room. On the bed, next to the computer Bette looked exhausted having fallen asleep. Tina decided she definitely couldnt wait until morning. She slipped under the covers and put her arm around Bette and whisperedBabe, I love you. Still sleeping, Bette whispers back, Tina I love you.

Tina smiles hopefully and starts kissing Bette. All the time saying repeatedly, tenderly Bette. Bette starts stirring and opens her eyes slowly. Thinking shes dreaming, with tears in her eyes reaches out to touch Tina Tinaas she had done night after night.

Except this time, Tina answers and says I love you Bette.
Startled, Bette tries to inch back but Tina doesnt let her. She kisses Bette on the lips, wrapping her tongue around Bettes not loosening their embrace. Bette breaks the kiss.

Bette: Tina what are you doing?
Tina: I love you.
Bette: I dont think we should
Tina: Shhhh.just be with me. I want you. I want to make love to you. I want you to make love to me. Do you still want me? I want youI need you. I dont want anyone else. Only you.

Tina rolls on top of Bette and kisses her deeply. She feels Bette still tense but relaxing under her touch.

Tina: I want you Bette. Ive missed you so much.
Bette: Oh Tina. Please I wont be able to stop or think if you keep doing that.
Tina: Then dont, just love me

They make love slowly, as if time were standing still, relishing each other, feeling each other as if for the first time. Tina stops kissing Bette just as she was on the verge of going over the edge

Tina: Bette, open your eyes, look at me
Bette moans PleaseTina dont stop. Still, Tina doesnt move.

Tina: Look at me
Bette turns her head, her eyes clouded with want Tina please
Tina: Do you still love me?
Bette: OhhhhhI – we – you

Tina: Bette, answer me.

Bette: I love you

Tina kisses Bette and they collapse into each other. Later, Bette stirs, breathing Tinas scent that shed missed so much.

Bette: Tina are you sure? What about
Tina: Yes Im sure. We have some things we need to work on. Both you and I.
Bette: Im always going to be a bit
Tina: I know, I never expected you to change completely. Just enough. I needed to change too.

Bette: Tina I want you again.
Tina: Same here

The second time was more urgent and fierce. After, Bette asks if the babys okthey bring the baby to the bed so they could sleep together as a family, finally.