Realization dawned on Shane as she recognized the look that had lingered in Bette’s eyes since she walked through the door and had cause her deepest worry for her friend.

… "shame over", she spoke completing Bette’s sentence for her. God she understood shame, it had often been her companion although she would never admit it. She hadn’t recognized it in Bette because in all the years they had known each other it was an emotion Shane had rarely seen the tall brunette to show. She had even joked that they had that in common–no sense of shame.

"Shame and regret yes. Tina is in the garden trying to process what I told her and I am here waiting."

"Bette, trust me I know the past can have one hell of a punch but Tina will work out whatever needs to be worked out. Girl, she loves you truly…more than I knew it was possible for someone to love or be loved. If you ever repeat this to anyone I will deny it but I have often wanted just 5 minutes of having someone look at me like Tina looks at you. Five minutes would last me for the rest of my life I swear to God."

"Thanks Shane. I hope you are right about Tina, more than you can imagine." Bette answered as she gathered up Shane’s bottles and her coffee mug and headed to place them in the sink. Unconsciously she glanced at her watch to realize that almost 2 hours had passed since Tina had walked away with her thoughts. Gratitude for her friend’s arrival and the time it had helped to pass replaced the initial irritation she had felt when she had seen Shane on her doorstep. Bette’s glance at her watch was the cue that Shane had watched for. It was time to make her exit– but she planned on keeping an eye on Bette for certain.

The Kitchen

Just as Shane was getting to her feet the swish of the patio door opening spread through the house and Tina was suddenly standing in the doorway to the kitchen. Tina’s face was a collage of emotion and her eyes burned with an intensity Shane had never seen before. She doubted whether Tina even knew she was there as her eyes focused on Bette and Bette alone. Bette felt her breath catch as Tina entered the kitchen. The look on Tina’s face speared her heart. There was an edge and purpose in T’s eyes that made Bette’s blood cool in her veins. Although she knew Shane was speaking, her words fell on deaf ears for the brunette.

(Heading toward the door)"I think its time I left. If you need to talk call me any time Bette and you know I mean anytime"

Shane’ words seemed to pull Tina from the place she was in and she turned toward her, "Oh. Shane how long have you been here?"

"A while but it looks like you two need some time alone so I’m on my way out. Don’t bother Bette, I can find my way out" Shane spoke anticipating her friend’s response as she moved toward the door.

Although both Bette and Tina heard Shane neither seemed to register anything but the others face as they searched their beloved for a clue into what the future held for them. Tina had been unaware they had company as she had entered the kitchen her all-consuming goal had been to reassure Bette of her love, to touch her to hold her. Thankfulness had been her reaction when she had realized it was Shane. Bette had been in good hands. Quickly she returned to her original focus as she moved with determination to close the distance between them.

This is it Porter… the end is coming and you know it, look at her eyes. Brace yourself. As Tina approached her hand slightly raised Bette steeled herself for what was to come. It wasn’t as though she could blame Tina–some things were simply too much. To her shock the slap she was anticipating did not connect instead Tina’s hand reached behind Bette’s head and drew her mouth fiercely in to be engulfed in a kiss that shook Bette to her core. Tears began to flow freely as Bette made no effort to stop them. All that mattered, all that existed for her at this moment was the truly unconditional love of the woman that was enfolding her.