Goodbye Again

Chapter Twenty-Three



Are you really going back there even after all this?

Shane, I have to.

But you know she doesnt want you to.

Then all she has to do is say the words. Shane knew Tina would never come up and say it straight out even if it killed her not too.

Its not that I dont want to come back, bit I just need to know that she really wants me back and not because I got hurt you know.

Bette, you know better than that?

I just cant help if that is the reason to come back to me.

I dont know anything anymore, but I have to go meet a client so Ill be back later ok.

Yeah, dont forget were all having breakfast tomorrow.

Yeah I wouldnt miss it for the world, and as Shane got up to hug Bette something caught on her shirt. When they pulled apart the ring fell on the floor. Bette looked down and then up at Shane whose face now had some sort of shame all over it.

II, Bette picked up her ring.

My ring, you kept my ring.

It was all I had left of you. She started to walk away but Bette caught her and held her close.

I do love you no matter how far apart we are, I do love you always.

I know.

Why dont you keep holding on to it because Im in no place to be holding it.

Bette,

Please, now go before you are late.

Shane left as Kit and her kid came
back from shopping.

Shane take good care of you.

Of course, now its late and we have a full day ahead of us so off to bed for you girl.

Are you going to stay up mom?

I just want to call Callie first.

Tell her I said hi okay,

Okay. Hey Cal,

Hey girl,

I know its late I just wanted to let you that I am leaving in the morning.

Oh so I shouldnt expect you until dinner then?

Pretty much.

All right then Ill see you then, Bye

Bye.

The next morning as Tina was early for their usual breakfast, she was surprised not to find Bette already awake. The last few days Bette would be cooking and she would come and wake everybody up and then they would eat. Bette not being awake worried her.

Kit woke up to her phone ringing, Hello

Kit, its me Tina, Im outside your door and Bette isnt awake yet. She doesnt answer her phone either.

Im up Tina, Ill go check up on her.

Kit let her in and they walked into the guestroom where Bette had been sleeping.

Shes asleep Tina. But Tina knew something wasnt right.

Kit, and she walked over to Bette lightly touching her face.

Bette, wake up. Bette kept her eyes closed and her breathing steadied, but she didnt wake up. Tina gently tugged at her shoulders, but she didnt wake up.

Kit she cant wake up. Kit do something. Kit dialed for an ambulance.

There in the hospital everyone waited as the doctors came out.

Ms. Porter. It seems she has been a little overworked lately. And I understand with the accident that she has slowed down, but it seems her body has tired out and she is in a slight coma.

A coma,

Its just her body is tired and her not taken appropriate measures means the body had to shut down by it self in order to regain some sort of strength.

Is it temporary?

It should be.

How long?

It could be days or even weeks. The girls all sat as Kit left to see her. Tina couldnt keep her tears from flowing.

T, shell come around.

I know she will, its just that Im tired of this. Im tired of her without me. With me without her I love her dammit and these months without her is something I can no longer stand. I want my life and my wife back.

Though hurting for Bette, they all smiled knowing that Tina was back and that meant Bette would be back as well.



The next few days passed and as it was Tinas turn to watch, Bette finally stirred. She was mumbling and as Tina got closer she heard Bette whisper Callie,.

Tina called the doctor and went to the waiting room to tell Kit.

Kit she said something, the doctors are in there with her now.

What did she say, Tina turned her head and looked away from all of them. Callie.

Oh Tina, The doctor came back in and asked for Kit and Libby.

Shes awake, but she doesnt seem to now who she is. But she is asking for a Callie so thats a good sign.

Good sign my ***** Tina thought.

Her not remembering, is that natural.

Usually it is, and it only last for a few days at the most.

Kit and Libby wee allowed into the room and as they entered Bette just stared.

Bette do you not recognize either one of them. She looked them up and down but you could tell in her face she had no clue.

I dont

Its okay, just relax. He walked over to them, other than her not knowing any of you she seems to be fine. But I think it would be nice if this Callie was here because that is the only thing she knows and trusts right now.

Ill call her here in a minute. They walked back out and into tons of questions.

The doctor said it would be best if we could get Callie here since that is all she seems to know right now. Im sorry Tina.

Two days later Callie was by Bettes side.


Bette are you okay?

Oh Callie I dont know anything except for you. Please tell me something anything. Callie hugged her and told her she would be all right. As the doctors released Bette, they had decided that it would be best if with Callie by her side that she stay at Tinas.

With Bette settled in Tinas house, every time she would move she would catch Bettes eye. She noticed that Tina would be careful around her and she wasnt comfortable with that.

Why do you hold yourself back around me? Was I not a good friend to you?

Bette you were a wonderful friend, my best friend at that.

Then why doesnt it seem right between us? Tina sat down not knowing how to answer.

Callie hasnt told you yet?

She only could tell me about our friendship. She said it wasnt her place to tell me about everyone elses relationship with me.

She only told of your friendship.

Yeah she said we have only been friends for a few months or so. She wanted more. But I love another woman. The way she said woman made Tina laugh.

You didnt know you were a ***** how funny.

No I didnt but when I was checking out this nurse I knew something was a little off.

Are you okay with that?

Yeah I guess.

She didnt tell you who?

No, it wasnt her place. Besides I know I cant remember anything, but the way my heart tugs every time I see you or even hear your voice I dont have to doubt that you are the one. Then Callie walked in.

Im back. Bette struggled to get up and went to help her with the groceries. Tina didnt say anything about Bette knowing that she was the one, it was something she was going to have to wait out.

The days went by and as Callie had to return back home she was reluctant to go.

Bette you sure youre ok.

Yeah I feel a little better. Besides I can tell they love me.

Ok, but you have my number for anything. And Ill take care of your business ends back home so they can know.

Thanks Cal. I really appreciate you coming but Ill be home soon, I promise. And as they hugged goodbye it tore at Tinas heart to know that if this meant Bette could be starting over, she might just do so with Callie.






Remember When?

Chapter Twenty-Four


The girls all took their turns with Bette and Libby was fighting hard to get Bette to even remember a little bit of anything, but she couldnt get anywhere.

The gang on the other hand had fun filling Bette in on the old days.

So whats this about a reputation I have? Bette asked with that old twinkle in her eye.

Oh get over yourself Porter. You had a reputation I repeat had.

Bettes face fell, What happened then.
Before Alice could name her, Tina spoke up, you fell in love and that was all Bette needed to know why.

So what was this reputation then? Tina blushed as did Dana but Shane smiled while Alice just smirked.

Ill take this one T. You see Bette legend has it that one Miss Bette Porter knows how to please a women if you know what I mean. Bettes eyes grew wide and they all laughed.

So legend says so huh.

Actually I can testify to that one. Bette looked at Alice then at Tina.

We used to go out Bette, then I came to my senses and we decided to be friends.

Im glad, Bette replied and the table erupted into laughter. Everyone enjoyed this Bette she was playful, fun and yet serious when she had to be. But every now and then a little memory here and there would pop up and she would write it down scared to forget again. She found herself falling in love with them all and she could feel that they did belong together.

When they would go out everyone knew of Bette not knowing whom she was and they saw an opportunity. But Tina was sure to flatten their balloon as fast as it had filled up. Bette liked being taken care of by her and knew that she had her heart.

Jeez, Tina you act as if no one can come up and talk with her.

Its okay Alice, I like it when its just us. And Tina smiled at Alice.

yeah, whatever, even with amnesia Bette, you and Tina still make me sick. With maybe a few too many drinks in them they all returned home. Bettes legs had grown tired and Tina rushed to get her home.


But Bette couldnt sleep that night and it killed her that she couldnt remember her life. Tina hadnt come out and told her she was the woman, but she didnt have to, she already knew. It took her awhile to get herself out of the bed, but she did. Sitting in the dark in the kitchen, Tina approached. Ever since she slept by herself she could never get a fully good nights sleep.

You cant sleep. Are you okay?

Yeah I just couldnt sleep. Trying to remember fills my head with nothing.

Like what, and Tina felt a little hesitant when Bette stayed quiet for a second.

I was a fool to hurt you so bad. Tina looked at her.

You remember?

No.

Then how can you tell?

I can see it when I look into your eyes. I can feel it when Im close. I never meant to hurt you.

How do you know that?

I feel it. When I look at you my heart cannot hold all the love I have for you. It didnt take me long to figure you wereare the one.

Are you sure you cant remember?

Bits and pieces I can. Most of them are with you. I have dreams and you are all I see. I have thoughts that are filled just with you. Tina was scared about what she was hearing but didnt know if she could fully trust her words now more than ever. A few tears fell and Bette was quick to wipe them away.

T, that made her smile a little, T, you know I could never take you crying. My heart bleeds at the thought of you in any kind of pain. I cant take you being hurt especially if I am the one hurting you. Bette grabbed her hand, Is that why I left?

We had already gone our different ways. Bette squeezed her hand tighter.

You know in your heart I didnt go any way but with you.

I knew it. Bette pulled her into a hug and for the first time since she could remember anything all of Tina filled her up inside. Holding her close brought back so much of the good and even the bad that Bette had to blink to make it go away. You know walking with that cane took some getting used to that I could handle, but living without you was something I just couldnt do.

Tina can I ask you one last question?

Yes, as Bette turned to face her, Can I kiss you?

Please, and Bette leaned into her and met her lips with Tinas. She had known that was all she needed to come back to her for when their kiss deepened, it all came back. Bette broke the kiss and when they both caught their breath, T, thank you for loving me, then got up and went to bed.

As soon as Bette felt that Tina had finally slept, she gathered her things and with the little patience that she had come to find within herself, she called a cab and left once again.