Tell me Now

Chapter Twenty-Five


Libby woke up in Tinas guestroom wondering why her mother hadnt come to bed yet. It was when she turned on the light she saw it. She recognized Bettes handwriting as she read it her tears fell.

Elizabeth,

It all came back. Sorry I didnt kiss you goodbye. Please understand this. Ill call when everythings clearer. Tell her what she already knows. Please forgive me baby girl k.

Love your mother
Bette.

Though it was only six oclock she went to tell Tina. But Tina already knew. The music that played softly in her room said it all,

Talk to me softly, theres something in your eyes. Dont hang your head in sorrow, and please dont cry. I know how you feel inside Ive been there before. Something is changing inside you and dont you know. Dont you cry tonight, I still love you baby, dont you cry tonight theres a heaven above you baby. Give me your whisper and give me a sign, give me a kiss before you tell me goodbye. Dont you take it so hard and please dont take it so bad. Ill still be thinking of you and the times we had baby. Dont you cry tonightAnd please remember that I never lied, please remembered how I felt inside, you gotta make it your own way but youll be all right, now sugar youll feel better tomorrow. Come the morning light now baby.


Tina, Im sorry.

I dont understand. Are you okay sweetie.

Yeah, Im just worried for her you know.

Tina comforted her but she was angry inside. She understood Bette leaving her, but Libby?

Libby, I know school doesnt start for a couple weeks, but you could stay here.

But my place is already set. Moms had it ready with Jason for some time.

Sweetie, Jason is my agent still. If you want I could tell him that we changed our minds. Besides Id rather you stay here.

Tina, please dont be mad at her. I understand where shes coming from. Maybe this time will do her good. Tina tried to take her words, but Bette did this every too often, run away when things were not good.

But for Libbys sake she didnt dwell on her too much.

I know, do you think we should call.

Not yet. Maybe in a little while.



For the net few days, the girls made an event out of moving Libby with Tina. Shane had little by little disappeared from her house so there was no kicking out of any sorts.

Finally after what had seemed forever the girls toasted to finishing their task. While they had celebrated Kit decided it was time to check up on Bette.

When Callie had answered it she knew nothing good was going to come of this.

What do you mean Callie?

Ever since she came home, shes been locked up drinking herself away. She only let me in once and she was just in a corner. Ive been trying to get her to stop. She didnt even care that I took her phone.

And youre barley calling me.

I was trying to, but you called first. Im sorry Kit. I dont know what to do.

Just stay there with her. Im taking the red eye.

Okay. Im sorry Kit.

No, its not your fault. Ill see you in five. But before she went back she had a few phone calls she needed to make. She decided that she wouldnt rain on their parade and not say anything at all.

All right girls, it was nice but I have to get to bed.

Oh Kit come on.

Yeah Kit Kat, stay please. She had wanted to but she knew she couldnt.

Not tonight okay. Tina knew something was up.

Let me walk you out.

Tina dont be crazy. Stay and enjoy.

Kit I do insist on it.

Fine. Good night girls.

Good night, they shouted in unison.

Kit, she knew she couldnt hide it.

What.

Dont pull that with me. It only worked on Bette anyway. Now spill.

Tina.

Kit.

Callie tried to call. Apparently my sister has locked herself up and drinking lords knows what away.

What. Why now?

Dont know. I just caught the last red eye so Im heading out. And before she could turn get into her taxi, Tina didnt let her.

Kit.

She knew what that meant. Yes Tina you can have it. But you have to call me as soon as anything happens.

Of course girl.

Take my cab.

What about them, as she pointed inside.

Dont worry just go.



Back in New York

Callie was trying her best to not fall asleep, but her eyes were getting heavy. Bette just remained in her corner, with her bottle, and the radio on repeat. All that could be heard was,

Shed a tear cause Im missing you. Im still all right to smile. Girl I think about you every day now. Was a time when I wasnt sure, but you set my mind at ease. There is no doubt youre in my heart now. Sad woman take it slow itll work itself out fine. All we need is just a little patience. Sad sugar, make it slow and well come together fine. All we need is patienceSit here on the stairs cuz Id rather be alone. If I cant have you right now. Ill wait dear. Sometimes I get so tense but I cant speed up the time, but you know love theres one more thing to consider. Sad womanyou and I got what it takes to make it, we wont fake it, never break it. Please I cant take it.

A little patience, was the last thing Callie remembered as her eyes fell closed. Hours later as the words still blurred out, she felt a tap on her shoulders.

Tina, she said as she looked to see Bette asleep in her corner.

Hey.

What are you doing here?

Came to rescue her.

She never stopped.

I know.

Just take care of her will you, as she walked out Bettes door and her life.

Bette wake up. Bette.

Leave me alone, is all that came out as she took the bottle to her mouth again.

Bette stop, right now. And as Tina said them with force, Bettes eyes opened as she let go of the bottle.

What are you doing here?

Coming to rescue you.

I dont need you to rescue me, as they both pictured how it was said all them months ago.

Bette dont.

Just go, as she struggled to get up. Tina went to help her up, but Bette pushed away.

Why are you doing this?

Doing what Tina?

This Bette, as she picked up the bottle and set it on the counter.

Its my way of letting go. And Im not quite done so if you would excuse me, as she made her way with a bottle in one hand and her cane in the other.

Bette you cant even walk right.

Its not the liquor.

Bette.

What. What do you want from me huh?

Its not about me Bette.

Is that right?

Libby, Bette its about her.

She knows what Im doing.

Youve done this before?

Tina, please just go. Tina already angry with everything around her was tired of it all.

No,

Tina, now is not the time, just go.

No,

What then, huh, what do you want from me.

Nothing,

Then what the ***** are you doing here?

Now I dont know.

Fine, then just go, as she left Tina in the hallway and she walked into her room.

Bette, as she entered the room, Bette Im talking to you.

Bette just stood in front of mirror just looking at what she had become, ignoring Tina, until she grabbed her by the arm and turned her.

Fine Ill go, but only if you can look me dead in the eye and tell me you dont love me. Bette kept her gaze, you know I cant do that.

If you want me to leave, say it, Bette.

Bette shrugged her off and walked back into the dining room changing the song.

…When I look into your eyes I can see a love restrained

Say it Bette, was what she heard following her.

…And darling when I hold you, dont you know I feel the same

NO.

“…Nothing lasts forever and we both know hearts can change

Tell me you dont love me Bette, and Ill go.

…Weve been through this such a long, long time, just trying to kill the pain

You know I cant.

…And no ones really sure whos letting go todaywalking away

Why.

…And when you take the time to lay it on the line, I can rest my head just knowing that you were mine all mine

It would be a lie.

…If you want to love me then darling dont refrain. Or Ill just ending up walking in the cold November rain

Bette, please just say it.

No I would never say it. Tell me you dont love me Tina. You tell me, if you think its so easy.

Its not about me.

Yes it is Tina, its always been about you. Dont you get it? Did you ever get it?

You know I did. I still do.

Tina, please just go.

Then say it, as she challenged Bette by inching up close to her.

I love you. Ive always loved Tina didnt let her finish as she gave her what she herself had been waiting forever for.