Tina: So, what about our date? Have you picked a nice quiet place for us to go?
Bette: Well, we have 2 options. A nice quiet Italian restaurant or we can go to the fair. Its in town for the weekend. Hot dogs, cotton candy, rides, games. You name it theyve got it. I thought it would be different but its up to you.
Tina just sat a moment contemplating what Bette had just said. The old Bette never would have even suggested the fair. Not sophisticated enough.too down and dirty. She liked the change.
Tina: The fair sounds like it could be fun. Lets go there.
Bette: Great. The best part is we dont have to change out of our jeans and t-shirts. I hate getting dressed up.
Tina looked at Bette incredulously: You hate to get dressed up? Really. Interesting. Hey, where did you put all of your power suits?
Bette: Why do you want them? Seems like theyre more your style now then mine.
Tina: Nah, Im just curious. You know if you are serious about never wearing them again you could donate them to unprivileged woman trying to get into the work force?
Bette: Yes Im serious. They represent the old Bette. Im never going back. Get me the donation information and Ill donate all my old stuff. Jeans and t-shirts are my world now.
As they were about to get out of the car Tinas cell phone rang. She reached into her purse and took a look at the caller id.
Tina: I need to take this, its work. Hello. Yes, uh huh. No, no, no. Call them back and change the start date to what we originally discussed. No I cant make the conference call. No, I cant work this weekend. Remember Im off. Yes, its personal and I wont bend. Okay, yes, Ill see you Monday.
Bette had listened to the whole conversation in awe. Tina really had grown into a strong assertive woman. She liked that Tina stood her ground. She had prioritized her personal life over work. Something Bette should have done while they were together the first time. Water under the bridge Porter. Just dont make the same mistakes and everything will be fine.
Bette: So, work a bit demanding of your time? You certainly told them where your priorities are.
Tina: Work is demanding, but rewarding at the same time. You understand. But if there is one thing I learned during our time together is that everyone needs to have priorities. While I love work I know that the most joy I can get from life is through my friendships and family. So work gets prioritized accordingly.
Bette: Ouch.
Tina: Hey, that wasnt aimed at you. Its just the way I feel about things.
Bette: But youve got it right and I had it wrong. I think Im in the same place as you now. This baby, us dating, is much more important to me than anything else in my life. While I love my painting it will never be a priority over you and the baby. Always remember that.
Tina: I will and Ill hold you to it.
Tinas phone went off again as they entered the house.
Tina: It Alice. Let me take this or she will keep calling.
Bette rolled her eyes: I know, go ahead.
Tina: Hey Alice, how are you? No, Im out of town for the weekend. I just needed to get away. Relax. No Im not with anyone. Yes Ill see you at the planet on Monday. Say hi to Dana and Shane. Okay, Ill see you then.
Bette: Not with anyone? So you didnt tell them?
Tina: Oh god, youre not upset are you? Its just that I didnt know how things were going to go and they are all sooo nosey. I wouldnt have a moments peace.
Bette: Its fine T. No need to get worked up. I was just teasing. I know how they could be. Lets just spend time together, see how things progress and decide together when to tell everyone.except Kit.
Tina: Kit?
Bette: Yes, she and I are really close and I dont want to keep this from her. I dont want this to come between us. So if things go well this weekend I want to tell her. Are you okay with that? She wont tell the others. Besides she usually comes with me to the doctors appointments so you two are going to eventually run into one another.again thats if things go well.
Tina: No thats fine. I think you healing your relationship with Kit is great. You need your family Bette.
Bette: Thanks T. Okay, I just need to go to the bathroom and we can get going to the fair.
Tina: Ill blow up the aero bed for later. Ill sleep on it this time. You need your own bed.
Bette: Okay. Ill see you in a few.
Bette, thinking to herself: Damn that aero bed. How the ***** am I going to sleep tonight with Tina so close. Im already out of my mind being so close to her all afternoon. I see many cold showers in my future.
Tina, thinking to herself: Damn aero bed. I want to be in bed with Bette. Feel her skin next to mine. Ive been wet since she touched my hand taking the flowers from me earlier today. Ive got to stay strong. We cant build a new relationship on just the *****. That was always fantastic. Its all the other stuff that was so hard. I need to concentrate on the emotional side of the relationship. This is going to be one long weekend.
Bette came out of the bathroom to find Tina finished with the aero bed.
Bette: Okay, Im ready if you are.
Tina: Yeah, lets get going. How far is it?
Bette: It shouldnt take more than 20 minutes to get to.
They arrived at the fair and the first thing that Tina noticed was the huge Ferris wheel.
Tina: Are you up for the rides? Youre not going to barf on me are you?
Bette: I think I should steer clear of most of them but I think I could manage the Ferris wheel. Want to try that first? It should have a great view once we get to the top.
Tina: Exactly what I was thinking.
Bette walked over to buy the tickets but Tina stopped her.
Tina: Tonights my treat. I asked for the date.
Bette: Okay T, but I treat for whatever we end up doing tomorrow.
Once they got the tickets they waited on line talking about what they wanted to do next. As they got onto the ride Bette took Tinas hand in hers. Tina just looked at her and smiled. Holding hands. Something so simple. Something that neither one would take for granted again. When they got to the top Bette pointed out all of the landmarks. She had really settled into life here. What would happen if she and Tina did decide to get back together again? Her life was here, Tinas life was in West Hollywood. What kind of compromise could they come to? Bette was getting way ahead of herself and told herself to stop and just take one step at a time.
Tina: Penny for your thoughts.
Bette didnt want Tina to know that she had jumped so far ahead. She didnt want to be perceived as controlling but she also didnt want to not share what she was thinking. Her feelings. So she just decided to be honest.
Bette: Well I was just thinking about what kind of compromise we could possibly work out if we did decide to get back together. I mean Im settled here, you have your life in West Hollywood. Its like we are at two different ends of the spectrum.
Tina was watching Bette the whole time she was talking. She knew it was difficult for Bette to come clean and share her feelings. It took her one step closer to believing that Bette had changed enough for them to really have a chance again. When Bette finished Tina just leaned in and gave Bette a gentle kiss on the lips and pulled away. Bette didnt even have a chance to respond to the kiss. But a huge smile spread across her face.
Bette: Hey, what was that for? Not that I minded.
Tina: Compromise? What a magical word. Bette Porter you continue to amaze me. I think we can figure out just about anything if we do it together. Lets get to that place first. Okay?
Bette: Yeah, you know me, Im always thinking ahead. But I really am trying to live in the moment. Its just that old habits die hard.
Tina and Bette spent the rest of the night wandering around the fair grounds. Eating hot dogs, French fries and cotton candy. They played the various games and Bette won Tina a teddy bear. It was approaching 10pm and Bette was beat. The pregnancy was really slowing her down.
Bette: Hey T, if you dont mind Id like to call it a night. I am pooped.
Tina: Sure, no problem. I had a great time. This was the best night out Ive had in a very long time.
Bette: Im so glad. I thought it would be good, in a different kind of way. Lets get home.
Bette and Tina were quiet on the way home, both lost in their own thoughts. Bette pulled into her driveway and went around to the other side to help Tina out of the truck. Tina slipped(maybe on purpose?) and ended up in Bettes arms.
Bette: Now this is what I call an added bonus. Tina laughed and Bette pulled her in for a long, tight hug. They stood quietly, lost in each other embrace for a another few moments. Each breathing in the others scent. Memories came flooding back for both of them. Bette was first to let go.
Bette: I think we better take this inside.
When they got inside Bette faced Tina and took hold of both of her hands.
Bette: Is it alright of I kiss you T?
Tina: Baby, I cant think of anything else I want right now.
Bette pulled Tina closer, and cupped Tinas face in her hands.
Bette, looking into Tinas eyes: Ive missed you so much. With those words she leaned in and kissed Tina, tentatively at first, then with more urgency, but with softness and caring that Tina had never felt before. The kiss only lasted a few seconds and Bette pulled away.
Bette: Goodnight Tina. Sweet dreams.