Fan Fiction
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Chapter 13
(Bette) You see, there’s no risk from her
(Tina) That is so far from the fucking point here. Her knowing is enough. More than enough. You obviously already see this – if you really thought it was fine you wouldn’t have felt the need to hide it from me
They stare back at each other.
(Tina) You may be fine with her knowing this, but I am absolutely not. We are not in the same position here Bette. The next time she needs something from me, or wants to pressure me, she can lean on me with this
There is another silent moment, each staring intently at the other. Tina is trying to maintain her composure while furious with Bette, and Bette is struggling to keep her emotions at bay.
(Tina) I don’t even know why I’m telling you this, you fucking know this
(Bette) She can’t expose you without also exposing me, which she would never do. I’m too important to her. If I thought that this would affect you or compromise you in any way I would obviously have told you
(Tina) Again, not your decision to make! This is my career Bette. This arrangement continuing was always dependent on it remaining secret, and the goddam Speaker of the House knowing is probably worst case fucking scenario for me!
They silently stare at each other once more. Tina is losing control of her composure as the conversation continues.
(Tina) My position means that if I am compromised it brings the entire editorial direction of the New York fucking Times into disrepute. Do you understand the enormity of that? I cannot be beholden to any politician, let alone to the Speaker of the fucking House
(Bette) Are you not beholden to me?
Tina stops and looks at her.
(Tina) I’m sorry is that a threat?
(Bette) Jesus, of course not Tina! I’m just pointing out that I’m not sure you can speak so righteously on this given your behaviour here has already put you in a position of a politician having something over you
Tina considers Bette’s words for a moment.
(Tina) That still sounds like a threat
(Bette) For fuck’s sake. I am clearly not threatening you. Is this again a situation where we should step away, calm down and talk another time?
They stand together in silence for a long while both looking downwards, taking in the situation and taking a moment to gather their thoughts.
Tina speaks first, almost to herself and still looking towards the floor while slowly shaking her head.
(Tina) I can’t believe you have done this
Bette stands still for a moment, continuing to look downwards with her hands on her hips and her eyes glistening, trying to compose herself.
(Bette) I thought you would end it
Tina sighs and looks up at her.
(Tina) Of course I would have ended it
Bette raises her eyes and they look at one another.
(Tina) Which is exactly what I’m doing right now
Tina gives her a long look and then turns back towards the front door.
Bette stands still, listening to her gather her belongings and the front door closing behind her.
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iLoveTina says
I haven’t even read this! Omg! What a lovely surprise! Thank you katynd!
iLoveTina says
Okay, really heartbreaking that this is thee second to last chapter. Thank you nonetheless
Martha3128 says
Oh Tina… so you were fine with the relationship for as long as no one knew about it. And that was never going to the situation for long term. That kind of thing will be noticed and recognized at some point. I am actually surprised it has stayed under wraps as long as it did. So now what…. you are going to end this relationship really? Does it mean that little to you? Yeah, Bette should have told you. But she didn’t because she believed you would end it. And she was right. So she got a few more weeks with you than she would have had she told you. So when she looks back and thinks about this, she is going to rationalize that she did what was best for her….
And Bette is right in that Tina having a relationship with a politician which is unknown to the public is somewhat hypocritical to the public. Tina is trying to appear independent of influence to the public while carrying on an intimate relationship with a certain politician. Ending the relationship does not magically remove the fact that it already has happened. So if its a problem for Tina with her job, it was a problem the first encounter they had whether known or unknown. She was trying to avoid the consequences of her relationship by keeping it on the hush hush. And ending the relationship does not remove the fact that she indeed had the relationship. Bette was not threating Tina… she was stating a fact. And that fact was the result of Tina’s own actions and choices. And Bette chose to go with as well. This was bound to happen. And ending the relationship will not remove their vulnerability of being leaned on by Kelley when she needs something. As long as Kelley is the only one who knows the secret, she will continue to hold the power over Tina and Bette.
This is a complex situation…. and not a satisfactory position for either of them. Cannot wait to see how they resolve this. I do not think that Tina can stay away from Bette for very long. No more than Bette can stay away from Tina. They will never be happy with that decision.
Thanks for the chapter.
mightymouse says
I knew it would happen at some point but it’s still utterly heartbreaking. Sigh… And to think that this is the second to the last chapter. Ugh… What now? Both of them might move on and continue to be successful professionally but they’ll be utterly miserable without each other. I’m sad for the end of the affair and the imminent end of this unique Tibette story but I’ll always be grateful for this welcome distraction to all the craziness in the real world. Thank you so much, katynd! :)
SassyGran says
Don’t know why I am so upset when I knew it was going to happen but I am!
Sorry the next post will be the last but still looking forward to it.
Thanks for the post.
SG
DumplinT says
This story is tantalizing with realistic applications in life. Very interesting theme.
Both of these ladies needing to choose fidelity to their careers AND the oaths taken to walk with discretion and integrity. It’s doubly tricky for them right now.
Bette didnt want Tina to “leave her”, but did she really think by refusing to let Tina make her own decision would work??? I mean with sharing the news revealed by Evelyn Kelleher, at least they could have put their heads together to really decide their response on how soon to break the news to the public. The rumors will ome out.
If I remem, wasnt there some ‘ol crotchety Senator cking Bette out in the sense of wondering what “team she bats for”??? I’ll have to go back a refresh my mem. It seems to me, my 1st impression was that he was “surely gon to be trouble. Then U tossed that nasty screwball with The House Speaker and struck me out!!! HeHeHe
Geeesh! Does Bette REALLY think that “Madame Kelle” ISN’T going to blackmail her when its time for a “favor” political OR physical???? SERIOUSYLY????
At least Tina realized that danger immediately to herself AND surely to The Times. Y did The Speaker feel the need to “spill the beans” TO Tina?? As an serious interested party, or for nefarious intent?? Y is she watching Bette at social events to see who Bette may be watching?
Bottom line, this a gr8 adventure! Looking 4wrd to the future!!!
P.S. U can write longer chapters if U wanna!