Bette (shaking her head): With anything I can walk away and put it down, now. But I have to be careful if I’m hurting or stressed or angry it can be a real bitch.

Tina (remembering): Just like the time you were struggling with the CAC when you first got there. All those ephedrine pills and you were sicker then a dog. I almost lost you…

Bette (reassuringly): I’m here with you (kissing her palm) and very careful about anything I touch. Not just because I know what it can do, I have to much to lose. (Looking into green eyes) and I don’t want Angie picking up my bad behavior. Like you said once in a while to celebrate or tension relief but that’s it. And alcohol I know what it can do first and second hand.

Tina (leaning down and kissing her lips softly): No matter what I’ll be here for you. (Feeling Bette’s tongue tracing her bottom lip she opened her mouth and moaned as Bette battled with her tongue for dominance. Breaking off the kiss not wanting to make Helena uncomfortable) how about we make a salad, set up the hot tub and just relax.

Bette (resting her head on Tina’s knee; this woman, this amazing woman could calm her like no other): Sounds like a plan. She should be out for a while. I’ll make the salad and garlic bread you set up the hot tub.

Tina (smiling as Bette helped her up): You know that was one sexy sight you cradling Helena in your arms like a child, her dripping wet and wrapped in a towel and I got a few shots…

Bette (rubbing her back it had been a little sore lately probably from all the stress and running around): At the expense to my back…

Tina (teasing): Ooh poor baby. Getting old (winking) is that why you can’t keep up with me…

Bette (reaching for her only to have Tina dart out of the room and upstairs): You just wait Tina. When I get my hands on you I’m going to show you how much stamina I have (walking to the kitchen) bad back and all.

Helena rolled to her side and let the tears fall. She had been awake the whole time listening and feeling their bond. She knew they were deeply in love, more so than the first time. She only wished she could have a small part of what they shared with someone of her own.

Malibu Beach
Dylan sat in the sand watching the waves and ignoring her phone. A six pack rested in an ice bucket from the hotel and beside her lay a picture of Helena in a silver and black frame. She remembered taking the shot the morning after they had first made love. Helena was absolutely gorgeous, her hair fanned out, the sheet barely covering her breasts, long legs tangled in the sheet and a smile on her passion bruised lips. She had kept the picture tucked away for some time and only took it out last night. A reminder of how badly she had fucked up and how much she hurt someone who she thought was her soul mate. No one, came close as to how Helena made her feel. And she destroyed that, destroyed something so powerful and good and for what? Quick money (that was returned now) and not to be used anymore. That was over with too. She had left Danny Pitney for good. Broke off everything and started fresh and on her own. She took another sip and made a silent wish someone would just hear her out. She was still in love with Helena Peabody and it was tearing her heart and soul in two not to be able to have a chance to tell her or talk with her. Taking a deep breath she raised her bottle towards the sky and hoped for a miracle.

tbc
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