Fan Fiction

    This story has been set to a rating of R. Age verification is required to proceed.

    Age Verification

    I am years of age as of today, November 8, 2026

    Enter your current age into the field provide above. Stories with a rating of R or NC-17 may contain material not suitable for children. LesFan requires that all individuals wishing to read these stories confirm they are of at least 17 years of age. LesFan uses the MPAA rating labeling system for all stories.

    LesFan will also make a best attempt to filter profane words in stories that are not rated R or NC-17 unless the individual confirms they are of at least 17 years of age.

    LesFan uses the following rating scale for stories.






    Submit

    Eternal Flames—Chapter 11

    ~~~~~~~~

    The school gym smelled faintly of poster paint, glue, and the waxy tang of floor polish. The hum of voices rose and fell like soft static, punctuated by the occasional squeak of sneakers on the polished wood. Rows of folding tables lined the space, each one draped in construction paper or fabric, every surface crowded with poster boards, jars of homemade slime, battery-powered models, and the wild, brilliant chaos of elementary school science.

    Bette scanned the room until her gaze caught on a familiar mop of sandy-blond hair. Carson was waving with both arms, as if flagging down a rescue plane.

    “Bette!” he called, voice cutting through the din.

    She smiled, weaving her way between tables until she reached him. “Wow,” she said, crouching beside him. “Look at this.”

    His project was a papier-mâché volcano painted in deep browns and reds, its crater dusted with baking soda “ash.” Bright orange and red streaks of painted lava streamed down the sides, pooling at the base where an army of plastic dinosaurs stood frozen mid-roar.

    “I didn’t realize dinosaurs survived volcanic eruptions,” she teased.

    Carson grinned, blue eyes bright. “They didn’t. But ours are special. They’re here for science.”

    Bette laughed, ruffling his hair. She felt a flicker of pride—not just for the project, but for the way he beamed at her without hesitation now.

    Over his shoulder, she spotted Tina standing a few tables away with a woman whose auburn hair caught the light.

    “Bette, this is Rachel,” Tina said when they met halfway. Her smile was warm but measured, the kind of smile that met you where you were, not where she wished you’d be. “Rachel, this is Bette.”

    Bette’s gaze flickered with recognition. “I remember seeing you at the museum with the kids.”

    Rachel’s lips curved. “Emma still talks about that day.” She glanced toward her daughter’s display. “I’ll let you two talk. It was nice meeting you Bette”

    Bette smiled “Nice meeting you”

    When Rachel moved off, Bette stepped a little closer to Tina. “I wanted to apologize—for canceling lunch. Something a client said just… got in my head, and I panicked.”

    Tina’s eyes softened, the barest trace of a smile tugging at her mouth. “I understand. And I’m not pushing.”

    “I know,” Bette said quietly. “That’s why I want to make it up to you. Can I take you for coffee after this? Just us?”

    Comments

    1. Small steps indeed, glad Bette asked Tina to have coffee with her.

      Marissa seems to be the perfect therapist for Bette and i like the friendship between Rachel & Tina.

      Thank you for the update!

    2. Small steps are still steps. Love the slow approach to them renewing their relationship. Being hurt is an anchor on your life not easily removed. Bette is getting there and Tina is willing to wait. Thanks for posting!

    3. Thank you for the new chapter. I love this story it’s different from others with Tina having a son. Bette is so taken with Carson I think she will finally start showing Tina more affection. Hope you post again soon.

    4. I’m so happy you posted this. I want more and more and more. . . This story line is creative and reflects the core of Bette and Tina personalities in a new story line. I love it and need more. Thanks

    5. Hi jjos23

      Is there any chance you might continue with this story? It’s so well written and I’m longing to see Bette let Tina back into her heart. I love your descriptive writing and the way you’ve constructed this alt universe is very engrossing.

      Please pretty please another chapter???

      Thanks anyway for what you’ve written so far.

      Largo

    6. I agree with Largo. Please more and more! You have created a new version of their relationship and their challenges.

      Your writing/story is really wonderful!

      Again, thanks

    7. Done with the re-read. Wonderful story! The slow pace works really well for them. After all they’re not alone in this now – they have to consider Carson in all their decisions. Though it feels like the status of “best friends” might be possible in the very near future.
      I really, really hope that you find the time and enough creative energy to continue your story. Keep my fingers crossed and hoping for the next chapter.

    8. Hello jjos23, I remember reading this when you first started writing it. I have enjoyed it both times. If you are still out there and are so inclined, I would love for it to be continued to a lovely ending.

    Leave a Reply