The next morning Tina woke to the feel of Carmen tapping her shoulder and speaking to her in Spanish. Her face formed the biggest smile, but it took a minute for her mind to register the fact that Bette was in Cuba, and she fell asleep alone. Tina’s eyes flew open as she sat up quickly to find Carmen giggling with her hand over her mouth.

"She said that would wake you up. I’m sorry sweetie." Carmen couldn’t stop laughing at the way Tina’s face just reacted to Carmen reciting her grocery list in Tina’s ear.

"What ? Who said…"

"Bette. Here she’s on the phone." Carmen said handing Tina the phone. "I’m sorry she said to wake you up. She wanted to talk you before she went to the preliminary today with Melito and Alicia."

"Oh… uhh thanks Carmen." Tina said groggily.

"My pleasure." Carmen said giggling as she exited the room and closed the door. As soon as Carmen closed the door Tina sat up straight and began fixing her hair. Then she had to stop and berate herself saying " She can’t see you Tina."

"Hey baby." Tina’s voice was like a calming breeze rushing to cool warm skin. The sensation it sent through her body was undescribable.

"Oh my god it feels so good to hear your voice."

"I miss you, so much."

"I’m missing you too." Bette tried hard to disguise her longing.

In order not to sound hurt and wanting Bette, Tina quickly found a detached subject for them to talk about. "How’s everybody?"

"Toni’s good, she’s happy that she going to be sleeping by herself for little while. I think Nanna put about 10 lbs. on me just yesterday. And Melito is the best thing down here." Tina could hear the smile coming from Bette.

"Oh yeah? I bet he’s gotten a lot bigger than the last time you saw him. But how are you doin’ baby?"

Bette was debating with herself on whether or not to tell Tina about Alicia’s attempt to pull her back to her.

"Bette?"

"Huh? Umm I’m fine. I’m just dreading today, ya know?"

"What preliminary are you going to, I thought the trial wasn’t for another 3 days?"