"Sweetie what’s wrong?" Carmen asked as she rubbed Bette’s back. By then Bette had put her face in her hands to cover up emotions. So many questions were racing through her mind.

"What… what are y’all doing here Carm?" Bette asked with pleading eyes.

"Tina hasn’t talked to you?"

"I wouldn’t be asking you if she had. I mean what the hell is goin’ on around here?"

"Bette as much as I want to put your mind at ease, that’s not really my place. Tina came down here to tell you something…"

"Well I gathered that much Carmen, but what the hell is it? Is it bad?, did something happen between her and Vanessa?, did Vanessa hurt her again? I mean what the fuck is up with everybody being so damn secretive!"

"Bette! Sit down, please." Bette looked at Carmen and decided to let her rational side take over as she took a seat next to her. "Now Tina has come a long way to share something with you. I can’t tell you what it is, I’m sorry. But then again I’m not, because it’s not my place to tell you anyway. But I am going to say this, when you two talk, please try to really listen to her. What she did was incredibly brave and a true testament to the love she has for you." Carmen finished and looked at Bette as tears started to well up in her loving eyes. She knew Carmen was right, the love she felt for Tina was overwhelming at times as well. She just hated not being able to protect her from any pain that she could prevent.

"I know, it’s just… I can’t take her hiding from me anymore. I need more from her Carm."

"I know sweetie, I know. Maybe this trip is a way for Tina to give you what you’re looking for."

"I hope so. Sometimes I worry about her. Probably more than I should." Bette said wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Maybe." Carmen said pushing Bette and making her smile through her tears. "But that’s also one of the things that makes you, you. And I’m sure Tina loves that about you to." Bette laughed and Carmen felt the tension ease away from her slightly.