Bette dropped her hand back to Tina’s waist, letting the other slide down her back and rested her forehead back on Tina’s shoulder. They sat in silence for a couple of minutes. Bette tried to catch her breath, willing her heart to stop racing.

“I feel so humiliated, and stupid… yet… I still want to be with you.” Tina sniffed. “How can that be?”

“No… Tina. I am the stupid one. I humiliated you and I embarrassed both of us and ruined the most wonderful thing in my life. Don’t ever feel stupid. Please. You did nothing wrong. You are wonderful and caring and loving and I stepped all over that, because I felt bad about myself.” Bette took a deep breath. “I think I am only lucky enough that you still want to be with me because you love me. You are devoted.”

Again they sat in silence. The sun had completely set at this point and it was
starting to get chilly. West Hollywood at night.

“We should go inside. You are going to get cold out here.”

Tina loosened herself from Bette’s embrace, stood up and stepped out of the water. “I need to go to my car.”

“Are you leaving already?” Bette stood up with her, following her out of the pool. She hoped she could have a little more time with Tina. Her heart ached at the thought that they wouldn’t see each other for a few more days.

Tina turned to face Bette. “No…” She looked down. “No… I am not leaving. My stuff is in the car. I’m staying here.”

Bette hoped she had just heard Tina correctly.

“Bette, four years ago when we stood right here in our backyard with our friends and took our vows…and put on these rings…” Tina grabbed Bette’s left hand with her own. “I meant them… and I know you did too. I am not willing to let this go yet. Everything is not yet lost…”

Bette started to cry… for the first time in a long time they were happy tears.

“I did… I did. I meant them.”

Tina wrapped her arms around Bette. They stood there holding each other for a few moments.

“I am not ready to get into bed with you. Is that okay?”

“Of course, I told you I will sleep on the couch until you are ready.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you hungry? Kit made baked ziti… she knows I haven’t been eating.”

“Yeah, I would like that.”

“Okay… good.” Bette sighed and took Tina’s hand, gently pulling her towards the house. “Come on, lets go get your bags before you freeze.”

They walked hand in hand back into the house. They still had a long journey ahead of them but at least it was a first step in the right direction.