“I think I’m falling in love with you, T,” she told her.  Tina kissed her gently.

“Bette, it would be very easy to fall in love with you.  But you know, I really can’t afford to get too involved right now.  I’m up to my ears with this course, and then I have to get a job and start working on my career and paying off my loans.  If I had time to fall for anyone it would be you, but I can’t…”

“T, let me help you.  I can pay off your loans, that will make it easier for you.  I don’t want to lose you, I’ve never felt this way about anyone before…”  There is that trust fund Daddy set up, Bette thought.

“No, Bette.  I want to stand on my own two feet, and not be beholden to anyone.”

“Does that mean you don’t want to see me anymore?”  Bette asked, her eyes filling with tears.  Tina saw the tears and her heart broke for Bette. She took her face in her hands.

“Bette, Bette.  Of course I want to see you.  But I won’t be able to spend much time with you.  That may not be enough for you..”

Bette kissed her, and buried her head on Tina’s shoulder.  “It will have to be enough.  I will take anything you can give me, T.  Now, let me get you some breakfast.  When do you have to be back at school?”

“I have to turn the report in at nine o’clock tomorrow morning.  I need to read it over again, but I’d like to spend the rest of the day with you if that’s okay.”  She stroked Bette’s curls and kissed her forehead. “You are so sweet and beautiful, Bette.  You could have anyone you wanted, why me?”

Bette smiled and kissed her. “I just do,” she told her.

They spent the day happy to be together.  The smallest things, washing dishes after breakfast, took on immense importance. An afternoon nap became an excuse to make love again.  Tina read Bette her report, and Bette found herself impressed with the crisp, effective way Tina had described the making of the video. They sat together in the garden and looked at the moonlight on the pool; it seemed exceptionally beautiful that night. They didn’t want the day to ever end, but finally Bette drove Tina back to her house and kissed her goodbye.

“When will I see you again?” she whispered.

“I don’t know, baby,” Tina told her.  “This week is going to be a killer, but  as soon as I get a minute I’ll phone you.”

“Will I get to see the video?”  Bette asked, stroking Tina’s hair.

“Do you really want to?  It will probably be awful…”

“Yes, I want to.  Of course I want to.  And if there is anything I can do to help, anything at all, promise me you’ll let me know.”

Tina kissed her and got out of the car lugging all her gear.