The next morning, Tina rolled over and blinked her eyes open languidly, seeing something that made her jerk her head back instinctively and giggle. She raised her eyebrows at Bette, bemused.  Bette had been gazing at her intently, far too alert for his hour of the morning.  It wasn’t so much being looked at as it was the way Bette was looking at her.  It was creepily intense.

Tina tried to cut the weirdness with a joke. “Morning, bright eyes.  Like what you see?”

“Tina, I have something to say,” Bette said, almost formally.

Tina frowned as she propped herself up on one elbow, cupping her chin in her hand. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just that… I don’t know, lately I’m feeling some distance between us, and I don’t like it. We’ve been through this once before, and I don’t want it to happen again.  I don’t feel like we’ve really been communicating lately.”

Tina gave a short laugh, and made a hasty explanation when hurt flitted across Bette’s face. “Babe, there wouldn’t be distance between us if you would just answer your phone sometimes.  For the last few days, every time I’ve tried to call you, there was no answer.  And you haven’t been answering my messages at all. To be really honest, I haven’t been pleased with your inaccessibility these past few days.  I’d appreciate it so much if you called me more often.  Even if you think it’s too much, it’s probably not.  I hate not knowing where you are and when you’re coming home.” Tina paused for a breath.  “We’re both working hard and it’s difficult enough to keep Angie on any kind of schedule as it is without feeling like it’s ultimately up to me to make sure everything goes smoothly,” Tina reproved Bette gently. “It will be easier when-“  Tina had almost mentioned finding a nanny, but she knew better than to spring that idea on Bette first thing in the morning.  “…when I go on maternity leave.”

Bette sat up. “You’re right. I guess I need to be doing a better job of being accessible for you. We’ll work on the schedule. And I’ll keep in touch with you and be more involved with… with everything.  I’ll be around so often you’ll get sick of me,” Bette gave her a mischievous look.