Bette was experiencing similar symptoms, but did her best to conceal the pounding in her chest as she guided Tina to the sink. Her hand fell naturally to the small of her back, causing both girls to tremble unexpectedly.

“I’m Tina, by the way, thanks for the help.” She said once the bleeding had subsided.

Bette suddenly remembered she’d caused the bleeding in the first placed and hastened to rectify the situation.

“I’m sorry.” She finally succeeded in saying.

“Well, it’s awfully nice to meet you, Sorry” Tina smiled playfully and Bette sensed her likening for the stranger deepen.

“Well, generally, I’m known as Bette.. But Sorry will suffice from you, I guess.” She extended her hand for Tina to shake; officialising their introduction before continuing more seriously “I am sorry about the door, though. I may have pushed it open a little harder than was required.”

“Well you should be,” Tina said, shaking the cappuccino skinned hand and once again revelling in the sensory overdrive that took a firm grip on her body. “I was mortally wounded, you know?” with which she motioned to her now clear nostrils.

Bette faked a deeply ashamed expression, loving the instant rapport they seemed to have with one another.

“How on Earth could I ever repay you?” she asked with mock sincerity, thinking that she knew of several perfect methods of repaying her new acquaintance.

“How does showing me around sound?” came Tina’s reply.

“I’m sure I can manage that.” Bette responded, adding only in her head ‘For a start.’

* * * * *

Bette and Tina walked slowly along the corridors, enjoying each other’s company while Bette pointed out various classrooms or wall displays, occasionally stopping to introduce Tina to students and members of the faculty.

“That’s Mr Arden of the Art Department. Most people think he’s a bit eccentric but he’s great with us and he really knows his stuff.. Hey, Mr Arden.” She smiled at the passing tutor, who returned the smile and politely waved at them both. “His daughter goes here, Kate, but it’s not as bad as you might expect.” Bette continued.

“Hey listen,” She said, checking her wristwatch and turning to face Tina. “Lunch period’s nearly over, but we can continue the tour tomorrow if you like?” She looked hopefully at Tina, disregarding the fact that she’d subconsciously held her breath and willing her to say yes. It was all she could do restrain herself from screaming when Tina accepted gratefully. Instead, she smiled warmly and allowed their eyes to meet.

Once again fireworks erupted, celebrations from a thousand parties exploded between them, as they started contently at each other. Everything felt right when mahogany met hazel and the two quickly learnt it was a feeling they’d love to get used to.

Bette reached for Tina’s milky white hand and gave it a light squeeze, never relocating her wide orbs.

“How about I introduce you to some friends in the meantime?” She offered, tugging Tina towards an ajar door that opened onto the athletics field where she knew she’d find Dana, Shane and Alice sat in the bleachers.

While her anger from before had dispelled upon meeting Tina, Bette still couldn’t help but wonder what her friends would say or think when they were introduced.