I Do Still Love You Ch 49 & 50

The Past Coming Back
Chapter Forty-Nine

Bette, JJ and I well be fine. Go out and have fun with the girls.

Babe really, the girls are waiting for us.

Bette standing, looking from JJ to James holding her hands on her hips.

Mom.

Fine, Im going, we have our phones James. We shouldnt be long.

Alices

Its about time you guys as she let her friends let themselves in.

Libby first, followed by Tina, then Bette. Tina turning around while telling Alice,

Bette didnt want to leave JJ.

He with James?

Yeah.

Then dont worry. Now the foods ready, the drinks are poured, and all thats left is Shane and her Friend, then we can dig in.

Shes been anxious all night to meet this girl. Shes been driving me crazy.

Just as the gossip was boiling over, the awaited knock came at the door. They all looked at each other as Alice was already at the door.

Al.

Shane, come in.

Closing the door as Shane led the girl to the dining room.

Hey guys.

Shane, echoed throughout the room.

Ladies, Id like you to meet Kellie.

Hi, came from the table.

This here is Dana.

Hi,

Im Alice, she shot off. She couldnt wait.

Right, Al. And this here is Libby.

Hey.

Her mom Tina,

Hello.

And this here is Bette.

Good to meet you.

Now lets eat.

Dinner.

So Dana, you started planning anything yet?

We were hoping you guys would help out with that.

Of course.

You guys know what you want?

Something small. Came from Dana

Big. Came from Alice. Looking at each other, and having Bette say, I guess thats why they asked us.

And you Libby?

What about her?

I was just asking Bette.

Well nothing yet, but maybe after school.

What about the baby?

What do you mean Dana?

I dont know, blushing as she was looking at Alice to help her out.

I mean, were gonna get married, but I just want it to be right, not because were having a baby.

So, Kellie, what do you do? Wanting to change the subject.

Im work for this lawyer.

So what has Shane told you about us?

Alice!

Its okay, she said you write for a paper. Dana plays tennis, everybody knows that. Dana blushing at her comment. Kellie looking at Tina and Bette, and you two are married.

Yeah, Libbys our daughter. We have a son, but hes with James.

Shane said, but I already knew that.

Having them looking at her as Shane tried to shake her head no in a not so very obvious way.

Oh, came from Bette as she adjusted herself in her chair.

Babe, Tina warned.

No, I want to know what shes heard?

Kellie now feeling a little embarrassed or scared, she couldnt decide.

Come on Bette, Shane pleaded.

I just want to know. Kellie what have you heard?

I knew about you guys, I mean who doesnt know about you guys. The great Bette Porter and her wife Tina. You guys are like legends or something.

Hoping Bette would leave it at that, Shane tried to change the subject to something else,

So have you guys heard, there opening this new place up on seventy-fourth street.

Shane, can we talk about that in a minute. Kellie what else.

Feeling uncomfortable, but she had to give Bette what she wanted.

Kellie you dont have to. Babe come on leave her alone.

Tina I want to know what everyone is saying. I know they know everything, but I want to know what they say.

It was a long time ago.

Then why do they still they feel have to talk about it. I mean obviously they are, because even Kellie knows who we are.

That doesnt mean anything Bette.

Ignoring everyones requests, she nagged on.

Kellie.

We know that you guys separated for awhile. That you cheated on Tina.

Bette remained quiet. Kellie kept on.

That you left and she was seeing someone else.

She still sat.

Then you came back.

Yes I did.

And thats it. Thats all theyre saying Bette.

Thanks Kellie.

Jesus Porter do you feel better now? You practically scared the girl.

Im sorry Kellie I didnt mean to frighten you. Its just that I dont like them thinking they know us or what happened.

Babe, you shouldnt let that bother you.

I see they way they look at me Tina, they think Im undeserving.

Bette dont.

Dessert anyone? But Dana was ignored.

I was just saying Tina, that I see it.
By now everyone was uncomfortable and they all just wanted to go. At the silent table, Tina was the first to say something.

I think we should go. Sorry Al, Dana. It was nice to meet you Kellie.

As they stood to say good-bye, Kellie apologized.

No dont, Tina told her as Bette was putting her jacket on a few feet away from them, Shell be okay.

Good night guys.

Bye.

The door closed.

Shane,

Dont Kel, its okay. She didnt mean anything. You know how gossip is, and Bette hates being gossip especially if it has to with Tina.

Its still early, yall want to go out?

Sure.

The drive home.

Bette you didnt have to.

What Tina, I just wanted to know.

The ugly Bette was making an appearance and Tina didnt want Libby to see.

We just met her. She probably hates us.

Im sorry T. I dont know what got into me.

Youre gonna have to make it up to Shane you know.

I know.

He asleep, as Bette locked the door.

Yeah,

Well were gonna go to bed momma.

Goodnight, as James and Libby headed out the back door to their place.

With Tina checking up on JJ, Bette stayed on the couch.

Are you coming to bed, babe?

Ill be there in a minute. She stayed playing with her phone before dialing the number.

Yeah.

Shane.

Bette.

Shane I, just wanted to apologize.

Dont worry about it Bette.

We okay?

Yeah, man were okay.

I see you tomorrow then.

From one room,

JJ babe, you ready?

From another,

Bette I have to go, JJ needs his shoes on.

Putting her jacket on, You have an early day?

Yeah, so you have to pick him up.

All day?

Yeah babe, but James will take and get Libby from class and then she should be at the gallery to help with JJ.

A quick kiss and Tina was gone. JJ came into the living room with one shoe in his hand and the other on the wrong foot.

Mami.

Momma,

Libby, what time do you have class?

Grabbing the shoe from JJs hand and sitting on the couch looking up at her mother, at nine-thirty, but James said ***** come and get me.

Ok, we have to go, Ill see you later then?

Yeah, I have a half hour break in between my classes.

JJ, tell Libby bye and go get your bag.

Bye. Bye

Barely stepping into the gallery and she was already being called for.

Bette, where do you want this one?

Down, the hall. Do you have my messages?

Yeah, you know you should look into hiring an assistant.

Why, I still have you here.

And I thought working with you instead of for you was gonna be easier.

It is.

How do you figure?

If you get my coffee Ill tell you, as she made her way to her office laughing.

Oscar, why am I needed so early?

I needed to talk to you about something.

About what?

Well, and keep in mind you dont have to do this if you dont want to all right.

What is it?

Well a few primary schools need substitutes and aides and they were looking for a few volunteers.

Oh,

Do you need a minute to think about it?

Will I have to take a class or something?

Not really just fill some paperwork out and that should be it.

When would they need me?

So you might do it?

I have to talk to Bette first. If Im needed all day, I wont be able to have JJ with me.

Well I could look into that school, Im sure they need help as well.

Ill call Bette and let you know after lunch is that ok.

Sure.

The morning flew by.

Bette Porter.

Babe.

Tina,

Do you have a minute?

Baby, you okay? Do you feel al right? I can come pick you up.

A small endearing laugh, No babe were fine, but Carlos asked me this morning if I wanted to volunteer at a school. And I wanted to call you first.

Like a teachers aide?

Yeah.

Do you want to?

Id think itd be nice you know something different.

If you want T, I think you should try it out.

Really?

Of course.

He said he could even get me in at JJs school, so he could stay with me.

Thats great babe, but can we finish this at home, were still moving the shows things around.

Ill be home a little late though.

Ill get JJ and Libby should be home after class. But call me.

I will. I love you.

Love you too.

James Im off to get JJ. Tina has a long day so she cant

Ok, were almost finished with the west wing so it should be done, by tonight.

Ill be back.

Hey sweetie, you have a good time?

I made this for you and momma, showing her his picture he colored earlier that day.

Can you tell me what it is, not being able to distinguish the colors and the shapes that her son had made.

Me with James playing at the park.

Oh, trying to make this picture out that JJ had seen so clearly. You know what I think?

What?

That we should put that up on the refrigerator, when we get home.

Yeah.

Parking the car in the garage of the gallery, Bette stepped out of her car and was about to let her son out when a strong voice came from behind.

A monster.

Turning around,

Thats what you called me, a monster.

Faye Buckley, looking back at the boy hoping that this would be a short encounter. What do you want? She turned around but from where the lady stood she couldnt see him. She continued.

What I want, Ms. Porter, are you asking me what I want.

Steadying her cane, I dont think now is the time, so if you excuse

What, do you want to go before another public audience and have another go? But maybe this time I should cry. Obviously youre the monster bringing up my daughters life like that.

As if judging me and degrading my life wasnt a vicious attack. And not to mention our unborn son

I was only stating the facts.

So was I. But I cannot do this right now. So please just be on your way.

In a hurry now that theyre no cameras around?

I asked you nicely once, I wont do it again.

So how is Tina? Im surprised she took you back after breaking her heart. So youre a monster and a cheater what a package.

I will not do this right now, counting to ten to herself, not in front of my son, stepping aside to reveal the boy.

Youre breaking my heart Ms. Porter really. You ruin my reputation and you just want me to walk away. Its not that easy, but well finish this, looking to the boy and shaking her head, that we will, and she walked away.

Opening the door he just watched the lady walk away.

Momma,

Gathering her thoughts and her breath, yeah sweetie.

Is James inside?

Making sure she was out of sight, yeah sweetie, lets go inside.

Poping a tape into the vcr in her office, JJ took his seat as Bette walked out to look for James.

Her face a little pale, he knew something was up.

What happened?

She was here.

Who? Worried that maybe it wasnt someone who wasnt supposed to be around here or her.

Faye ***** Buckley.

Here?

Yes, here, she was in the garage and I had my son James. I didnt want anything to happen in front of him.

Did she do anything?

But all he got was a look.

No, but JJ was right there.

Maybe we should start looking for a small security to keep around here?

Yeah, while youre at look for an assistant for me.

Aw, was I not good enough for you?

A smile from her.

Thats what I was looking for right there.

Thanks James.

He started to walk away.

I think Im going to call it a day, James.

Can you finish around here?

Yeah no problem. Ill have Libby home when we close.

Gathering her little boy and some work, they headed home. James a little worried about her decided to make a call.

Once a Cheater isnt always a Cheater
Chapter Fifty

Driving into her parkway, she found Alice waiting for her.

Whats up Al?

Dont you what me Porter?

Letting them into the house, sweetie can you go put youre picture up for me?

Letting the boy get out of earshot, that ***** came and saw you didnt she?

Alice it was nothing that I couldnt handle.

Im sure, Bette but still. She could pop up anywhere?

I know, but just as long as she doesnt do it when I have my kids around. Or else she could get hurt.

How come you didnt call me, I couldve come down.

Thank you Alice, but we did fine.

Does Tina know?

I havent told her, but I dont think James has called her yet.

Dont be mad at him, he was just worried and he knew Tina had a long day. I was worried when he told me. Are you okay?

Looking at her friend and knowing she couldnt lie.

Is it ever gonna end?

But Alice knew not to ask, she saw the hurt in Bettes eyes to know what she meant.

You guys are over it, and thats all that matters.

A cheater is what they see when they look at me. In two days my past mistakes came and bit me right in the *****. It hurt to even admit what she was about say and saying it out loud made it even worse. Taking a seat, Do you think Tina did the right thing in taking me back?

Dont even say that Bette. She loves you. Who cares what everybody else says or thinks. We, your family, know that you guys were meant to be together.

They all think she deserves better.

Do you? Taking the seat next to her friend.

She deserves a better me.

And you are a better you.

I thought I was doing good, but every time we go somewhere they give me the I cant believe her look and they look at Tina with some sort of pity. It kills me, Al.

Come with me, taking her friends hand and leading her to the fridge. What do you see?

My fridge.

Alice pushed her a little closer, Now what do you see.

Looking at the pictures of her, Tina, Libby, a few small notes, and the recent picture that a pair of little hands created,

My family.

Yes a family. A great family that you have. The unimportant people that have something to say or think arent on this fridge. The important ones are. Now Ill admit this softer Bette took some getting used to, but we still know who she is. And we love her.

But,

No buts, no questions, no asking. So when you see them people just say to yourself, Im not going to waste my valuable time on you so step offbitch.

Hugging her friend and thanking her for her understanding, they stood in the kitchen. Fixing her collar and straightening her shirt, I knew that advice would come in handy someday, and some very wise people told me that, so I would take that advice.

Thanks Al.

No problem.

Can I offer you some dinner?

Sure after all that advice I gave you, Im starving.

So what are you going to do when Dana leaves?

Hang around here

Great.

Its only seven days.

Only, the last time we had you for seven days you were terrible.

Oh, now eating all your food and swimming in your pool makes me terrible.

Well I guess we wont mind, you can watch JJ. Maybe have a little practice for your parenting days when they come.

I havent even got married yet and you want me to pop out kids.

So youre having them?

No.

Dana?

She cant because her career is so hot right now.

You going to wait a couple of years then?

No.

Then how?

We figured you or Tina could have them for us.

Thatll be the day.

What, you have two already, plus two more on the way, whats a few more.

Im pushing forty Al, I cannot have kids anytime soon.

Tina still has a few years in her.

Keep dreaming Al, keep dreaming.

Cleaning the kitchen and setting aside some for the others, they put JJ to bed, and waited.

Libby came home but only to collect a few clothes for tomorrow, she was spending the night with James.

Well Dana should be getting home so I have to go.

Okay do you want to take her a plate or something?

Nah, Ill just whip up one of my famous sandwiches for her.

Lucky her.

Yeah shes lucky all right.

Goodnight Al.

Nite.

Thanks.

Yeah, dont forget my advice.

I wont. Bye.

Around a little after nine, Tina was home. Bette was in bed, but working on her laptop. Taking her shoes off, she took her place next to her wife. She knew Bette was in working mode, but her eyes said something more.

Hard day babe?

We came home early.

Did JJ do okay?

Yeah he was fine. Setting her laptop aside and removing her glasses. Faye came and saw me today.

What. How come you didnt call me?

T, its okay. She just had a few words for me thats all.

What did she say?

T, I dont really want to talk about her. Her eyes watered up. Damn this woman trying to bring me to tears again, Bette thought.
Pushing her curls aside, Baby, please tell me.

Holding her wife in her arms so she couldnt see the tears that threatened to fall, but her shaky voice said it all.

She called me a cheater.

Sitting up to look at her broken wife, Are you gonna be okay.

Bette turning to the side of the bed and looking out the door. She didnt want to tell Tina to her face what she asked Alice earlier.

I asked Alice, if she thought that you taking me back was the right thing to do.
Tina knew how to console her wife, but stayed on her side of the bed looking out the window waiting for when she said she was ready to be consoled.

Why?

Two days is all it took to come back to me. Ten long months of trying to fix everything and make it all better, and two days is what killed me. No matter how hard I try, or how much I have changed I cant let go of the way the look at me.

Knowing Tina wanted to hold her and that she needed her arms around her, she turned back around to face her back. She reached out her hand and grabbed Tinas as she remained looking out the window.

Having her hand filled up with Bettes she turned around to sit in between her legs.

Do you know what I see when I look at you?
Having Tina in between legs she took the opportunity to wrap them around herself, bringing her closer to her.

I see Bette. I see my beautiful wife. Who I know loves me in and out. She leaves me loving notes, she dries my tears, she sings to me, but mostly she just loves me.

She does love you very much.

And I love her very much. So can she show me just how much?

That depends.

On what.

On if she has forever.

She has more than forever.

I wouldnt want to keep her waiting then.

Carlos said I didnt have to go in today because of the appointment, so I can take JJ this morning.

Hes ready, but I still have to put my shoes on.

After I drop him Im gonna have coffee with the girls.

Ill be there when I get done here.

Dont take to long.

A sweet kiss.

Bye son.

Adios mami.

Girls, did you wait for me.

Yup, youre drink is the blue cup.

Yeah Marina said it was something nice for the baby.

Oh thats sweet.

So you excited about the appointment.

Yeah.

What time is it at?

Three-thirty. So wheres Kellie?

Working.

Bette and I were hoping we could have dinner some time at the house.

Sure.

Bettes cooking.

Then Dana and I will be there. No offense T, youre cooking is great, but Libby teaching her to cook, she did good.

Thanks, Al. Oh that reminds me, do you think you could watch him while were at Dr.Wilsons. It should be just for an hour or so.

Tina, I could take him.

All eyes went to Shane.

I mean, I could pick him up and take him to the park or go eat or something.

Thanks Shane. Sorry Al.

Nah, Bette done told me I had babysitting duties while Danas away.

The door opened, the bell sounded, and Bette was greeted with her drink and snack.

Al, just finished telling me she was babysitting for us.

Yeah I thought itd be nice for her to get some practice in while Dana was gone.

Dana couldnt keep her tea in her mouth. Cleaning the table and Shanes jacket, Sorry you guys. Practice exactly for what Bette?

The table erupted into laughter.

We havent even gotten married yet.

Thats what I told them. But no worries, they know Tinas carrying our kids for us.

What.

Laughter again.

Sorry baby, I had to fight with her yesterday, but I have to go. Ill be home at one or so to pick you up.

A kiss.

You ready T.

Yeah.

Lets go.

So how far along do you think you are?

I did it before JJ, so probably a month or two. Two and a half at the most.

How do we tell him?

Well, hes old enough to understand a new baby so, maybe we should just sit him down and tell him.

Do you think ***** be mad?

No.

What about jealous?

Probably not yet.

I dont want him to feel left out.

He wont. Dont worry babe, you love him so much.

So a bigger bed huh?

NO.

Just for us four, T.

No.

How about we put a small bed in our room for him.

Babe, hes doing fine in his room.

A small frown.

Bette we cannot have our grown kids in bed with us. That is whats gonna happen if we keep on letting him sleep with us.

Hes so little T.

I know babe, but hes five, hes growing.

Okay.

Thats my girl. Now we have an appointment that we are just on time for.

Bette, Tina, its good to have you back.

Thanks, Dr. Wilson.

Now shall we get started?

Well Tina, you and the baby are fine. And you are about two months along.

So theyre both okay right?

Yes Bette, and I understand that your daughter has the next appointment with me.

Yeah. And we have a five-year-old boy.

Tina told me, congratulations.

Thank you.

Well were all done here so I should see you in about three weeks.

Going Home.

Shane, yeah were on our way home. Okay, well be there. Bye. Kellie and Shane took JJ out to eat, so they should be home in a bit.

Im just going to call Libby and tell her to call us when shes done.

Later that day.

Tina was in the kitchen and Bette in the living room working when Shane, Kellie, and JJ arrived.

Were back.

Mami, Tia won me this.

She did. Did you tell her thank you?

Si,

Go show momma.

Momma, running into the kitchen.

Kellie, Shane, thank you for taking him.

No prob. It was fun.

Kellie I must apologize for the other day. Im sorry about that.

Please Bette, dont, I understand. You have a great boy there.

Thank You.

Hey Kellie, Shane.

Hey T,

He thinks the world of you since you won him that toy.

Im no James, but I had a good time. All right were out.

Thanks again.

Dont forget dinner sometime.

Thanks T. Bye Bette.

Bye Shane, Kellie.

Allright kiddo, Ninis gonna tuck you in.

Nite momma.

Nite baby.

Te quiero.

Love you too, as she kissed his forehead goodnight.

When Tina went into their room, Bette was on the phone.

So everythings okay.

A pause.

No, its okay stay there, its closer and Im sure youre tired.

Tapping of her fingers.

Okay then Ill see you when you get out of class.

Playing with the phone cord.

Ill see you tomorrow. Love you. Goodnite.

Libby?

Yeah.

What did she say?

Shes six weeks. But theyre both okay.

Good.

Yeah. Laying down and settling in for the night. Isnt there a movie about this?

About what?

A man whose has his wife and daughter pregnant at the same time?

I think so,

Maybe we should rent it to see how things turned out for them.
Sharing a laugh with a kiss.

Just let me know and Ill get the popcorn ready.

I hope its a big bucket.

Why?

Because our movie is going to be a lot longer than some 90 minute movie we rent.

But I like this part of the movie.

Which part.

The parts that involve the bed.

Maybe we could push pause on those parts.

I like that.

I bet you do.

Fan Fiction

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I Do Still Love You Ch 49 & 50

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