Some Cravings with a Few Pictures
Chapter Fifty-One



The time has gone by and the girls are in their second trimester. Libby and James are engaged and Alice and Danas wedding is weeks away.

You cant sleep T?

No.

Are you uncomfortable?

A little.

Is there anything I can do?

You can hold me.

Just three more months T, and well have our little girl. I cant wait.

I think shes gonna be huge Bette, look at me. You can barley put your hands around my tummy.

It doesnt matter Tina, I think you look beautiful. I think even more so than the first time I saw you.

I think shes hungry.

I think someone else is too, as they heard some shuffling in the kitchen.


James what are you doing?

Libby wanted a sandwich.

Tinas hungry too. So scoot over so I can make one.

You know these late night cravings are putting bags under my eyes. What is everyone gonna think at the gallery?

Shut up, as he was making fun of what Bette had said days earlier. I think Im gonna be a little late tomorrow.

But its my turn Bette.

Oh go feed my girl.

Nite Bette.

Good night James.

She hungry too?

Yeah, handing her the plate and sitting to where she was inches away from Tinas belly.

Rubbing it as she voiced, Hey baby girl, I cant wait to see you. Your brother is excited and he cant wait to see you. I love you very much and hope youre doing okay in there. Kissing her tummy as she felt her move.

Looking back to Tina as she finished her sandwich, Im really proud of us.

Setting the plate down on the nightstand, Im really proud of you.

Its all for you.



Bette, you have a Paige Hill to see you.

Hill where had she heard that name before, she thought, then the twenty questions came to mind and she remembered.

Ill meet her outside. Thanks. Buttoning her jacket as she made her way out the office door. Walking up to her and extending her hand,

Ms. Hill to what do I owe this pleasure.

We were wondering if we could do another piece on you.

Lets go in my office. Can I offer you a drink?

A glass of water would be great.

Taking their seats and their cups full,

So what can I do for you?

Well actually, we were hoping that we could interview you with your family. We want to do an article about you, not just as the gallery owner but as a family woman as well.

I dont know.

We think it would be great.

You think so?

I didnt tell you when we had you the first time, it was one of the best selling issues weve had. And the people kind of want to know a little more about you.

Im very flattered, but Im going to have to talk with my wife about it. Ill do it but you have to talk to her and see.

Right Ms. Kennard.

Yes, when can I get back to you?

Well do you mind if I talk to her and explain it to her.

No not at all, right nows she at school.

She going back?

No, shes a teachers aide, then after school she volunteers at the center. She works with the kids.

She sounds great.

She is.

Do you mind if I go and see her today after her classes.

Of course not. Ill give you the address.

Thank you, and Ill get back to you when I can.

Thank you.


Walking into her house she found Tina in the kitchen and JJ fighting with a puzzle.

Hey JJ, what are you doing?

Im trying to put the dogs together. But they dont want to.

Running her fingers through his hair, Let me go and see Nini then Ill come help you.

Taking her jacket off and placing it on the chair.

Hey baby.

A quick kiss.

My girls do okay today?

She moved so much today, she was driving me crazy. Paige came to see me.

And what do you think?

What do you think?

I told her I would do it, but only if you said you wanted to. I have to admit its kind of flattering though.

I think we should do it.

You do.

I think it would be great to be in a magazine.

Pulling her close, Its no big deal T, I mean they mess with your hair ans makeup and all sorts of stuff.

Youre such a diva. Just because you were in a few articles, you think,

I think what?

Youre a star. Laughing.

No I dont, giving her a look.

Yes you do and you love it.

No I love you.

All right out of my kitchen while I finish here.

Ill be helping JJ.


Thats great momma, so are you gonna do it?

Looking back to Tina then back to her excited daughter, Yes were going to do it, pointing to each one that sat at the table, including James.

Really?

Yes, this is a family thing, and we are all family, so all of us will be participating.

When?

In two weeks I think.



You guys, you made the cover, as Alice held the magazine in the air. A top ten couple, Im impressed. She flipped through the magazine.

Tina and Bette just looked at each other.

I like the pictures.

Thank you Dana, as they themselves looked at the magazine again.

The front a close-up of the two. Tina looking straight with Bette looking at her kind of nuzzling her hair. The inside pictures had Tina sitting with a book in her hand, JJ holding Bettes hand with paint brushes in the other, and Libby sitting in James lap holding her belly.

The rest consisted of a few intimate pictures of Bette and Tina. Them looking at each other with Bettes hand on Tinas belly, Tina standing with Bette behind her with her arms around Tina, then Bette kissing Tinas nose.

Hey Bette and Tina, Shane called as she made her way to the table, holding a pen with the magazine, Could you for me.

Hesitating, Tina took the pen, Who should I make it out to.

To Shane, your number one fan, always.


So Bette, I was wondering if you would be at my side when we get married.

Id love to.

Tina, and I was hoping you could be there with me.

Dane, you know I will. So what is left to do?

Just wait for that day.

You have it all figured out, but we havent even done anything to help out.
Dana looking at Alice letting her know that she could take this one.

Well actually Dana and I we took it upon ourselves to figure it out. And we know what we wanted so we went ahead. Im sorry you guys.

So do you have a date?

The 23rd of this month.

How come you just didnt do it on Valentines day?

Too cheesy.

Alice.

Sorry, we just wanted our own day.

Do we have to do anything besides be there?

Actually, we were hoping we could do it by a pool.

Bette looked at Alice, Our pool,

Right, thanks for the offer Bette, we appreciate it.

Alice quieted as Dana looked at her and she explained the rest.

We just want you guys there. Something small and intimate with just us and all of you. We want to do it ourselves.

I like it. Tina offered.

You do? Dana asked with a little bit of desperation in her voice that she tried to hide.

Taking her friends hand in hers, Yes Dane, I think itll be lovely.

Lovely, Alice opened her mouth just one more time.

Yes Alice, lovely.

Then the 23rd it shall be. T, you ready we have to pick up JJ.

Yeah, Dane Ill call you later.

When they left, Dana turned around and swatted Alice, Cheesy.

What it wouldve been.

You said when I asked you that, that you just wanted our own day, Alice, not because it was cheesy.

Well whatd you want me to say, romantic.

Uh I knew you couldnt be romantic.

Dammit Dana, Ill show you romantic, and she stood Dana up, dipped her and gave her a deep kiss.



My Everything
Chapter Fifty-Two



James it has to be perfect. Nobody has any idea about this.

I know, Bette.

I think its the best Valentines Day gift ever. From this day forward no one, and I mean no one is allowed into this wing.

Two more days and this would all be over.

Bette was obsessed with this show. Not because of the artist, or the art, but of who the pictures were of. She had gotten the idea to take all her pictures of her and Tina and make them black and white, and blow them up to different sizes. The one she had taken of Tina over the years, were there as well. He could remember how excited she was when she told him.


So what do you think?

I think shell love it.

I know.

What are you gonna call it?

I dont know yet.

How bout My everything. Do you like it?

Punching him playfully in the arm, Youre a genius.

Youre barley figuring that out, throwing his hands in the air and walking out of her office



Are we done, Bette, Im sure our loved ones are waiting for us at home.

For today we are.

Great we still have tomorrow.

Shut up and give me a ride home.

Youre lucky I live next door.

Uh, youre killing me, do you ever stop?

Do you?

No.

Then its destiny that were meant to work together.

Well then the next time I see destiny, Im going to punch it in the face.

The lights out in her home, she was sure Tina had a long day. But instead of finding a sleeping Tina, she found her sitting in her bed surrounded with things. Bettes things, ones that she had put in a box, to be exact. Her tears couldnt hide as she looked out at the stuff Bette had kept to herself.

Her notes that she wrote Tina, that she never sent with Alice, the letters she poured her heart into, some pictures that Tina hadnt seen in years of them, and the box that once held her ring. Then the cd cases that Bette had listened to every day when she was gone.

One that Bette had come to love very much could be heard, but not loud enough to wake up the sleeping boy.


I thought I felt you touch my cheek this morning, But I must have been dreamin. And in the middle of the night without a warning, I thought I heard you breathing. Me and my so-called independence, Ive got this loneliness thats so relentless.

I guess you get used to somebody, Kind of like having them around. I guess you get used to the way they make you happy, bring you up when youre feeling down. I never dreamed when I was letting you go that I would wake up and miss you this much. I guess you get used to somebody, I guess you get used to being loved.

I kinda miss those ramling conversations, where we talked about nothing. The way you always made me laugh at my frustrations. Baby that was something. I shouldve been careful what I wished for, cause I got my freedom and so much more. I never dreamed when I was letting you go. That I would wake up and miss you so much, I guess you get used to being loved


T, why.

Putting the notes down, and wiping her tears away, I just found it. I didnt mean to open it.

Putting the notes, the letters, the music, back in the box, I wouldve died without you.

I never meant to hurt you. Bette knew her hormones were getting the best of her with the baby in all.

Sitting next to her and wiping the rest of her tears away, I meant to show you someday.

Now I know Ive been busy with this new show, trying to contain her excitement and not giving it away, but this one is really worth it T.

What is it?

Glad to take her wife away from any more tears, Its a surprise.

You know Im not that crazy about art.

I know, but I think youre gonna love it.

You know what I would really love right now.

Whats that baby.

You in bed with me, holding me.

That I can do.



The show was going to be a special show, and afterwards, Kit thought it would be good to have a small after party at the Planet.

Kit, is everything ready at the Planet.

You know it girl. Tonights show is gonna be great.

You dont even know what it is Kit Kat.

So, but youre gonna be great so it should be good too.

Thanks Kit Kat.

Ill see you at the gallery tonight then.

Bye.



Tina, do you have my jacket.

No.

Coming around the corner buttoning her blouse. Then where is it?

I dont know. You dont need the jacket babe, you look great like that.

Mami, do I have to wear this again, holding up the hated tie.

No you dont have to.

We ready?

Yes.

Everyone was there. It had been a big deal that the gallery was going to have a show and no one knew what it was about. The curiosity brought them all out.

Making their appearance, it was time for Bette to open the show. She usually wasnt nervous in front of crowds, but tonight was her show. Having her group right in front, she kept her nervous eyes on them.

Thank you all for coming out tonight.

Looking for Tinas eyes so she could get comfortable, I know everyone is wandering what I have in store, so without further adieu, I present My Everything.

All around the room where the pictures stood covered, one by one they became visible. The room caught on and they all watched as each picture was unveiled. The black and white photos of her and Tina, now stood for everyone to see, from when they first started dating, to the very pregnant Tina that stood before them now.

When the last one was uncovered she left the podium and joined Tinas side. By then Shane and the girls had backed up leaving them two in the center.

Seeing Tinas eyes, she wished her a Happy Valentines Day.

Do you like?

I love it, as she took her hand and they along with the others walked to see each picture.


The After Party.


T, do you feel okay. We could go.

Bette, this is your celebration, I feel fine.

Fine enough to dance.

I thought youd never ask.


Kit how are we going to get her upstage. Shes not drunk yet, so you know she wont.

Yeah Kit, you know she only sings to her in private.

What if we tell her we are all going to sing and then we dont go onstage or something?

She wont fall for that.

Shane was right, Bette was still a private person when it came to showing Tina affection.

Tell her Tina wants her to sing.

Tina doesnt have to ask her to sing, Bette just does it.

I dont know, going back to watching her sister dance.

Well think of something Kit.


T, you want another juice or something?

No, but I have to go to the bathroom.

Tina, Ill go with you. Dana followed Tina.

Tina leaving Bette with the girls at the table. That was a beautiful show Bette.

Thanks Shane.

Shane looked to Alice.

So Porter would you help?

Help with what.

I want to sing a song to Dana.

Alice you cant sing for *****.

NO but YOU can.

No.

Please Bette, she thinks I cant be romantic, I have to show her.

Show her some other way. Al Im not doing it.

You dont have to sing then, just play the keys. Ill get Kit to sing.

Okay Ill play the piano, but for Dana Al, thats why Im doing it.

Thanks Bette, I owe you. Bette got up to go tell Kit she was going to play. Alice high fived Shane, as Kellie shook her head, You guys are terrible.


Kit went onstage. I have a surprise, I have some very special entertainment, so please give it up

Shane whered Bette go, as she took her seat at the table.

Um she went to go talk to Kit for a second.


Meanwhile behind the curtain.


Bette I cant do it.

Alice youre not going to do this to me. Youre going out there.

Please Bette, I cant, you go out there and sing.

No Im playing the piano, youre singing. She went to take her seat at the piano, thinking Alice was going to follow her. Bette was going to call for her, but turned around to nothing there.

so give it up. Kit finished. The curtain opened up to Bette sitting at the bench looking mortified.

Give it up for my baby sister. The place went wild. In Bettes head, Im going to kill her. But the place grew quiet as they waited for her to start.

A few notes sounded as Bette forgot about everyone and Tinas face entered her head.


…I never had no one that I could count on, Ive been let down so many times. I was tired of hurting, so tired of searching, till you walked into my life. And it was a feeling Id never known and for the first time I didnt feel alone…

Letting it all go and looking for Tinas eyes as she continued.

…Youre more than a lover. There could never be another, to make me feel the way you do. We just get closer, I fall in love all over, every time I look at you. I dont know where Id be, without you here with me. Life with you makes perfect sense, youre my best friend.

Finding her wife, seeing her, holding her hand over her mouth with her eyes so full.

…You stand by me and you believe in me, like nobody ever has. When my world goes crazy, youre right there to save me. You make me see how much I have. I still tremble when we touch and oh the look in your eyes when we make love. Youre my best friend. Youre more than a lover

The last keys quieted as the place erupted into applause. Not to be a bad sport about how she ended up there alone, she took her bow, and walked off the stage.

Baby girl, you brought the place down.

Im going to kill Alice.

Walking up to the table and ready to let Alice have it, but instead Tina stood up, and engulfed her in her arms. Whispering in Bettes ear, I love you. Take me home.

Aw come on Porter go and get a room and get busy with your wife. God knows you need some.

Dana.

Alice, lets go dance before you get beat up.

Bette you rock.

Thanks Shane, good night you guys.


We have the house to ourselves.

JJ next door?

Yup.

So just you and me?

Just you and me.

One buttontwo buttons threea zipper downa dress on the floorshoes all overslacks on the couchhair let downa growing bellytwo pairs of eyessexy in loveready for loveBetteTina my everythingI love youI love you tooa mess in the sheets.