I have been dating Bette for a few weeks now. Is dating the right word? I mean is that what you would call all of this? This is all so new to me. I mean I knew the first night that I saw her at the gallery there was something between us. I had to see her again. That is why I left my earring there, so I could go back to get it and see her. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. I was instantly drawn to her. I could have stood there and talked with her all night. And the way she looked at me. She made me feel like I was the only person in the building. It was like the whole place disappeared and it was just the two of us. But that moment, that beautiful wonderful moment, was cut short by that idiot that was my date. God he was annoying. What was I thinking. Which is why I had to go back. He took away my moment and I wanted it back. But when I went back to get my earring, I got way more than I bargained for. I was walking around waiting for her to get out of a meeting. As I was staring at a sculpture, I could feel her eyes on me. She was watching me and at first it disturbed me but then it sent chills up my spine. The good tingling type of chills. I turned around and when my eyes met hers I was speechless. It seemed like an eternity before she spoke. All I could mumble was hey. It was like I lost all use of my body. She calmly walked over and handed me back my earring. Looking for this huh. She said. I couldnt take my eyes off of her. I mean I had noticed other women before and shrugged it off but none like this. She moved something inside of me and while it scared the ***** out of me, I couldnt get enough of it.

So here I am driving over to her house for the night. She is having a small party with some of her friends. Im meeting the friends. Well, I mean I have met Marina. She is the owner of The Planet. Bette and I went there on our third date. Its a cute little place and they do have really good food. As far as her other friends, well I have only heard stories. Bette wanted us to spend time alone. She didnt think I was ready to handle her friends just yet. So tonight is the night. I have so many butterflies in my stomach. Bette seems to bring them out in me like no one has before. Then on top of that Im nervous about meeting her friends. This is all so new to me and a little scary. Ive always wanted this feeling. The feeling that if you dont see this person you might die. I just never thought Id feel this way about another woman. I havent dared to tell my friends or family yet. They just wouldnt understand. ***** I dont even understand. But Ive always been the type to analyze and think so this time Im going to ignore the thoughts in my head and go with my feelings. Cause the way I feel when Im with Bette is like nothing Ive ever felt before and it feels right.

As I pull up into the driveway I see her. She is sitting on the front steps smiling that beautiful smile at me. Is she waiting out here for me? Hey you, I thought you might not wanna walk in alone…that youd be nervous. She is so sweet. I nod shyly as I walk up to her. She stands up, grabs my hand, and gently kisses my lips. God how does she do that. She makes me forget how to speak. Come on…dont worry I will protect you. All I can manage is a smile as I squeeze her hand.

I take a deep breath as she opens the door. No turning back now. As soon as we are spotted all conversation ceases. The room goes silent. I squeeze Bettes hand a little tighter. She squeezes back to let me know that its ok. There are two ladies sitting on the couch and two more sitting on the floor in front of them. All eyes are on me. Bette speaks. Girls, this is Tina. I smile and wave. I cant concentrate because Bette is slowly rubbing her thumb along my hand as she holds it. Tina, those two over there on the couch are my sister Kit and Marina whom youve met before. And those two on the floor are Alice, my ex girlfriend, and my roommate Shane. Shane stands up to shake my hand. Wow Bette, shes a hottie. Its a pleasure to finally meet you Miss Tina. All we have been hearing about the past month is you. I blush as she speaks looking at Bette whos giving her the eye to shut up. Shane looks about only eighteen, but she has a confidence that would suggest she was wise beyond her years. Dont believe a word she says Tina. She is just a kid. Bette teases her. Ah but Bette Im your kid now. Shane kisses her on the cheek as she walks past her to the kitchen. Ill have to ask Bette about that later. OK tell us everything about you. We want all the juicy details and dont leave anything out. Alice says to me as she grabs me by the arm and pulls me away from Bette toward the spot she was sitting on the floor

Hey Shane! Honey would you make Tina a drink. Bette calls into the kitchen as she sits down next to me on the floor. No problem after all I am the best bartender here. What would you like? I need something strong. But I just settle for my second favorite. ***** on the Beach please. I say. Oh dont we all. Bette you heard the lady youd better go. Shane says as she peeks her head around the corner. Everyone laughs and Im starting to feel a little relaxed. Bette leans over and whispers in my ear she must like you, she only teases people she likes. Shane walks over and hands me my drink then takes her seat next to Alice.

A few hours pass of us talking and sharing stories. I learned a lot about everyone. Alice and Bette had dated right after college but decided they were better off as friends and have been ever since. Kit had just been coming back around and into Bettes life. They are working on their relationship, but I still sense they have a long ways to go. Marina wasnt very talkative, and she left an hour after I got here. They said that was just the way she was. If you see her you see her if you dont you dont. Simple as that. Shanes story was the one that got deep. Apparently she was living on the streets and into all kinds of junk. Bette had met her out one night and Shane has been living here since then. For only being eighteen, she has been through a lot. Bette seems to care for her just like a child. Its kinda cute the way she watches after her.

The five of us are sitting here and all very drunk. Shane was right when she said she was the best bartender. I think we have all lost count of how many drinks we have actually had. Lets sing karaoke! Alice shouts out of nowhere. Oh no Alice come on you know what happens when we bring out the karaoke machine. Shane protests. Yeah I dont think Im ready for Tina to experience that yet. Bette says. Yea Alice you dont wanna scare away my baby sisters girl. This one might stick around awhile. Kit says as she smiles at me. Alice stands up and looks around trying to plan something for us to do. I got it. Everyone follow me. We all groan as we get up. As soon as I stand Bette wraps her arms around my waist and looks directly into my eyes. Are you having fun? We stand there a moment just lost in each others eyes. And I can feel it in my heart that this is where I am supposed to be. Yes I am having a wonderful time. I lean in and kiss Bette on the lips. We have kissed before, but it has never been this intense or intimate or in the presence of anyone. I know she has been holding back because this is all new for me and I love that about her. But this time I lick her lips and then gently bite down on her bottom lip. She slides one hand up and is playing with my hair. As we pull apart I can see the surprise in her eyes. I would have gotten you drunk a long time ago if I knew I could get a kiss like that. I smile at her. We turn to follow the others outside and as we do they are all standing there staring at us.