The car was still running in the driveway when Dana peered out the window, seeing the outline of a head of curls, and that of a blonde. She watched, knowing that evesdropping was a horrible thing to do, but it had to be done. She knew that there was something there, Tina only made it oh so obvious.

Was that? Dana thought, squinting as she struggled to see what was going on. Tina was leaning over, fixing something on the side of Bettes face…. and there it was.. The eye contact, the leaning.. A kiss.

Dana instantly felt guilty, but she would annoy the ***** out of Tina once she came into the room. The tackle and pin plan seemed to work well, so she stationed herself by the door, waiting. The sound of the front door closing kissed her ears, but silence after that.

So she waited, like a lion readily and stealthily awaiting its pray.

****

Deep brown orbs stared lifelessly at the now empty seat beside the caramel colored girl. Was this what a heart attack felt like? That searing pain in your chest, your heart pounding a mile a minute, body drenched in a cold sweat? Or was that just shock. Fingers rose to her lips, feeling the sticky lip gloss that had been passed from Tinas lips to her own. She brought her tongue over the stitches, tasting the delicious honey flavored balm.

Bette was more confused now that ever before. That kiss was wrong, she had known it and she had warned Tina. But it felt amazing, it made her… happy. She watched the house, Tinas blonde head disappearing behind the large oak door.

And just like that, Bette was alone.

She started the car, backing out of the driveway regretfully. Now, there was so much to explain to herself, to Tina, to Drew, to Karli. Maybe it would be kept a secret? She couldnt hide the feelings that she felt; but she certainly couldnt express them without fear of her father. Bette Porter couldnt go home now, it wouldnt be the same. She drove around the block a few times before deciding what she had to do. She pulled back into the driveway at the Fairbanks household, sighing as she exited the car and walked to the door, bringing a heavy fist to the dark wood. The nervous tremors shook her entire body, propelled by the beating of her heart.

Tina spun quickly, taking a quick look through the peephole before she opened the door and stepped out, immediately looking down. Listen, Im sor-

Bette shook her head and placed a gentle finger over Tinas lips, stopping her mid-sentence. She gently took the blondes dainty hand and lead her over a block to a small park that she had seen during her short drive. She seated Tina on the bench, standing over her.

Bette…. Tina said quietly. I was wrong I cant do this. I shouldnt have, I dont know whats going on.

Bette brought her lips to Tinas quickly, smothering the words. She was careful, using her lips without making the pain worse. She hesitated, not knowing exactly where to place her hands. She left them on Tinas thighs, feeling them shaking beneath her fingers. Shut up, would you? She whispered hoarsely.

But we cant, you said so yourself. I dont want to be a regret, or a side project. Youre with Drew, youre happy. I dont want to be the one that messes that up. Tina shook her head, slowly removing Bettes hands. Im sorry, it was a mistake before.

Tina, you know it wasnt. Bette said, walking at a faster pace to keep up. It has been 3 days since we met and youre always on my mind.

Tina froze, her knees buckling. She struggled to stay standing, Bette… no. Dont complicate things.

T, I know we both want this. I can feel that, but I cant let it go further. I dont want to ruin anything between you and I, between me and Drew, between you and Billy. There is too much at risk, and thats why, were not going to speak a word of this night to anyone. Well just leave it at our temptations got the best of us.

It never started, were not ending anything. Tina said, each word stabbing a brand new wound into her heart. Goodnight Bette Porter.

Dont walk away from me, T. If it happens again, maybe well talk more about what were getting ourselves into. But be realistic, Im a senior, youre a freshman and both of us are taken. Youre confused, Im confused. Its all just confusion. I dont want to have the mixed feelings. I know my boundaries. We cant take this further, as much as wed both like to. But dont forget your feelings, embrace them and see where that takes you. Dont hate yourself for showing your feelings.

The tears cascaded down Tinas cheeks, I dont hate myself for kissing you. I dont hate myself for showing that I care. I hate myself because I am so fucked up. I should have known that you were off limits, that I was going to get fucked over in the end. And thats exactly whats happened. Everything is going to be awkward, and well lose touch and Ill be stuck with a whole load of depressing ***** that I dont want to be stuck with.

But it doesnt need to be that way. Bette shook her head, taking Tinas hand. We dont need to make it awkward, Im not saying act like this never happened, but well just think of it as a new platform that weve reached. Were open with each other, T, we have that special quality that is rare. We just cant let it go more than friends right now, until were both sure of what we want. There is too much that could be put into jeopardy. Ive known you all of 3 days and I feel like its been a lifetime. I dont want to lose you over this. She leaned to taste Tinas lips again, but was rejected. The tears found her eyes now. She let go of Tinas hand and watched her disappear.

Goodnight, T. Sweet dreams. Bette called after her, falling back onto the bench defeated.

Or nightmares of how horribly wrong this night has gone, The blonde thought, slipping into the house and back up the stairs. She couldnt stop the tears, and if Dana asked, shed simply lie. Easy as that.

Dana? Tina asked upon entering the room. It was dark, the teenage Fairbanks was probably sleeping. A noise from behind caused Tina to jump. She was pushed back against the wall as the light switched on and glared directly into her eyes, blurring the vision further than the tears had.

What were you doing- Wait, Tina is everything alright? Youre crying… Dana inferred, quickly letting go of Tinas arms. *****, what the ***** happened?

Its nothing. Tina sat on the edge of the bed, sniffing as she untied her shoes. Dont worry, go to sleep.

Tina dont lie to me. Dana said seriously, kneeling before Tina. I saw you kiss her, does this have anything to do with that? You dont have to hide anything from me.
You were watching? Christ, how many people saw? It was an accident, a simple mistake. Tina shook her head, looking around the room to avoid her cousins concerned gaze. She felt more tears coming, and tried to hold them back but nothing worked.

You dont need to deny it, thats the worst thing you can do. It makes you feel like *****. Dana offered a smile, clearing the tears from the stained cheeks.

I dont deny it, she denied me. She chased me down, kissed me, and then told me that she couldnt do it. That just makes me feel like complete *****. Knowing that she wants it just as much as I do, and she wont admit it. Says there is too much at risk.

Oh Tina, its going to be a long and winding road. But dont give up. She smiled and helped a lifeless Tina into pajamas, setting her down on the bed. Dont let her get you down, at least you know that she feels for you.

I know what she feels and I know what I feel, Tina said, closing her eyes tightly. I just want us to feel as one. To share our love and be one, but Im naive.

Dana replied,Thats not naive, everyone wants that.

Not as much as I do, Dane. Tina whispered. I want her more than anything you could ever imagine.

I know what youre feeling, Dana smiled weakly, shutting off the light. She could easily relate. This brought Alice to her mind. I know exactly how you feel.

Then why arent you crying your eyes out? Tina thought finally, ducking into the dark abyss that stayed deep beneath the covers.

TBCCCCC