No problem. Im always here if you need me. She brought Tina into a gentle embrace. Be careful with her, shes fragile.

I will. Tina nodded and found her way to the bathroom, where she made it just in time to let the tears roll over the abused boundaries that were her lower lids. She stood in the stall, muffing her sobs with the sleeve of her sweatshirt.

She heard the door open a few minutes later, followed by the slapping of flip flops on the linoleum. Tina sniffled, wiping the tears from her eyes before exiting the stall. She wandered over towards the sink, splashing handfuls of clear, cold water onto her face. Her eyes were red, swollen and pained. She ducked down again to splash the water on her face, and when she rose, her gaze bouncing to the mirror, she saw what she thought was a hallucination. Behind her stood Bette Porter, the look plastered on her face could only be described as shock.

Sorry, Tina said quietly, stepping to the side so the beautiful brunette could use the sink beside her. She looked up at Bettes eyes, seeing nothing there. Not even an emotion, they were dark and bored. Lonely.

Tina, you know we cant go on like this. Bette said quietly as she scrubbed her hands. We cant keep avoiding each other. Its not making it easier on either of us.

Tina was silent, watching the constant movement of Bettes eyes, her lips, the way that her features were changed with each word. Its not making it easier at all. Tina shook her head, leaning against the wall.

I dont want this friendship to be in ruins anymore, T. I miss us. I miss talking to you on the phone late at night, and seeing you at lunch with your turkey sandwich in the sunlight. I miss everything, and its my fault that everything is this way. I dont want to be the reason that you cry, I want to be the one is there when you do, the one that wipes away the tears, kisses you and tells you its going to be okay.

But youre not going to be Bette, I know that. I want to believe that it isnt true, that weve got hope, but I cant. I dont want to let this feeling that Ive got ruin the friendship. But I cant help but want more. Tina sighed and slumped her shoulders, walking to the door.

T, come to my house tonight. I want this to work out. Bette said, the door slamming in her face. She turned to the mirror and rested her head against it, glaring at her reflection; at the lovesick wreck she had become.

TBCCC