Bette didn’t expect Tina to open her eyes and she didn’t so she decided that this was going to have to be a solo effort.

Bette lifted Tina up with care but confidence. It took Bette ten minutes but she got her into their bed and propped her up against their pillows. Taking Tina’s bra off was not easy – Bette thought herself as an expert in removing other women’s bras – but usually it was with the other woman’s co-operation or consent.
“God – I wasn’t this slow with my first girlfriend “ Bette muttered to herself. Once Bette had removed Tina’s bra she threw it onto the floor and got into bed. Manoeuvring Tina’s pants down would be too difficult and Bette didn’t have the energy. She switched the light off and got into bed. She looked at the blonde who was fast asleep
“You have no idea how much I love you Tina Kennard – over the next 50 years or so that we have together I hope you will get some idea of the depth of my feelings” Bette said before kissing Tina on the brow and settling down for the night

**

“Oh fuck Bette “
Bette looked up from reading her book at the just waking up figure of her lover
“Hello Ms K “
“Oh – turn the day down “
“Why would that be sweetheart ?”
“Oh – my eyes hurt – fuck – ohh God – what was I drinking last night ?“
“You made your peace with Peggy and that always involves too much drink and the wrong combinations. It how so few people fall out with Peggy because of the pain involved in becoming friends with her again”
“Oh – I am in pain Bette “
“We are due at my parents at half 11 “
“Tell them I am dying “
“I cannot – we are telling them that they have a post graduate student for a daughter in law “
Tina was silent for a few minutes and finally sat up
“I had forgotten about that “
“Not surprised – what’s your name again ?”
“Bette Porter “ Tina replied
“Close enough “
“Is that coffee you are drinking ?”
“If you look at your side of the bed there is a large glass of juice and a thermal cup of coffee.. It should be nice to drink by now “
Tina took Bette by the face and kissed her “I love you “
“I will love you more when you have had a shower and cleaned your teeth “
“Do I smell ?”
“I have smelt you when you are more fragrant “
“Will the coffee last until I have a shower ?”
“No but I will go and make some toast and some fresh coffee “
“You are something else”
“Yeah – not hung-over “
Tina picked up her juice and drained the glass.
“Is there any more juice ?”
“Probably – won’t be long “
Bette got up, grabbed her robe and looked down at Tina
“Congratulations on being accepted “
Tina smiled “Yeah – I did good “
“You did amazingly well “
Bette went downstairs leaving Tina to lean back in bed and reflect on what her life was becoming. Going back to college was very exciting and she was looking forward to it – she thought that she would really get a lot from the experience and she knew what she wanted taking her life forward. The most important thing was that her life was now being shared with Bette- her gentle, loving and so sweet Bette Porter.
Tina got up and after stopping to feel her head spinning around she headed towards the shower.
When Bette returned to the bedroom she was carrying a tray with toast, coffee and juice – that mix should be enough to get Tina back on her feet again and ready for Thanksgiving with Bette’s family. Bette put the tray down, cast the robe off and got back into bed and picked her book up again.