They talked about Christmas all the way back to Bette and Tina’s house. Rosemary was looking forward to seeing Tina and meeting the kittens she had heard so much about. The lights were on and the house was warm and there was the smell of bread being baked when they let themselves into the house. Bette smiled as she removed her winter coat and hung it up. She waited until Rosemary had removed her coat and put her parcels in a corner.
“Come on through “
The sitting room lights were on but there was no one in the room
“Tina “ Bette called
The blonde appeared from the kitchen
“Hello babe – hi Rosemary “
“You okay ?”
“Missing kitten “ Tina reported
“Which one ?”
“Ah “ Rosemary said “You have decided on names “
“We have – we were having late night chicken sandwiches last night and suddenly there was less chicken in the sandwich than we had put there “
“So ?”
“Bonnie and Clyde “ Bette said grinning “ Its slightly better than Jekyll and Hyde which Tina wanted to call them “
Rosemary smiled “I like that – which one is which “
The black kitten came from the kitchen.
“That’s Clyde “ Bette said “I suspect it was her who was talked into it by Bonnie into the daring raid on my sandwich”
“So Bonnie is missing ?” Rosemary concluded
“Yes “
“Last seen ?” Bette asked
“I was in the spare room emptying some boxes and I had brought them upstairs with me. I brought them both down “
“I will look upstairs “ Bette said smiling. She walked to the kitchen door and kissed Tina
“Hello “
“Hi “ Tina returned the kiss “Would you like a glass of wine ?”
“I think you better find the other kitten first – – meanwhile I will say hello to this little one”
Rosemary picked the black kitten up and its purred at her
“Oh – you are lovely “
“Wait til you meet her sister – classy chick “ Tina said as Bette went upstairs
Rosemary went into the sitting room. She noticed the changes immediately – the pictures on the wall were different – Tina’s obviously. There were an extra three rows of CD’s behind the hi-fi – it looked like they were settling in. Rosemary sat down and stroked the kitten. Tina smiled
“Have you heard from Melvin ?”
“He arrived safely and he’s off to watch a college football game with one of his pals”
“I hope he has fun “
“I am sure he will – this conference happens every year and its good for both of us.”
“Do you miss him ?”
“Oh heavens yes but we pretend that we don’t but we do “
Tina smiled “How was dinner with mom and Helena ?”
“I will tell you both later – it was interesting – how are you enjoying living with Bette ?”
“Its wonderful – we haven’t argued about much – other than the kittens. The naming thing started as funny and ended up competitive – as I think a lot of things do with the two of us. “
“I remember someone questioning whether the two of you could live together because you are both only children “
Tina pulled a face “And as such we are both selfish and like to be the centre of attention “
“Something like that “
“On the plus side – we don’t have to be in the same room the whole time. I have been working upstairs in my new office – getting it set up and Bette’s been happy to potter around down here. Maybe it’s a way of her getting some peace “
“I don’t think Bette would want her old life back if you offered it to her”
“I know she wouldn’t – neither would I. She’s the best and I just love her so much”
“Its very obvious “ Rosemary said “This is her dream come true “
“Me and two cats “
“Pretty much “
Bette came into the room carrying the Siamese
“Bonnie was discovered when I almost sat on her when I sat on the bed to remove my boots “
Tina smiled “You shouldn’t have lifted her up on our bed the other day”
“I thought it was the best way to make sure we knew where they were “
“When they get bigger they are going to be anywhere they want “ Rosemary pointed out. Bette put the kitten on her mother’s knees “ Meet the brains of the operation “
“Hello girl “ Rosemary was really impressed with the kittens and was rubbing Clyde’s ear and making a friend for life.
“I will just check on the dinner “
“I can smell the bread “
“It smells awesome “
“Its only spaghetti and meatballs – nothing fancy “
“Tina is cooking for us every night – its just awesome to come home to being fed and waking up with a beautiful woman every morning “
“And a kitten “ Tina said joking
“Yeah – or two. If you check on the meal I will get the drinks and then mom is going to tell us all about Emma and Helena’s coming out “
After five minutes Rosemary was settled with a glass of wine by her side and two kittens curled up on her lap. Tina was sitting on the sofa with Bette next to her. Bette was holding her glass of wine
“So – tell us “ Bette said
“Who was there ?”
“Marina and Carla “
“Bette’s fan club member “ Tina said dryly – Bette laughed
“Phyllis and her daughter Jade and two friends of Emma’s – Ged and Frances”
“Interesting mix “ Tina said
“It was large enough so there was a lot of chatter but small enough to be controllable “ Rosemary said
“So how do you think it went down ?”
“There was a lot of people agog “ Rosemary smiled “Phyllis was utterly shocked”
“At Helena’s party she was drooling over Emma “ Bette remarked
“Shocked as in horrified or shocked as in shocked ?“
“I don’t think anyone was horrified – they were fascinated. Especially when Emma and Helena arrived after everyone else holding hands “
Bette laughed – she wished she had been there – if just to see the look of astonishment on Marina and Phyllis’s faces. Tina was listening intensely – it mattered to her that her mother was okay and what she was doing was a brave move.
“After the shock –I think everyone settled down. There were questions and when Phyllis went to the bathroom – Helena followed her. They were gone for a while.
“How was mom ?”
“Nervous at first but she soon got going and was in good form. She can be very good company at dinner because she knows how to work a room. She was funny and open and she had everyone eating out of her hand “
Tina let out a sigh of relief – she realised how much she had been worrying about her mother.
“How did everyone take them as a couple ?”
“Shocked but they got over it. Helena told everyone how long they had been together which I think did stun them. The news about the clubs was a real show stopper – they have set up a company by the way “
Tina looked at Bette who didn’t seemed surprised “A company ?”
“Helemma “
Bette smirked
“Not as cute as Tibette” Bette said “Our name is much better “
“Helemma ?” Tina said “What sort of name is that ?“
“Its sweet “ Bette said “And its just a name. it makes sense for them to set up a company to run the clubs. How are the clubs going ?”
“Contracts not yet being signed because Emma is going over the details. “
“It sounds like they are sorted “ Bette said “Was there any chatter when they weren’t around ?”
“Phyllis was shocked as I said but Marina was gracious and said in her sexy foreign accent that you never could tell where Eros would strike and as long as they were not hurting one another and they were happy well – that was all that mattered “
“Good old Marina “
Tina didn’t like Marina and scowled. Bette saw the look and ignored it – Tina would see in time that Marina was a tease and she flirted with everyone – it never mattered a jot to her. The only woman Bette wanted flirting with her was the blonde she was now sharing a home with.
“I have to say that I have not seen Helena as clear about what she wants to do with her life in a long time – your mother is good for her Tina”
“I just hope they don’t get too much abuse when it emerges at work that she’s with a younger woman “
Rosemary was moved by Tina worrying about her mom.
“Tell her to quote Dr Seuss at them ’” Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
“Nicely put “ Bette said “Honestly babe – it will be a three day wonder . People who care about her like you – are just happy to see that she has found someone to put a smile on her face and when they see Helena –well half of them are just going to be so envious of Emma”
“Bette is right Tina – its sweet to worry but they seem oblivious to what anyone thinks”
“All that matters to your mom is that you are okay about it “
Tina smiled “I know – you just don’t stop worrying about them you know “
**
“Tina – I am home “
“In the sitting room with YOUR cats “
Bette removed her coat and laughed. As she hung the coat up Clyde came through to greet her. They had all been living together for three weeks and already Bette couldn’t imagine her life without the three females who dominated her life so much. Christmas was only two weeks away and Bette was looking forward to having a few days away from the gallery just eating and drinking too much.
“Hey Clyde – what have you been doing ?”
Bette picked the black cat up, rested her on her shoulder and walked into the sitting room. Tina was putting toys back on the tree
“Hey babe- what’s up ?”
“Someone “ Tina looked at the cat on Bette’s shoulder “has knocked off all the toys from the branches she can reach.”
“Wait until next year “ Bette said “They should be able to climb the tree next year and why are you giving Clyde the evil eye ?”
“I have my suspicions about which one it was “
“Clyde’s problem “ Bette said sitting down and stroking the cat “Is that compared to Bonnie she looks guilty every single time – I would strongly suggest that unless you see the smoking’ mouse in her mouth she is the victim of mistaken identity and its not her fault that her sister should have been called Beelzebub – where is she by the way ?”
Tina gestured – the Siamese was looking out of the window.
“Come and sit down with me babe “
“I need to get this finished “
Bette sighed and watched Tina with appreciation. Finally Tina was happy with the tree and joined Bette on the sofa.
“How can you suspect a kitten this cute ?” Bette asked
“Easily “ Tina said. She laughed “They follow me all over the house “
“They do that with me – what have you been doing today other than chasing two criminal minded kittens around the house ?”
“Some pre-course reading “
“Film or business ?”
“Film – I was trying to get used to working upstairs. I managed about half an hour of some book about film theory until your cats showed up wanting to know what I was doing and could they play as well “
“I went round one of the clubs with Helena “
“How does it look ?”
Bette pulled a face “I hadn’t even heard of it – its beside Edition – do you know that place ?”
“No”
“Me neither – Helena was telling me where this club was and I would have been less lost if she had given me the name of some club in Moscow. In the end she came and collected me and we got a cab across town “
“How was it ?”
“Well location is going to be a problem but I have seen worse clubs”
“Clubs always look dingy during the day “
“Well this was super dingy – she was talking about the work that she wants doing. She’s got ideas – good ones.”
“Did you find out how involved mom is going to be ?”
“Invested 25% of the money “ Bette revealed “Something to do with her bonus being high and she wanted to do something more fun with it than invest in what with the low return on funds these days – blah blah “
“I guess they enjoy talking about money – something else they have in common. Did you ask Helena about Christmas Day ?”
“I did but she didn’t give me an answer – she wanted to talk to Emma”
Tina shook her head “They have it bad “
“They do – Helena’s crazy about her. I know Helena’s style is to be ultra laid back but she’s not fooling me – she’s in love and she likes the feeling “
“I am glad – I do worry but it seems that they are all fully aware of the issues and they are dealing with them as they come up “
Bette put her arm around Tina and the blonde rested her head on Bette’s shoulder and closed her eyes “Christmas is going to be different for everyone this year”
Bette watched amused as Bonnie jumped down from the window seat, strolled across to the Christmas tree and started to knock the baubles off. Bette managed to stifle a laugh for a few minutes – during which time Bonnie had dislodged three baubles and was working on her fourth
“You know how your suspicions were that it was Clyde who was the phantom menace ?”
“Yes “
“Well if you open your eyes you will see that she is asleep on the opposite shoulder to the one you are resting against “ Tina opened her eyes and yes Clyde was snuggled against Bette.
“So ?”
“And the real culprit is currently committing her crime in plain sight as the police say. I think that’s all the proof that you need that you have been slandering my client Ms Clyde – she will be demanding compensation in the form of tuna “
Is this love
Chapter 135
Bette could feel something on her chest –whatever it was it was moving. She stayed still for several seconds and finally the something’s paw touched her face. She smiled – a kitten. Which one ? After realising what a criminal mastermind she was and a couple of incidents involving the toys on the Christmas tree and a misunderstanding about some prawns Bonnie had become Tina’s cat. She followed her everywhere and seemed to resent Bette when she got home from the gallery – especially when Bette tried to get close to the blonde. So by default Clyde became Bette’s favourite – Clyde was always watching for Bette to get home and was always but always the first to greet her when she walked in the front door and therefore get cuddles and strokes. Clyde loved Tina but adored Bette while Bonnie loved Tina and was deeply suspicious of Bette especially after the incident when Bette stood on Bonnie’s tail by accident one night.
Bette opened her eyes and there was the jet black kitten that was growing fast.
“Hey Clyde – Happy Christmas “
Clyde had settled down to watch Bette. Bette stroked the kitten and looked over at Tina who was sleeping beside her. Bette noticed the clock – 8am. 8am – Christmas Morning and she was waking up in her own bed – except it wasn’t her bed anymore. It was the bed she shared with the woman she loved – the woman she lived with – Tina Kennard.12 months ago Bette hadn’t known that Tina existed and now they were sharing a home and taking turns to feed two kittens. It was truly amazing how your life could change – how something as simple as two college friends meeting could alter the lives of so many people. Because Melvin Porter had bumped into Emma Kennard – Bette and Tina were now a couple and so were Emma and Helena. Life just had the most amazing way of surprising you for better and for worse.
Bette reached under the blanket and stroked Tina’s back which made her roll over to face Bette.
“Hey “ Tina muttered
“Hello there – Clyde has come to wish us Happy Christmas “
“That’s sweet of her “ Tina yawned and looked around “Hello girl “
“Hello you “ Bette said touching Tina’s face.
“Hello”
Bette placed a soft kiss on Tina’ lips “Happy Christmas babe “
“Happy Christmas Bette”
“I was just thinking how last Christmas morning I woke up on my own and I felt so sad about how my personal life was going”
“Yeah – real agony to have all those super models and actresses and artists hanging on your every word and salivating when you walked into a room”
“It was agony “ Bette said
“My heart bleeds”
They kissed again
“I think I should go and put the beef in “ Bette said finally
“If it takes 4 hours it’s a good idea “
“Right – you want some coffee as well ?”
“Please – see where the other cat is will you ?”
“Okay – you and Clyde can chat”
Bette picked up the black kitten, deposited it her on Tina and got up. Putting on her robe she hurried downstairs and stopped to turn the heating up. It might not be a white Christmas but it was certainly a damn cold one. Bette hurried around the kitchen for 20 minutes putting the large piece of beef into the oven and brewing some coffee. Picking Bonnie up from the sofa in the sitting room she went back upstairs. Tina’s eyes were closed and Clyde was exploring the view from the window seat. Bette put Bonnie down beside Clyde and got back into bed after putting the coffee down
“Hey you “
“I am sleeping”
“Are you sure ?”
“Yes “
“Okay – so you don’t want some of that expensive $10 a bag coffee I bought last week”
Bette loved that Tina was as much a coffee snob as she was – Tina opened her eyes
“I just woke up “
“Odd that “ Bette said and held a mug of coffee out for Tina. The blonde pulled herself up and took the coffee.
“Oh – that is worth the extra money – really rich but not bitter”
“I know “ Bette said “Its nice – did you sleep okay ?”
“Yes – you ?”
“Fine – I think we over did the wine last night “ Bette said
“Probably right – not the wisest thing to go to bed with a bottle of wine and some beer and pretzels to watch TV”
“Everything is in hand for today though – it’s a big thing to do our first Christmas lunch together and include my parents, your mom and Helena and Peggy “
“I think given the year we have all had it is appropriate that we celebrate Christmas together as one big family “
“Peggy will bring the booze “
“I do have a feeling that we will regret that “
“No – she will bring the best of everything – I did mention that dad and I like brandy “
“That was devious “
“Nonsense – Peggy would be gutted if she didn’t provide everything that we could possibly want for a drunken afternoon of drinking too much and eating several thousand calories”
“I used to sneak off to the movies and leave my moms some alone time. One year I came back early – the movie had been cancelled because there was no heating and they were in bed together “
Bette smiled “How old were you ?”
“About 16 I think “
“Good for them “
“I know –I don’t think it bothered me. I just liked that mom was happy after they had argued on Christmas Eve “
Bette sighed “Its going to be a new Christmas experience for Emma – and Helena”
Tina put her coffee down on the bedside table and Bette did the same. They lay down facing one another.
“Did you know that Helena told Peggy and mom off a couple of days ago ?”
“No – tell me more “
“Peggy invited mom to some swanky Christmas bash – Helena was supposed to be going with her mother but she had meetings with the builders “
Bette was loving this story already – Helena missing a Christmas event because of her new business venture was just a perfect set up and as odd as anything else that had happened since the previous Christmas.
“They drink too much champagne at the event “
Bette held up her finger
“No – Peggy’s mantra is there is no such thing as too much champagne –clearly she is passing this onto Emma “
“Well whatever – they got drunk as Lords and stayed out until past midnight and by the time Emma arrived at Helena’s place- H was really cross and had to put mom to bed”
Bette laughed for several minutes at this story- she really wasn’t sure which part of it she liked the best – Helena missing a party because of work had been music to her ears but the thought of Helena’s mom and partner getting legless together after being enemies for so long just made her hug herself with amusement.
“So did your mom tell you this ?”
“She did – she came over around lunchtime. I made her a sandwich and we chatted –it was nice “
“Was she hung over ?”
“Not obviously – she is still on cloud 9000 after taking Helena to the office party and her not getting too much gossip “
“I know that Helena said it went well “
“That was what mom said – Helena was charming and polite “
“And turned on that smile of hers and no one dared ask her what she was doing with a woman so much older than her “
Tina nodded “She was worried but she’s had a lot of positive comments. Though as she said- she’s not likely to hear the negative comments first hand. “
“It was a brave thing for them to do but then neither of them are strangers to taking risks. It really seems to be working for them – I am really pleased “
“So is mom. Helena has given her a zest that I think she had thought was gone for good. “
“You both deserve the happiness that you are both having now”
“She really opened up about how she felt in the couple of years after Kate died. She just didn’t think she would ever be happy – she would always have the life that she was living. Work and coming home and dealing every day with people who she knows are guilty but its her job to get them off or get them the least sentence that she can. Me just lazing around didn’t help – she had told Kate that she would make sure I went back to work and found a nice woman. She felt that every promise that she made Kate she was failing on “
“And now ?”
Tina snuggled closer to Bette
“What I didn’t know was that she goes to see Kate every month – sometimes more than once. She had told her all about you and me months before we went up there “
“She has honoured the promises she made to Kate – she can move on “
Tina nodded “That’s what she said – Helena is so different to mom and their relationship is different – I think that is helping to banish some ghosts “
“And branching into the world of night clubs “
Tina laughed “That’s surprised her as much as anyone else. I think she would really like to own a restaurant “
“Does Helena know that ?”
“I don’t know “
Bette sniffed “Helena bought Dylan a editing studio for her crappy movies “
Tina raised her eyebrows
“She wouldn’t ?”
“It might be still too soon but if their relationship keeps developing – then – yeah – I can see it happening – when’s your mom’s birthday ?”
Tina laughed not sure if Bette was kidding or not –she suspected that she wasn’t. Peggy was legend for her generosity and Helena was Peggy’s daughter in so many ways
“Its good that they are happy “
“It is “ Bette agreed “”You can start college knowing that your mom is happy and she’s fully occupied and enjoying a new lease of life “
“All down to your best friend”
“I am not sure how much credit I can take “
“I shall propose a toast today to the dodgy prawns that struck down the Prosecutors office and drove your dad back to court “
“And bumped into your mom and they both just happened to mention their daughters – their gay daughters at that and from then on in “
Bette smiled – how much different would her life have been if that one event hadn’t happened ? it helped that their mothers had made such an utter botch job on trying to get them together. So bad that it was funny – so bad that Bette saw through it almost at once. So bad that Bette just had to share the story with her other unknowing victim….
“You know what I want to do now ?” Tina said disturbing Bette’s thoughts
“What ?” Bette knew EXACTLY what she wanted to do now – it would be the perfect start to a busy Christmas Day as they would be too drunk and tired tonight to do anything other than fall into bed and sleep
“Open our presents “ Tina was beaming
“Yeah – we could “
“Yeah – lets get up – I want to see what all those presents are and you cannot stop the girls exploring their Christmas stockings”
“I think the girls “ Bette said “Will have the time of their lives when the house is full of people – people with comfortable laps and willing hands to stroke them and food for them to try “
“Just as well we didn’t get a huge turkey – Clyde would have passed out”
“Clyde likes a challenge “ Bette said stroking Tina’s arm
“So – are we getting up ?”
“If you want “
Tina looked puzzled “You don’t want to unwrap your presents ?”
“I would like to play with one of the presents I got earlier in the year – the one that doesn’t need any unwrapping because she’s already naked “
Tina grinned “I think we will go with your idea “
**
It was close on 10am before they got up and sat together on the floor in the sitting room handing one another gift after gift. Beside them the kittens were leaping in and out of boxes and shredding any wrapping paper that they could get their paws on. Bette took Tina’s hand
“Thank you for making me the happiest woman in New York – in the whole world in fact – thank you “
Tina kissed Bette’s hand “ I should be the one thanking you for giving me so much of my life back. I cannot believe everything that has happened in the last 11 months – all because of Bette Porter – you really do have the best heart of anyone I know – thank you “
Bette wanted to say so much but she was distracted by a small white kitten gamely struggling to the second level of branches on the Christmas tree. She turned her attention back to the blonde who had swept her away by changing her life. But Bonnie was steadily making her progress up the tree – Bette grinned and moved Tina’s face so she could see the kitten
“That would be YOUR cat “ Bette said
Tina laughed “Oh God I don’t believe it “
“Obviously has ambitions to be the fairy on the top of the tree”
“I should get her “
“Lets see how she does “ Bette picked up Clyde “See that honey – you are not naughty like your sister “
“Clyde is more interested in food “ Tina pointed out as they all watched the Siamese’s progress.
“I think Bonnie is a cross between a cat and a mountain goat “ Bette said dryly
When the tree started to move Tina reached in and picked the kitten off the third branch and brought her down
“Lets give them their toys – quick” Tina said lifting the two small stockings that she had insisted on buying for the two kittens.
“Clyde first “ Bette “Because crime doesn’t pay “
“I think that’s not a easy message to get across given what we called them “
The stocking contained cat nip toys and balls for the cat to chase – but the kitten being a free minded kitten was more interested in the stocking and started chewing at it.
Tina put Bonnie on her knees as they explored the contents of her stocking
“That’s odd – there wasn’t a box in the other stocking”
Bette smiled to herself – genius Porter- sheer genius.
“You better see what it is “ Bette said as casually as possible.
Tina tipped the stocking upside down and looked at the box. She looked at Bette who was shaking a small ball with a bell in it for Clyde. The box contained a beautiful emerald ring – she looked up at Bette who was grinning. She took Tina’s hands in hers
“You have changed me Tina. I know that you say that I have done the same to you but you have done something that I didn’t do for you. You have freed my heart – made me more trusting and less materialistic. You have made me believe in rainbows and happy endings and dreams coming true. Because you are MY dream come true. All my life I have thought that I would stay alone all my life because I was too different – too smart – too odd at times. But you walked into my life that evening and nothing has been the same since. I see everything differently – I see that anything is possible and I see that because of you. I am so proud of you and you would make my Christmas if you would agree to wear my ring “
Tina was crying – Bette’s words were so moving and she was saying them about her – about Tina Kennard. She looked at the ring – it was old with one green emerald in the middle. It wasn’t over the top but it was beautiful beyond words.
When she had dried her eyes enough to be able to look at Bette again Tina smiled at her
“I would be honoured and moved to wear your ring – as long as you let me take you to a jewellers and let me buy you a ring so you wear mine. I love you so much and everything that I do from now on – every success and every moment of triumph will be made sweeter by sharing them with the woman I am meant to spend the rest of my life with – thank you Bette “