“Tina?” She wore a grin on her face and bit her bottom lip. “Do you want to open your present?”

“Yes!” Tina clapped.

“What is it?” Tina shook the brown paper covered frame. She looked like a small child on Christmas morning.

“Before you open it” Bette bit her bottom lip again and rubbed her arms nervously.

Bette Porter did not do nervous. Tina being in her life now, she all of a sudden felt this emotion. She found herself always wanting to please her, interest her, and make her happy. If Tina only knew, if she didn’t like Z’s painting she wouldn’t know how much she’d be breaking Bette’s heart. Bette too had a secret to share.

“You should know I wasn’t trying to fool you or anything tonight. Okay you can open it.” She sat back down.  Tina looked at her, not sure whether or not she wanted to open the present now.

“Go on.” Bette pushed the frame towards her. Tina was reluctant at first but began to rip the packaging when Bette started to. Bette learned tonight that Tina didn’t like help with unwrapping. She blew air onto her hand. Tina had slapped it away. She chuckled, sat back and watched Tina unwrap her gift.

Watching Tina unwrap the painting, it was the equivalent to watching her unwrapping her heart.

There was a loud gasp heard in the room. Tina held a hand over her mouth as she stood up staring at the exact painting that she had seen at the Scarlett Exhibit. It was the painting by the artist Z.

“BETTE!” She cried and went silent.

Bette felt her heart beating against her chest. Tina was killing her with the anticipation. What did she feel? Did she love it? Had Alison read her wrong?

“How did you get this?” She questioned her. “The woman at the exhibit said it was only for display… She said that the artist Z…” She turned to Bette with realization hitting her. “You’re Z?” Tina’s draw dropped. She didn’t know Bette painted.

“Do you like it Tee?” Bette ignored the latter. All she cared about was if Tina liked the painting. Her approval meant the most to her.