Previously…

With no more than hope and faith, Tina made the
journey to the CAC. It was a journey that could change the rest of her life as
well as that of Bette’s and their baby. A smile crossed her face as she thought
in terms of “their” baby. Tina knew deep down that she was making the right
decision to work on she and Bette’s strained relationship and try to patch
things up. She knew that they couldn’t be just like they were before, things
had to be better. They both had to start thinking about not just themselves,
but the life that now grew within Tina. A life that represented all that was
good in their relationship.

It didn’t take Tina long
to realize that she had made the correct choice in taking surface streets.
Traffic was flowing with ease and the time that she had at the stop lights, she
used to think about Bette, their baby, their future and just what exactly she
was going to say to Bette to convince her that she and Tina belonged together –
now – always – forever.

Tina was stopped at red
light and let her mind wander to the first time that she and Bette had met. She
really didn’t want to be dragged to another modern art gallery by, her then
boyfriend, Eric, but he had been so persistent and had told her that she really
must meet the owner-operator of the gallery – Bette Porter. Tina was
immediately taken with Bette. Bette had charisma, knowledge and beauty but it
was much more than that. People seemed to be drawn to her – including Tina.
Bette was one of the most amazing people that Tina had met in her time in Los
Angeles and for apparent reasons. Eric had taken a liking to Bette and the
gallery. Eric was always trying to impress people with his “knowledge” of art
and artists and was in the market for a piece to complete his collection. Bette
knew the type well – not really art aficionados or fans, it was always just an
investment. When Bette pointed out to Eric that the artist of the piece that he
wanted was across the room, she took that as an opportunity to get to know Tina
Kennard better. Tina was flattered at the attention, but still didn’t know just
why she was so drawn to Bette. It was as if she had known Bette her whole life
and had this immediate comfort whenever they were near each other. Plus, it
didn’t hurt that Bette was down right gorgeous – which Tina was feeling awkward
about since she had never found another woman attractive. It was then that Tina
decided that she needed to get to know Bette Porter better.