She paused.  In a pain-filled voice she continued, ”And I really don’t want to be alone.”

Bette thought that over, and since Tina didn’t mention any friends, she offered, ”Of course, of course. You shouldn’t be alone. If you want it, I could take you home with me, or…”

In response, Tina hugged Bette. Nodding her head, while her tears resumed falling.

Her tears were about something else, though. Tina thought Bette was being extraordinarily kind, warm, solicitous, and caring.  She seemed to understand what Tina needed at that moment, and remained tactfully silent throughout, her gentle rubbing and embrace was soothing, her touch clearly meant to calm her, not seduce her.  It touched Tina’s heart deeply, and kept her anchored to something solid, secure, even as she felt her world coming apart.

Bette gave her a gentle hug back, and then whispered that she needed to get things in the office. Tina sagged back into the chair, and nodded her head.

Shortly thereafter, Bette returned, helped Tina to stand.  They walked slowly across the main hall, heading towards the side door.  Before shutting the door, Bette keyed a code and activated the alarm.  They exited the building, and walked towards Bette’s car, Tina’s arm circling Bette at the waist, Bette’s arm gently resting on Tina’s shoulder.  She sat Tina down in the passenger seat, gently pulling the shoulder harness across, and leaned over to snap the belt in place. She opened the door behind Tina, and grabbed one of the soft pillows lying in the back seat. It was one of the sample products of a luxe Parisian boutique she found during the last trip.    She gently laid it on the side of Tina’s head, angled so that when Bette shut Tina’s door, Tina could continue to rest her head on the soft pillow. 

Tina’s eyes had been closed the whole time, and when Bette shut the door, a scented waft of air blew softly past Tina’s nose.  The smell was soothing, pleasant, and more woodsy than flowery, with a hint of lavender.  And every time Tina adjusted her head, the pillow released the same waft of air, just enough to whisper passed the nose, soothing, not overwhelming.  The pillow itself was just the right level of firmness and softness. It was perfect for Tina at that moment, to rest her head on a soft scented pillow, given a faint throbbing in her temples.