Bette: Hey T what are those? (Bette kisses Tinas tears away) Tina youve loved me when I was absolutely un-loveable its about time you gave me a chance to at least try to repay you. But T youre not hard to love.

The couple stood their holding each other for a few moments.

Tina: Babe (stroking Bettes hair)

Bette: Yeah T

Tina: We should call Dr. Wilson to have her check out our bun thats in the oven.

Bette: Yeah—diapers T. Weve finally getting our family. I love you.

Tina: I love you too”more than youll ever know.


TBC

The couple went about their day. Bette decided shed go by the CAC and check in with Franklin. The Board would be thrilled about the success of the show and the fact that the pieces that were for sale actually sold out and on opening night at that!

Bette hadnt stopped by her office before leaving the previous night. She was too excited about getting home to find out if Tina was pregnant. She had a few things to look over there too.

Tina: Babe Dr. Wilson had a cancellation and wants us to come in this afternoon to confirm the test.
Bette: Great T. I just want to tie up a few loose ends at work and then well go see our little bun in the oven.
Tina: Ill meet you at Dr. Wilsons at 12:30.
Bette: Youll do no such thing. I told you when we began this; well go together or not at all. Why dont you just come to the CAC with me? I wont be longer than an hour if we get ready now well have time to go to the Planet.
Tina: Okay babe, Ill get ready now.

Bette and Tina both showered and dressed. They walked in the Planet hand in hand both finally feeling the excitement and joy knowing they were expectant mothers. Their normal crowd except Shane greeted the couple, she wasnt there.

Dana looked up nervously at them as they approached the table. She knew about last night. Tina had called Alice at a very inopportune time to have her go look for Bette.
Dana: (timidly asking) Hey guys you two all right?
Alice looked up and noticed the couple holding hands and smiled. Good, I see you two are better now. Im glad you guys got back on track. Alice offered.
Bette: I am too”thanks to you and Shane. By the way, where is she?
Alice: Oh, oh I guess she had an early appointment this morning.

Alice lied how could she tell her best friend that their other best friend realized she couldnt be around her until she resolved her unrequited love for her? Alice had called Shane to meet her at the Planet first thing this morning. Shane declined, Alice Im sure Bette and Tina will work through this and come to join us for coffee this morning. Bette will be happy holding Tinas hand and Tina will be happy and relieved that she was forgiven. Of course theyll both be thrilled because they are going to be parents. I cant and wouldnt want to take their happiness. I know in my heart they belong together but I also know without any doubt I was fooling myself to think I was completely over Bette. This isnt a crush either. I love that woman and until or unless I can get over her I dont want to be around her”its too much.

Alice couldnt share this with Bette it would actually break Bettes heart to know Shane was still harboring those feelings for her. Alice knows Bette loves Shane too much as a friend to see her hurt because she was unable to give her something”her heart. Alice knows it belongs to Tina lock, stock, and barrel.

She felt bad for Shane and didnt envy her position at all. Alice remembers all too well that it was hard to get over Bette and she wasnt even really in love with her when they dated. It was still difficult to watch the nature of their relationship change from one of intimacy to a more platonic one. Alice had come to realize Bette truly was a great woman who she had to have in her life; if not as a lover then as a friend”a best friend. She had never regretted that decision. She just hoped that Shane could get to that point. She knew it wouldnt be overnight because Shane had fallen for Bette and it was real, evidenced just last night by how she sacrificed her own feelings to get Bette back to Tina where she belongs. God I hope she realizes Bette is better as a friend then not having her in her life at all. Get there Shane”get there faster for Bettes sake she depends on you to keep her on track and for that swift kick in the rear when she needs it. Alice thought as she decided shed try to change the subject.

Bette went to get Tina her tea and got herself a latte. She sat back down and again thanked Alice and explained to Tina that she was beside herself with worry and fear and that Shane and Alice helped her realize she needed to put her worry aside and talk to her.

Tina: It seems Shane is a good sounding board for you babe. You know I should really hang out with her more. We havent done that, just the two of us sincewell since she admitted she had a crush on you.

Bette: Oh T Id like for you guys to reconnect. You used to be so close. Im sure Shane misses that.

Danas face grew a sympathetic smile because Alice had told her the extent of Shanes feelings for Bette and Tinas referring to Shanes feelings as a crush it wasnt accurate. According to Alice Tina was way off base. Dana had always hoped for Shane to be bitten by the love bug but not like this. She secretly wished for Shane to finally to find someone special and soon.

The time flew by as the conversation drifted to baby talk and the couple realized they should leave if they planned on making it to the CAC and their appointment on time.
Bette: See you guys. Alice if you hear from Shane, ask her to call me.

With that they left and headed to the CAC. When they arrived James who was a little pissed off greeted them.
Bette: Good morning James
James: This isnt such a good morning. Hi Tina.
Bette: Whats wrong? Last night was a huge success what up?
James: That lunatic called me every ten minutes asking for your cell phone number.
Bette had forgotten that Simone had harassed James.
Bette: Oh God James Im sorry. She really is crazy, isnt she?
James: I sure as ***** dont trust her. I know weve dealt with some really weird personalities before its like the more talented they are the crazier they get. (Now whispering) I think she has an unhealthy attachment to you. We need to be more careful.
Bette: (Shaking her head in agreement) I think youre right.

Tina and Bette walk into Bettes office and are welcomed by the portrait Simone had painted of Bette.
Bette: How did that get in here?
Tina: Oh well last night Simone left it for you as a thank you. A card should be on your desk somewhere. She was writing it when I came in. Babe you knew about this painting?
Bette: Yeah. Its the first thing she said she painted to get out of her rut. I”we, James and I saw it when we went to her studio.
Tina: (getting angry) Babe, Bette why didnt you tell me and why would you continue to work with her? My God shes been after you since day one.
Bette: T it was nothing to tell”nothing I couldnt handle. It didnt mean anything to me. ***** she didnt mean anything to me”not like that. Shes amazingly talented and I managed to keep her and her advances at bay.
Tina: But Bette if I would have known it was this bad last night would have never happened. I would have seen her for what she was and that kiss would have never happened.
Bette: Tina you arent serious? You arent blaming me because you kissed her? It shouldnt matter what she was doing. You didnt have to see her for what SHE IS you should have respected us enough to KNOW WHAT WE ARE. To ***** with her T”its about us.
Tina: (softened tone) Oh God youre right babe you are. I just wish you would have told me what she was doing but of course you arent to blame. Im sorry.
Tina walks towards Bette and runs her fingers through her hair and embraces her. Bette finally returns the embrace.

Bette didnt want to talk about it, think about it, or for that matter even hear Simones name anymore. Unfortunately”she wasnt that lucky”not today, not about this.

Franklin: (knocks and enters) Simones paintings sold for an unprecedented amount Bette shes amazing. Are we prepared for her individual show yet? I didnt see the final contracts.

Bette thinking, God Ill never escape this woman she finally answers him, Oh Franklin I havent decided if we should go that route yet.
Franklin: Oh Bette she adores working with you. She sent the Board a glowing letter of how professional and inspiring you are and shes looking forward to her show.

I cant believe that girl she had no reason to send a letter. Shes still trying to force herself into my life. I hate it and Im beginning to hate her. Bette thinks to herself.

Tina sat back quietly as she noticed Bettes facial expressions change seemingly with each new thought of her current predicament. Tina could only think of how she added to the complications of the situation and began to quietly berate herself.

Bette: Franklin, Simone is really quite a handful and shes not the most stable person out there.

Franklin: Yeah, well youve handled difficult artists before”the more eccentric the more talented they are”you told me that once, remember? ***** thats why we pay you the big bucks; speaking of which your bonus for this show is $50,000. Its reasonable to assume that with an individual show featuring Simones work youll get five times that.

Tinas eyes almost fell from her head. She knew this was a high profile job and the potential monetary gains were large she never knew they were that large. No wonder Bette stresses out from time to time. I would too if that kind of money was at stake Tina thought.

Bette: Franklin aside from the money I need to really think this through. Lets just be happy for Simone and all of the other artists for such a huge success last night.

Franklin tried to interrupt”as Bette continues.

Bette: You know Im thinking Tina and I may go for a weeks long vacation to celebrate this show if you dont mind.
Bette looks towards Tina and winked as Tina smiled and winked back.

Franklin: Of course thats fine but Bette before you go we really need to book Simone.
Bette: Okay Franklin before we go Ill let you know my decision about it.
Franklin: Bette Ive begrudgingly accepted your ideas in the past. Youre the one who brought her to our attention and now that she wants to continue a relationship with us wed be foolish to let this opportunity pass. Look I like our new relationship and I dont want to antagonize you of force this upon you but we have to do whats best for the CAC and an individual show for Simone is definitely whats best. Ill give you a few days for that realization to hit you but Bette it has to be done. You ladies enjoy the rest of your day.

Franklin left a stunned Tina and a pouting, sulking Bette.

Tina: Babe I know this is rough but youll get through it. I hate that I havent made things easier on you regarding Simone. Youll never know how deeply sorry I am.

Bette: Tina please you dont have to keep apologizing were okay.

Tina wrapped her arms around Bettes neck and glanced at her watch. I hate to tell you this but if we dont leave right now well be late for Dr. Wilson.

Bette snapped out of her sulking gaze, oh youre right Tina.

Tina saw Bettes entire demeanor change a genuine smile quickly appeared on Bettes beautiful face at the thought of seeing their baby.
Tina kissed Bette tenderly on the lips, she couldnt resist. Im sure everything will be okay”all of it– all of us. (Tina places Bettes hand over her womb.)

Bette: Im sure youre right Tina. She planted a deep love-filled kiss on Tinas mouth before they headed off to meet bump Kenter.

TBC