“A little like you are now. I’m sorry babe, that I didn’t tell you this morning. I just need some time to myself before the holidays. Please understand.” Tina pleads.

“I do understand, I just don’t understand why you couldn’t tell me. Should I be worried?” Bette carefully asks.

“Bette! No, of course not. I love you, this is for me, so I can get my head back into place after the accident and the whole earth shattering love I have for you. Please don’t worry.” Tina says, a few tears finds its way down her cheek. Bette hears the sadness in Tina’s voice.

“Oh babe, please don’t cry.” Bette says softly.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I hurt you with this. It wasn’t my intention.” Tina says.

“I know. I’m sorry too for coming on a little harsh.” Bette says. “I love you. Take you time, I’ll be here. Always.” Bette says.

“I love you too babe.” Tina replies.

“Okay, I’ll let you go. I’m stopping by the cemetery today. Since I won’t be here on Christmas day, I’ll go today.” Bette says.

“Oh okay. You want me to come with you?” Tina asks.

“No, it’s okay.” Bette says.

“You sure?” Tina asks.

“Yes babe. I’ll be okay.” Bette says with a smile.

“Okay. Well I should go. Class starts again. I’ll see you soon babe. Call if you need me or just want to hear my voice.” Tina says.

“I will. Love you.” Bette says and hangs up before Tina can reply.

“Fuck.” Tina says as she closes her phone.

“Is everything okay?” Josh ask as he sits down beside her and sees the concerned face of his friend.

“I hope so, I just… I’m stupid.” Tina says as she keeps looking at the phone.

“Wanna talk?” He asks.

“It’s just… I love Bette with all that I am, and want to spend the rest of my life with her, it’s just that since the accident, I haven’t been alone for one minute. She’s been great, she’s helped me, I wouldn’t be this good, hadn’t it been for Bette, but I just feel like I need a couple of days to myself. And I’m taking her home with me for the holidays, and with my bigoted family, I know hell will come and I’ll get tired and hurt. I just need some time to myself. And I sort of told her this morning when she dropped me off, but I didn’t tell her that I needed a few days alone. That I told her in a text message. I’m stupid. And then she called me and… a slight argument. And she hang up on me before I could tell her I love her.” Tina says.