At Tinas apartment

I dont know if we can get this through the doorway, Shane said as she scratched her head. She was standing on the bed of her truck next to the desk from Bettes house. Well just have to angle our way through, Tina said from the ground, motioning with her hands to show Shane what she meant. Shane shrugged her shoulders, as if to say lets give it a shot and started to slowly push the desk towards the end of the truck. Dana and Alice were walking over to pick up the couple of chairs and stools that were on the sidewalk. Danas tour had gone well; she had a couple of strong victories, but still lost to the top players. She was much tanner than usual and her biceps rippled with extra force as she lifted two stools with ease, one in each hand. Alice, who had been lifting a chair to take inside, was frozen in mid-motion. Shane, who had now joined Tina on the ground, gently brushed the corner of Alices mouth, Hey, youve got a little drool right there. Oh, ***** off! Alice shouted, swatting Shanes hand away. She arched her back to carry the chair with more ease and huffed away following Dana.

Shane and Tina just chuckled as they gently eased the desk off the truck and onto the ground. Fortunately, Tinas apartment was on the ground level, but even so they couldnt help bumping their shins into the sides and legs of the desk. Alice was arranging the chairs inside when she heard the chorus of grunts and expletives (mostly from Shane) approaching. Between the four of them they managed to finally get the desk inside, but it still took the better part of a half-hour. By the end of the ordeal, they were laughing hysterically at themselves and sweating profusely. They left the desk in the middle of the room and proceeded to have a picnic on the floor as well as a heated discussion about how to arrange all the furniture. Maybe you should just Feng Shui it, Alice suggested taking a bite of her pickle, hoping it would put an end to the argument. Just then, Dana let out a little sniffle and everyone else looked toward her. Im okayits justIm really gonna miss having you as myroomie. AwwDana, Tina said with a comforting smile as she pulled Dana in for a hug.

Later that evening

Tina stirred the sauce one last time and deeply inhaled the aroma rising from it. She let out a contented sigh and replaced the lid to let it simmer a bit longer. She heard the key in the front door lock and knew it was Bette. She had given Bette the extra key to her apartment, but Bette never let herself in unless Tina was there. They had begun to see each other regularly, about twice every week, either over dinner or lunch. They would meet at Tinas place or at some neutral location since Tina still didnt feel comfortable going back to the house. She wanted to distance herself as much as possible from their previous relationship for now. They would usually just chat for a little while they ate, and then launch into their session. They had begun talking about their relationship, right from the first kiss, analyzing each stage, enjoying the sweet memories and evaluating how to avoid the creation of bad ones in the future.

Tina expected the hear Bettes voice but instead heard a loud bang. Oh, *****, sorry! Tina shouted as she sprinted over to unhook the chain, I forgot I left that there. She moved out of the way for Bette to walk in. Howd your luncheon go? Tina asked helping Bette with one of the paper bags she was carrying. Goodoh, the desk is herewow, howd you do that? Never underestimate four lesbians with iron wills, Tina replied with a smile, as she looked over the bottle of wine Bette had brought. Oh, Ive got a surprise for you, Bette said reaching into her oversized purse and removing a wadded napkin with dozens of little grease spots on it. She unfolded it and placed it on the counter, People didnt seem to like the cheddar as much. Tinas eyes widened as she watched the little golden yellow cubes tumble out of the napkin. She quickly picked up a piece and popped it in her mouth, Mmm, thats good! Bette just smiled; Tina reacted to cheddar like children reacted to a barrel-full of candy.

The sauce is almost ready, tell me what you think, Tina handed Bette a wooden spoon which she then used to taste the sauce. Tastes great! Bette said, smacking her lips lightly, so are we eating on the desk? We can, or we can just camp out on the floor, Tina replied, grabbing the plates and silverware they would need for dinner. She didnt have much furniture. The bedroom set she had picked out with Bette had arrived on Tuesday, but she didnt want to buy anything else from a store. She was hoping to visit some garage sales and flee markets the next day to look for a couch and other furniture for the small living room. They had finally settled down and were well into their dinner. Bette was talking about the luncheon she had given for the artists that would be showing their work in the exhibit. Do you think youll be able to come to the opening? she asked after she finished her summary of her afternoon event. UmI think thats the first day of class actually. Tina had enrolled herself in a night class counseling course at UCLA, she wanted to explore the possibility of a career in social work.

Bette just nodded her head understandingly. At times she got a little frustrated with Tina and her boundaries, but it had been several days since they had seen each other, and she didnt want her disappointment to ruin the evening. They kept chatting about Bettes show, Tinas upcoming class and her latest project, and how the moving day had progressed until they were both stuffed and slightly winded. Tina took a sip of her wine and motioned to a box that was somewhat hidden in the corner, Hey, do you wanna help me put that together, I forgot it was there. She was lying; she had tucked the put-it-together-yourself coffee table away out of sight, saving it at as project for her and Bette to work on while they had their session. Uh, yeah, just give me a minute to digest, Bette said as she stretched out on the floor. Okay, Tina gathered some of the dishes and stepped over Bettes body, but not before tickling Bettes tummy with her toes. Bette giggled and turned onto her side, so she could watch Tina cleaning up in the kitchen.

When she returned, they quickly began working on the coffee table taking all the parts out and laying them on the floor. Bette grabbed the instructions and sat with her legs crossed. Okay, so first we need piece A and piece B and a couple of these, she began, picking up a bolt from a pile Tina had made. They had made some progress in their construction, although they kept laughing at themselves for not being able to understand the instructions all that well. Bette was busy tightening a bolt when Tina mustered her courage and spoke, Bette, we need to talk about Candace. Bette felt her hands suddenly go weak and she lost her grip on the small wrench she was using, which had come with the coffee table. She knew they would eventually reach this topic, but she was stunned nonetheless. Bette wanted to avoid the subject and just keep working, or grab her things and just go, but she knew that wouldnt do any good. She put the wrench down and adjusted her position so she was sitting comfortably on the floor. She nodded her head and started pulling at the little loops of the carpeting. Tina let out a deep breath and said, Well, start, she crossed her legs and leaned back against the wall, fixing her gaze on Bette.

Bette took her right hand and started fidgeting with her commitment ring for a few seconds before beginning to speak, Everything was so out of controlyou had lostthe babyand, then all the craziness with the exhibitI just felt so lost, she paused and looked up at Tina, hoping that it was enough, but Tina just slowly blinked back at her, signaling her to keep going. Bette took a deep breath and continued, There was a lot of tension between us, and I didnt know how to reach you, I wasnt sure if you wanted me toI was also feeling neglected, she let out a large sigh, Tina it had really been a while. Tina shifted a bit at this reference to their lackluster ***** life, but didnt interrupt. When they decided to have these talks, they agreed to be completely honest and open, there was no point in trying to spare the feelings of the other. They had already caused each other enough pain that way.

When I met Candace at the club, I thought she was really attractive and when I spoke to her, she was really interesting and smart. I wanted to get to know her better, but honestly I had no intention of doing anything. But then when she started working with me, it just became intense, and you were getting really busyand I justI just wanted to get away from everythingeven myself. She paused and tugged at the carpet again, And I guess, once it started, I didnt know how to stop itI just felt like I was sinking into this black hole. And you thought that if we started to work on having a family again, it would fix everything? Tina asked as she stretched her legs out in front herself. Yeah, Bette whispered. I was barely hanging on by a thread, Bette, Tina continued, I was trying to bring my life back to some sort of normalcy, and you were very supportive at first, but then you just got caught up in your work, so I decided to launch myself into what made me feel betterI just didnt have the time or the energy to take care of both of us. Bette looked up; she was hurt by that comment, Sowhat am I, some kind of child that you have to look after? Sometimes you can be, Tina answered crossing her arms.

Bette got to her feet and started pacing the room, I wanted to connect with you but you kept pushing me awayI felt like you were shutting me out. And I felt like you were ignoring me, Tina said, re-crossing her legs. Bette looked down at Tina and spoke softly, It was just sexit was just a form of release. Tina looked down at her lap, Who initiated it? Bette closed her eyes and took a deep breath, She kissed me first, but I let herand I kissed her back, she walked toward the window and stroked the blinds removing some dust, after that, it was always me. Tina had a pained look on her face, she got up and walked into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Bette didnt know what to do. She didnt want to just leave, but she also didnt want to press Tina to talk to her. She leaned back against the edge of the desk and just waited with her arms crossed.
Tina emerged from the bathroom about five minutes later. Her eyes were slightly red and her face glistened from the water she had splashed onto it. She walked over and leaned against the desk next to Bette, Why did you try to have ***** with me that night? her voice was flat and her face was tense. Bette could feel the heat in her face and tears in her eyes, BecauseI wanted youI wanted to make you feel that I stillwanted you I guess I wanted to make it up to you. Bette took Tinas left hand in her right, I never wanted to hurt youI was just so scared that I was going to lose you.

They stood in silence for a few moments, still gently holding hands. Bette cleared her throat and spoke first, Do you want me to leave? Tina turned her head to look at Bette, Arent you going to help finish putting the table together? Bette let out a long sigh of relief and nodded her head. Tinas face was still tense though, Bette I need you to know something, Bette turned to her, folding one leg up on the desk, I think Im gonna be very angry with you for a little whileyou can decide if you want to deal with that or not. She let go of Bettes hand and got back down on the floor next to the half-constructed coffee table. Are you sure you want me to stay? Bette asked concerned. Im fine right nowcould you pass me that leg over there, Tina motioned to a piece that, with her long arms, was well within Bettes reach. Bette handed Tina the piece and Tina motioned for her to join her on the floor.

They worked in silence for a while, until Tina had some trouble tightening a bolt, *****, I cant get this to turn, she strained. Here let me help, Bette shifted closer and placed her hands on top of Tinas which were holding the wrench. They both squeezed and pushed, but the resistance was too much and their hands slipped. Tina whipped her hand away, holding it close, Ow! *****! Bette grabbed the hand away and looked at it. She had a big scratch on the back of her hand which was a bleeding a bit. Bette lifted Tinas hands to her lips and kissed the scratch gently, I love you, baby, she said softly looking at Tinas hand. Tina didnt say anything; she just looked at the top of Bettes head. Bette turned Tinas hand over and kissed her palm, then placed a soft kiss on her wrist. She pulled on Tinas wrist and drew her in close, nudging Tinas nose gently with her own when their faces met. Tina smiled and nudged her in return, I love you too, baby. They kissed softly; Tina grabbed the back of Bettes head and tangled her fingers in Bettes hair.

Bette pulled away, Maybe we should get you a band-aid for that, she said looking down at Tinas hand. Its just a little scratch, Tina said pushing a couple of strands of hair out of Bettes face. Bette reached around and placed her hand on the back of Tinas neck and pulled her in for another kiss, deeper this time. She snaked her other arm around Tinas waist and pulled Tinas body in closer to her own as they continued to kiss. Tina finally pulled away, somewhat breathless; it had been so many months since anyone had kissed her like that. Im sorryI cant Bette, she said swallowing hard. Its ok, Bette couldnt suppress her smile; her heart was beating very fast and she felt a little light-headed. She tugged gently at Tinas hair; it had been so long since shed been able to touch her this way.

Bette got to her feet and helped Tina get up, How about we finish this up so we dont have to eat on the floor next time, she said with a wink. Yeah, good plan! Tina said brightly, shaking her scratched hand a bit to dull the stinging. They picked up the nearly completed coffee table, setting it on its legs, and finished putting it together. They stood and admired their handiwork for a couple of seconds; Bette leaned over and kissed Tina on her temple, What time should I come by tomorrow? she said, her lips still on Tinas soft skin. Ill probably be done with my run around 8 oclock, Tina said, leaning her head into the kiss. God, youre gonna make me get up that early on a Sunday? Early bird catches the worm! Tina said brightly.