At Bette and Tinas house

Shane was in the bathroom adjusting the temperature of the water in the shower, Alright, Bette, cmon its perfect! Bette shuffled into the bathroom donning a bathrobe. Im gonna go get something to eat, what would you like? Shane asked shaking the excess water off her hands. Im really not hungry, I just want to get to bed, thank you thoughwhy dont you go get some rest. Bette replied checking the water herself. Youre sure? Shane asked, arching an eyebrow. Yeah, Ill be okay. Shane directed her steps to the door but did an about-face quickly and hugged Bette, somewhat startling her, Im gonna come by tomorrow, okay? Shane said as she disengaged. Bette nodded and watched Shane disappear behind the door. She took off her robe and walked into the shower. Shane was right; the water was perfect, so much so that Bette stayed in the shower for almost an hour, just letting the water wash over her.

At the beach

Tina said she just wanted to walk alone on the sand for a little while, and Alice honestly didnt mind. She waited by the car as she watched Tina walk along, occasionally bending down to look at or pick up something. Alice heard her phone ringing and ran to the drivers side door to get it. Hello? Hey, Al, its me Alices voice cracked a bit at first, but she quickly tried to sound cool, Dana! Heywhats up? Dana cleared her throat and spoke in a whisper, Im okayumhows Tina? Alice had a hard time concealing her surprise, How do you know about Tina, and why are you whispering all of a sudden? Dana hissed into the phone, making Alice wince on the other end of the line, I bumped into Shane at the Planet and she told me everythingoh, and Tonyas sleeping upstairs. If shes sleeping UPSTAIRS, why the ***** are you whispering? Shes a really light sleeper, Dana replied with her lips pressed against the receiver, I was wondering if she needed anythingand if you needed anything. Alice had a small smile grow on her face at Danas thoughtfulness. Noits okay, she took a deep breath, hardly believing what she was about to say, Listen I think we need to talk, but not now, cause theres too much ***** going on right now. Yeah, we do, Dana said whispered thoughtfully. Alice pressed on, Ill give you a call sometime later this week, once everything has calmed down a bit, okay? Yeah, that sounds great, listen Al, do you think its a bad idea for me to come see Tinait probably is, isnt itforget it, listen if you need anything just let me know, okay. She hung up quickly. Tonya had called down asking if she was home. Dana let out a long sigh, Yeah, its me pookie, she shouted, who the ***** else is it going to be, she quickly muttered under her breath.

Meanwhile, Tina was walking along the beach; she loved the sensation of dry sand under her feet. She couldnt think of anything as immediately relaxing as the smell of the ocean. She started to recall so many days and nights when she Bette would come here to spend time together. Bette would always complain afterwards about sand getting everywhere! Tina chuckled to herself; Bette had this way of pouting that always made her look so cute. But just as quickly as it appeared, the small grin on her face faded. Thinking of Bette caused pain, and Tina was tired of feeling pain. She was also tired of asking herself endless questions: Was it the ridiculous sperm donor quest? Was it the struggles with Bettes identity? Was it losing the baby? Was it all the problems with the show? Was it just *****? Or was it more, and Bette just hadnt realized it yet? Could she move on, did she want to move on? I dont know what to do, she said to herself aloud. She sat down in the sand and stared out at the ocean, hoping in some way for the answer to come to her with the next incoming wave. When it didnt, she decided to close her eyes and look for the answer within herself.

At Bette and Tinas house

Bette walked around the house in her pajamas, combing out her wet hair. She walked to every corner of the house that had a picture of her with Tina. We stand in front of each and recalled every time what had led up to the taking of the picture. She also looked over things that she had bought for Tina or that Tina had bought for her. Every once in a while she would grin broadly or laugh to herself. There were so many wonderful memories, so many things they had shared. Seven years, she whispered to herself as she stroked a picture taken shortly after she and Tina had begun their relationship. Bette put the picture back and was making her way to kitchen for some water when Tinas ring on the dining table caught her eye. She picked it up and held it tightly as she formed a fist with her hand. She quickly turned on her heel and headed for the bedroom.

At Alices apartment

As they climbed the steps to Alices place, Tina grabbed Alices hand and squeezed it tightly, Thanks for everything, Alice, she said smiling softly. Anytime, Alice replied pulling her in for a hug, and anywhere, she added with a wink. They both giggled quietly and turned the corner. They were abruptly stopped by the sight of Bette sitting on the floor and leaning on Alices front door. She got up slowly; her hair was still a little wet and her face was really pale. Alice still had her arm around Tina and just looked to see her reaction. Tinas eyes were closed and she was biting her. This wont take long, I promise, Bette said noticing Tinas body language. Tina? Alice asked. Tina nodded her head and Alice let go, heading toward the door, unlocking it and going into the apartment, leaving Bette and Tina alone in the hallway.

Bette opened her mouth, but before she could say anything Tina raised her hand and began speaking, Bette if youre here to give me the ring, I dont want it, Bette hung her head in defeat. Tina walked up to her and stood before her with her arms crossed. Bette slowly looked up and whispered, But I thought you said and then let her voice trailed off. I know what I said Bette, and I meant it, but Im not ready to do this yet, Im not even sure I want to do this. Bette gasped, as if someone had just punched her in the stomach, But, I love you Tina, I really do with all my heart And I love you, Bette, Tina said interrupting her, seven years is a long time. Tina placed her hands on Bettes arms. Feeling the touch, Bette looked up at Tinas face; she looked tired, but her expression was caring, the face that had calmed Bette so many times in the past. Were at a crossroads right now, Bette, Tina continued, we have to figure it out, you knowyou have to figure out what you want, the same way that I do. Tina gently rubbed Bettes arms and started to move toward the door. Bette quickly grabbed Tinas free hand and kissed it before heading for the stairs.