At the Planet

Reallyno way! Are you serious? Oh, God, Dana you didnt say that, did you? No, Dana, I know how to be cool around famous people, Alice chuckled as she let Dana shout at her over the phone; she loved setting her off. Shane and Tina grinned at each as they took sips of their coffee and listened to Alices side of the conversation. Okay, yeahand dont forget to give your good luck charm a good rub every night, she slammed her hand table chuckling at her own comedic brilliance and feeling Dana blush on the other end of the line. Okay, hang on the girls wanna say bye, she held her cell phone up as they all yelled bye in unison. She hung up the call and looked longingly at the phone, God, shes so cute, she muttered under her breath, but such a spaz, she added speaking louder, she met Anna Kournikova and introduced herself saying, Im the gayYOU! Alice went on to try and reenact what Danas gestures would have been.

They all shared a hearty laugh at Alices impersonation. Alice and Shane were getting some coffee and breakfast before starting their days, as well keeping Tina company as she waited to meet Bette. The production team she was supposed to meet with today had called on Monday to say they had to postpone, and she wasnt usually expected at the center on Wednesdays. She decided she could meet with Bette early. She had also made sure to secure Alice for lunch, just in case her meeting with became too intense; she knew it was kind of ***** to use Alice as an excuse to escape from Bette, but she needed the option nonetheless. There was a sudden draft that enveloped their table and she knew the front door had been opened. Judging from the looks on Shane and Alices faces, she knew it was Bette, so she turned around in her chair to look for herself. She felt her stomach lurched up into her chest against her will. Bette seemed paler and leaner than the last time she had seen her. She was wearing one of her trademark white tanks tops and dark blue boot-legged jeans, topping it off with the long, black leather coat she loved so much. Her hair was curly and somewhat unruly as it billowed in the wind.

Tina gave her a small smile and waved her over to their table. This small gesture made Bettes heart skip a beat. Tina seemed somehow different. Her hair was a little shorter and swept up into an untidy pony tail that allowed several loose strands to frame her face. She was wearing a loose-fitting peasant shirt that was shear enough to reveal the curves of her waist. Her low-rise jeans had a couple of little holes and tears in the back pockets, Bette couldnt see them, because she was sitting down, she just knew they were there. Bette swallowed hard walked over to the table, standing in front of it, leaving about a foot and half of space between herself and Tina. Alright, well, Im off! Alice said getting up from her chair and taking a last sip of her coffee. Yeah, Im gonna follow you out, Al, Shane said, rising from her own chair and grabbing her sunglasses and cell phone. They all said their goodbyes and Bette took Alices seat next to Tina.

So are we staying here, or did you have some other place in mind? Tina asked folding her newspaper. I was thinking we could go to the park and sit outside, its such a beautiful day, Bette answered with a little smile and motioning to the windows. There was a park within walking distance, Bette thought it best if neither one of them had the responsibility of driving the other, and traffic would be getting crazy any time soon. Greatdo you wanna get something, Tina asked as she got to her feet. No, I dont think its a good idea if I eat anything, Bette answered, rubbing her abdomen with her hand. Tina watched her motion with concern on her face. When her eyes slowly drifted up to Bettes bosom, she looked away quickly and started leading the way to the door. The lingering look was lost on Bette, who had a million things going through her mind, in addition to being transfixed by the sight of Tina washed in the sunlight pouring in through the windows.

They walked toward the exit waving goodbye to a very surprised Marina. As they made their way down the sidewalk, they walked slowly and in silence at first. Bette finally broke the ice, Thanks again for meeting with me, I know youre really busyI appreciate it. Tina just answered with a little smile. She racked her brain for something to say, So what do you have coming up at CAC? Bette was a little surprised by the question, but was thankful that it was something easy that she could talk about to fill the minutes until they reached the park. UmIm hoping to put together a rising artists kind of thing, mostly West coast and local people. Its gonna be a motley crew She continued to describe some the artists she had found and what their work was like. Tina remembered this was the kind of thing Bette loved to do; finding that diamond in the rough, the unappreciated talent, the long shot.

She was just about to talk about the human landscape photographer, when Tina interrupted her, gently touching her elbow, Hey do you want to sit over there, its nice and shady. Tina walked ahead a bit, and it took Bette a few seconds to catch up; her knees had gone a little weak at the feeling of Tina touching her. They settled themselves down on a bench in the shade facing some teenagers playing soccer. They both looked straight ahead for several moments, listening to sounds of the kids playing, the birds singing overhead, and the sound of each other breathing. Tina, the reason I asked for you to meet with meI have some things I have to tell youand I just want to say ahead of time, if you dont feel like listening, please feel free to get up and leave. Tina didnt say anything, she just nodded her head as she continued to watch the impromptu soccer match.

Bette took a deep breath and pulled the tattered, folded piece of paper from her coat pocket. She was going to unfold it, but changed her mind and just gripped it tightly in her left hand, making a fist. Im sorry for all the times Ive been insensitive and distant, for all the times Ive blown up at you and overreacted(she swallowed hard)Im sorry for not crying WITH you, for trying to be strong instead of sharing my weakness with you, Im sorry for being a coward and not sharing my fears with you, Im sorry for how I started to treat you likeyou werent as important to me as I know you really are. She had to stop to control her emotion; her voice had started to break. Tina continued to gaze straight ahead and had barely even moved. Bette took this as a good sign and forged ahead. She took a deep breath and spoke softly, Im sorryfor being She stopped and looked up at the sky, and squinted. It was a bright day. She turned suddenly and grabbed Tina by the shoulders, turning her so that they were facing each other. Tina had tears in her eyes, but looked directly into Bettes, giving Bette the resolve she needed, she set her jaw, Im sorryfor beingunfaithunfaithful to you.

Bette let go of Tina, hung her head and started to shake, crying. She hadnt even said half of what was on her list. She felt it would be artificial if she just read it. She wanted Tina to know that she was being sincere and honest, so she just tried to say what was in her heart. Tina had closed her eyes, squeezing out the tears that had been perched on her eyelids. She wrapped her arms around Bettes shoulders and felt Bettes arms quickly squeeze around her waist. Bette was holding her so tightly she had some trouble breathing evenly. Iloveyou, Bette said in between sobs. I know, baby, Tina said kissing the top of her head. She slid in closer to Bette and put her chin on her shoulder, while Bette did the same. They rocked slightly as they held each for several moments.

Tina sniffled and began to pull away, and she felt Bettes hold tighten slightly, not wanting to let her go. She let Bette continue holding her and framed Bettes face with her hands. She looked at her face for a few moments, her eyes darting over every feature. She leaned forward and kissed Bettes forehead, then pecked the tip of her nose, and finally placed a soft kiss on her lips. I love you, she whispered, as she pushed Bettes face away to look at her again. Bettes face was full of tears, but she was smiling broadly. Tina smiled in response and they pulled each other together for another long embrace