******************************************************************************************************

Bette sat at the table moving her breakfast around her plate with her fork. Ever since she had allowed herself that ounce of hope, she had been on edge. Giving Tina those details had been a massive step for her, and she still wasn’t sure that it was the right move. She found things hardest on Tina’s days off from the prison. Especially now that Nikki had been released, Bette found herself withdrawing when Tina wasn’t there. While she loved Shane and the other girls, she found herself dreaming of a different life, one that Nikki already had, and at the same time chastising herself for getting her hopes up too much. She knew that Tina was back in work today, but couldn’t find out what time she was due on shift without raising suspicion. At least she was sat opposite Alice, who was quite happy to talk away without realising that noone was listening, which left Bette free to indulge in her own thoughts.

It wasn’t until afternoon association that Bette got her first glimpse of Tina. She was slightly hurt that the blonde hadn’t sought her out earlier, but understood the position that they were in and knew that they couldn’t give anything away at this crucial stage. She hovered to one side of the wing, hoping to catch a moment with her lover.

It wasn’t long before Tina walked past accompanied by Officer McAllister. She smiled when she saw the brunette leant against the wall.

"Afternoon Bette"

"Afternoon Miss, Sir" Bette nodded to Officer McAllister.

"How are things?" Tina asked genuinely.

"Good thanks. How was your day off?"

"It was great, it’s nice to get a bit of peace and quiet!"

"I bet" Bette smiled ruefully "Miss do you think I could have a word?"

"Officer McAllister and I have some checks to carry out but I’ll try my best to get to you before lock up"

Bette kept a straight face but inside her resolve was crumbling. Usually after her days off Tina was eager to spend time with Bette, but today was different. Whilst Bette couldn’t be sure, she felt like the blonde was just making excuses not to be alone with her. And that could only mean one thing. She was hiding something. And the only thing that she would hide would be bad news. Bette’s heart sank as the blonde walked away. Slowly she made her way back to her cell, avoiding the gazes of the other inmates. Right now all she wanted was to be alone. She lay on her bed, letting everything play through her mind. Trying to read the look on Tina’s face, the hidden meaning behind her actions, as usual Bette was overanalysing and trying to second guess everything.