Everyone was again in Bettes and Tinas house.

Bette was getting some patio tables and Shane was with her. Inside Alice and Dana were warming food and Tina was trying to get stuff on platesin bowls. Marina and Jenny were packing up stuffthe paintthe brushesthe mess.

Bette was wrestling with the table and suddenly said: *****! As she hit her finger and bruised it. Shane ran to her. What happened? Are you ok? Bette laughed looking at Shanes expression. Shane got embarrassed and tried to look awaythough inside she just wanted to know if Bette was hurtagain. Bette looked at Shane lovingly.She walked upto her and put her arm around Shanes shoulder.I am okay! Shane noddedbut still looked at Bettes fingermassaged it a little and walked back to work.

Shane loved Tina to death. But, Bette was something else to her. Bette had seen her fall apart and helped her get back up. Shane remembered that Bette had let her live with hertaken care of Shane so well when she was sickgot her gifts as if Shane was her kid.put her into bed when she was drunk and helped her settle in her own place when Bette found Tina. Bette knew and accepted her past, Bette was the first person who told ShaneShane made her proudBette was the only one who understood Shanes stare, her nod, her silence. Bette heard her when she didnt speak. Shane loved that Bette loved Tina. Shane loved that Bette was strong. Shane loved that Bette was her friend.Last night her world shook as she saw Bette on the CAC floorshe knew this day had made her realize what Bette meant to her.she meant a world. Shane was not embarrassed to show Bette.anything. She looked up and saw Bette looking at her strangelyas if waiting for Shane to resolve her feelings. Shane ran to her and hugged her tight. Bette understood!

They all sat outside. Drinking beer and wineeating .talking. Then they cleaned up and said goodbye to Marina and Jenny. Shane took the couch and Alice and Dana took the guestroom. Tina kissed them all goodnight as Bette was talking to Kitensuring that she was much better. Tina waived to hersaying she was in bedroommeaningcome soon! Bette chuckled saying to Kit: Kit my wifes giving me dirty looks for not escorting herI need to go. As Bette walked into the bedroom after closing the doorsshe knocked guestroom and entered in. Bette saw Dana waiting for Alice to come from restroom. Bette: Do you need anything Dane? Dana looked up at her with sad expressionand nodded NO.Bette waited to read the expression and then walked upto Dana.kissing her cheek. Goodnight sweetthanks for the hard workDana again ..noddedbarely. Bette reached the door and turned back: Dane, you ok?

Dana thought.looking at Bettes face.what could have happened and remembered how kind this woman standing right in front of her was. Bette always took Danas sideas the gang pulled her leg. Tina was easy.she could talk and know and understandbut Bette.she was something else. Dana loved Bette because she loved Tina. Dana loved Bette because she protected Dana. Dana loved Bette because she was so supportive of Dana when she came out, when she met Lara, when she lost Lara, when she knew about Alice. Dana remembered Bette calling her after Lara-episodejust to check. Bette remembered Bette calling her after Alice-episode just to tell herShes happy for her. Dana remembered Bettes gift when Mr. P died. Had something happened to Bettewho wouldve looked after Dana for biggest things in smallest-sweetest gestures. Who wouldve been with Tina?

Dana didnt realize Bette had walked up to her. She came to senses as Bette touched her armDana jumped into Betteholding her tightBette was surprised but she hugged her back. Before she could ask again Dana said feebly: I am okay now! This time Bette nodded and walked out.

Bette tiptoed into the bedroom and saw her angel already into deep sleep. She walked to Tinas side and pulled out the ice pack Tina was holding for her. She kissed her gently on lipswhisperedI love you T and walked backed to the pooloutside. On her way she covered Shane with a sheet and went outside to sit on the step of the pool. She closed her eyes and leaned back placing her hands behind her and letting the ice-pack fall. She felt someone pick it up. She opened her eyes to see Alice. Alice: Cant sleep Porter? Alice sat beside Bette facing her and hinting Bette to sit straight to nurse her bruises.

Alice was Bettes first best friend. Bette was Alices too. Alice remembered Bettes face when she told her about Tina – the first time and then every time ever after. Even when Bette cheatedas she spoke about Tinashe reflected love in those brown eyes. Alice remembered being loved by Betteas a loveras a friend. Both honest and whole-hearted. Alice remembered when she told Bette about Dana.even in pain.Bette gave her a warmest hug. Bette gave her Tinaher friend for life. Bette shared someone she loved with Aliceas a friend. Bette.if something had happened.yesterday.Alice would have broken. Bette was part of Alices life.a stronghonest part.

Alice spoke gentlyalmost in tears as she thought: Dont you get into trouble nowyou ***** scared me! Bette looked at Alice for a long timeknowing.pulled her hand down and pulled her into a hug.I love you too Al!

Saturday Morning: Bette woke up to Tinas stare. Tinas loving stare. Bette tried to smile and then stopped feeling her jaw tight and painful. Tina bent down to caress her lips and then tenderly kiss her for long. Then, Bette smiledHey T! Tina had tears in her eyeslooking at Bettes face and thinking. thats all it takes to make her smilea gentle touch. My touch! She spoke gently to answer to Bettes concern glance: I love you Bettewith my heart. I dont know what I would without you. I have even tried once.and theres nothing to do if youre not there with me. You are my life Bette.

Saying that Tina fell into Bettes arms sobbing. Bette let her cry and after a while sat up pulling Tina into her lap. Bette: We are very lucky to have good friends.I am the luckiest woman alive to have you..kissing Tinas eyesno more tearsokay.I am gonna take care of you and make you happy. I have hurt you enough.many times because I was stupid and many times.but I promise you.you have meyou own me. I am all yours! Heart and soul.
Tina held Bette tight.

Bette: Kennard, lets go paint our housebefore the volunteers quit!
Tina: By volunteers you mean forced and free labor?
They laughed.loudsaying in unison I love you!! They walked out happythey walked out together.

I have to thank so many people. So, heres my speech ;-)
Ankus and Kabby – without you two I would have .not come so far. I am sure. You have been so..sokind. I want to thank Lyra (I miss her not writing now..), prozaprincess (I am a big fan!), Isrenaski (Lovely writer!). Bulldog, hotpepper, bvhall, aaTnB, BtLuver, Nikki, techgal, wildtouch, BT, Gargy, nzgrl. I might have missed a few namesapologies for that. Thanks for readingfor liking itif not liking – letting me know.motivating me.and specially taking time to write feedback. I have a feeling I will write more.maybe soon