Tina groggily looked down at the little boy, wrapped snugly, warmly in her arms and she didnt dare move, her senses were overwhelmed, she couldnt help but cry

Shane went over and answered the door.

Tbc


Chapter 23


After witnessing Bettes display while at the restaurant..and outside the restaurant, Kristie was livid. The valet had pulled up handing Bette her keys and Kristie and Bette got in Bettes car to return home for what was supposed to be a night of pleasure and reconnection.

Bette settled and composed herself once the car commenced motion, not realising the extent of damage her inappropriate behaviour had caused to her relationship with Kristie.

She pushed her thoughts of Tina to the back recesses of her mind and refocused all her attention on Kristie. Bette attempted to take Kristies hand in her own while she was driving them home, but Kristie pulled away. She knew that Kristie mayve been a little upset over her behaviour at the restaurant but Bette had no idea how upset she really was.

Bette looked at Kristie somewhat confused, (pouting) Whats wrong baby?

Kristie remained steely eyed, We need to talk when we get home Bette!!!

Bette: Ok Kris . Bette knew Kristie well enough to know that look.

The remainder of the car ride was spent in silence. Bette didnt dare speak and Kristie was collating her thoughts, preparing what she wanted to say to Bette.

Although it seemed like forever 10 minutes later Bette pulled her car into their driveway. Kristie immediately got out of the car, not even glancing at Bette and walked straight inside. Bette hastily followed, entering their home just after Kristie did.

As soon as she closed the door Bette pulled Kristie into her and bought her lips to her own, in a passionate, sensual kiss. Although Kristie was mad, she succumbed to the kiss, she could never resist Bette Porter (who could?) Kristie felt Bettes soft, smooth hands creeping under her shirt, tracing light patterns on her stomach, subtly moving upwards… Realising she had only seconds before she would be at the point of no return, Kristie pulled her lips away.

Bette: (sexily whispering in Kristies ear) So am I forgive yet, baby? nibbling on Kristies ear lobe, her hands now delicately tracing Kristies ribs.

Kristie pulled back and looked into Bettes eyes, (Bette saw the seriousness in her eyes and stopped what she had started, listening intently) Bette why did I fail to hold your attention tonight?(Kristie didnt wait for an answer, she continued, her anger beginning to flare) You need to think long and hard baby.because if we are a family like you say, why do I feel I am constantly competing with Tina Kennard?.If you want to be with me, and I mean really Bette, no BULLSHIT, no sense of loyalty. if deep in your heart you want to stay with me, I dont want you to see Tina Kennard any moreI want you to divide your assets, with a lawyer present, and I want you to never see her again..Do you understand? If we are going to be a family, I cant always be thinking that one day youre going to decide that Tina is who youre really in love with and youll leave. it will be hard enough now if you decide that,… You have to let me know what you really want and you need to quickly. Kristie pulled her body out of Bettes arms. Im sorry but thats how I feel and what I want Bette, you either do tooor you dont!!!

Bette tried to respond, Babywhats all.. but Kristie wouldnt let her.

Kristie: No baby, no more discussion tonightyou think about it ok and I want answers!!

Bette just stood in the lounge room dumbfounded, she never thought her behaviour had affected Kristie this much.

After her speech Kristie walked into their bedroom, re-emerging a few minutes later with a Blanket and 2 pillows, placing them on the couch, Im going to bed BetteALONE!! You decide ok!!!Its entirely up to you

Kristie walked back into the bedroom slamming the door behind her



Bette finally got some much-needed slumber at about 3am. She tossed and turned all night till then, trying to find meaning in all her scattered thoughts. She was fine to concentrate on Kristie and the three of them as a family when she was with her. but if Tina was around or she was left to her own thoughts, her Tee was all she could think about! ‘Technically she isnt my Tee anymore….who am i kidding, no matter what happens Tina Kennard would always be ‘my Tee” Bette reasoned.

Bette slept awkwardly on the couch and when she woke the next morning her neck was killing her, she slowly crept in through the bedroom to the bathroom, for some aspirin, and found their bed empty, *****. she really is upset Bette thought. Kristie had already left for work, without leaving so much as a quick note

What was Bette going to do? She couldnt leave Kristie, she just couldnt subject her to that kind of hurt, but how could she commit fully to her, give Kristie her heart, when he heart had always belonged to someone else!!

Bette took a long, hot invigorating shower figuring it would somewhat soothe her sore neck. Since Tina had arrived back, less than a week ago, Bette couldnt remember a time when she had been so out of control or conflicted with her emotions EVER!!

Kristie was the woman whoto a degree.mended Bettes broken heart. Her heart would always belong to Tina, but she knew how totally devastating it felt to have the love of your life.the person you were destined to spend your life with, walk out on youwalk out on the life you made together.

Bette knew in her case it was her own fault, but Kristie was a purely innocent party in this entire situation,. this confusion and doubt residing in Bettes head. Bette also knew that Kristie thought her to be the one true love of her life, not unlike what she felt for Tina. She couldnt possibly subject Kristie to that kind of pain. Kristie was a good woman.

No!!! Bette was going to have to do what Kristie wanted, arrange with Tina to cut ALL ties. After they had divided up their assets and taken care of personal matters, Bette was never going to be able to see Tina Kennard again. Just the thought of that had Bettes heart aching.

Bette finished her shower, walking into her bedroom, the bedroom that her and Kristie shared; she changed into a pair of black fitted pants and a crisp baby blue shirt. She glanced over at the bedside clock and realized she was late to pick up Jack.

She had assured Shane that Jack would be picked up by 8am, so Shane could get ready for work herself. Bette briskly walked out of the bedroom, grabbed her bag and keys and headed over to Shanes place.

She arrived just after 8am and walked up the stairs, knocking on the apartment door.

Shane answered a few moments later, BetteHey!

Bette walked into the apartment, Good Morning Shane, Thanks for.. she stopped dead in her tracks. Tina, Bette whispered as she caught a glimpse of Tina and their son, lying in each others arms on Shanes couch.

Tina was visibly distressed; tears were streaming down her cheeks, while Jack was still sound asleep in her loving embrace. Bette was unaware of the circumstances but she could tell they were happy tears that Tina was shedding.Bette had dreamed of this very scene so many times, since Jack was born, and she was so movedso overwhelmed that she couldnt help but join Tina with her own tears.

Bette just wanted to run over and scoop Tina up in her arms and hold her.hold her family, but she couldntif she did, she knew she would never be able to let go!!

At that moment Tina looked up to see who was at the door and her teary eyes locked with Bettes. Tina panicked; she didnt want Bette to witness this vulnerability that her son had evoked in her, she had to remain firm in her convictions, if she had any hope of ever getting over Ms Bette Porter.

Tina quickly sat up on the couch. The sudden movement caused Jack to wake up.

He mustve received a bit of a fright because the little man began to cry. Bette ran over to grab her son, but even before she got there, Tinas instinctively pulled him firmly into her arms and soothed his cries, holding him tightlyprotectively.

Tina: Shhhhh..Its ok sweetie! Jack stopped instantly, feeling the warmth and love coming from Tweena and her smooth, sweet voice.

Bette stopped, seeing that Tina had things under control and witnessing the interaction, a genuine smile graced her lips.

Bette walked over to the couch gazing at Tina, (hesitantly smiling) Hey, Tee!.. sorry Tina! grabbing Jack out of her arms.

Tina: (cautiously smiling back) Um..Hi Bette

Their hands touched briefly during their little boys exchange and at that moment both women felt a familiar tingle travel up and down their spines.

Bette: (lovingly looking at her son in her arms) Hey there sweetheartHows my little man this morning?

Jack: (looking over towards Tina) Gwood mommyTweena pwayed wif me bewfor bedshe is nwice lady mommy!

Tina: (smiling) Awwthank you sweetie!

Bette found it adorable, the nickname he had given to TinaBette looked over at Tina, (sighing) Yes she is sweetie Yes she is!

Shane witnessed the whole scene play out .the interaction of the whole three of them, and sensed the lull coming. Knowing that the two women had to talkreally talk, Shane interrupted, knowing she was going to be late opening the salon, but thinking (rightly so) this was much more important.

Shane: Bette, Tina, let me look after Jack for a whileIll make him some Breakfast in the kitchen and you two can talk?.. (looking at Jack, taking him from his mommys arms).. What do you think kiddo? Want some brekkie?

Jack: (excitedly) Yeeeyy.

Bette: Wont you be late Shane?

Shane was already on her way to the kitchen with Jack, Nah I havent got any appointments till late morning Shane fibbed.

Tina sat silently on the couch and Bette stood silently in the lounge room, both women looking into each others eyes, trying to read the others thoughts, both lost in their own conflicting thoughts, scared to begin.

Bette finally gained enough composure to startto do what she had to do, (steely eyed) UmTina..

Tina looked at Bette in anticipation, hoping for the best, fearing the worst.

Bette: (thinking to herself, God, this is so tough) .we will needto get together soon(sighing).and divide our assets. (Bette lowered her head, there is no way she could look Tina in the eyes and tell her this) I needI need to cut all ties with you Tina, (sadly) and since you advised me that you do not wish to be part of your sons life.. There is really no reason for us to see each other. I believe we can conclude our business swiftly!

Tina couldnt believe her ears, 7 years business to resolve. nice choice of words there Bette she thought sombrely.

Tina stood up, (trying desperately to hold back her tears) Bette thats not rightI would love to see our son, to be part of our sons life however you dont seem to understand.(taking a deep breath) I dont know HOW you got over me Bette.but Im having a lot of trouble getting over you!!. I cannot just switch off my heart when Im around you and I cant just pretend to be friends with you either.(Tina dropped her head in defeat) But Bette if thats what you want. fineWhen would you like to cut all ties with me?

Bettes heart was breaking; she couldnt think of anything worse that never seeing her beloved Tee again. It was one thing not to be with Tina, that was bad enough, as far as Bette was concerned; but to never see Tinas warm, kind, loving, considerate face again; Bette was internally inconsolable.

Bettes had waged a battle inside herself. So far her composure was winning out but Bette felt as though she would crack at any minute, Tina, Im sorryI dont know what to say (yes you do Porter, take her in your arms, tell her you love her, youve always loved her and then kiss her Bette thought, shaking her head to recompose herself) .UmYou will need to arrange a solicitor, so how about WednesdayI advise you what time!

Bette was so cold with her words, Tina didnt even recognise this woman in front of her anymore, her Bette would never have treated her like thisNEVER!!

Tina: (resignedly, her eyes fixed on the floor) Ok..It doesnt matter anyway, Ive had enough. At the end of the week Im going back to San Francisco with Steph and you wont ever have to see me again ok Bette.

Upon hearing Tinas words, Bette realized Tina had in fact moved on tooor was really trying to, If shes going back to San Francisco with Dr Hunter, things must be serious between them, Bette sorrowfully thought. That was when Tina looked at Bette and saw itshe had a realization of her own.

Bette had had enough too, she couldnt take much moreshe had to get out of there before she succumbed to her own wantsher own needsher own desires.

Bette went to make her way into the kitchen to pick up Jack.

As she walked past Tina, Tina grabbed Bettes arm and swung her around to face her. Placing Bettes hand over her heart Tina was determined to have her say; looking straight into Bettes eyes, I dont know whats wrong with you Bettefuck!!! A blind woman could bloody well see it . I can see it too you still love me, dont you? (Tina knew the answer so she didnt wait for a response)Its only a matter of time before Kristie sees it too!!!. If shes prepared to accept that her girlfriend is in love with someone else, then I suppose you two will be very happy togetherbut cant YOU see youre messing with destiny here Even little Jack, our son Bette, feels a connection with me Do you know why he ended up sleeping in my arms this morning? He crawled out of his own bed last night and snuggled in with medid you know that. Huh!!!. But me and my heart cannot take this anymore. (nodding her head in resignation) I will meet you in a few days to dissolve our assets and that will be(Tinas voice was cracking by this time) the end okyou will never see me again!!!(releasing Bettes hand and throwing her arms in the air) I am giving up. Its never going to work anyway if Im the only one thats prepared to fight!!!

Bette couldnt believe Tinas boldness.

She stood and stared into the eyes of this amazing woman standing right in front of her. Tinas words were slowly sinking into her subconscious and once they did, Bette did the one thing she felt she must dothe one thing she had wanted to do all alongsince the second that Tina had come home, Bette Porter had lost her internal battle; she had had enough alright!!!!

Pulling Tina firmly into her arms she laid a scorching kiss on Tinas lips. A kiss so passionate that it made her own knees go weak. Bette felt all her pent up desire and love for Tina, that she had kept so well hidden since Tinas return, explode into this one breathtaking kiss

A somewhat surprised Tina took only a moment to respond, hungrily kissing Bette back with all the passion she too had had to discourage since she had been back.

This was what Tina had missed.this was whom she had missed.. This was the reason why she had been given a second chance..a second chance at life.

Bette hastily broke away from the kiss, staring into Tinas eyes; both womens breathing erratic, both women still feeling the incredible heat from the fire within their souls, that they had ignited in each other all those years ago.

They placed their foreheads together and staring intensely into each others eyes they remained silent, letting their breathing return to normal; Tina dared to open her heart and hope.

ButWithout saying a word Bette let go of Tina; extracting herself from their embrace, denying any further eye contact with the woman she loved.

She turned and walked into the kitchen, her eyes fixed to the floor. She scooped up her son and his stuff, and walked straight out the front door, not once looking back.

Tina just stared at the spot that Bette had been only a few moments earlier totally confused.

Shane came out of the kitchen, a perplexed look also on her face, What the ***** was that all about Tina?

Tbc